“Pretense; they always begin that way.”

“I confess I know little about that kind of hunting, but I’m sure you’ve started the wrong quarry this time.”

“You are positive that you were disinterested?”

“Come, come, Colonel, this sounds like the beginning of a quarrel; and a quarrel should never come into life between you and me.  I taught you draw-poker; you ought to be grateful for that, and to accept my word regarding my disinterestedness.”

“I do not wish any quarrel, my Captain; but that girl’s face has fascinated me.  I propose to see her as often as I like.”

“I have no objection to offer; but I told Gretchen that if any one, no matter who, ever offers her disrespect, to report the matter to me at the consulate.”

“That is meddling.”

“Call it what you like, my Colonel.”

“Well, in case she is what you consider insulted, what will you do?” a challenge in his tones.

“Report the matter to the police.”

Wallenstein laughed.

“And if the girl finds no redress there,” tranquilly, “to the chancellor.”

“You would go so far?”

“Even further,” unruffled.

“It looks as though you had drawn your saber,” with irony.

“Oh, I can draw it, Colonel, and when I do I guarantee you’ll find no rust on it.  Come,” and Carmichael held out his hand amicably, “Gretchen is already in love with one of her kind.  Let the child be in peace.  What!  Is not the new ballerina enough conquest?  They are all talking about it.”

“Good night, Herr Carmichael!” The colonel, ignoring the friendly hand, saluted stiffly, wheeled abruptly, and left Carmichael staring rather stupidly at his empty hand.

“Well, I’m hanged!  All right,” with a tilt of the shoulders.  “One enemy more or less doesn’t matter.  I’m not afraid of anything save this fool heart of mine.  If he says an ill word to Gretchen, and I hear of it, I’ll cane the blackguard, for that’s what he is at bottom.  Well, I was looking for trouble, and here it is, sure enough.”

He saw a carriage coming along.  He recognized the white horse as it passed the lamps.  He stood still for a space, undecided.  Then he sped rapidly toward the side gates of the royal gardens.  The vehicle stopped there.  But this time no woman came out.  Carmichael would have recognized that lank form anywhere.  It was the chancellor.  Well, what of it?  Couldn’t the chancellor go out in a common hack if he wanted to?  But who was the lady in the veil?

“I’ve an idea!”

As soon as the chancellor disappeared, Carmichael hailed the coachman.

“Drive me through the gardens.”

“It is too late, Herr.”

“Well, drive me up and down the Strasse while I finish this cigar.”

“Two crowns.”

“Three, if your horse behaves well.”

“He’s as gentle as a lamb, Herr.”

“And doubtless will be served as one before long.  Can’t you throw back the top?”