“—as soon as war breaks out—whenever and with whomever it may be—you will be appointed a general in the engineers. And should—as the result of the war—the form of government be changed you would also be given the title of Excellence and . . . in short at least a baronetcy to begin with. Even with regard to this . . . we have been given an assurance . . . from the highest quarters,” concluded Rohn almost inaudibly.
“And who told you that I should like that?” said Prokop icily.
“But my God!” cried Carson, “who wouldn’t? They’ve promised me the rank of knight; it doesn’t mean anything to me, but it’s not given me on my own account. But for you it would have quite special significance.”
“So you expect,” said Prokop slowly, “that I shall hand you over Krakatit.”
Mr. Carson would have sprung into the air, but Uncle Charles restrained him.
“We take it,” he began seriously, “that you will do everything, or . . . it may be . . . make every sacrifice, to save Princess Hagen from any sort of illegal and . . . impossible position. Under certain conditions . . . the Princess is allowed to marry a soldier. As soon as you are a captain your position will be regularized . . . by a strictly secret engagement. The Princess will of course go away and return as soon as she can secure a member of the ruling house as bridegroom for the wedding. Until then . . . until then we expect you to earn the right to a marriage which we feel to be good both for you and for her. Give me your hand. You need
