"The walls have ears, prince," replied Coblich, "and we have not

always been as careful as we should in discussing the matter.

Something may have come to the ears of old Von der Tann. I don't for

a moment doubt but that he has his spies among the palace servants,

or even the guard. You know the old fox has always made it a point

to curry favor with the common soldiers. When he was minister of war

he treated them better than he did his officers."

"It seems strange, Coblich, that so shrewd a man as you should have

been unable to discover some irregularity in the political life of

Prince Ludwig von der Tann before now," said the prince querulously.

"He is the greatest menace to our peace and sovereignty. With Von

der Tann out of the way there would be none powerful enough to

question our right to the throne of Lutha--after poor Leopold passes

away."

"You forget that Leopold has escaped," suggested Coblich, "and that

there is no immediate prospect of his passing away."

"He must be retaken at once, Coblich!" cried Prince Peter of Blentz.

"He is a dangerous maniac, and we must make this fact plain to the

people--this and a thorough description of him. A handsome reward

for his safe return to Blentz might not be out of the way, Coblich."

"It shall be done, your highness," replied Coblich. "And about Von

der Tann? You have never spoken to me quite so--ah--er--pointedly

before. He hunts a great deal in the Old Forest. It might be

possible--in fact, it has happened, before--there are many accidents

in hunting, are there not, your highness?"

"There are, Coblich," replied the prince, "and if Leopold is able he

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