You will
spring upon the remaining one and I will help you to bind him likewise.
Oh, you will accomplish it well; you are a strong man; moreover, you
are rapid."
I sat in my chair, speechless. Here was a woman of details. I had
never met one before.
"Well, does monsieur accept the adventure or does he politely decline?"
There was a subtle taunt in her tones. That decided me.
"Your Highness, I should be happy to meet a thousand Uhlans to do you
service. What you ask me to do is quite simple." I knew that I should
lose my head in case of failure. I rose and bowed as unconcernedly as
though she had but asked me to join her with a cup of tea.
"Ah, monsieur, you are a man!" And she laughed softly as she saw me
throw back my shoulders. There was unmistakable admiration in her
eyes. "And yet," with a sudden frown, "there will be danger. You may
slip; you may become injured. Yes, there is danger."
"Your Highness," said I lowly, compelling her eyes to meet mine, "it is
not the danger of the adventure or its results that I most fear." I
was honest enough to make my meaning clear.
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