ist that her consent was
conditional--no more.'

'I only desire the opportunity of assuring her of my entire devotion,'
said Elmur.

'I do not fancy that she wrongs you, my dear Baron, by doubting that.'

'There is then a difficulty on the part of Mademoiselle? It is
unfortunate.'

'It can be overcome. She is still very young, and her imagination has
been touched. The Englishman, Captain Rallywood, has, as you once
remarked the knack of making himself picturesque, which appeals in fact
to the imagination. I am myself sensible of something of the kind when
dealing with him. Valerie imagines him to be quixotic.'

'Has Mademoiselle said this?' Elmur was stiffening at every sentence.
Circumstances and not liking had put these two men on the same side, and
Selpdorf repaid Elmur's sneers at the helplessness of Maasau with
sympathy for Elmur's position as a lover. No man likes to be pitied in
his love affairs.

'No, no, my good friend, no name was mentioned. It may be more
convenient that I should never know it.'

'Then you think she may be persuaded to alter her decision with regard
to me?'

'I am certain of it.'

'And what do you suggest shall be done with my--rival?' asked the German
with a sinister inflection of the voice.

'We must break him.'

'Will it not be possible to work in this small affair with Counsellor's
detention? Send Captain Rallywood to Kofn Ford to undertake the custody
of Major Counsellor. Of course, it will not be necessary for you to
mention the name of the person about whom your stupid Frontier officials
are to make so convenient a mistake. When Rallywood discovers the
identity of his prisoner, I fancy his honour will find the weight of
temptation put upon it too great. He also is in the English plot,
remember, and he will co-operate with his countryman. He will allow
Counsellor to escape. But by that time the Duke must have closed with
another ally.'

Selpdorf comprehended that the German was playing his own game in a
double sense. He was, in fact, serving his own private interests and
also hustling Selpdorf along towards the German goal.

'Then we shall have a court-martial,' said the Chancellor. 'Disgrace
will be more effectual than death itself in this case.'

'Disgrace? ah, yes! But I know what would happen to Captain Rallywood in
my country.' Elmur's eyes had a gleam in them.

'I am not so well informed. Our State is more elastic in its laws than
yours. I cannot foresee what