them."

"What! is it not best that we should mount before my door and ride
openly away?" said the prince, wonderingly.

"It is my opinion that is the best plan," cried Baron Kaphengst,
laughing gayly. "Every one will believe your highness to be simply
taking a ride, while curiosity would be raised if we left the city
on foot."

"I think leaving in the dark, and on foot, looks as if I were
afraid," said the prince, thoughtfully.

"Secrecy is good for priests and old women, but not for us," cried
Kaphengst.

"Secrecy suits all who wish to do wrong," said Kalkreuth, earnestly.

The prince glanced hastily at him. "You believe, then, we are about
to do wrong?"

"I dare not speak of your highness, but we two are certainly doing
wrong; we are about to commit an act of insubordination. But still,
my prince, I am ready to do so, as your highness wishes us to
accompany you."

The prince did not answer, but stepped to the window, and looked out
thoughtfully and silently. In a few moments he returned, looking
calm and resolute.