“Whither does the secret passage lead?” asked the count.

“Winding along underground, it has its outlet in the little pavilion in the center of the park.  The key to the outer door hangs within the passage, as does also the key to the garden gate.  All is in good order, for, fearing that the count’s affairs might take a bad turn, I examined the passage through its whole extent until I arrived at the pavilion.  Your grace can escape in that way unperceived.”

“And you, my faithful friends, will accompany me,” said the count, extending his hands to the two gentlemen.  “You were right just now, Waldow, when you said we should conquer or die.  It seems now as if we must be ruined.  Our enemies have gone to work with more zeal and determination than ourselves.  While we pondered, they acted; while we tarried, they strode energetically forward.  The young Elector has made good use of his time, and like a spider has caught us in the net with which he had lightly and secretly encircled us.  All my foes, all the sworn adversaries of my father, has he called out to battle against us.  Envy, hatred, malice, are the regiments which the young lord musters into the field, and by means of these he has for the moment conquered us.  But only for the moment.  A day of reckoning will come to the haughty young sir.  He thinks himself free and independent, but he shall learn that there is one higher than he to whom he must bow, to whom he owes obedience.  Yes, the Emperor Ferdinand will avenge me upon this arrogant young man.  He will cause his proud neck to bend, and force his vassal to give me satisfaction, and to reinstate me in all my offices and dignities, which he would unjustly withhold from me.  I shall go to the Emperor at Vienna, and—­Ha, what a thought!” he exclaimed, interrupting himself.  Rushing across to his writing table, whose empty drawers were stretched wide open, he tore one out and thrust his arm into the vacant space.

“The secret compartment,” he cried triumphantly.  “Old Burgsdorf’s keen scent failed him this time.  Here it is, safe and inviolate.  Here!”

When he drew forth his hand it contained a small box, which he opened by touching a spring.  The lid flew open; the box contained nothing but a dainty, perfumed note.  Still the count esteemed it a precious possession.  He took the paper and waved it exultingly above his head.

“This is my salvation!” he cried.  “With this paper in my hand I am armed against all the villainy and malice of the Elector.  Oh, my dear, noble father, I must thank you for this security, thank you that I shall come forth victor from this contest with my enemy.  It was you who pointed out to me the significance of this paper, who gave me the wise counsel to preserve it for future use.  Thank you, oh, my father!  At this hour this paper is the most precious inheritance which you have left me.  I shall use it in accordance with your views, and as actuated by your spirit.