out his suspicions and his ultimatum.

"None but the royal blood of Rubinroth may reign in Lutha while

there be a Rubinroth left to reign and old Von der Tann lives," he

cried in conclusion.

At the name "Rubinroth" Barney started. It was his mother's name.

Suddenly the truth flashed upon him. He understood now the reticence

of both his father and mother relative to her early life.

"Prince Ludwig," said the young man earnestly, "I have only the good

of Lutha in my heart. For three weeks I have labored and risked

death a hundred times to place the legitimate heir to the crown of

Lutha upon his throne. I--"

He hesitated, not knowing just how to commence the confession he was

determined to make, though he was positive that it would place Peter

of Blentz upon the throne, since the old prince had promised to

support the Regent could it be proved that Barney was an impostor.

"I," he started again, and then there came an interruption at the

door.

"A messenger, your majesty," announced the doorman, "who says that

he must have audience at once upon a matter of life and death to the

king."

"We will see him in the ante-chamber," replied Barney, moving toward

the door. "Await us here, Prince Ludwig."

A moment later he re-entered the apartment. There was an expression

of renewed hope upon his face.

"As we were about to remark, my dear prince," he said, "I swear that

the royal blood of the Rubinroths flows in my veins, and as God is

my judge, none other than the true Leopold of Lutha shall be crowned

today. And now we must prepare for the coronation. If there be

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