"Surrender your yacht," cried Gloucester. "She is commanded with machine guns from every salient of the main front."
"At the first shot," said Brand, "I shall blow up every cartridge in the Palace, and explode every loaded gun. Call your Guardsmen to lay down their carbines, lest they be blown to pieces."
Gloucester laughed at the threat, but Trooper Lord Sydney stood forward at the salute.
"Sir, Mr. Brand speaks the truth. He released me from gaol by this mysterious power of the ship."
Through the silence which followed there came a burst of cheering, the noise of a multitude of people who were attending her Majesty from St. Paul's Cathedral.
"Your Royal Highness," said Brand; "you found me closeted with Prince Ali. You charge me with treason against our Lady?"
"Yes."
"To our Lady, and to her only, will I yield myself prisoner."
The Duke flushed at the generosity which saved him from exposure as Ulster's agent. He bowed in assent and remained silent.
"If a man moves without my consent," said the American, "I shall destroy the Palace. But you may send one messenger to the Queen."