imperial money, and Trenck succeeded so far, that it was declared
that it was not he, but his accusers, who had committed the crime.
The consequence was, that the quartermaster was deposed, and it
would have fared as badly with the commander, had he not found
powerful protection."

"And now the dangerous Frederick von Trenck will seize the property
of the commissioners."

"He would do so if we did not know how to prevent him. We must
employ every means to remove him, and, believe me, we are not the
only men who wish for his disappearance. A large and powerful party
have the same desire, and will joyfully pay ten thousand guilders to
be freed from his investigations."

Weingarten's eyes sparkled for a moment, and his heart beat quickly,
but he suppressed these joyful emotions, and retained his calm and
indifferent expression.

"Gentlemen," he said, quietly, "as you are speaking of a real
criminal, one who intends committing so great a crime, I am at your
service, and no money or promises are necessary to buy my
assistance."

"Is he really a man of honor, and have we received false
information?" thought Zetto, who was misled for a moment by the
quiet and virtuous looks of the secretary of legation.

"In the mean while you will not prevent those for whom you are about
to do a great service from showing their gratitude," said Baron