Then the maid followed into the darkness of the interior and closed the door.

Truly that variable goddess, Fortune, had chosen to play one of her oddest tricks and for the time, at least, she had chosen him also as her favorite.

But with a presence of mind bred in the terrible school of war, he stood waiting ready to receive all her gifts with a thankful heart.

"These are two Frenchwomen, prisoners, whom I hold," said the prince in a whisper.

"There are reasons of state why they should be taken from Zillenstein and be hidden at my hunting lodge in the mountains.