roduced the document. "Just read
that, and see whether you detect anything sinister in it."

She read the letter thoughtfully.

"That is honest enough on the surface."

"On the surface, yes; but why not below the surface as well? That is a
frank assent to a frank request. I think that if the Archbishops would
treat each other with open candor they would save themselves a good deal
of anxiety."

"Perhaps," said the girl, very quietly.

"You are not convinced?"

"I don't know what to think." Then she looked up at him quickly. "Were
you followed last night?"

"Ah!" ejaculated Roland, laughing a little "apparently not, so far as I
could see, but the night was very dark." Then he related to her the
incidents succeeding the return to his room, while she listened with
breathless eagerness. "The Lieutenant," he concluded, "did not deny that
he was in the service of Mayence when I hinted as much, but, on the
other hand, he did not admit it. Of course, I knew by his uniform to
whom he belonged. He conducted my examination with military abruptness,
but skillfully and with increasing courtesy, although I proclaimed
myself a mechanic."

"You a mechanic!" she said incredulously. "Do you think he believed it?"

"I see you doubt my histrionic ability, but when next he waits upon me I
shall produce documentary evidence of my status, and, what is more, I'll
take to my workshop."

"Do you possess a workshop?" cried the girl in amazement.

"Do I? Why, I am partner with a man named Greusel, and we own a workshop
together. A gruff, clumsy individual, as you would think, but who,
nevertheless, with his delicate hammer, would beat you out in metal a
brooch finer than that you are wearing."

"Do you mean Joseph?"

"Yes," replied Roland, astonished. "What do you know of him?"

"Have you forgotten so soon? It was his stalwart shoulders that burst in
my door at Pfalz, and you yourself told me his name was Joseph Greusel.
Were all those marauders you commanded honest mechanics?"

"Every man of them."

"Then you must be the villain of the piece who led those worthy
ironworkers astray?"

Roland laughed heartily.

"That is quite true," he said. "Have I fallen in your estimation?"

"No; to me you appeared as a rescuer. Besides, I come of a race of
ruffians, and doubtless on that account take a more lenient view of your
villainy than may be the case with others."

The young man stopped in his walk, and seized her hands again,