hitral Valley, within the British
sphere of influence."

A servant, bringing an invitation to Heideck from Mrs. Baird to dine
with them that evening, interrupted the conversation. The Captain
was scarcely able to disguise his pleasure; he had no doubt that this
invitation was due to Edith, and was happy in the prospect of seeing her
again.

"You are on good terms with the Colonel," said the Prince, as soon as
the servant had left with Heideck's letter of acceptance. "This can be
of the greatest assistance to you under present circumstances. Do make
him give you a passport and come with me."

"I am sorry, Prince! I should be delighted to travel in such pleasant
company, but business keeps me here a little longer for the present."

"Well--as you please--I must not try to over-persuade you; but I will
not abandon the hope that we shall meet again, and it is unnecessary to
assure you that you can count upon me in any situation in which you may
find yourself."

IX

THE GERMAN EMPEROR

The German Emperor was paying his annual visit to the moors at Springe.
But this year he had little time to spare for the noble sport which
usually brought him fresh vigour and recreation in the refreshing
solitude of the forest. The telegraph was busy without interruption,
and statesmen, diplomats, and high officers arrived daily at the
hunting-box, and held long conferences with the Emperor. The windows
of his study were lit up till late at night, and the early morning
generally found the monarch again at his writing-desk.

After a night half spent at work, to-day the yearning for a breath
of fresh air had taken the Emperor at early dawn into the silent
pine-woods.

A light hoar-frost had fallen during the night, covering the ground
with fine white crystals. The shadows of dawn still lingered between
the tree-trunks. But in the east a glowing light suffused the pale,
greyish-blue sky.

The Emperor directed his gaze in that direction. He halted under a tall,
ancient fir-tree, and his lips moved in silent prayer. He asked for
counsel and strength from Him who decides the fate of nations, to
enable him to arrive at his weighty and difficult decision at this grave
crisis. Suddenly, the sound of human voices struck his ear. He perceived
two men, evidently unaware of his presence, coming towards him hard
by, on the small huntsman's track in the wood, engaged in lively
conversation. The Emperor's keen huntsman's eye recognised