"Your Highness," said he, "has by this time a considerable body of
prisoners. There is at least one criminal among the number to whom
justice should be dealt. Our oath forbids us all recourse to law;
and discretion would forbid it equally if the oath were loosened.
May I inquire your Highness's intention?"

"It is decided," answered Florizel; "the President must fall in
duel. It only remains to choose his adversary."

"Your Highness has permitted me to name my own recompense," said
the Colonel. "Will he permit me to ask the appointment of my
brother? It is an honourable post, but I dare assure your Highness
that the lad will acquit himself with credit."

"You ask me an ungracious favour," said the Prince, "but I must
refuse you nothing."

The Colonel kissed his hand with the greatest affection; and at
that moment the carriage rolled under the archway of the Prince's
splendid residence.

An hour after, Florizel in his official robes, and covered with all
the orders of Bohemia, received the members of the Suicide Club.

"Foolish and wicked men," said he, "as many of you as have been
driven into this strait by the lack of fortune shall receive
employment and remuneration from my officers. Those who suffer
under a sense of guilt must have recourse to a higher and more
generous Potentate than I. I feel pity for all of you, deeper than