Again there was silence, and slowly it was borne in on Von Hügelweiler that he was being tempted. The situation horrified him. However much he desired to win the King's Cup, he desired to win it fairly. On the other hand, he neither wished to offend his Commander-in-Chief nor ruin his prospects of success in the competition. He began to be angry with Fate for placing him in a dilemma, before he knew exactly what the dilemma was. Suddenly the Commander-in-Chief sat bolt upright, and in a voice of great earnestness demanded: "Von Hügelweiler, do you know that there is a firebrand in Weidenbruck?" "Weidenbruck is a cold place, General, but it usually contains a firebrand or two." "I know; but I speak of no common incendiary. Father Bernhardt is here." Von Hügelweiler nodded. "At number 42, Schugasse," he supplemented. "You know that?" demanded the General eagerly. "He passed me a quarter of an hour since. He was being followed, I think." "Good!" ejaculated General Meyer. "I want him. Captain, I asked you just now if you wanted to win the King's prize. I learn that you are the most promising competitor for this important affair. The winner of the King's prize is sure of the personal interest of his Majesty. Grimland,--especially female Grimland,--loves the successful athlete. Official Grimland smiles on him. Skating may not be the most useful accomplishment for a soldier, but proficiency in sport connotes, at any rate, physical fitness and a temperate life. There is no reason why you should not gain this trophy, and there is no reason why the gainer should not go far." Von Hügelweiler's dark eyes flamed at the words, and his handsome, sombre face glowed involuntarily at the other's suggestion. "As I am to be the judge," continued the General calmly, "there is no reason why your victory should not be a foregone conclusion." Slowly the Captain's face hardened to a mask, and his eyes became points of steel. "I do not follow, General," he said stiffly. "You are a shade dense, my young friend," said Meyer, leaning forward and tapping the other's knee. "You want the King's prize; I want the King's enemy." "But I cannot give him to you," protested the Captain. "You know where he is housed; you have a sword." "You wish me to effect his arrest, General? You have but to command."