"I'd like to win better than anything in the world," said the young officer in tones of the deepest earnestness, his eyes lighting up wonderfully at the golden prospect.
"You will win," said Frau Krabb simply; "I have two kronen with my man on you, and you have my prayers."
"God answer them!" said the soldier piously. Then in a moment of enthusiasm he bent down and kissed the comical upturned face of the old shopwoman. "Pray for me with all your soul," he said, "for I want that cup, Mother of Heaven! I must have that cup." And, slinging his skates over his shoulder the officer was about to leave the shop, when Saunders accosted him.
"Hullo, Von Hügelweiler!" said the latter.
The soldier's eyes brightened with recognition. He had met the Englishman at Weissheim a few years previously, and was proud of the acquaintance, for Saunders was a name to conjure with in Grimland.
"Herr Saunders!" he cried, "I am charmed to meet you again. You are his Majesty's guest, I presume."
"I am at the Neptunburg, yes. Permit me to present my friend, Herr Trafford, of New York. Trafford, my friend, Ulrich Salvator von Hügelweiler, Captain in his Majesty's third regiment of Guides."
The two shook hands.
"Delighted to make your acquaintance," said the Grimlander. "But what are you requiring at Frau Krabb's?"
"Some skates for to-morrow's competition," replied Trafford.