have an opportunity of rewarding you."

Until this moment, Weingarten had been standing with bowed head, he
now stood erect, and his eye dared to meet that of the king.

"Sire," he said, with the noble expression of offended innocence, "I
demand and wish no other reward than that you may profit by my
warning. If the fearful danger that threatens your majesty is
averted through me, that will be my all-sufficient recompense. I
must decline any other."

The king smiled approvingly. "You speak emphatically, and it appears
that you really believe in this danger. Well, I thank you only as
that is your desire. I will respect your warning and guard myself
from the danger that you believe threatens me, but to do that, and
at the same time to convince ourselves of Trenck's evil intentions,
we must observe the most perfect silence in this whole affair, and
you must promise me to speak of it to no one."

"Sire, secrecy appeared to me so necessary, that I did not even
communicate it to Baron Puebla, but came to your majesty on my own
responsibility."

"You did well, for now Trenck will fall unwarned into the trap we
set for him. Be silent, therefore, upon the subject. If you should
ever have a favor to ask, come to me with this tabatiere in your
hand. I will remember this hour, and if it is in my power will grant
you what you wish."

He handed Weingarten his gold, diamond-studded tabatiere, and