"We only know that he is not one of us. It is not beyond reason that hisallegiance is to another power, Dawsbergen, for instance. Count Marlanxis not at all in sympathy with him, you are aware. He is convinced thatBaldos is a man of consequence, possibly one of our bitterest enemies,and he hates him. For my own part, I may say that I like the man. Ibelieve he is to be trusted, but if he be an agent of Volga or Gabriel,his opportunity has come. He is in a position to make accurate maps ofthe fort and of all our masked fortifications along the city walls."Beyond a doubt, the baron was worried.

"Neither am I one of you," said Beverly stoutly. "Why shouldn't I proveto be a traitress?"

"You have no quarrel with us, Miss Calhoun," exclaimed Dangloss.

"If anything happens, then, I am to be blamed for it," she cried in very deepdistress. "I brought him to Edelweiss, and I believe in him."

"For his own sake, your highness, and Miss Calhoun, I suggest that noopportunity should be given him to communicate with the outsideworld. We cannot accuse him, of course, but we can _protect_ him.I come to ask your permission to have him detailed for duty only inplaces where no suspicion can attach to any of his actions."

"You mean inside the city walls?" asked Yetive.

"Yes, your highness, and as far as possible from the fortress."

"I think it is a wise precaution. Don't be mad, Beverly," the princesssaid gently. "It is for his own sake, you see. I am acting on thepresumption that he is wholly innocent of any desire to betray us."

"It would be easy for someone high in position to accuse and convicthim," exclaimed Dangloss meaningly.

"And it would be just like someone, too," agreed Beverly, her thoughts,with the others', going toward none but one man "high in power."