Breakfast found no laggards; the lazy comforts of the habitually late were abandoned for the more stirring interests that had come to occupy the time and thoughts of all concerned.  The Princess was quite serene.  She lightly announced that the present state of affairs was no worse than that which she was accustomed to at home.  The court of Rapp-Thorberg was ever in a state of unrest, despite its outward suggestion of security.  Outbreaks were common among the masses; somehow, they were suppressed before they grew large enough to be noticed by the wide world.

“We invariably come out on top,” she philosophised, “and so shall we here.  At home we always eat, drink and make merry, for to-morrow never comes.”

“That’s all very nice,” said Lady Agnes plaintively, “but I’m thinking of yesterday.  Those fellows who were killed can’t die to-morrow, you know; it occurred to them yesterday.  It’s always yesterday after one dies.”

Soon after breakfast was over, Chase announced his intention to visit each of the gates in turn.  The Princess strolled with him as far as the bridge at the foot of the terrace.  They stopped in the shade of a clump of trees that hung upon the edge of the stream.  As they were gravely discussing the events of the night, Neenah came up to them from beyond the bridge.  Her dark, brilliant face was glowing with excitement; the cheerful adoration that one sees in a dog’s eyes shone in hers as she salaamed gracefully to the “Sahib.”  She had no eyes for royalty.

“Excellency,” she began breathlessly, “it is Selim who would have private speech with the most gracious sahib.  It is to be quick, excellency.  Selim is under the ground, excellency.”

“In the cellars?”

“Yes, excellency.  It is so dark there that one cannot see, but Neenah will lead you.  Selim has sent me.  But come now!”

Chase felt his ears burn when he turned to find a delicate, significant smile on Genevra’s lips.  “Don’t let me detain you,” she said, ever so politely.

“Wait, please!” he exclaimed.  “Is Selim hurt?” he demanded of Neenah, who shook her head vigorously.

“Then, there is no reason why you should not accompany us.  Princess.”

“I am not at all necessary to the undertaking,” she said coldly, turning to leave him.

“Selim has found fuses and gunpowder laid in the cellars, excellency—­in the secret vaults,” began Neenah eagerly, divining the cause of the white lady’s hesitation.

This astounding piece of news swept away the feeble barrier Genevra would have erected in her pique.  Eagerly she joined in questioning the Persian girl, but Neenah would only reply that Selim was waiting for the sahib.  The Princess was immeasurably consoled to find that the body-servant had destroyed the fuses and that they were in no immediate danger of being blown to pieces.  She consented to accompany Chase into the cellars, a spirit of adventure overcoming certain scruples which might have restrained her under other conditions.