Count Palatine is an Elector of the Empire, and, as
I told last night, we are facing a crisis. Until that crisis is passed
you will add to my already great anxiety by any lack of reticence on
your part."

"By the Three Kings!" cried the Count, "this youth, if I may venture to
call him so, has bound me to him with bands stronger than chain armor. I
shall vote for him whoever falters."

"His Highness," said the Archbishop, with a propitiatory smile, "has
been listening to the Eastern tales which our ancestors brought from the
Crusades, and I fear has filled his head with fancies."

"Really, Archbishop, you misjudge me," said the young man; "I am the
most practical person in the Empire. You interrupted my boasting to her
ladyship of my handiwork. I would have you know I am a capable mechanic
and a sword maker. What think you of that, my Lord?" he asked, drawing
forth his weapon, and handing it to Cologne.

"An excellent blade indeed," said the latter, balancing it in his hand.

"Very well, my Lord, I made it and tempered it unassisted. I beg you to
re-enter your palace, and write me out an order for a thousand of these
weapons."

"If your Highness really wishes me to do this, and there is no concealed
humorism in your request which I am too dull to fathom, you must
accompany me to my study and dictate the document I am to indite. I
shall wait till you bid farewell to the Countess."

A glance of mutual understanding flashed between the girl and himself,
then Roland raised her hand to his lips, and although the onlookers saw
the gallant salutation, they knew nothing of the gentle pressure with
which the fingers exchanged their confidences.

"Madam," said the Prince, "it will be my pleasure and duty to wait upon
my mother to-morrow. May I look forward to the happiness of presenting
you to her?"

"I thank you," said the Countess simply, with a glance of appeal at her
guardian. That good man sighed, then led the way into the house.

XX

THE MYSTERY OF THE FOREST

Roland left the palace with a sense of elation he had never before
experienced, but this received a check as he saw standing in the middle
of the square the Lieutenant of the night before. His first impulse was
to avoid the officer, yet almost instinctively he turned and walked
directly to him, which apparently nonplussed the brave emissary of
Mayence.

"Good afternoon to you, sir," began Roland, as if overjoyed to see him.
"Will you permit me