Wogan's heart jumped. There could be only one reason for so unusual an
invitation on such a day, and he was not mistaken; for as soon as the
Prince was served in a little room, he dismissed the lackeys and
presented again the turquoise snuff-box with his own hands.

"See, Mr. Wogan, your persuasions and your conduct have gained me over,"
said he. "Your refusal of this bagatelle assures me of your honour. I
trust myself entirely to your discretion; I confide my beloved daughter
to your care. Take from my hands the gift you refused this morning, and
be assured that no prince ever gave to any man such full powers as I
will give to you to-night."

Wogan's gratitude wellnigh overcame him. The thing that he had worked
for and almost despaired of had come to pass. For a while he could not
speak; he flung himself upon his knees and kissed the Prince's hand.
That very night he received the letter giving him full powers, and the
next morning he drove off in a carriage of his Highness drawn by six
Polish horses towards the town of Strahlen on the road to Prague. At
Strahlen he stayed a day, feigning a malady, and sent the carriage back.
The following day, however, he took horse, and riding along by-roads and
lanes avoided Prague and hurried towards Schlestadt.

He rode watchfully, avoiding towns, and with an eye alert for every
passer-by. That he was ahead of any courier from the Emperor at Vienna
he did not doubt, but, on the other hand, the Countess of Berg and Lady
Featherstone had the advantage of him by some four days. There would be
no lack of money to hinder him; there would be no scruple as to the
means. Wogan remembered the moment in his bedroom when he had seen the
dagger bright in the moon's rays. If he could not be arrested, there