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"I thank not We have not ed the name of the minister of finance We hold this sword

above his head And if he should speak or boast of it, your ould

hold greater weight than his Do you understand now?"

"Yes, I understand But I believe that I aht"

"Oh, if you lack courage!"--carelessly

I laughed "I am not afraid of twenty Steinbocks"

Her laughter echoed mine "Come, Mr--by the way, I believe I do not

know your naood English na it will

never leave tomen in a predicament like this You will understand

that we dare not trust any one at court Relative to her Highness, the

duke succeeds in bribing all"

"But a rascal like Steinbock!"

"I know,"--a bit wearily

"It is pardonable to say that I believe her Highness has been very

foolish"

The girl esture which conceded this fact "It is too late to

retreat, as I have told you Steinbock is already on the way We must

trust him But you?"

"After all, what does a consulate ah She extended her hand in a royal

fashion I took it in one of mine, bent and kissed it respectfully

Apparently she had expected the old-fashioned handshake familiar to our