“The air-ships—the air-ships!” gasped Kearns. “But,” he exclaimed, pointing to the form upon the ground; “what—what is this?”
“One who has met a rightful doom!” answered Mortimer. “But the attack—tell me of the attack.”
“I was on my way to the King,” said Kearns, in rapid tones, “and was approaching Fairoaks when I perceived the air-ships and ordered the phaeromobile halted. I watched and saw it all.”
“Saw all what?”
“They had driven the King—the guests—the Guards—all of them into the mansion,” continued Kearns, with the same rapid enunciation, “and the air-ships attacked them there. My God! they blew great holes into the side and front of the house, and through these holes they made attack upon the Guards. Then I saw the men in the motors come up and charge into the mansion and I knew that all was over. Then, back I came here to you at full speed, but as I reached the palace I looked behind and saw that I was being pursued both on land and from above. I tell you they are hot upon us—in a few minutes they will be here!”
The portieres parted as he spoke and Beatrice ran, eager and excited, into the room.
“We are attacked! A swarm of men are pouring into the palace and the grounds. Where is Dorothy? Oh!—oh!—what is this!” and she ran to the figure lying upon the divan.
“I must go to my post,” cried Mortimer, casting a desperate glance toward the divan. “I must rally the men to the defense of the palace!”
“Too late!” exclaimed Kearns, turning sharply.
As he spoke, there were sounds without and through the portieres and the main door of the Chancellerie a number of armed men, with stars at their shoulders, swarmed in, an officer at their head.