He concluded at last that he must be waiting there for a conference of some kind between important men of Germany and Austria.

He had heard through the gossip in the castle that Italy was threatening war on Austria, and the Teutonic powers must now face also toward the southwest.

Much might be decided at Zillenstein.
Ilse and Olga were still his best sources of information.

Very little that passed in the castle missed their shrewd inquiring minds, and they had found in the handsome young peasant from Lorraine one with whom they liked to talk.

He jested and laughed with them but there was a certain reserve on his part that they could not break down but which drew them on.