“Here’s a long despatch in the Trumpet from Rexopolis,” exclaimed Gerald Strong, glancing at his son. “Listen. ‘There is much suppressed excitement in this city. The guards at the palace have been doubled, and rumor has it that King Sergius III. is dangerously ill. Premier Fejeravy was seen by your correspondent to-day, but refused to admit or deny the truth of the report. One of the astonishing features of the situation lies in the fact that the Crown Prince Carlo has not appeared in public for some time past. It has been his custom heretofore to show himself to the people whenever his aged father was indisposed. This has been good policy on his part, as he is very popular, and there is always talk of a revolutionary outbreak here when the king is threatened with death. The maintenance of the monarchy, if King Sergius should die, rests entirely on the popularity of Prince Carlo, as the undercurrent of feeling in favor of a republic is very strong. It is suspected that France and Russia would not be opposed to the overthrow of the reigning house and the formation of a Rexanian republic. There are many reasons why a buffer republic at this point would be of advantage to the Franco-Russian coalition. The Rexanian army has been greatly strengthened of late years, but its loyalty to the crown is under suspicion. There is little doubt that a large number of the rank and file, and a few of the officers, are under the influence of republican ideas. Under these conditions, every scrap of news from the palace is eagerly awaited by the crowd in the streets. It is rumored at this writing that a famous specialist from Paris has just reached the city and is being hurried to the king’s bedside. Business is practically at a standstill, and any moment may give birth to events in this city that will affect the whole of Europe.’”
There was silence for a moment. At length Ned remarked:
“I can’t make anything out of it, father. I am free to admit that Count Szalaki impressed me as a thorough gentleman, too young and unsophisticated to be a dangerous schemer. But he comes to us, and while here receives a note that affects him strangely. Then he disappears, leaving no word of apology or explanation behind him. And now we learn that his country is on the eve of startling events. He told us that he came here to study our institutions. By Jove, I have it, father! He is a revolutionist, and the crisis at Rexopolis has called him back at once. I’ll bet a penny that he sailed for Europe yesterday morning!”
Gerald Strong rose, and remarked, indifferently:
“Well, well, Ned, you may be right. I should prefer to learn that he was a rebel and not a rascal. He was a charming boy. But I doubt if we ever hear of him again. You don’t look well, Kate. You must get more exercise.”
“I’m going up to the Country Club to-morrow with Ned,” said Kate, smiling at her father as she left the table. “We will take a spin on our wheels and be back here for a late dinner. Isn’t that our plan, Ned?”
“I believe it is,” answered her brother. “And to-day I shall try to find out what has become of Count Szalaki.”
The young man did not know that the expression on his sister’s face was one of mingled gratitude and hope, born of the words he had just spoken.