"It is true, my father; I was at the fair," replied Frederick,
submissively.

"You tell the truth at any rate," continued the Count, somewhat
touched by his frankness. "Well, then, we won't say anything more
about the past and Marguerite; but tell me as frankly what prospect
you have of success in the competition for this famous clock, for
on that will greatly depend the power of sustaining our family
influence."

So appealed to, Frederick thought it wise at once to prepare his
father for the truth. He told him that until that evening he had
imagined that he possessed every prospect of obtaining the prize, and
then he repeated all that he had overheard Dumiger asserting. In the
bitterness of his spirit he inveighed against him as a personal enemy,
and as he spoke vehemently and earnestly, his father's eyes glistened
with vengeance and pleasure, for he saw that the dignity of the father
had passed into his son; he had never seen the youth so excited, he
now felt that he was worthy of the old time-honored race.

"Ah," he said, "Dumiger again; and his scheme and plan seem well
founded. However, neither the man nor his production will find great
favor in the council while I have influence there; he may exaggerate
his merits."

"I think not," said Frederick. "But there is one way to get rid of
his competition," said Frederick, laying his hand on the hilt of his
sword.

"No, no, young man; take your hand from your sword: I will have no