shall have that scoundrel at my mercy as there is a God in heaven.

What an experience, what a lesson, was that game of cards!"

"One," said the Colonel, "never to be repeated."

The Prince remained so long without replying, that Geraldine grew

alarmed.

"You cannot mean to return," he said. "You have suffered too much

and seen too much horror already. The duties of your high position

forbid the repetition of the hazard."

"There is much in what you say," replied Prince Florizel, "and I am

not altogether pleased with my own determination. Alas! in the

clothes of the greatest potentate, what is there but a man? I

never felt my weakness more acutely than now, Geraldine, but it is

stronger than I. Can I cease to interest myself in the fortunes of

the unhappy young man who supped with us some hours ago? Can I

leave the President to follow his nefarious career unwatched? Can

I begin an adventure so entrancing, and not follow it to an end?

No, Geraldine: you ask of the Prince more than the man is able to

perform. To-night, once more, we take our places at the table of

the Suicide Club."

Colonel Geraldine fell upon his knees.

"Will your Highness take my life?" he cried. "It is his - his

freely; but do not, O do not! let him ask me to countenance so

terrible a risk."

"Colonel Geraldine," replied the Prince, with some haughtiness of

manner, "your life is absolutely your own. I only looked for

obedience; and when that is unwillingly rendered, I shall look for

that no longer. I add one word your: importunity in this affair

has been sufficient."

<<BackPagesTo menuNext>>