"Probably Captain Ellerey will not speak, therefore it is certain that
Captain Ellerey must die," said the King slowly.
"Is he in Sturatzberg?"
"Ah, Countess, you must not try and surprise my secrets; but rest assured he must die unless you choose to save him."
"How can I save him?" she asked.
The King suddenly laid his hand on hers, which were folded in her lap. "To-morrow, early, send me by a trusted messenger the names of those who are foremost in Maritza's cause, the names of the societies whose plans and aims they govern, and, so far as is in your knowledge, the plans which they have formed. On my royal oath, none shall know from whom I received this information, and Captain Ellerey shall be free to leave Wallaria."
"He is a brave man, and I would help him if I could," she said.
"You can, Countess; if you love him, you will."
"Your Majesty is strangely at fault; Captain Ellerey is nothing to me."
"I have touched your hand, Countess, as you asked a question concerning him, and felt the quiver in your frame. Your heart would not answer as your lips do. Remember this: he dies unless you save him."
"But I am powerless, your Majesty."