ment the Queen always reserved for her favourite. She would give madam her bath, a little collation would be prepared; then, after a good sleep, some of her Majesty's gowns would be laid out to select from, and they would journey back to Naples. In the meanwhile Tom Allen would set out to allay the fears of Sir William and the royal family.

Therese, you're a treasure, but I've changed my mind. I am off to Naples at once. There are matters there that must receive my instant attention."

Oh, my Lady, you cannot in your present state. You would not live to reach the city; or, if you did, would be unable to accomplish anything. Pray listen to reason. Rest here for a few hours. This afternoon will do for everything else. 'Tis not a matter of life and death that calls you."

"But that is just what it is. Come, hasten, girl, we must be off."

"But, my Lady, do you know how you look? Would you enter Naples in broad day in your condition-much less appear at the palace?"

This was quite a different matter. My Lady noticed that several early stragglers had gathered in the street and were staring curiously at her. She hesitated a moment. Then devotion and patriotism grounded arms at the feet of vanity.

"You are right, Therese.

they are preparing for me.

Let us go in, since But send no messenger

to Naples. We will ourselves reach there by midafternoon. And you, Tom Allen "-my Lady turned to Nelson's faithful body-servant and shook a playful finger-" you stand in peril of your life if ever you tell your master how I looked this morning."

By now the whole palace was a scene of activity. Next to the arrival of the Queen herself, that of no one in all the kingdom could have aroused greater interest; and, in addition to her universal popularity, Lady Hamilton was now surrounded by a mystery which for the present she made no effort to explain. But as Therese bathed the tired and bruised body, salved the cruel wounds of rocks and waves and brushed the matted, sea-stained hair, her mistress related all that had befallen her. Sweet, clean and

once more warm with life, she was tucked between the bed's perfumed sheets and fell asleep as quickly and as soundly as a child. Then Therese stole outside and was the heroine of the day as she recounted to all the retainers of the palace the story of her mistress's adventures.

It was noon when Lady Hamilton awakened. For a moment it was difficult to realise that she was actually alive. The softly clinging sheets, the cur

taining draperies, the subdued light from shaded windows stealing into the familiar luxury of the room, seemed just now, after a night in the cave of horror and buffeted by the sea, her modest ideal of heaven. But there came evidences that she was still a mortal, for she was sore in every limb and muscle, aching as though she had passed through inquisition tortures. Nevertheless, as she thought of all she had to do, of her plans both for vengeance and for succour, she arose to a sitting position in the bed, a smile of joyous determination on her lips, and rang for her maid.

"Are the horses fit for the trip back to town?" was her first inquiry.

"I will see, my Lady."

"Make certain of it, Therese. If they are in no condition to do the distance in two hours at the most without injury or fatigue, obtain others from the royal stables. I wish to set out at once, and I must not lose an instant on the way."

An hour later, looking radiantly beautiful despite her recent experience, animated by thoughts of all that would ensue upon her arrival, Lady Hamilton was seated in the carriage and her own horses, refreshed and as eager as herself, were carrying her swiftly toward Naples.

Chapter VI

A Royal Flight

ATE in the afternoon following the day of Lady Hamilton's disappearance, we were gathered in the King's cabinet, those present being his Majesty and the Queen, Nelson, Sir William, Sir John Acton, Prince Caracciolo and myself. We had exhausted, as we believed, every means that might lead to the discovery of the missing ambassadress; and, while of course her husband was almost distracted over the mystery and Nelson little less so although of necessity less clamorous in his grief—other affairs had reached a crisis where they demanded immediate consideration.

Chief among these was the proposed and seemingly necessary flight of the royal family. To remain meant almost certain death, yet to escape appeared impossible. Spies of the Neapolitan mob constantly guarded the palace and the lazzaroni were immovable in their demand that their Majesties must remain to face any consequences following the arrival of the French.

"Can it be possible," suggested Caracciolo, "that

in some manner the lazzaroni have managed to abduct Lady Hamilton, intending to hold her as a hostage guaranteeing that your Majesties-and doubtless Lord Nelson also-will remain in Naples? Unquestionably they are confident you would not leave without her."

"That is not unlikely," was the thoughtful reply of the King. "Or it may be they hold her as a hostage to insure the safety of our prisoner, the leader in the affair of yesterday."

"In any case," said Nelson impatiently, "I would suggest that your Majesty have the lowest quarters of the city searched, and every house levelled to the ground if necessary to satisfy yourself on this point."

"Your suggestions are usually of golden worth, my Lord Admiral," the King responded smilingly, but if we cannot leave the city because of the mob, how on earth are we with impunity to carry out such a measure as you propose? By heavens, gentlemen, when these evil times have passed, as pass they will, I'll give Naples a government beside which that of Nero was the people's paradise. However, for the present I am as helpless as my late brother of France. But why should I not release this prisoner? Might that not result in the return of Lady