"I can best explain this, I think," I said. "The Count von Nauheim had induced or compelled the Countess Minna here to leave your custody, and after some time she escaped from him. I was following, and by the happiest of coincidences we met. She will now remain in my care. Signor Praga was riding after me, and the Count von Nauheim came up soon afterward in search of the countess. Between Signor Praga and the count there is an old quarrel, and it was in course of arrangement when you arrived."
"Then you will return with me, countess?" said the officer.
"On the contrary, as I have already said, my cousin will remain in my charge," and I handed him the letter from Baron Heckscher.
He read it by the light of the moon, and we waited in silence till he had finished.
"You are to hand me an authority to your agents," he said as he folded up the letter.
"I have also to demand an explanation for the treatment I received on my arrival, as I understood, by your instructions," I answered sharply.
"It can all best be done at the house itself. My work is finished here, and I must set about this other matter of the Duke Marx without delay," he said. "Count von Nauheim has also an explanation to give me. We had better proceed to the house, Prince."
At this Praga showed signs of restiveness, while von Nauheim agreed eagerly.
"I have a word to say about that," exclaimed the Corsican, intervening. "I have brought this fox to earth, and have no mind to see him slip through my fingers. Prince, you won't forget our compact?"
"I shall be responsible for the count's custody," put in Major Gessler.