Outside there was a sudden tramp of feet. Into the square filed a company of soldiers. They halted in front of the house. The two men exchanged rapid glances.
“What is this?” the Turk asked, quickly.
“Heaven knows,” Domiloff answered. “Listen!”
A thunderous summons at the door; voices in the hall. An officer in the uniform of the Thetian Guards entered, bearing a letter.
“To Monsieur Domiloff,” he announced, saluting.
Domiloff opened it without a word. As he read he grew pale to the lips.
“Sir,—I have the honour to enclose your passport and safe conduct to the frontier of Theos. I have informed the Czar, your Imperial master, of the circumstances which render your further presence in my dominions displeasing to me.
(Signed) “Ughtred of Tyrnaus,
“REX.”
Domiloff crushed the letter in his fingers.