I heard the pair talking, but from where I stood I could not overhear any of their conversation. I heard His Highness laugh gaily, and though he lit a cigarette his companion's face was turned from me so that I could not catch a glimpse of it in the fitful light.
Presently, after he had held her in his arms and kissed her, they turned back in my direction.
As they passed I heard the girl say:
"I've been waiting for quite a quarter of an hour, Mr. Lehnhardt. I thought perhaps something had prevented you from keeping the appointment."
"All my mistake, dear," was his reply. "My mistake. Forgive me."
"Of course," she said, laughing, and I saw that she had her arm linked in his as they walked back in the direction of the keeper's cottage.
I followed in wonder, and not without anger. For the Heir of the Hohenzollerns to ramble upon such rural escapades was, I knew, distinctly dangerous. Exposure might come at any moment.
They had strolled together nearly half a mile when of a sudden, as they again passed into the deep shadows, the girl gave vent to a loud scream for help, and at the same moment men's angry voices were heard.
The pair had been attacked by three men who had apparently been lying hidden in the wood.
I heard a man shout, and then a sharp crack like that of a whip. The Kaiser's son was shouting, too, while the girl was screaming and crying shame upon those who had attacked the man with whom she had been walking.