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The king had been smiling as Von der Tann first spoke of the "impostor," but at the old man's praise of the other's bravery a slight flush tinged his cheek, and the shadow of a scowl crossed his brow. "Wait," he said, "we shall not have to look far for your 'impostor," and summoning an aide he dispatched him for "Lieutenant Butzow and Mr. Custer."
At Tours men's hopes were high for, a week before, Aurelles de Paladine had driven back Von der Tann, and reoccupied Orleans. Every hour fresh troops were arriving, and passing forwards.
So long as Leopold was loyal to his people and their interests Ludwig von der Tann would be loyal to Leopold. The king was cowed. He was very much afraid of this grim old warrior. He chafed beneath his censure. "You are always scolding me," he cried irritably. "I am getting tired of it. And now you threaten me. Do you call that loyalty?
"He is the king, your highness," he said. "I rode with him to Blentz to free Mr. Custer. Both were wounded in the courtyard in the fight that took place there. I helped to dress their wounds. The king was wounded in the breast Mr. Custer in the left leg." Prince von der Tann looked puzzled. Again he turned his eyes questioningly toward the newcomer. "Is this the truth?" he asked.
"There is another condition." "Well?" "You must promise upon your royal honor that Ludwig, Prince von der Tann, remain chancellor of Lutha during your life or his." "Very well," assented the king. "I promise," and again he half rose from his cot. "Hold on a minute," admonished the American; "there is yet one more condition of which I have not made mention."
With an effort, however, he held his tongue, and, turning his back upon the king, his broad shoulders proclaiming the contempt he felt, he walked slowly out of the room. Von der Tann and Butzow and Leopold of Lutha stood in silence as the American passed out of sight beyond the portal. The manner of his going had been an affront to the king, and the young ruler had gone red with anger.
Nor do I doubt that she would gladly connive with the fellow if she thought there was a chance of his seizing the throne." Von der Tann paled. For the first time righteous indignation and anger got the better of him. He took a step toward the king. "Stop!" he commanded. "No man, not even my king, may speak such words to a Von der Tann."
Two of the soldiers crossed the room toward the casement. From above Joseph was lowering the rope; but it was too late. The men would be at the window before he could clamber out of their reach. "Hoist away!" he whispered to Joseph. "Quick now, my man, and make your escape with the Princess von der Tann. It is the king's command." Already the soldiers were at the window.
"I will do anything you wish," replied Barney, "but I shall never forgive myself for having caused you the long and tedious journey that lies before us. It would be perfectly safe to go to the nearest town and secure a rig." Emma von der Tann had heard that it was always well to humor maniacs and she thought of it now. She would put the scheme to the test.
Already he has caused it to become current gossip that he is the real power behind the throne of Lutha that your majesty is but a figure-head, the puppet of Von der Tann." Zellerndorf paused. He saw the flush of shame and anger that suffused the king's face, and then he shot the bolt that he had come to fire, but which he had not dared to hope would find its target so denuded of defense.
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