"Yes; but unfortunately the Prince has quarrelled with his consort. They say that he even forbids her to enter his apartments."
This answer seemed to quite confound Banfi; but he had still one hope left.
"I don't believe they'd dare to do me mischief, for they know that at Klausenburg and Somlyo I have armies in battle array which can call them to account at any moment."
"Oh, my lord, it is difficult to direct an army from the walls of a prison, and you know very well that a live dog is stronger than a dead lion."
These words seemed to produce a great change in Banfi. For a time he moodily rode by Kuncz's carriage; then, after a long pause, he replied in a very low voice—"You are right," gave his horse the spur, and rode back to Klausenburg with the firm resolve of not allowing himself to be enticed from his stronghold.
On reaching the spot where scarcely six hours before he had restrained the enthusiastic ardour of his troops, he was much surprised to find a band of gipsies apparently searching for something on the ground.
"What are you doing here?" cried he, as he came up to them.
At this question their leader came forward, and recognizing Banfi, humbly doffed his cap.
"Verily, your Excellency, the gipsies have come hither to collect the cartridges which the brave and noble gentlemen have scattered about here."
"But where then are the gentlemen?"