a deep respect for this faithful and taciturn woman
of Normandy, and he was devoutly glad that she was there to be a comfort
and support to Julie in these trying days.

As John walked the horse up and down, the maid, Ilse, passing on an
errand, stopped and spoke to him.

"It's the French spy and her maid," she said. "They allow her to take
the air twice a day upon the terrace. I can't think that she is merely a
spy. It must be something political, too high for such as you and me to
understand. Perhaps she is a great French lady who is held as a hostage.
Do they do such things in war now, Jean Castel?"

"I think so."

"Prince Karl sends her flowers this morning. See, Olga comes with them,
but she does not speak French, nor do I. She will not know from whom
they come."

Often the great opportunity appears when it is least expected. A trifle
may open the way and John, quick as lightning, saw and seized his
chance. Throwing the reins of the now quiet horse over a pillar he said:

"I know French, as I come from Lorraine. Let me take them."

Without waiting for her assent he took the flowers from the hand of the
willing Olga and walked boldly across the terrace to Julie, who was
looking over the valley. Bending the knee he offered the flowers,
saying:

"Prince Karl sends you these, Mademoiselle Lannes."

She started a little at the sound of his voice and he continued in a
lower tone:

"Julie, I've come across Germany for you. Make no sign. I'm here to save
you. I'm a groom in the prince's stables!"

He saw the delicate color like the first flush of dawn overspread her
face, and a light that had never shone for any other spring into her
eyes. All the hardships that he had endured, all the dangers that he had
run were as nothing now.

"John," she exclaimed, in a voice tremulous with fear for him, not for
herself, "you must leave Zillenstein at once! Your life is not safe here
for a moment!"

"When I go you go with me," he said.

They had spoken rapidly in whispers and not even Suzanne had noticed.
Accustomed now to the servants in the castle she had merely seen a young
peasant bringing flowers from the prince to her mistress. They had been
brought before and there was nothing unusual about it.

"Tell the prince that I thank him," said Julie, aloud, but in
indifferent tones.

John bowed and walked back toward the horse, his heart beating hard with
triumph and joy.

CHAPTER XI

THE EFFICIENT HOSTLER