The whole, hellish conspiracy flashed through his brain.

He closed his eyes with the horror of it all.
Here was Marlanx on Graustark soil, conniving with cutthroats, commanding them without opposition.

What could it mean except a swift-growing menace to the Crown--to the little Prince.
Marlanx was speaking.

Truxton looked up, as at an executioner.

The lean, cruel face of that beautiful girl's husband was not far from his own; the fiery eyes were burning into his.