"Michael may come, and claim immediate audience. You'll answer that only
princes of the blood are entitled to it."

"That'll annoy Michael," laughed Fritz.

"You quite understand?" asked Sapt again. "If the door of this room is
opened while we're away, you're not to be alive to tell us about it."

"I need no schooling, colonel," said Fritz, a trifle haughtily.

"Here, wrap yourself in this big cloak," Sapt continued to me, "and
put on this flat cap. My orderly rides with me to the hunting-lodge
tonight."

"There's an obstacle," I observed. "The horse doesn't live that can
carry me forty miles."

"Oh, yes, he does--two of him: one here--one at the lodge. Now, are you
ready?"

"I'm ready," said I.

Fritz held out his hand.

"In case," said he; and we shook hands heartily.

"Damn your sentiment!" growled Sapt. "Come along."

He went, not to the door, but to a panel in the wall.