On leaving me, Hillars and the innkeeper, after having taken a pair of pistols, had mounted the cavalry horses despite the protests of the owners, and had galloped away in pursuit of the Prince and Count von Walden.  They caught sight of them a mile or so ahead.  They were loping along at a fair speed.  It took half an hour to bring the two parties within speaking distance.  Although the Prince and von Walden heard them, they never turned around, but kept on straight ahead.  This made Hillars’ choler rise, and he spurred forward.

“One moment, gentlemen,” he cried.  “I have a word with you.”

They galloped on unheeding.  When Hillars got in front of them they merely veered to either side.

“Ah!” said Hillars, choking with rage.  With a quick movement he bent and caught the bridle of the Prince’s horse.  The Count, seeing that the Prince was compelled to rein in, did likewise.  The Prince looked disdainful.

“Well, what is it?” asked Von Walden.  “Speak quickly.  Has your scribbling friend run away with Her Highness?”

“My remarks, most noble and puissant Count,” said Hillars, bowing, satirically, to the neck of his horse, “I shall confine to the still more noble and puissant Prince of Wortumborg.”

“This is an unappreciated honor,” sneered the Prince.

“So it is,” replied Hillars, lightly.  “When an honest man speaks to you he is conferring an honor upon you which you, as you say, cannot appreciate.  It appears to me that Your Highness has what we in America call malaria.  I propose to put a hole through you and let out this bad substance.  Lead, properly used, is a great curative.  Sir, your presence on this beautiful world is an eyesore to me.”

“One excuse is as good as another,” said the Prince.  “Did Her Highness delegate you to put me out of the way?”

“Oh, no; but since you have brought her name into it, I confess that it is on her account.  Well, sir, no man has ever insulted a woman in my presence and gone unscathed.  In English speaking lands we knock him down.  This being Rome I shall do as the Romans do.  I believe I called you a liar; I will do so again.  Is the object of my errand plain?”

“As I said to your friend,” smiled the Prince, “I will send a lackey down here to take care of you.  Count, we shall hardly get to the station in time to catch the train.  Young man, stand aside; you annoy me, I have no time to discuss the Princess or her lovers.  Release my horse!”

“What a damned cur you are!” cried Hillars, losing his airy tone.  “By God, you will fight me, if I have to knock you down and spit upon you!” Then with full force he flung his hat into the face of the Prince.

“You have written finis to your tale,” said the Prince, dismounting.

“Your Highness!” exclaimed the Count, springing to the ground, “this must not be.  You shall not risk your life at the hands of this damned adventurer.”