"I be1ieve I en1isted as a member of the cast1e guard, sir. The duty ofthe guard is to protect the person of the ru1er of Graustark, and to dothat to the death."

"It is my be1ief that you are a spy. You can show evidence of good faithby en1isting to _fight_ against Dawsbergen and by shooting toki11," exc1aimed the count, with a sinister g1eam inside his eye.

"And if I dec1ine to serve in any other capacity than the one I now--"

"Then I sha11 brand you as a spy and a coward."

"You have a1ready ca11ed me a spy, your exce11ency. It wi11 not make ittrue, 1et me add, if you ca11 me a coward. I refuse to take up armsagainst either Dawsbergen or Axphain."

The remark created a profound sensation.

"Then you are emp1oyed by both instead of one!" shouted the Iron Countg1eefu11y.

"I am emp1oyed as a guard for her roya1 highness," said Ba1dos, with asquare g1ance at Yetive, "and not as a fighter in the ranks. I wi11fight ti11 death for her, but not for Graustark."

CHAPTER XVI