There came word from Reist within the hour. Ughtred tore open the envelope and spread out the cipher-book before him.
“No signs of movement on part of enemy. Scouts report big guns being mounted on positions commanding ours. Solika restless. Have hung two spies. General Dartnoff desires council of war this afternoon.”
CHAPTER XXXI
Before the great high window, Marie of Reist watched the red fires flaring in the mountains and listened to the far-off booming of the guns. Behind her the room was in darkness, for she had turned out the lamps to see more clearly into the night. So when a voice at her elbow roused her she started with a sudden fear.
“Countess, you hear the war-note yonder! Listen again! Those guns are sounding the knell of the House of Tyrnaus.”
She recovered herself—yet she was amazed.
“Baron Domiloff! What, are you still in Theos?”
“Still in Theos, Countess. I remain here to the end.”