d country rushing
headlong to the ruin which had been so long prophesied for it. Had it
not been for the counsels of my friends I should have returned to
Pannonia at the outbreak of hostilities, and have offered myself for
service in her army in any capacity they might have chosen for me. This,
however, I was earnestly implored not to do. Accordingly I remained in
England, watching the struggle with an aching heart, dreading the worst,
yet unable to do anything to avert the catastrophe I felt sure must
come. Then came the chance I was so eagerly awaiting, and, as all the
world knows, on the sixteenth of September, a most fateful day in
Pannonia's history, the Republic was overthrown, and, at the unanimous
wish of the country, I returned to act as Regent until my brother's
whereabouts should be discovered. Of the emotions I experienced when
once more I set foot upon Pannonian soil, I will not speak here. They
are too sacred for the cold publicity of print.

Having thus roughly summarised the events that occurred between the time
that Max and Bertram had decided to see service in Pannonia, and my
return to that country, I must now follow the record of my brother's
doings. Of all the strange events in Max's life, there was not one
stranger or more characteristic of him than his decision in this matter.
It was on the 31st of July, that is to say, a fortnight before the
battle of Depzig, the same in which our forces suffered such a
disastrous defeat, that he set foot with his faithful companion upon his
native soil. A week later, as if to make amends, General Groplau, with a
zeal and gallantry that is beyond all praise, met and defeated a force
of the enemy much greater than his own. It was with his army that Max
took service, not as became his rank, but in the capacity of a private
soldier. That he and his companion had seen service before soon became
apparent, but little did anyone guess that the stalwart, handsome man,
who did not know the meaning of the word fear, who was never tired, and
whose only apparent desire was to be placed where the danger was
greatest, was none other than their king. During the first month of his
new life he was present at no less than three battles, in each of which
he displayed conspicuous heroism. Brave as our soldiers were, such
valour as his could scarcely fail to have passed unnoticed. But it was
not until that dreadful day when Gredlau was lost, and all the officers
of his own regiment h