"She will remain where she is," said the King, sternly. "And
she will keep her courage and her wits about her, or----"

He was interrupted by an exclamation from Barrat. "Whatever
you mean to do, you must do it at once," he said, grimly. He
was standing at the window which overlooked the beach. "Here
they come now," he continued. "The American has taken no
chances, he is bringing an audience with him."

The King and Erhaupt ran to the window, and peered over
Barrat's shoulder.

Advancing toward them along the beach, some on foot, and some
on horseback, were all the members of the expedition, those
who had been of the riding-party and those who had remained in
Tangier. Gordon and the Frenchman Renauld were far in the
lead, walking by themselves and speaking earnestly together;
Father Paul was walking with Mrs. Carson and her daughter, and
Kalonay was riding with two of the volunteers, the Count de
Rouen and Prince Henri of Poitiers.

When the King and Erhaupt turned from the window the Countess
Zara had disappeared. "It is better so," said Erhaupt; "she
was so badly frightened she would have told the truth."

The King stood leaning on the back of a large arm-chair.
"Well, the moment has come, it is our last chance," he said.
"Send for the Crown Prince, Baron. I shall be discovered in
the act of taking a tender farewell of my son."