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 CHAPTER XXI

FIGHT OR FLIGHT?

With the following day came startling confirmation of Captain Wolasky's warning. While I was with the regiment a letter was brought to me from the Prince requesting me to wait upon him.

I found him labouring under considerable excitement, pacing the floor restlessly and awaiting me impatiently.

"I thought you were never coming, Count," he said, irritably. "There seems to be no one now on whom I can rely."

"I came the instant I received your command, your Highness."

"Then there must have been some strange delay in giving my message. I cannot understand it."

"Is there anything in which I can serve you?"

"I wish to Heaven you could get me out of this wretched kingdom honourably. That would serve me." The words burst from him in obedience to an irresistible impulse. "I am sick and weary to death of it all;" and he continued his restless pacing for three lengths of the room. He stopped abruptly and threw himself into a chair close to me.

"Sit here," he cried, pointing to the chair next him. "I want to speak frankly to you." He paused again, and then laying his hand on my arm said very ear