“Only a flesh wound in the calf of his left leg, sire,” replied Butzow.
“I am glad,” was Barney’s only comment. He didn’t want to be king of Lutha; but he had foreseen that with the death of the king his imposture might be forced upon him for life.
After Butzow and one of the troopers had washed and dressed the wounds of both men Barney asked them to leave the room.
“I wish to sleep,” he said. “If I require you I will ring.”
Saluting, the two backed from the apartment. Just as they were passing through the doorway the American called out to Butzow.
“You have Peter of Blentz and Maenck in custody?” he asked.
“I regret having to report to your majesty,” replied the officer, “that both must have escaped. A thorough search of the entire castle has failed to reveal them.”
Barney scowled. He had hoped to place these two conspirators once and for all where they would never again threaten the peace of the throne of Lutha—in hell. For a moment he lay in thought. Then he addressed the officer again.
“Leave your force here,” he said, “to guard us. Ride, yourself, to Lustadt and inform Prince von der Tann that it is the king’s desire that every effort be made to capture these two men. Have them brought to Lustadt immediately they are apprehended. Bring them dead or alive.”
Again Butzow saluted and prepared to leave the room.