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Updated: July 2, 2025
Some day the Princess Emma, his daughter, will be my queen." Count Zellerndorf was the first to grasp the possibilities that lay in the suggestion the king's words carried. "Your majesty," he cried, "there is a way to unite all factions in Lutha. It would be better to insure the loyalty of Von der Tann through bonds of kinship than to antagonize him. Marry the Princess Emma at once.
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.
"And now," said Barney briskly, "let us go to my apartments and get to work. Your highness" and he turned toward the Princess Emma "must be greatly fatigued. Lieutenant Butzow, you will see that a suite is prepared for her highness. Afterward you may call upon Count Zellerndorf, whom I understand returned to Lustadt yesterday, and notify him that I will receive him in an hour.
It was clear to both these men that the hand of Zellerndorf was plainly in evidence in both the important moves that had occurred in Lutha within the past twenty-four hours the luring of the king to Blentz and the entrance of Austrian soldiery into Lutha. Following his interview with the Serbian minister Von der Tann rode toward Blentz with only his staff in attendance.
Von der Tann returned his salutations with courtesy but with no answering warmth. Then he passed on out of the palace. "The old fox must have heard," he mused as he mounted his horse and turned his face toward Tann and the Old Forest. When Count Zellerndorf of Austria entered the presence of Leopold of Lutha he found that young ruler much disturbed.
He was Count Zellerndorf, the Austrian minister to Lutha. The king's outraged majesty goaded him to an angry retort. "You forget yourself, Prince von der Tann," he cried. "Leave our presence. When we again desire to be insulted we shall send for you." As the chancellor passed into the antechamber Count Zellerndorf rose and greeted him warmly, almost effusively.
You will oblige us by transmitting to your government at once a request that every Austrian soldier now in Lutha be withdrawn by noon tomorrow." Zellerndorf looked his astonishment. "Are you mad, sire?" he cried. "It will mean war!" "It is what Austria has been looking for," snapped the American, "and what people look for they usually get, especially if they chance to be looking for trouble.
The Austrian's eyes went wider, not only at the words, but at the tone of voice. "Count Zellerndorf," said the American, "you were doubtless aware of the embarrassment under which the king of Lutha was compelled at Blentz to witness the entry of a foreign army within his domain. But we are not now at Blentz.
"The trenches and the soldiers were there, nevertheless, sire," replied the old man, "only a little gap was left on either side of the highway that those who came and went might not suspect our plans and carry word of them to the Austrians. A few hours will complete the link across the road." "Good! Let it be completed at once. Here is Count Zellerndorf now," as the minister was announced.
He had resumed his restless pacing between desk and window, and as the Austrian entered he scarce paused to receive his salutation. Count Zellerndorf was a frequent visitor at the palace. There were few formalities between this astute diplomat and the young king; those had passed gradually away as their acquaintance and friendship ripened.
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