e more, had not the smallest faith in the
supernatural, but it often seemed to him afterward that some power
greater than that of man moved the prince to do what he was about to do.

Prince Karl of Auersperg stroked his great brown beard and looked at him
long and thoughtfully. John stood before him in the position of an
inferior, even a menial, but his heart was far from holding any feeling
of inferiority. He was awed neither by the man's rank nor his power nor
his ancient blood. He knew that rank could not stop a bullet, nor turn
aside a shell. He knew that inherited power could be overthrown by power
acquired. There was nothing to make either sacred. He knew that old
blood was usually bad blood, that in a thousand years it became a
poisonous stream, for the want of fresh springs to purify it. But the
head of the young peasant was lowered a little, and the last
representative of ten centuries of decadence did not see the gleam of
defiance, even of contempt in his eyes.

"You have not been at Zillenstein long," said the prince.

"But a week, Your Highness."

"Walther speaks well of you. The Walthers have served the Auerspergs for
centuries and his judgment and loyalty are to be trusted."

John's heart, stanch republican that he was, rose in rebellion at the
thought that one family should serve another for a thousand years, but
of course he was silent.

"Walther tells me also," resumed the prince, "that you can handle an
automobile with skill and that you understand them."

"Herr Walther is very kind to me, Your Highness."

"It was you also who rode the horse of Pappenheim. A great feat. It
showed ability and courage. For these reasons I am selecting you to do a
deed of trust, one of great importance to me. I am informed by Walther
that you are from Lorraine and that your name is Castel."

"Yes, Your Highness, I'm Jean Castel and I was born near Metz, a subject
of His Imperial Highness, the German Emperor, the Winner of Victories."

Auersperg smiled and continued to stroke his great brown beard. The
young peasant pleased him. Though of humble station and ignorant of the
higher world he was undoubtedly keen and intelligent. He was just the
man for his task, and fortune had put this useful tool in his hand.

"Go back to the stables, Castel," he said, "and make ready for the high
duty to which I am going to assign you. You are to ask no questions and
to answer none. Walther will receive instructions to equip you