“Your cousin is a droll man,” said the count, “and under the conditions which he offers you, I will still accept your Hungarian horse.  Perhaps you will soon find an opportunity to give it to me, for I believe we are about to attack Hungary, and you can yourself procure the horses.  But now, my young friend, excuse me; I must go to the king to give my report.  You know he will endure no neglect of duty.  After the war council I will see you again.”

Trenck took leave, a little surprised at the sudden dismissal.  The colonel did not accompany him, as usual.  He remained standing in the middle of the tent until he was alone; then stooping down, he drew from under his foot the daintily folded letter that he had concealed while Trenck was present.

Count Jaschinsky had seen what had escaped Trenck.  He saw that Trenck, in taking out the letter from his cousin, had let fall another paper, and while Trenck was, reading, he had managed to conceal it with his foot.  Now he hastily seized this paper, and opened it.  A most wicked expression of joy overspread his countenance whilst he read, and then he said, triumphantly:  “Now he is lost.  It is not necessary to tell the king that Trenck has received a letter from a lady; I will take him the letter itself, and that will condemn Trenck more surely than any conspiracy with his cousin.  Away to the king!”

But, as he had already withdrawn the curtain of his tent, he remained motionless, and appeared deep in thought.  Then he allowed the curtain to fall, and returned within.

“I think I was on the point of committing a great folly.  This letter would of course accomplish the destruction of my hated creditor, but I doubt exceedingly if I would escape unharmed if I handed this ominous writing to the king.  He would never forgive me for having discovered this affair, which he, of course, wishes to conceal from the whole world.  The knowledge of such a secret would be most dangerous, and I prefer to have nothing to do with it.  How can I manage to let this letter reach the king, without allowing him to know that I am acquainted with the contents?  Ah, I have it!” he cried, after a long pause, “the means are sure, and not at all dangerous for me.”

With rapid steps he left his tent, and proceeded to that of the king from whom he prayed an audience.

“Ah!  I wager that you come to complain of some one,” said the king, as Jaschinsky entered.  “There is a wicked light in your eye.  Am I not right? one of your officers has committed some folly.”

“I leave the decision entirely to your majesty,” said Jaschinsky, humbly.  “Your majesty commanded me to watch carefully over my officers, especially the Lieutenant von Trenck.”

“Your complaint is again of Trenck, then?” asked the king, frowningly.  “I will tell you before we begin, unless it is something important I do not wish to hear it; gossip is disagreeable to me.  I am well pleased with Trenck; he is a brave and zealous officer, and I think he does not neglect his duties.  Consider, therefore, colonel, unless it is a grave fault of which you have to complain, I advise you to remain silent.”