"I would avenge my cousin's death!" I cried sternly. "Unless, indeed, the Count von Nauheim, as a future member of the family, or some other gentleman here, is loyal enough to us to take up this work."
"I do not fight with hired bravos," growled von Nauheim.
"There is no man in Bavaria can stand before that Praga's sword," said the baron, while I enjoyed his perplexity.
"Well, then, call the man out and shoot him!" I exclaimed brutally. "But, in all truth, I can't for the life of me understand, since you are all afraid of his sword-play, why you allowed Gustav to meet him."
"We had not then had this fearful evidence of his skill; and your cousin denied it, and believed him an impostor," said the baron.
"Nor do I believe in it," I answered vehemently, and I saw that I had produced the impression I wished of extreme caution in some things, coupled with recklessness in others, and had made them believe me thoroughly in earnest in my condition that, if my life were taken, my cousin Minna would go no farther. I had no wish to press matters any more, therefore.
"You are a true Gramberg, Prince, it is easy to see," said the baron, smiling uneasily. "And I fear you will give us trouble."
I meant to, but not of the kind as anticipated.
"That may be," I replied, ungraciously and curtly. "But now, if you please, as to these conditions."
"We can accept them if you will pledge yourself to take no rash action in hazarding your life until we have succeeded. Otherwise I for one shall withdraw, even now."