'He has taken a gold chain of mine also,' I said, thrusting myself forward.
The general looked hard at me. 'Umph!' he said. 'Which way has he gone?'
'He left with the German gentleman and his two servants at daybreak,' Taddeo answered, rubbing himself. 'I thought that he had orders to go with them.'
'He has gone north, then?'
'North they started,' Taddeo whimpered.
The general turned to Ludwig. 'Take two men,' he said curtly, 'and follow him. But, whether you catch him or not, see that you are back two hours before noon. And let me have no more noise.'
Ludwig saluted hastily, and, it will be believed, lost no time in obeying his orders. In two minutes he was in the saddle, and dashed out of camp, followed by two of his men and one of my lady's, whom I took leave to add to the party for the better care of my property, should it be recovered. I looked after them with longing eyes, and listened to the last beat of the hoofs as they passed through the forest. And then for three hours I had to wait in a dreadful state of suspense and inaction. At the end of that time the party rode in again, the horses bloody with spurring, the riders gloomy and chapfallen. They had galloped four leagues without coming on the slightest trace of the fugitive or his companions.
'The German never went north,' Ludwig said, looking darkly at his chief.
Tzerclas smoothed his chin with his thumb and forefinger. 'Are you sure of that?' he asked.
'Quite, general. They have all gone south together,' Ludwig answered, 'and are far enough away by this time.'