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 “—as soon as war breaks out—whenever and with whomever it may be—you will be appointed a general in the engineers. And should—as the result of the war—the form of government be changed you would also be given the title of Excellence and in short at least a baronetcy to begin with. Even with regard to this we have been given an assurance  from the highest quarters,” concluded Rohn almost inaudibly.

“And who told you that I should like that?” said Prokop icily.

“But my God!” cried Carson, “who wouldn’t? They’ve promised me the rank of knight; it doesn’t mean anything to me, but it’s not given me on my own account. But for you it would have quite special significance.”

“So you expect,” said Prokop slowly, “that I shall hand you over Krakatit.”

Mr. Carson would have sprung into the air, but Uncle Charles restrained him.

“We take it,” he began seriously, “that you will do everything, or it may be  make every sacrifice, to save Princess Hagen from any sort of illegal and  impossible position. Under certain conditions the Princess is allowed to marry a soldier. As soon as you are a captain your position will be regularized by a strictly secret engagement. The Princess will of course go away and return as soon as she can secure a member of the ruling house as bridegroom for the wedding. Until then until then we expect you to earn the right to a marriage which we feel to be good both for you and for her. Give me your hand. You need