“Where is Von Ritz?”

“Gone back to Alexandria.  He still cherishes hopes of a restoration.  He wishes to return to Galavia.”

“Can he return safely?”

Karyl shrugged his shoulders.  “His conduct can hardly be construed as a political offense.  He will be under suspicion, but all Europe would resent any injury to Von Ritz.”

“The Isis is, of course, at your command.”

* * * * *

In the same rooms where Karyl and his father had often consulted with Von Ritz on affairs of state, Louis Delgado sat in conference with a foreigner, who had no acknowledged position in the councils of any government, yet whose mind and execution had affected many.  The foreigner was Monsieur Jusseret.

“Why,” began the new Monarch testily, “do you believe that there should be delay in proclaiming myself?  I shall feel safer with the Crown actually upon my head.”

The Frenchman sat reflectively silent, his slim fingers spread, tip to tip, his elbows on the arms of the chair in which he lounged.

“Your Majesty is not a fisherman?” he suavely inquired.  Louis rose impatiently.

“You know that I have no interest in such sports.  Why do you ask?”

“It is unfortunate,” mused the Master Intriguer, “since if Your Majesty were, you would realize the inadvisability of an effort to land the game fish too abruptly when he takes the hook.  Your Majesty, however, realizes that it is wiser to eat ripe fruit than green fruit.”

The King poured himself a glass of wine, which he gulped down nervously.

“You speak in riddles—­always in riddles.  What is unripe?  The blow is struck, I am in possession.  What is to be gained by waiting?”

Jusseret raised his brows.

“What blow is struck, Your Majesty?  You know and I know that you occupy the Palace.  Europe in general supposes that you have been here for some time as the guest of Karyl.  Europe does not yet officially know that Karyl has vacated the throne.  The governments agreed to recognize you, but the governments relied upon your adequately disposing of your royal kinsman.  Yet he is now at large.”

The Pretender wheeled suddenly on the calm gentleman sitting indolently in his chair.  The Pretender’s face paled.

“Do you mean, Monsieur Jusseret, that after enticing me into this mad enterprise you now purpose to abandon me?” The coward’s terror added excitement to the questioning voice.

Jusseret smiled.

“By no means,” he assured.  “But Your Majesty must now play your part.  I merely counsel holding the reins of government lightly—­as Regent—­until it is logically advisable to grasp them tightly as King.  Karyl escaped.  The man shot proves to be an unknown who had changed coats with the King.  Ostensibly, His late Majesty is traveling.  You are his representative.  Now, if His Majesty and the Queen should fail to return from their journeyings, your position would be stronger.”