that he had
to "borrow" it from the squadron funds,--whose custodian he was,--it
might be expected that the lieutenant would not so soon ask for
another loan, mindful of the great difficulties this present one was
causing. It was as the result of these cogitations that Koenig resolved
to lend Borgert the sum he required, but to leave him in the belief
that to do so it was necessary to touch the funds in his care.

"All right, then," he said; "you shall have your money. When will you
pay it back without fail?"

"Within ten days, Captain. I give you my word on it."

"Very well, come to my office at noon, and you shall have it."

"Accept my most grateful thanks, Herr Captain!"

"Don't mention it; but I trust it won't occur again."

They shook hands, and the captain mounted and trotted off in a lively
tempo toward the parade grounds.

Borgert, elated and free of care, hastened home. His duties to-day did
not begin until ten. He really felt kindly towards Koenig for the
moment. It was not the first time the captain had helped him out of a
dilemma. Ten days! Well, within ten days all sorts of things could
happen. Why not his ability to repay the loan? And if not, bah! What
is the use of speculating about the future? For the moment he was
safe; that was the main thing.

Leimann meanwhile was awaiting the coming of his friend in the
latter's study, and when Borgert entered, serene of brow and humming
an operatic tune, his face too brightened.

"Has he done it?" he shouted.

"Of course. Go to him at eleven, and he will do the same in your case,
all the more as you need it less."

And at noon, when the two friends met at the Casino over a bottle of
fragrant Moselle, you could tell from Leimann's exuberant gayety that
his own request had not been refused.

* * * * *

Punctually at five all the officers of the regiment were assembled,
with caps and sabres, in the reading-room of the Casino. And when the
different squadron commanders had stepped up and reported "Everybody
present," the colonel at once let them know his mind.

"Gentlemen," he said, in his most pompous manner, "I have commanded
your presence in order to talk over a few matters. First: I must
request that for the future, at balls and similar affairs, dancing
spurs be worn, so as to avoid such unpleasant accidents as we had
night before last. One gentleman, who shall be nameless,"--and as he
said it he fixed a basilisk