see here, my friend, do you know why I agreed to leave that place
back there? I said I wouldn't go away from Graustark until I had seen
her. If you fellows are spiriting me away--kidnapping me, as it were,--I
want to tell you I won't have it that way. I must know, right now, where
we are going in this damnable storm."

"I have orders to tell you nothing," said the soldier, staunchly.

"Orders, eh! From whom?"

"That is my affair, sir!"

"I guess I'm about as much interested in this affair as anybody, and I
insist on knowing our destination. I jumped into this thing blindly, but
I'm going to see my way out of it before we go much farther. Where are
we going?"

"You--you will learn that soon enough," insisted the other.

"Am I to see her soon? That's what I want to know."

"You must not insist," cried the soldier.

"Why are you so anxious to see her?" he asked, suddenly.

"Don't be so blamed inquisitive," cried Grenfall, angrily, impatiently.
"Tell me where we are going or I'll put a bullet into you!" Drawing his
revolver he leaned over, grasped the guard by the shoulder and placed
the muzzle against his breast.

"For God's sake, be calm! You would not kill me for obeying orders! I am
serving one you love. Are you mad? I shall scream if you keep pressing
that horrid thing against my side." Lorry felt him tremble, and was
at once filled with compunction. How could he expect a loyal fellow to
disobey orders?

"I beg your pardon a thousand times," he cried, jamming the pistol into
his pocket. "You are a brave gentleman and I am a fool. Take me where
you will; I'll go like a lamb. You'll admit, however, that it is
exasperating to be going in the dark like this."

"It is a very good thing that it is dark," said the soldier, quickly.
"The darkness is very kind to us. No one can see us and we can see no
one."

"I should say not. I haven't the faintest idea what you look like. Have
I seen you at the castle?"

"Yes, frequently."

"Will you tell me your name?"

"You would not know me by name."

"Are you an officer?"

"No; I am new to the service."

"Then I'll see that you are promoted. I like your staunchness. How old
are you?"

"I am--er--twenty-two."

"Of the nobility?"

"My father was of noble birth."

"Then you must be so, too. I hope you'll forgive my rudeness. I'm a bit
nervous, you know."

"I forgive you gladly."

"Devilish rough road, this."

"Devilish. It is a mountain road."

"That'