Arms and the Woman

"But has she no rights as a petty sovereign?" I asked.

"Only those which the King is kind enough to give her. She is but a

tenant: the rulers of Hohenphalia are but guests of his Majesty. It is

to be regretted, but it cannot be helped."

That afternoon, as I lay on my pallet, it seemed to me that in some

unaccountable way I was destined to become concerned in the affairs of

her Serene Highness. I had never seen the woman, not even a picture of

her. Certainly, she must be worth loving, inasmuch as she was worth

trouble. I have always found it to be the troublesome woman who has

the largest train of lovers. Troublesome, they are interesting;

interesting, they are lovable.

It was more than a year since last I saw Phyllis; yet my love for her

knew no diminution. I began to understand why Hillars traveled all

over the Continent to get a glimpse of the woman he loved. With the

pleasant thought that I should see Phyllis again, I dozed. I was half

asleep when I was aroused by loud voices in the corridor.

"But I do not believe him to be the man," I heard my jailer declare.

"Bah! I know there is no mistake," roared a voice which was accustomed

to command. "He's been trying to hoodwink you. Watch the surprise in

his face when he sees me, the cursed meddler and scribbler. It would

be a pleasure to witness his hanging. Come, show him to me."

"Yes; come along, my dear old warhorse," I murmured, turning my face

toward the wall. "There is a nice little surprise party in here

waiting for you."

The door opened.

"Unlocked!" bawled the Count. "What does this mean, Baron?"

"He gave his word as a gentleman," was the quiet reply.

"Gentleman? Ach! I'll take a look at the gentleman," said the Count,

stepping up to the pallet and shaking me roughly by the shoulder.

"Wake up!"

I sat up so as not to miss the comedy which was about to set its scenes

upon the grim visage of the Count. As his eyes met mine his jaw fell.

"A thousand devils! Who are you?"

"I couldn't swear," said I, meekly. "Everybody hereabouts insists that

I am some one else. The situation warrants a complete explanation.

Perhaps you can give it?" I should have laughed but for those flashing

eyes.

"You are a blockhead," he said to his subaltern.