'Do you see who I am? Clear the way!'
At this Rallywood stepped into view from behind the screen.
'The man acts under orders from his Highness, my lord,' he said.
Sagan stared at Rallywood with haughty scorn.
'It is of the utmost importance that I should see his Highness at once. Inform his Highness that I urgently beg to be granted an interview.'
'With pleasure, my lord,' returned Rallywood formally, 'if you will be good enough to give me the password, without which it is quite impossible for anyone to have an audience to-night. Our orders were very distinct on that point.'
'His Highness could not foresee that I'—the Count dwelt upon the pronoun imperiously—'should desire one. Stand back, Captain Rallywood! I must pass and am willing to take the responsibility.'
'It is quite impossible, my lord,' repeated Rallywood without moving.
'You force me to extreme measures,' cried Sagan. 'Remove this man,' he ordered, 'as quietly as may be. We must not alarm his Highness.'
There was a clatter of arms as Sagan's followers advanced. The foremost of them ran in upon Rallywood, the swords met, Rallywood's sleeve was ripped from wrist to elbow, but his sword blade passed through his opponent's shoulder. The man sank down in a sitting posture, coughing oddly; his head dropped forward.