"This is my revenge, Herr Fischer."
The words were spoken in an angry, taunting voice, quite loud enough for many people round us to hear, and they looked at us in the broadest astonishment.
They recalled my scattered wits.
"Captain von Krugen, what is the meaning of this?" I demanded in a quick, stern tone of the man who was staring in abject helpless bewilderment at the woman who had thus tricked us so cleverly.
"I am absolutely at a loss——" he began; but I cut him short.
"You have betrayed your trust, sir, and God alone knows what the consequences will be."
Meanwhile the cries for the Queen Minna were growing in volume and echoing all around us, and I saw the Baron Heckscher look across at me. The men about the throne had unmasked. I thought rapidly. It was no use wasting time in reproaching or abusing the woman who had fooled us. We were in a mess which might ruin not only my scheme, but the whole of us. While the people were still shouting for the Queen, I hurried back to where Praga was standing, and in a few words told him what had occurred.
"She is the devil. I feared something. I'll——"
"Don't waste time. We have one strong card yet, and must keep possession of it. You are still true to me?" I asked.
"As true as death, I'll show——"