Prince Karl of Auersperg stroked his great brown beard and looked at him long and thoughtfully.  John stood before him in the position of an inferior, even a menial, but his heart was far from holding any feeling of inferiority.  He was awed neither by the man’s rank nor his power nor his ancient blood.  He knew that rank could not stop a bullet, nor turn aside a shell.  He knew that inherited power could be overthrown by power acquired.  There was nothing to make either sacred.  He knew that old blood was usually bad blood, that in a thousand years it became a poisonous stream, for the want of fresh springs to purify it.  But the head of the young peasant was lowered a little, and the last representative of ten centuries of decadence did not see the gleam of defiance, even of contempt in his eyes.

“You have not been at Zillenstein long,” said the prince.

“But a week, Your Highness.”

“Walther speaks well of you.  The Walthers have served the Auerspergs for centuries and his judgment and loyalty are to be trusted.”

John’s heart, stanch republican that he was, rose in rebellion at the thought that one family should serve another for a thousand years, but of course he was silent.

“Walther tells me also,” resumed the prince, “that you can handle an automobile with skill and that you understand them.”

“Herr Walther is very kind to me, Your Highness.”

“It was you also who rode the horse of Pappenheim.  A great feat.  It showed ability and courage.  For these reasons I am selecting you to do a deed of trust, one of great importance to me.  I am informed by Walther that you are from Lorraine and that your name is Castel.”

“Yes, Your Highness, I’m Jean Castel and I was born near Metz, a subject of His Imperial Highness, the German Emperor, the Winner of Victories.”

Auersperg smiled and continued to stroke his great brown beard.  The young peasant pleased him.  Though of humble station and ignorant of the higher world he was undoubtedly keen and intelligent.  He was just the man for his task, and fortune had put this useful tool in his hand.

“Go back to the stables, Castel,” he said, “and make ready for the high duty to which I am going to assign you.  You are to ask no questions and to answer none.  Walther will receive instructions to equip you.  There is a small gate in the rear wall of the castle.  Be there at nine o’clock tonight, and you will then know the work that you have to do.  Now go and be silent and, if you fail to be at the gate at the appointed time, that which you like little may happen to you.”

John bowed and left the illustrious presence.  He was on fire with eagerness and curiosity, and there was apprehension too.  Would his trust take him away from Julie at a time when he was needed most?  It must not be so, and his faith was strong that it would not be so.  Yet his heart was beating very hard and his impatience for the night to come was great.  But he strove his utmost to preserve at least the appearance of calmness.  He saw that Walther was full of curiosity and now and then asked indirect questions, but John remembering his instructions gave no answer.