Max breathed easier.
"I should be most happy to believe your Highness, but you will honor my strict observance of orders." He passed a telegram to her.
Search train for Doppelkinn. Princess has eloped. Arrest and hold pair till I arrive on special engine.
Barscheit.
The telegraph is the true arm of the police. The princess sighed pathetically. It was all over.
"Your passports," said the colonel to Max.
Max surrendered his papers. "You need not tie my hands," he said calmly. "I will come peaceably."
The colonel looked inquiringly at the princess.
"He will do as he says."
"Very good. I should regret to shoot him upon so short an acquaintance." The colonel beckoned for them to step forth. "Everything is prepared. There is a carriage for the convenience of your Highness; Herr Ellis shall ride horseback with the troop."
Max often wondered why he did not make a dash for it, or a running fight. What he had gone through that night was worth a good fight.