"There have been some squabbles with the military again, as has often been the case of late. The ranger and his men have placed every possible difficulty in the way of the patrols, have even insulted them at last--it nearly came to an open fight."
An exclamation of extreme displeasure escaped the Princess's lips. "Must our plans always, invariably, be thwarted by the folly of our subordinates! Just now, when everything depends upon diverting attention from the station, they absolutely challenge observation. Did I not expressly command Osiecki to keep quiet, and to hold his men in check! A messenger must be sent over at once to repeat the order in the most strenuous terms."
Wanda had drawn nearer to listen. The border-station, as it was commonly called, because it was the last forester's post on the Nordeck property and lay within half a league of the frontier, seemed to have a great interest for her also.
"Unfortunately, Herr Nordeck has been beforehand with us," went on Pawlick, hesitatingly. "He has twice warned the forester, and threatened to punish him. On this last occasion he has sent him instructions to clear out of the station, and to come over to that of Wilicza. For the present, one of the steward's German inspectors is to be sent to the frontier, until a substitute is found."
"And what has Osiecki done?" interrupted the Princess, hastily.
"He has positively refused to obey, and sent word to the master that he has been placed at the border-station, and there he shall remain--if any one wants to drive him from it he may come and try."
The importance of the event described must have been greater than would appear. On the Princess's face were signs of unmistakable alarm.
"And what has my son determined to do?"
"Herr Nordeck declared that he would ride over himself this afternoon."
"Alone?" exclaimed Wanda.