The duty of
the guard is to protect the person of the ruler of Graustark, and to do
that to the death."
"It is my belief that you are a spy. You can show evidence of good faith
by enlisting to _fight_ against Dawsbergen and by shooting to
kill," said the count, with a sinister gleam in his eye.
"And if I decline to serve in any other capacity than the one I now--"
"Then I shall brand you as a spy and a coward."
"You have already called me a spy, your excellency. It will not make it
true, let me add, if you call me a coward. I refuse to take up arms
against either Dawsbergen or Axphain."
The remark created a profound sensation.
"Then you are employed by both instead of one!" shouted the Iron Count
gleefully.
"I am employed as a guard for her royal highness," said Baldos, with a
square glance at Yetive, "and not as a fighter in the ranks. I will
fight till death for her, but not for Graustark."
CHAPTER XVI
ON THE WAY TO ST. VALENTINE'S
"By Jove, I like that fellow's coolness," said Lorry to Harry Anguish,
after the meeting. "He's after my own heart. Why, he treats us as though
we were the suppliants, he the alms-giver. He is playing a game, I'll
admit, but he does it with an assurance that delights me."
"He is right about that darned old fort," said Anguish. "His knowledge
of such things proves conclusively that he is no ordinary person.
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