Butzow saluted and turned to his troopers, giving the necessary commands that brought them about in the wake of the pseudo-king.  Once again Barney Custer, of Beatrice, rode into Lustadt as king of Lutha.  The few people upon the streets turned to look at him as he passed, but there was little demonstration of love or enthusiasm.

Leopold had awakened no emotions of this sort in the hearts of his subjects.  Some there were who still remembered the gallant actions of their ruler on the field of battle when his forces had defeated those of the regent, upon that other occasion when this same American had sat upon the throne of Lutha for two days and had led the little army to victory; but since then the true king had been with them daily in his true colors.  Arrogance, haughtiness, and petty tyranny had marked his reign.  Taxes had gone even higher than under the corrupt influence of the Blentz regime.  The king’s days were spent in bed; his nights in dissipation.  Old Ludwig von der Tann seemed Lutha’s only friend at court.  Him the people loved and trusted.

It was the old chancellor who met them as they entered the palace—­the Princess Emma, Lieutenant Butzow, and the false king.  As the old man’s eyes fell upon his daughter, he gave an exclamation of surprise and of incredulity.  He looked from her to the American.

“What is the meaning of this, your majesty?” he cried in a voice hoarse with emotion.  “What does her highness in your company?”

There was neither fear nor respect in Prince Ludwig’s tone—­only anger.  He was demanding an accounting from Leopold, the man; not from Leopold, the king.  Barney raised his hand.

“Wait,” he said, “before you judge.  The princess was brought to Blentz by Prince Peter.  She will tell you that I have aided her to escape and that I have accorded her only such treatment as a woman has a right to expect from a king.”

The girl inclined her head.

“His majesty has been most kind,” she said.  “He has treated me with every consideration and respect, and I am convinced that he was not a willing party to my arrest and forcible detention at Blentz; or,” she added, “if he was, he regretted his action later and has made full reparation by bringing me to Lustadt.”

Prince von der Tann found difficulty in hiding his surprise at this evidence of chivalry in the cowardly king.  But for his daughter’s testimony he could not have believed it possible that it lay within the nature of Leopold of Lutha to have done what he had done within the past few hours.

He bowed low before the man who wore the king’s uniform.  The American extended his hand, and Von der Tann, taking it in his own, raised it to his lips.

“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.  Inform the Serbian minister that I desire his presence at the palace immediately.  Lose no time, lieutenant, and be sure to impress upon the Serbian minister that immediately means immediately.”