"I am not thinking of ladders as yet, Paul. Sufficient for the day is the foundation thereof, and I refuse to build my Kingdom on the broken vows of traitors."
"Ha! Stupid words! The ravings of cheap philosophers! By your own showing, I am a traitor."
"Yes, but an honest one. You fought fairly and were beaten. Were it otherwise, Theodore would never have tried so often to tempt you to his service."
The General flung himself back in the carriage and folded his arms. The steel spring was relaxed. He was baffled, and the weariness of life had suddenly enveloped him in its chilling fog. "Very well, then. We descend at Chalons," he said, with a sigh that was a tribute to adverse fate.
"Having paid for your ticket, you may as well come on to Vienna," said Alec with irritating composure.
"Curse Vienna! Why should I take that long journey for nothing?"
"To oblige me."
"You'll drive me crazy. How will it oblige you?"
"Because I am going to Delgratz, General, and there is a whole lot of things I want to ask you."
Stampoff bounced up again. "Will you be so kind as to explain what you mean?" he cried indignantly.