"What does the duke say?"

"The duke?"

"Yes."

"His Highness has been dead these four years."

"Dead four years? So much for man and his futile dreams. Dead
four years," absently.

"What did you say, Herr?"

"I? Nothing. How did he die?"

"He was thrown from his horse and killed. But the duchess lives,
and she is worthy of her sire. Eh, Herr, there is a woman for
you! She should sit on this throne; it is hers by right. These
Osians are aliens and were forced on us."

"It seems to me, young man, that you are talking treason."

"That is my business, Herr." Johann laughed. "I am a socialist,
and occasionally harangue for the reds. And sometimes, when I am
in need of money, I find myself in the employ of the police."

The muscles of the Englishman's jaws hardened, then they relaxed.
The expression on the face of his guide was free from anything
but bonhomie.