last when they drank a toast to the glorious victory of our German race,
she withheld her glass, and then, taking a sip of the wine, she said she
wished with all her heart, as long as it should beat in her body, for
the triumph of France. That, too, I saw, and while I do not wish for the
triumph of France it was thrilling to see but one and a girl defying so
many strong men."

"I wish I had been there to see," murmured John.

"What did you say?" asked Olga.

"That only a very brave woman could have done such a thing."

"She is brave. She does not fear any of them, and the woman Suzanne with
her has a tiger's temper."

"But she loves the young mademoiselle. One can see that," said Ilse,
"and she will guard her."

John wished to know what had become of Antoine, but he did not dare ask
pointed questions. Julie left the window presently and the light went
with her. The sunlight was dying now on the eastern mountains, but a
great happiness came to him. He had found her. The footsteps of the
crusader had been guided aright. His star had led him on through many
dangers, and his spirit was high with hope.

It was, perhaps, well that the growing twilight kept Ilse and Olga from
seeing the glow in his eyes, but it was time for the two to go, and,
laughing and supporting each other in what they considered a mild
flirtation, they disappeared within the castle. John sent a smile after
them. They were good girls and he knew that he had made two valuable
friends who would tell him all that was happening to Julie in
Zillenstein.

He went back to the stables and plunged anew into his work with a zeal
and skill that aroused the admiration of Walther. His knowledge of
horses was most useful to him now, and, as he had also learned much
about automobiles in his campaigning, he volunteered to help with them
too. He saw the great limousine in which the prince himself had
traveled, and he helped two of the hostlers to clean it. Walther growled
as he looked on.

"When I was a lad," he said, "the magnificent, living horse was king at
Zillenstein. Now it's a machine that can't either think or feel."

"We can't fight the times, Herr Walther," said John, cheerfully. "The
automobile like the railway has come to stay."

"I suppose so, but the noble Count Kratzek returns. Take his horse."

John went forward and held the bridle after the young Austrian had
dismounted. Kratzek had a fine color from his ride, and he seemed to
John to be