RENAULD.


Gordon lowered the paper. "Is that quite clear?" he asked.
"Do you follow me? I have invited the enemy himself to inform
you of your plans, and to tell you who has betrayed them. His
answer, which was received a half hour ago, removes all
suspicion from any save those he names. General Renauld and
myself cease to be of the least consequence in the matter; we
are only messengers. It is the President of Messina who will
speak to you now. If you still doubt that the secret of your
expedition is known to the President you will have to doubt
him."

The King sprang quickly to his feet and struck the arm of his
chair sharply with his open hand.

"I shall not permit that message to be read," he said. "If we
have a traitor here, he is a traitor against me. And I shall
deal with him as I see fit, in private."

There was a murmur of disappointment and of disapproval even,
and the King again struck the arm of his chair for silence.
Kalonay advanced toward him, shaking his head and holding out
his hands in protest.

"Your Majesty, I beseech you," he began. "This concerns us
all," he cried. "It is too evident that we have been
betrayed; but it is not fair to any of us that we should all
lie under suspicion, as we must unless it is told who has been