Lord Hastings entered jauntily, not the slightest nervousness in his manner, though his right hand in the pocket of his great coat rested upon the butt of his revolver. Frank and Jack, close behind, also had a hand thrust into their pockets and there was no need to mention what lay within the palm of each. A waiter approached and conducted them to a table at the far end of the room, but one removed from the one they had had the night before. Lord Hastings gave the order and then, for the first time, glanced around. There was no sign of Lieutenant Holzen. Across the room Marie was preparing to sing and a hush fell over the diners,--which continued until she had finished. Following came a roar of approval. It was while she was responding to an encore that Lieutenant Holzen entered. Frank was the first to see him and gave a start. He spoke to Lord Hastings in a whisper. "Keep your nerve, now," was his commander's quiet response. "If he comes over here, let me deal with him." Frank said nothing. Now Marie had resumed her seat. Lieutenant Holzen, after glancing toward her, swept the room with his eyes. As he perceived Lord Hastings and his two officers, he clenched his hands and took a step forward. For a moment Frank could see that he was plainly undecided just what to do; then the German hastily approached. Frank gripped the table with both hands. Before the three, Lieutenant Holzen paused. His eyes rested upon Frank. "Last night," he said, "when I was somewhat the worse for wear, you struck me. I demand either an apology or the satisfaction due from one gentleman to another." Lord Hastings answered for Frank. "If my friend here has insulted you," he said quietly, "it is but right that you should demand an accounting. We shall be here all evening. If you will send a friend to me, we shall arrange the details." The German bowed and Lord Hastings, Frank and Jack did likewise. Then turning on his heel, Lieutenant Holzen walked away. Frank kept an eye on him and saw that the young German spent most of his time gazing at Marie. Looking in her direction, he was surprised to see the girl return the young officer's smile. She nodded to him. Frank mentioned the matter to Lord Hastings, and added: "I don't like it." "Ho! Ho!" laughed Jack. "So you are getting jealous, eh?" Frank flushed. "You know better than that," he replied sharply. "I just don't like it; that's all." Suddenly, in response to a smile from Marie, Lieutenant Holzen arose and approached her. The music was about to commence and Frank realized what was going to happen. For some reason he could not explain to himself he felt decidedly uncomfortable and shifted uneasily in his seat. Jack noticed this and was about to make a remark greatly to his chum's discomfort, when Lord Hastings stayed him with a gesture. "Quiet now," he said, "and if I am not mistaken and you look sharp, you may see something interesting."