An
order from him would silence every objection."
Rojanow's eyes sank to the ground, and his dark, frowning brow grew
blacker as he answered:
"I know it, but I can ask nothing of him. The duke would ask the same
questions as the others. I dare not refuse him an answer, and I could
not tell him the truth."
"Nor me?" asked the prince, as he stepped up to his friend and placed
his hands on his shoulders. "Why do you wish to fight under the German
flag?"
Hartmut drew his hand across his brow as if to smooth out something,
then he answered with a gasp:
"Because it means deliverance or--death."
"You return as great a mystery as when you went away," said Egon,
shaking his head. "You have avoided my questionings; can you not tell me
your secret now?"
"Only get me into the army and I'll tell you everything!" cried Rojanow,
feverish with excitement. "I care not under what conditions, only get me
in the army. Don't speak to the duke or to any of the generals, only get
me into some subordinate command. Your name, your kinship to the
reigning house will make your recommendation of great value. They will
not be captious when Prince Adelsberg solicits a place for a friend."
"But they'll be sure to ask me the same questions they asked you. You
are a Roumanian--"
"No, no!" exclaimed Rojanow, passionately.
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