"It certainly seems hard that he
should not live to reap the reward of his bravery. By the way, have you
any idea of his history? General Groplau informs me that some time
since, when he offered him a commission, he declined the honour for
reasons of his own. I should like to know all you can tell me concerning
him, that I may help him if possible."

"I can tell your Highness nothing," the doctor replied. "From what I
know of him, he is a very reserved fellow, and though his comrades have
for a long time regarded him as a hero, and would do anything for him,
he has only one friend, an Englishman, who is in the room with him now,
and who seldom leaves his side."

"An Englishman?" I said, with some surprise. "That is strange. The man
himself is, of course, a Pannonian?"

"Without a doubt," the doctor replied. "But since he converses fluently
in English with his friend, I should say it is probable that he has
spent some considerable time in that country."

Fearing to waste more time, I bade the doctor conduct me to the dying
man's room. How little did I dream the discovery I was to make there!

The chamber was situated on the first floor, and looked out upon the
street. When I entered the room, a private soldier was bending over the
bed, smoothing the pillow beneath the dying man's head. His figure came
between us, and for this reason the other's face was hidden from me. The
doctor advanced to the bedside, and felt the man's pulse.

"My friend," said he, "let me tell you that you are the recipient of a
great honour. His Royal Highness the Prince Regent has paid you the
compliment of coming himself to see you."

The man did not answer, but, knowing all that I do now, I can well
understand the struggle that was going on within his breast. Then I
advanced to the bedside.

"My man," I said, "it is seldom one hears of such bravery as yours. Your
general has told me everything, and I have come to thank you in the name
of your----"

I had progressed no further than this when I stopped suddenly. A fear
such as I had never known in my life before had taken possession of me,
rendering me speechless and almost paralysed. No, it could not be true!
It was impossible that such a thing could be even thought of. Scarcely
daring to trust the evidence of my eyes, I looked again. No, there could
be no doubt of it, no doubt at all. The man lying upon the bed before me
was none other than Max, Max my brother, the man for whom I had