Walther told him a little after noon that he was to take him into the presence of the august Prince Karl himself.

In some manner he had fallen under the favorable eye of His Highness who was about to assign him to an important duty.

It was an honor that seldom fell to one so young and ignorant and he hoped that he would conduct himself in a manner to reflect credit upon his superior and instructor, Walther.
John gave his faithful promise but he wondered what the prince could want with him personally and he did not look forward to the interview with confidence.

Perhaps his identity and the nature of his errand had been discovered, and it was merely an easy method of making him walk into the lion's jaws, but he could not have refused nor did he wish to do so.

His curiosity was aroused and he was willing to meet Auersperg face to face and talk with him.
Cap in hand he followed Walther, also cap in hand, into the interior of the castle.