Scotchman, however, seemed apparently devoted to Michael and his
plots; and there was undoubtedly some secret understanding between
them. That it was evidently Michael's trick to have the pretender
crowned, and then, by exposing the fraud and the condition of the
real King, excite the indignation of the duped people, and seat
himself on the throne! "But," I burst out, "shall this base-born
pretender remain at Kohlslau beside the beautiful Princess Flirtia?
Let us to Kohlslau at once and hurl him from the throne!"

"One pretender is as good as another," said Spitz dryly. "But
leave HIM to me. 'Tis the King we must protect and succor! As for
that Scotch springald, before midnight I shall have him kidnaped,
brought back to his master in a close carriage, and you--YOU shall
take his place at Kohlslau."

"I will," I said enthusiastically, drawing my sword; "but I have
done nothing yet. Please let me kill something!"

"Aye, lad!" said Spitz, with a grim smile at my enthusiasm.
"There's a sheep in your path. Go out and cleave it to the saddle.
And bring the saddle home!"

My sister-in-law might have thought me cruel--but I did it.


CHAP XXIII AND SOME OTHER CHAPS


I know not how it was compassed, but that night Rupert of Glasgow
was left bound and gagged against the door of the castle, and the