have confided it to Anton. But the suggested step was so utterly
at variance with the king's intentions that I made no difficulty
about contradicting the report with an authoritative air. Anton
heard me with a judicial wrinkle on his smooth brow.

"That's all very well," said he, "and I dare say you're bound to
say so. All I know is that Rischenheim dropped a hint to Colonel
Markel a day or two ago."

"Rischenheim believes what he hopes," said I.

"And where's he gone?" cried Anton, exultantly. "Why has he
suddenly left Strelsau? I tell you he's gone to meet Rupert, and
I'll bet you what you like he carries some proposal. Ah, you
don't know everything, Fritz, my boy?"

It was indeed true that I did not know everything. I made haste
to admit as much. "I didn't even know that the count was gone,
much less why he's gone," said I.

"You see?" exclaimed Anton. And he added, patronizingly, "You
should keep your ears open, my boy; then you might be worth what
the king pays you."

"No less, I trust," said I, "for he pays me nothing." Indeed, at
this time I held no office save the honorary position of
chamberlain to Her Majesty. Any advice the king needed from me
was asked and given unofficially.

Anton went off, persuaded that he had scored a point against me.