he said: "That which we ask of you will be at the same time a
service to our gracious empress, for certainly it would not only
distress, but compromise her majesty, if an Austrian officer
committed a murder in Prussia."

"Murder!" cried the secretary of legation.

"Yes, an intentional murder," said Baron Waltz, emphatically--"the
murder of the King of Prussia. If you prevent this crime, you will
receive ten thousand guilders," said Zetto, examining Weingarten's
countenance closely. He remarked that the baron, who was but a
moment ago pale from terror, now reddened, and that his eyes
sparkled joyously.

"And what can I do to prevent this murder?" asked Weingarten,
hastily.

"You can warn the king."

"But to warn successfully, I must have proofs."

"We are ready to give the most incontrovertible proofs."

"I must, before acting, be convinced of the veracity of your
charges."

"I hope that my word of honor will convince you of their truth,"
said Baron Waltz, pathetically.

Weingarten bowed, with an ambiguous smile, that did not escape