"Then," continued the Jesuit, "as prisoners of war you shall be exchanged for the high-born Lady and Princess Regina von Emmeritz, whom your king tyrannically sent a prisoner to the north."
"It shall be done!" answered Bertel eagerly.
"Be still!" cried Larsson. "Well, go on; posito that we accomplish the lady's deliverance?"
"Only a trifle remains. I demand of Lieutenant Bertel King Gustaf Adolf's ring."
"Your money or your life, like a highwayman!" said Larsson derisively.
"You ask for that which I do not possess," answered Bertel.
The Jesuit gave him a suspicious glance.
"The king ordered Duke Bernhard to give you the ring, and you must have received it."
"All this is quite unknown to me," said Bertel with truth, but surprised and delighted at this unexpected news.
The Jesuit resumed his smiling composure.