CHAPTER IX

THE STAGE IS SET Alda's distrust of Frederick the Comptroller was proved in a sudden and startling manner. It happened the day following Fortune's visit to the Isle of the Great Woman. Wenn, the aged commander, came to Wolff's Tower and stammered a tale which at first the Towerman and his daughter could scarcely credit. There had been revolt in the army. During the last few weeks some person of influence and wealth had been corrupting the Tower soldiers. The commander, who himself had discovered this but a day be…