"I know that already," returned the Emperor, whose eyes began to 252 flash, and who glared at the telephone as if it were some noxious beast spitting venom.
"They gave out that they were leaving Rhaetia. But they have not crossed the frontier."
"I am much obliged to you for the information. It is exactly what I wanted," was the Emperor's retort.
"You know who bought a hunting-lodge near Bünden, in the Niederwald, last year?"
"Yes, I know whom you mean," went sullenly over the wire. "What has that to do with my friends?"
"Only that one of them has gone there. You can guess which. The others remain in Salzbrück. It seems that the—new owner of the hunting-lodge has known them for some time, though he was ignorant of this malicious masquerade. The one of whom we spoke is an actress. The owner arrived at the lodge this morning, drove into town, where your friend had waited, evidently expecting him, invited her to pay him a visit; and the invitation was accepted."
"I'll never believe that till I see them together, with my own eyes!" 253
"Will you go with me to-night when you return, and honour them with an unexpected call?"
"I will—d—n you!" shouted the Emperor. It was the first time that he had ever so far forgotten his dignity as to swear at the Chancellor.
He dropped the receiver, tossed a gold coin, with his own head upon it (at the moment he could have wished he had no other), down on the attendant's desk, and, waving away an offer of change, stalked out of the office.