The Traitors

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THE TRAITORS

by

E. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM

Author of "A Millionaire of Yesterday," "The World's Great Snare," etc.

Illustrated

New York Dodd, Mead & Company 1903

Copyright, 1902 By E. Phillips Oppenheim

Copyright, 1903 By Dodd, Mead & Company

First Edition published March, 1903

[Illustration: "MARIE ... SHOT THE MAN THROUGH THE HEART."]

ILLUSTRATIONS

PAGE

"MARIE ... SHOT THE MAN THROUGH THE HEART," Frontispiece

"'I BELIEVE,' HE SAID, 'THAT YOU OUGHT TO KISS--MY HAND,'" 160

"NICHOLAS OF REIST STOOD ON THE THRESHOLD," 220

"'THE WAR IS OVER,' HE CRIED," 342

The Traitors

CHAPTER I

"Down with the traitors! Down with the Russian spies! Down with Metzger!"

Above the roaring of the north wind rose the clamour of voices, the cries of hate and disgust, the deep groaning sobs of fierce and militant anger. The man and the woman exchanged quick glances.

"They are coming nearer," he said.

She drew aside the heavy curtain, and stood there, looking out into the night.

"It is so," she answered. "They are pouring into the square."

He rose and stood beneath the great carved mantelpiece. Over his head, hewn out of the solid oak, black with age and coloured with that deep richness which is to-day as a lost art, were blazoned the arms of one of Europe's noblest families. He, Nicholas of Reist, its sole male representative, stood deep in thought, his dark young face furrowed with anxiety. The moment was critical. It was one of a lifetime.

She dropped the curtain and came over to his side. The flush of excitement was in her cheeks. Her eyes were like shining stars. Of their close relationship there could be no manner of doubt. The same oval face and finely-cut features, the same pride of race, the same firm, graceful bearing. Only there were lines upon his face--the lines of thought and care; whilst hers remained as smooth as damask, typically and wonderfully beautiful.

Again the murmur of hoarse voices--nearer now and more clamorous.

"Down with the traitor Metzger and his accursed government! Reist! Reist! A Reist!"

Her white fingers fell upon his shoulder.

"They are calling for you, Nicholas," she said, softly. "Listen! It is the voice of our people, and they need you. Will you go out and speak to them? Shall I open the window--yes?"

"Not yet," he answered, swiftly. "Not yet."

Her hands were already upon the curtains. She turned around, an impatient frown upon her face.

"You do not hesitate, my brother," she cried. "No, it is not possible. It is our country, Nicholas, our homeland which calls for you to save it."

"Ay, to save it--but how? Metzger has made the way difficult."

Her eyes flashed fire upon him. She was superbly disdainful.

"Are you the first Duke of Reist who has governed Theos?" she cried. "Is there not the blood of former Kings in your veins? Holy Mother, but it is intolerable that you should hesitate! Nicholas, if you let these people call in vain you will be the first of our race who has ever shrunk from his duty. I will not call you any longer my brother. Listen!"