"And you desire to remain in that service?"
"I have no other wish in life, sir," he replied earnestly.
"Nor I," assented the other.
"If you were in his confidence, you will know that the late Prince has left to his successor no means of maintaining a large retinue."
"What I am and all that I have I owe to your late uncle," said the captain in the same earnest tone. "I ask nothing else than to place my sword and my fortune alike at your disposal. And I can speak for Steinitz here. Our liberty and lives are indeed at issue in the present crisis; and if all is not to fail ignominiously now, we must have a strong hand and a clear head in command."
There was no mistaking the man's sincerity, and, usurper though I was, the offer touched me.
"I believe you absolutely, Captain von Krugen, and you, Herr Steinitz," and I gave them my hand. "But, all the same, I do not know what crisis you mean. Tell me freely."
"I tried to tell you on the journey here, but you prevented me. Do you know the history of your family—the lineage on the side of the late Prince's wife?"
"I know very little. Speak as freely as if I knew nothing. You will not try my patience."
"Steinitz, see that there is no one about; and keep guard outside the door that no one enters."