“By George! I had forgotten! The woman is at the bottom of it.”
“Quite likely. I thought you'd come to that conclusion. Sometimes when we play with foxes they lead us into bear traps. Young man, witness these gray hairs; never speak to strange women, especially when they wear veils.”
Fitzgerald was now attending the conversation.
“And who is this woman?” asked Maurice.
“Mademoiselle of the Veil, according to your picturesque imagination; to me she is the intimate friend and adviser of her Highness Stephonia.” He wheeled to the troopers with a laugh: “Hoch, you beggars, hoch!”
Maurice indulged in some uncomplimentary remarks, among which was: “I'm an ass!”
“Every man improves on making that discovery; the Darwinian theory is wrong.”
After a pause Maurice said: “How did you get on the ground so quickly?”
“We arrived yesterday afternoon as the escort of your charmer. A pretty woman finds it troublesome to travel alone in these parts. When you slapped your friend on the back and bawled out his name—a name known from one end of the kingdom to the other—the plan of action was immediately formed. You were necessary, for it was taken for granted that you knew too much. You had also promised your sword,” with a chuckle.
“I made no promise,” said Maurice. “I only said that I should easily be found when wanted.”