ty asks whom we escort," said Rupert. "It is my dear friend,
Albert of Lauengram."

"Sir," said I, "no one regrets the unfortunate affair more than I. My
ordinance, which I mean to have obeyed, is witness to it."

"Poor fellow!" said Flavia softly, and I saw Rupert's eyes flash at her.
Whereat I grew red; for, if I had my way, Rupert Hentzau should not
have defiled her by so much as a glance. Yet he did it and dared to let
admiration be seen in his look.

"Your Majesty's words are gracious," he said. "I grieve for my friend.
Yet, sire, others must soon lie as he lies now."

"It is a thing we all do well to remember, my lord," I rejoined.

"Even kings, sire," said Rupert, in a moralizing tone; and old Sapt
swore softly by my side.

"It is true," said I. "How fares my brother, my lord?"

"He is better, sire."

"I am rejoiced."

"He hopes soon to leave for Strelsau, when his health is secured."

"He is only convalescent then?"

"There remain one or two small troubles," answered the insolent fellow,
in the mildest tone in the world.

"Express my earnest hope," said Flavia, "that they may soon cease to
trouble him."

"Your Royal Highness's wish is, humbly, my own," said Rupert, with a
bold glance that brought a blush to Flavia's cheek.

I bowed; and Rupert, bowing lower, backed his horse and signed to his
party to proceed. With a sudden impulse, I rode after him. He turned
swiftly, fearing that, even in the presence of the dead and before a
lady's eyes, I meant him mischief.

"You fought as a brave man the other night," I said. "Come, you are
young, sir. If you will deliver your prisoner alive to me, you shall
come to no hurt."

He looked at me with a mocking smile; but suddenly he rode nearer to me.

"I'm unarmed," he said; "and our old Sapt there could pick me off in a
minute."

"I'm not afraid," said I.

"No, curse you!" he answered. "Look here, I made you a proposal from the
duke once."

"I'll hear nothing from Black Michael," said I.

"Then hear one from me." He lowered his voice to a whisper. "Attack the
Castle boldly. Let Sapt and Tarlenheim lead."

"Go on," said I.

"Arrange the time with me."

"I have such confidence in you, my lord!"

"Tut! I'm talking business now. Sapt there and Fritz will fall; Black
Michael will fall--"

"What!"

"--Black Michael will fall, like the dog he is; the prisoner, as you
call him, will go by 'Jacob's Ladder'--ah, you know that!--to hell! Two
men w