to the other--the plan of action was
immediately formed. You were necessary, for it was taken for granted
that you knew too much. You had also promised your sword," with a
chuckle.

"I made no promise," said Maurice. "I only said that I should easily be
found when wanted."

"Well, so you were; there's no gainsaying that."

Maurice said some more uncomplimentary things.

"It was neatly done, you will admit. Life is a game of cards; he wins
who plays first."

"Or he doesn't. Colonel, a game is won only when it is played'."

"That's true enough."

"Kings are a tolerable bother on earth," Maurice declared, trying to
ease his wrists by holding them higher against his back.

"What do you know about them?"

"When I was in the army I often fell in with three or four of a night."

"Eh?--kings?"

"Yes; but usually I was up against aces or straight flushes."

"Cards! Well, well; when you get down to the truth of the matter, real
kings differ but little from the kings in pasteboard; right side up, or
wrong side up, they serve the purpose of those who play them. There's a
poor, harmless devil back there," with a nod toward Bleiberg. "He never
injured a soul. Perhaps that's it; had he been cruel, avaricious, sly,
all of them would be cringing at his feet. Devil take me--but I'm a
soldier," he broke off abruptly; "it's none of my business."

"Have you any titles?" Maurice asked presently.

"Titles?" The Colonel jerked around on his horse. "Why?"

"O," said Maurice carelessly, "I thought it not unlikely that you might
have a few lying around loose."

The Colonel roared. "You Americans beat the very devil with your
questions. Well, I am politely known as Count Mollendorf, if that will
gratify you."

"What! brother of Mollendorf of the king's police?"

"God save the mark! No; I am an honest man--some of the time."

Maurice laughed; the old fellow was amusing, and besides, this
conversation helped to pass away the time.

"Wake up, Jack; here's entertainment," he said.

A scowl added itself to the stern expression on Fitzgerald's face.

"I trust that none of your teeth are loose," ventured the Colonel.

"If they are, they'll be tight enough ere many days have passed," was
the threatening reply.

"Beware the dog!" cried the Colonel, and he resumed his place at the
head of the little troop.

Maurice took this opportunity to bend toward Fitzgerald. "Have you
anything of importance about you?" he whispered signi