“I am not equally sure of that,” the other returned, in a nettled tone.
“I will brook no interference from you or any other man,” the Count shouted, resentfully. “Will you please to pass on your way? You are off your road here.”
Any further rejoinder from the leader of the troop was prevented by a cry of discovery from one of his own men who was nearest to Ludovic and Ompertz.
“Captain! Captain! We are in luck at last. Here are the very men we are seeking!”
“What!” The leader put his horse forward, and came up eagerly to where the two men stood. As he reined up, they both recognised him; Udo Rollmar.
“So I have caught you at last, my dashing Lieutenant,” Udo exclaimed, viciously exultant. “Before I hang you on the nearest tree, you will tell me——”
“What has become of the Princess,” Ludovic said. “I will tell you at once. She is a prisoner in that castle.”
“Ah, you vile traitor—you——”
Ludovic went up close to his horse’s head. “I will tell you something more,” he began. Udo’s horse made a slight plunge forward, and Ludovic put his hand on the bridle. Udo raised his sword.
“Back! you dog,” he cried savagely. “Keep your distance, or——”