"Such news, Madam, as you will not like to hear, though I have travelled with it night and day. Colonel Von Gelhorn sent me. He said I would be in time. I didn't wait to hear him say that twice."
"He sent you? Where, then, is my husband?"
"He is a prisoner, Madam."
"A prisoner! Whose?"
"Colonel Von Gelhorn's."
Was it satisfaction that filled the silence following this question?
"But safe? but well, Julius?"
"No, Madam, not safe nor well."
"Wounded? Julius, speak! Why must I ask these dreadful questions? Tell what you came to tell."
"He is wounded, Madam. He has never been taken away from the church where I carried him first after he fell. He had three horses shot under him. Oh, Madam, if it hadn't been for him, his whole army would have been lost! He wants you now."