The director shrugged his shoulders:
"That was our first intention; it was done in that way when the emperor left," he replied. "But a special message was received from the Imperial, urgently requesting us not to shut off the platform; it was the Duke of Xara's wish."
"And how about all those soldiers?"
"By command of the governor of the capital. An aide-de-camp came and told us that a detachment of infantry was coming as a guard-of-honour."
"Was that aide-de-camp also from the Imperial?"
"No, from the governor's palace...."
Ducardi shrugged his shoulders; an angry growl fluttered his great, grey moustache. He walked straight up to the crown-prince:
"Is your highness aware that there is a detachment of infantry outside?" he said, interrupting the mayor's long sentences.
The governor heard him and drew nearer.
"A detachment?... No," said Othomar, in astonishment.