"What disguise could save you? Ah, yes—I see—the officers of my Guard. They can go any where!"
"Give me a strong horse, Queen, and the uniform of an officer of the Guard."
"An officer can't ride, Mr. Brand, without an orderly."
"Give me that lad outside the window there. I like him."
"My cousin, the Duke of Lancaster," said the Queen. "You have chosen well. Bring him here, Mr. Brand."
The American crossed the room, opened the window, and summoned the sentry, who made his salute to the Queen.
"Tom," said our Lady, "do you love me?"
He knelt and kissed her hand. "Quick, Tom," said the Queen. "Order two horses, the best we have, and bring an officer's harness for Mr. Brand, use this,"—she gave him her signet ring. "Take brevet rank as subaltern, and if you live, I'll confirm it. Now run!"
His Royal Highness looked sideways at the American, then sideways at the Queen, then, with a malicious understanding chuckle, was gone like a flash.
The Queen sat thinking. "There is danger still," she said presently. "The destroyers are patrolling everywhere, and your yacht on her way to the Tower was chased by the Channel Fleet just come from Portsmouth. Instead of running, she rose up high, soaring miles into the air. The Fleet could not follow because no man could breathe up yonder. But they say the yacht must come down, so they have scattered out to watch. Must she come down?"