He skipped backthe road he had come, and for an
awful minute was uncertain of hisroom.
Ithink that if he wants it he might have
considerable purchase atthe new Court of Evallonia. But just let him knowwhat
Juventus proposes and he wont budge one step. If I may be excused, I willgo off and
see about it.
What I have to live up to is Juventusitself, and
that will take some doing.
Theres not a soul knows about it, excepttwo or
three whose interest it is to keep quiet. When Iveabdicated Ill just slip cannily
away, and be over the borderbefore Juventus gets here.
He came to anchor at last in whatseemed to be a
bedroom, though it was as big as a church.
That puts the lid on it for us, said Dougal. Do not
utter one word, and for Godssake try to look as frail as possible.
Dougal found Count Casimir in a good humour, for he
had furthernews from Krovolin. You have done greatservice to my countrys cause, for
which from my heart I thank you. But if you dont mind, I believewe ought to go home.
On our behalf and on behalf of Juventus you willsee that this programme is carried
out.
You see, my husband should be in Geneva I think
that I amexpressing the wishes of my headquarters staff. He prowled about miserably,
taking exercise as a man doesin the confined space of a ships deck.
Ill abdicate like a shot,but what I want to know
is, how Im to get away.
It was a fine morning andhe felt that he could walk
twenty miles.
Fine, Dickson replied, but less confidently, for
Dougals solemnface disquieted him. No movement out of the city waspermitted for the
next twenty-four hours.
All will be sovereigns, because all will be
subjects. The odds I admit are about a thousand to one. Dickson spent a strange but
not unpleasant evening. We have given back to Evallonia hersoul, and once again we
shall make her a great nation. Trust me,he will yield at once to the desire of his
country.
Anyhow, theres not a scrap of humour in it, said
Alison.
She was a true actress, for she knew how to make
the proper exit. Jaikie stays here, and as soon as possible he goes
toMelina.
They are notpeople whose plans can be lightly
disregarded.