"Have a care, sir," said Quinnox stiffly. "It is of the princess you speak."
"Bah! I am here to order the man's arrest. It is more important than—"
"Nevertheless, sir, he goes to the castle first. This note says that I am to disregard any command you may give until further notice."
Marlanx fell back amazed and stunned. At this juncture Baldos entered the room. Quinnox handed him an envelope, telling him that it was from the princess and that he was to repair at once to the castle, Baldos glanced at the handwriting, and his face lit up proudly.
"I am ready to go, sir," he said, passing the Iron Count with a most disconcerting smile on his face.
CHAPTER XXIII — A SHOT IN THE DARKNESS
Baldos started off at once for the castle, his heart singing. In the darkness of the night he kissed the message which had come to him from "her highness." The envelope had been closed with the official seal of Yetive, Princess of Graustark, and was sacred to the eyes of anyone save the man to whom it was directed. The words it contained were burned deep in his brain:
"You are ordered to report for duty in the castle. Come at once. Her
highness has sent an official command to Colonel Quinnox. Count
Marlanx has been here. You are not expected to desert until you have
seen me. There is an underground passage somewhere.—B."