by, and until he himself had given orders that a surgeon should be sent
for.

"Have you discovered what became of the man who led the storming party?"
inquired General Groplau, when his aide-de-camp returned to the house
which he had made his headquarters.

"I have seen him, sir," the officer replied; "and I have questioned the
surgeon who is attending him. If he is not a dead man by this time, he
very soon will be."

"That is sad news, indeed," answered the general. "He was a brave man,
and there is no doubt that we owe all our success to him. I should have
liked to have presented him to Prince Paul. He would have rewarded him
as he deserves. Well, well, it's the fortune of war."

Two hours earlier I had crossed the Border, and at mid-day, if all went
well, I should be with the army. At ten o'clock, as we halted in a tiny
village, news was brought me from the front, and, for the first time, I
learnt the story of the city's downfall. The officer who brought it gave
me a description of a certain private soldier's bravery, and informed me
that the brave fellow was reported to be mortally wounded.

"God grant he may live till I have an opportunity of giving him my
thanks for the service he has rendered his king and country."

Then turning to one of the equerries, with whom Max had played as a boy,
I continued, "This is a deed which the king would have loved to share."

Then we pushed on for the city, little knowing the surprise that awaited
me there.

CHAPTER XX.

It was with feelings of the liveliest gratitude to Providence, and pride
in our gallant soldiers, that I reached the city of Zaarfburg, some ten
hours or so after its capitulation. A large proportion of the army corps
which had so long invested it was drawn up on the plain to receive me.
The remainder were occupied in the city itself, where also, at the time
of my arrival, was General Groplau himself, busied with affairs of
State. A more triumphal progress than I made through the cheering
soldiery could scarcely be imagined; indeed, if any proof were wanting
of the popularity of the return of our house to Pannonia, it might have
been discovered in their enthusiasm. For the time being discipline
appeared to be thrown to the winds; helmets were waved on bayonet
points, salvo after salvo of cheering followed me along the line, until,
at one point, it was with the utmost difficulty I could urge my horse
forward, so eager were the men to press about