The King
appreciates my rule. It gives him a knowledge that there will be no
internal troubles in Hohenphalia so long as matters stand as they now
do. Still, there are limits to the King's patience; and I am about to
try them severely. But monsieur hesitates; he will withdraw his
promise."

"No, your Highness," said I, "I have given my word. As for the
scandal, it is not for myself that I care. It will be a jolly
adventure for me; and then, I shall have such a clever story to tell my
friends at the clubs."

She saw that I was offended. "Forgive me, monsieur; I know that you
would do no such thing. But let me explain to you. At the station we
will be intercepted by two trusted and high officials at court."

"What!" I exclaimed; "do they know?"

"No; but I shall write to them anonymously, the note to be placed in
their hands immediately we leave the premises."

I looked at the woman in wonder.

"But this is madness!" I cried.

"Directly you will see the method in the madness. Without their
knowing there could be no scandal. They will try to stop us. You will
over-power and bind them. There will also be several other witnesses
who will not be participants. Through them it will become known that I
have eloped with an American. Oh, it is a well-laid plan."

"But, supposing I am overpowered myself, thrown into jail and I know
not what?" All this was more than I had bargained for.

"Nothing of the kind will happen. Monsieur will hold a pistol in each
hand when the carriage door is opened. You will say: 'I am a desperate
man; one of you bind the other, or I fire!' It will be done. You will
spring upon the remaining one and I will help you to bind him likewise.
Oh, you will accomplish it well; you are a strong man; moreover, you
are rapid."

I sat in my chair, speechless. Here was a woman of details. I had
never met one before.

"Well, does monsieur accept the adventure or does he politely decline?"
There was a subtle taunt in her tones. That decided me.

"Your Highness, I should be happy to meet a thousand Uhlans to do you
service. What you ask me to do is quite simple." I knew that I should
lose my head in case of failure. I rose and bowed as unconcernedly as
though she had but asked me to join her with a cup of tea.

"Ah, monsieur, you are a man!" And she laughed softly as she saw me
throw back my shoulders. There was unmistakable admiration in her
eyes. "And yet," with a sudden f