The case belonged to Frederick Augustus, Karl's son; and this sword was his; and these orders and that cloak lying yonder--all were his.

They were gifts from his father.

And believe me, my friends, I came by them honestly." The Baron bent over the table and spilled the orders from their silver box and scanned them eagerly.

The colored ribbons, the glittering jewels, held the eyes of all.

Many of them were the insignia of rare orders no longer conferred.