"Mr. Gordon, this is a serious charge you make," he said,
smiling grimly. "One that may cost you a great deal--it might
cost you your life perhaps." He paused significantly, and
there was a second outburst, this time from the younger men,
which came so suddenly that it was as though Louis had played
upon certain chords on a keyboard, and the sounds he wanted
had answered to his touch.

"Pardon me, that is not the question," said Gordon. "That I
make charges or run risks in making charges is not important.
That your expedition has failed before it has even started is,
however, of great importance, at least so it sees to me."

There was a movement in the circle, and Father Paul pushed his
way forward from his place beside Miss Carson's chair. He was
so greatly moved that when he spoke his voice was harsh and
broken. "What is your authority for saying we have failed?"
he demanded.

Gordon bowed gravely and turned and pointed to the Frenchman.
"This gentleman," he said, "is General Renauld,
Commander-in-Chief of the army of Messina. He is my
authority. He knows all that you mean to do. If he knows it,
it is likely, is it not, that his army and the President of
the Republic know it also, and that when we attempt to land
they will be waiting for us."

The King silenced the second outburst that followed this by
rising and holding up his hand.