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 CHAPTER XXVI

A FORLORN HOPE

I left the window and hurried down to tell the Princess the bad news. Spernow was still there, sitting apart, exchanging love confidences with Mademoiselle Broumoff, and they all started up at my sudden entrance.

"The troops have found us out, Princess, and there will probably be some trouble before we get rid of them and shake them off. I wish to impress upon you the necessity for you to remain close in the corners of the room for fear of mishap. Spernow, will you go to Captain Zoiloff? He is below with the men."

The Princess took the news very calmly.

"Do you think they will attack the house?" she asked.

"I fear so—or, rather, I hope so; for, if not, we shall have to attack them, and I would rather act on the defensive."

"There will be danger for you," she said earnestly, looking into my eyes. "You will be careful—for my sake;" and she laid her hand on mine.

"I hope it will not be serious, and I will be careful," I replied smiling. "But we must not be beaten."

"I trust no blood will be shed—no lives sacrificed. I cannot bear the thought of that."

"We can have no thought but your safety."

"But can we not be of some use—Nathalie and I?"