human nature, and you know as well as I do that half the world would
believe my story if I said I was the Emperor's nephew. In the uneasy and
unstable condition of your absurd empire I should be hailed as a
diversion, and then--events, events!"

Count von Stroebel listened with narrowing eyes, and his lips moved in an
effort to find words with which to break in upon this impious
declaration. When Armitage ceased speaking the old man sank back and
glared at him.

"Karl did his work well. You are quite mad. You will do well to go back
to America before the police discover you."

Armitage rose and his manner changed abruptly.

"I do not mean to trouble or annoy you. Please pardon me! Let us be
friends, if we can be nothing more."

"It is too late. The chasm is too deep."

The old minister sighed deeply. His fingers touched the despatch box as
though by habit. It represented power, majesty and the iron game of
government. The young man watched him eagerly.

The heavy, tremulous hands of Count von Stroebel passed back and forth
over the box caressingly. Suddenly he bent forward and spoke with a new
and gentler tone and manner.

"I have given my life, my whole life, as you have said, to one
service--to uphold one idea. You have spoken of that work with contempt.