"It is not true, I tell you! You have been falsely informed--must have been."
"Hardly, but it can soon be settled, since you are expecting Runeck."
Dernburg started up and began to pace the floor in the greatest excitement, but let him consider the matter as he would, it appeared to him as incredible as at the first moment.
"Folly! Egbert is not going to act in such a farce. He knows that he must oppose me, and enter the lists against his old friend."
"Do you believe that will hinder him?" asked Oscar mockingly. "Herr Runeck, at all events, stands high above all those old prejudices of gratitude and dependence, and who knows whether his election is so hopeless? For months past he has been out at Radefeld, withdrawn from observation, and had a few hundred workmen at his disposal. He will, at all events, have secured their votes, and each individual ensures him ten, nay, twenty votes among his comrades here at Odensburg. He has made good use of his time, you may depend."
Dernburg gave no answer, but his step grew ever more hurried, his mien more threatening, while Wildenrod continued:
"And this is the man upon whom you have showered benefits! He has to thank you for his education, his culture,--all that he is. You gave him a position that is envied by all the officers, and he makes use of it to secretly undermine your authority and to strike a blow at you here, with the votes of your own men."
"Do you deem that possible?" asked Dernburg with sharpness. "I think we need give ourselves no anxiety on that score."
"I hope not, but it will at least be attempted, and that is enough. Up to this time Runeck has very wisely been silent, although he must have known for months what was in agitation. This will finally open your eyes to your favorite, or do you still disbelieve my report?"
"I do. As for the rest Egbert will explain matters to me."