with incredulity plain upon his countenance, advanced to meet them,

his hand raised in salute to the king. It was Butzow.

Now Barney was sure that he would be recognized. For two years he

and the Luthanian officer had been inseparable. Surely Butzow would

penetrate his disguise. He returned his friend's salute, looked him

full in the eyes, and asked where he was riding.

"To Blentz, your majesty," replied Butzow, "to demand an audience.

I bear important word from Prince von der Tann. He has learned the

Austrians are moving an entire army corps into Lutha, together with

siege howitzers. Serbia has demanded that all Austrian troops be

withdrawn from Luthanian territory at once, and has offered to

assist your majesty in maintaining your neutrality by force, if

necessary."

As Butzow spoke his eyes were often upon the Princess Emma, and it

was quite evident that he was much puzzled to account for her

presence with the king. She was supposed to be at Tann, and Butzow

knew well enough her estimate of Leopold to know that she would not

be in his company of her own volition. His expression as he

addressed the man he supposed to be his king was far from

deferential. Barney could scarce repress a smile.

"We will ride at once to the palace," he said. "At the gate you may

instruct one of your sergeants to telephone to Prince von der Tann

that the king is returning and will grant him audience immediately.

You and your detachment will will act as our escort."

Butzow saluted and turned to his troopers, giving the necessary

commands that brought them about in the wake of the pseudo-king.

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