you, not the hand of your commanding officer," said his lordship
savagely.

Sir Terence took it, and wrung it in silence, perhaps more deeply
moved than he had yet been by anything that had happened to him
that morning.

There was a knock at the door, and Mullins opened it to admit
the adjutant's orderly, who came stiffly to attention.

"Major Carruthers's compliments, sir," he said to O'Moy, "and his
Excellency the Secretary of the Council of Regency wishes to see
you very urgently."

There was a pause. O'Moy shrugged and spread his hands. This
message was for the adjutant-general and he no longer filled the
office.

"Pray tell Major Carruthers that I - " he was beginning, when Lord
Wellington intervened.

"Desire his Excellency to step across here. I will see him myself."




CHAPTER XXI

SANCTUARY