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 CHAPTER XX

A WARNING

The Princess looked magnificent in the fire of anger which succeeded her alarm, as she turned to the old Kolfort for an explanation.

"I presume you will scarcely order your soldiers to shoot me," she said, facing him grandly, her eyes flashing.

I slipped my sword back into its scabbard, and the General made a peremptory sign to the Captain to withdraw his men.

We waited in silence while the order was given, and the men filed out, followed by the Captain.

"Remain in the ante-room," said the General.

"You mistake me greatly, General Kolfort, if you think your soldiers will be needed for work like this," cried the Princess. "Pray what is the explanation of what I saw when I arrived?"

I thought I could best give that, and said:

"General Kolfort had arrested me, and when I refused to give up my sword had ordered these men of his to shoot me."

"Is this possible?" she cried, her indignation flaming in her face. "And yet of course it is. I have heard within the last few minutes of what was done last night and of this visit of yours, Count Benderoff, and I hurried here, fearing mischief. Thank Heaven, I arrived in time; but I did not dream such an infamous act would ever be attempted."