us 300,000 francs we would promise to allow the expedition
only to leave the yacht. Their troops could then make a show
of attacking our landing-party and we would raise the cry of
`treachery' and retreat to the boats. By this we would
accomplish two things,--we would satisfy those who, had
contributed funds toward the expedition that we had at least
made an honest effort, and your Majesty would be discouraged
by such treachery from ever attempting another attack. The
money was to be paid two weeks later in Paris, to me or to
whoever brings this ring that I wear. The plan we finally
agreed upon is this: The yacht is to anchor off Basnai next
Thursday night. At high tide, which is just about daybreak,
we are to lower our boats and land our men on that long beach
to the south of the break-water. The troops of the Republic
are to lie hidden in the rocks until our men have formed.
Then they are to fire over their heads, and we are to retreat
in great confusion, return to the yacht, and sail away. Two
weeks later they are to pay the money into my hands, or," she
added, with a smile, as she held up her fourth finger, "to
whoever brings this ring. And I need not say that the ring
will not leave my finger."

There was a moment's pause, as though the men were waiting to
learn if she had more to tell, and then the King threw back
his head and laughed softly. He saw Erhaupt's face above his
shoulder, filled with the amazement and indignation of a man
who as a duellist and as a soldier had shown a certain brute
courage, and the King laughed again.

"What do you think of that, Colonel?" he cried, gayly. "They