"Hartmut! Are you mad?"
Egon was pale too, now, and his voice trembled as he said:
"I cannot let that happen, I will do my best to get you into some regiment!"
"At last I thank you!"
"I cannot promise anything, for I must keep it from the duke. He leaves to-morrow for the seat of war. If he learns later that you are in the army, the excitement of war may prevent him asking the why and wherefore. But it will be several days before I can know anything definite. Will you be my guest until then?"
The prince had recovered his self-possession, and spoke as usual to his old friend; but Hartmut understood the undertone in this question.
"No, I will not remain in the city; I will go to the forestry at Rodeck. You can send me word there, and I'll be in the city in a few hours."
"As you please. Will you not go to Rodeck castle?"
Hartmut give him a long, sorrowful glance.
"No, I will stay at the forestry. Farewell, Egon."