the rope, added to that of the unloaded pistols,
rested unexplained.

Jacqueline was delighted. "If it were just conventional heroism," she
exclaimed, "one might talk of lieutenancies. But sire, this----"

"Never fear," replied Maximilian. "I cannot make him captain, but he
shall have his reward.--Monsieur le Prince, I will leave you a half
company of my Austrians, if, though a Chasseur, you will deign to
command them. In a word, I desire you to have the honor of escorting
mademoiselle to the City."

"And I thank you, sire. Parbleu, the sergeant is happier with such an
order than--than the captain without it."

"Michel," cried Jacqueline, "and where in the world now did you get
that?"

"Why--out of my own head. Really, mademoiselle."

CHAPTER XX

IN THE WAKE OF PRINCELY CAVALCADES

"... Now swell out, and with stiff necks
Pass on, ye sons of Eve! vale not your looks,
Lest they descry the evil of your path."
--_Dante_.

The Grand Equerry was again the Dignitary of the hour. He held the
Emperor's stirrup, while the Emperor, fittingly attired, swung
gracefully astride a curvetting charger. Behind was his coach, ready for
him when he should tire of the saddle. It was already late in the
afternoon, and he meant to travel all night. Flatterers begged him to
consider the importance of his health, which but made him unyielding.
Some slight martyrdom for his country appealed to Maximilian. No, he
said, grave affairs might be afoot since the Confederacy's surrender.
The capital needed his presence, and he reminded them that the State
came first, as always.

The retinue climbed into carriages. The escort, Dragoons, Austrians and
Contra Guerrillas, formed in hollow square about their prince. Colonel
Dupin scowled because he was going. Colonel Lopez, when unobserved,
scowled because he was left behind. And Monsieur Eloin, at the Emperor's
side, thought well of himself in substituting for a rival favorite one
so distant from favoritism as the Tiger. The Dragoons and Austrians who
were to remain presented arms on the hacienda porch, and Lopez gave them
the cue for a parting viva. The emancipated peons, still wet from
spiritual grace, swelled the din gratefully and stridently, lured to it
by their thoughtful pastor, the hacienda curate.

But Maximilian still lingered. He looked from window to window under the
colonnade, and seemed expectant. But Lopez signaled to th