He drew a rather plain ring from his bony finger: "See if you can wear that," he said. "Does it fit you?" Guild tried it on. "Well enough." "Is there any danger of its slipping off?" Guild tried it on another finger, which it fitted snugly. "It looks like any other plain gold ring," he remarked. "Her name is engraved inside." "Karen?" "Karen." There came a short pause. Then: "Do you know London?" asked von Reiter. "Passably." "Oh! You are likely to require a touring car. You'll find it difficult to get. May I recommend the Edmeston Agency? It's about the only agency, now, where any gasoline at all is obtainable. The Edmeston Agency. I use it when I am in London. Ask for Mr. Louis Grätz." After a moment he added, "My chauffeur brought your luggage, rücksack, stick, and so forth, from Yslemont. You will go to the enemies' lines south of Ostend in my car. One of my aides-de-camp will accompany you and show you a letter of instructions before delivering you to the enemies' flag of truce. You will read the letter, learn it by heart, and return it to my aide, Captain von Klipper. "There is a bedroom above. Go up there. Food will be sent you. Get what sleep you can, because you are to leave at sunrise. Is this arrangement agreeable to you--_Monsieur le Comte de Gueldres_?" "Perfectly, General Baron von Reiter." "Also. Then I have the honour to wish you good night and a pleasant sleep." "I thank you and I have the honour to wish you the same," said Guild, bowing pleasantly. General von Reiter stood aside and saluted with stiff courtesy as the young man passed out. A few moments later a regimental band somewhere along the Yslemont highway began to play "Polen Blut." If blood were the theme, they ought to have played it well enough. CHAPTER III TIPPERARY At noon on the following day Kervyn Guild wrote to his friend Darrel: DEAR HARRY: Instead of joining you on the Black Erenz for the late August trout fishing I am obliged to go elsewhere. I have had a most unpleasant experience, and it is not ended, and I do not yet know what the outcome is to be. From the fact that I have not dated this letter it will be evident to you that I am not permitted to do so. Also you will understand that I have been caught somewhere in the war zone and that is why the name of the place from which I am writing you is omitted--by request. We have halted for luncheon at a wayside inn--the gentleman who is kind enough to accompany me, and I--and I have obtained this benevolent gentleman's authorization to write you whatever I please as long as I do NOT 1st. Tell you where I am going. 2d. Tell you where I am. 3d. Tell you anything else that does not suit him.