o meet him, asking in an effeminate tone, 'what is your
pleasure?'

'One of the officers,' answered Arwed, 'who, in the camp before
Frederickshall, was anxious to have your grace proclaimed king of
Sweden, ventures to bring the name of the unhappy Goertz to your
remembrance.'

'I do not wish to hear any thing of this man,' said the duke, looking
timidly about him. 'My interference in the case might be misconstrued
by the Swedes, and it behoves me at this moment to avoid every thing
which might occasion a misunderstanding.'

'Goertz is without aid and in prison,' proceeded Arwed, with manly
earnestness, 'because they fear his ability, his activity and his
devotion to your grace. Through this imprisonment of your servant, your
sovereign rights are infringed. His life is in danger. To save it, it
is only necessary for your grace to claim him of the Swedish government
with princely energy. However great the animosity against him, party
rage cannot withstand your demand, without violating the law of
nations. They must deliver the unhappy man to you, and you will have
the satisfaction of gratifying the feelings of your heart by this
exercise of your rightful power, and of preserving for yourself an able
supporter.'

'You would have spared yourself this long exposition, captain,' said
the duke, with an unmeaning smile, 'had you known that Goertz has
ceased to be my servant.'

An indignant 'ah!' escaped from the youth, and the duke proceeded.--'A
man whom the whole Swedish nation as with one voice accuses, could not
remain in my service. He has been dismissed from the offices which he
held under me. And, being wholly surrendered, the laws of the country
which he has offended must decide his fate.'

'I understand!' exclaimed Arwed with great excitement.--'Your grace
hopes to win the love of Sweden by the desertion of your truest friend,
and by publicly offering him up to gratify her vengeance. But if I may
venture to judge of my native country, this sad expedient will entirely
fail. It will only cause you to be hated. And your ingratitude will
again with ingratitude be rewarded.'

Overwhelmed with despair at the wreck of this last hope, he rushed into
the street.

CHAPTER XX.

At the council house upon the Suedermalm, in the arched and grated room
occupied by Goertz, the pale Georgina sat waiting, her weary head
resting upon Arwed's shoulder. With a melancholy glance the youth
s