“If help comes from anywhere,” Ughtred answered, “it will come from England. I have appealed to the Powers, and to England especially. Mr. Ellis has already been here, and he is representing my case strongly.”
Wine was brought in, and food. Ughtred ate little, but smoked a cigar.
“What’s the next move?” Mr. Van Decht asked.
“Well, I am waiting now for news from Reist,” the King said. “We are in telegraphic communication with Solika, and I can get there on my engine in an hour. So long as we can hold Solika we are safe, for I do not think that we can possibly be outflanked. Our whole southern frontier only extends for forty miles, and there are only two practicable passes.”
“Reist anything of a soldier?” Mr. Van Decht asked after a brief silence.
“For this sort of work—excellent!” Ughtred answered.
“You trust him?”
“As myself. I never knew a man more devoted to his country. It is his religion! Why do you ask?”
Van Decht took his cigar from his mouth and regarded it thoughtfully.
“Sara doesn’t like him!”