Von Ritz sketched the situation.

“It is important that the world should not know of Her Majesty’s departure.  It would be an admission to the conspirators that the King feels his weakness, and would invite attack.  For this reason she could not leave in the ordinary way.  Fortunately, it is not difficult for Her Majesty to escape recognition.  She is perhaps the one Queen in Europe whose published portraits would not make it impossible for her to go unknown through the cities of the Continent.  Her prejudice against photographs has given her that immunity.  She might walk through Paris unrecognized.”

Benton looked narrowly at Von Ritz.  “How much does she know of the truth?”

“Absolutely nothing.  She has been persuaded to regard the truancy as a break in the routine of Court life, which—­” Von Ritz hesitated, then went on doggedly—­“which she finds distasteful.  She does not even know that the Duke is free.  That is as closely guarded a secret as the fact that he was being held under duress.”

The soldier paused, then went on.  “The King has told Her Majesty that he hopes to join her on your yacht within a few days.  You will please encourage that fiction.  In point of fact,” with a gesture of despair, “if His Majesty were to leave now he would never return, and if he remains now he may never again leave.  I must myself hasten back.”

The two men went at some length over the details of the situation.  It was agreed that the simple name of a town received by wireless should be a signal upon which the Isis would proceed with all possible haste to the place designated.  If the necessity should arise for Karyl’s leaving Galavia, he might in this way take refuge on the yacht.  This, explained Von Ritz, was only the final precaution of preparing for every exigency.  His Majesty was determined not to leave his city alive, until he could leave it in the full security of his established government.

The King also made another request.  If Blanco could be spared and would consent to come to Puntal, his proven ability, together with his understanding of the language and the fact that he was not generally known in Puntal, would give him untold value.  All the government’s secret agents were either under suspicion of treason or too well known to the conspirators to be of great avail.  If Blanco agreed to come, he might return with Von Ritz, or follow him at once and await instructions at his hotel, using care to avoid the semblance of open communication with the Palace.

On his return to the parlors, Cara presented Benton to her ladies-in-waiting, the Countess Fernandez and the Countess Jaurez, who were to travel as Miss Carstow’s aunts.

* * * * *

When there is a three-quarter moon and an atmosphere as subtle as perfume; when the walls of the city lose their ragged lines and melt into soft shadow shapes, relieved here and there by lights which the waters mirror, night and the Bay of Naples are not bad.  Then the small boats which bob alongside are filled with picturesque beggars raising huge bunches of violets on bamboo poles to the deck rails, and the mingling of singing voices with guitars sets it all to music.