id not like the
way in which this evening you spoke of me. It appeared to me almost
insulting."

"Insulting, Your Highness!" protested the Admiral. "You astonish me. I
imagined myself speaking most respectfully."

"It was insulting," repeated the Prince doggedly.

"Surely you misunderstood me!" said the Admiral, with deep concern. "Let
me see--what was it I said? I do not remember the exact words, but it
was to the effect, was it not, that your health was threatened by
over-study and that the Emperor had instructed you to take a vacation?"

"There was more than that."

"I emphatically denied that there was any truth in that absurd rumour
about the bar-maid."

"She was not a bar-maid."

The Admiral laughed.

"Was she not? Then I was misinformed. But that is a detail."

"In addition to which," pursued the Prince, rather red in the face with
the knowledge that he was getting the worst of it, "I do not consider
that you are behaving honourably in this matter."

"In what way?"

"You brought Miss Vard and her father here, promising to give them an
answer."

"And I gave them an answer, did I not?"

"Yes--and then proceeded to imprison them."

"I have no recollection of having promised not to do so."

"But they trusted you."

"The more fools they!"

"They must be released," said the Prince, firmly. "I command it!"

Pachmann selected a cigar from the tray on the table with great care.
Then he lighted it, took a slow puff or two, and looked at the Prince.

"Ah, you command it!" he said, thoughtfully.

"Yes," repeated the Prince, "I command it!"

"How I wish," sighed the Admiral, "that my heart was as young as yours,
my Prince! I would give much to bring that about! But, alas, it has long
since grown indifferent to red lips and bright eyes; this old heart of
mine has been hardened by forty years of service; it is capable, now, of
only one passion--but that is a fierce one."

"And what is that?" the Prince inquired.

"The passion for my country and for my King!" said the Admiral, and
saluted. "My house is not a great one, as you have had occasion to
remind me; but it is loyal! Its motto is, 'I love and I obey.' We are
proud of that motto, and we have never been false to it. As for myself,
I love my country as I have loved no woman; for her I would give my
life, my honour, and rejoice to do it! For my King, as you have seen, I
hesitate at nothing! Prince, sooner or later you must learn your
lesson--and