"You will be on the other side of the frontier. Here are your thousand
crowns."

The barb of her contempt penetrated even his thick epidermis. His
smile hardened.

"I was once a gentleman; I did not always accept money for aiding in
shady transactions."

"Neither your sentiments nor your opinions are required. Now, observe
me carefully," continued her Highness. "I shall give you twenty-four
hours to cross the frontier in any direction you choose. If after that
time you are found in Barscheit, I promise to hand you over to the
police."

"It has been a great day," said the rascal, with a laugh. "A thousand
crowns!"

I separated the portières an inch. He stood at the side of the piano,
upon which he leaned an elbow. He was certainly handsome, much sought
after by women of a low class. The princess stood at Steinbock's left
and the Honorable Betty at his right, erect, their faces expressing
nothing, so forced was the repose.

"I never expected so great an honor. To wed a princess, when that
princess is your Highness! Faith, it is fine!"

"You may go at once," interrupted her Highness, her voice rising a key.
"Remember, you have only twenty-four hours between you and prison. You