“I wish to sleep,” he said.  “If I require you I will ring.”

Saluting, the two backed from the apartment.  Just as they were passing through the doorway the American called out to Butzow.

“You have Peter of Blentz and Maenck in custody?” he asked.

“I regret having to report to your majesty,” replied the officer, “that both must have escaped.  A thorough search of the entire castle has failed to reveal them.”

Barney scowled.  He had hoped to place these two conspirators once and for all where they would never again threaten the peace of the throne of Lutha—­in hell.  For a moment he lay in thought.  Then he addressed the officer again.

“Leave your force here,” he said, “to guard us.  Ride, yourself, to Lustadt and inform Prince von der Tann that it is the king’s desire that every effort be made to capture these two men.  Have them brought to Lustadt immediately they are apprehended.  Bring them dead or alive.”

Again Butzow saluted and prepared to leave the room.

“Wait,” said Barney.  “Convey our greetings to the Princess von der Tann, and inform her that my wound is of small importance, as is also that of the—­Mr. Custer.  You may go, lieutenant.”

When they were alone Barney turned toward the king.  The other lay upon his side glaring at the American.  When he caught the latter’s eyes upon him he spoke.

“What do you intend doing with me?” he said.  “Are you going to keep your word and return my identity?”

“I have promised,” replied Barney, “and what I promise I always perform.”

“Then exchange clothing with me at once,” cried the king, half rising from his cot.

“Not so fast, my friend,” rejoined the American.  “There are a few trifling details to be arranged before we resume our proper personalities.”

“Do you realize that you should be hanged for what you have done?” snarled the king.  “You assaulted me, stole my clothing, left me here to be shot by Peter, and sat upon my throne in Lustadt while I lay a prisoner condemned to death.”

“And do you realize,” replied Barney, “that by so doing I saved your foolish little throne for you; that I drove the invaders from your dominions; that I have unmasked your enemies, and that I have once again proven to you that the Prince von der Tann is your best friend and most loyal supporter?”

“You laid your plebeian hands upon me,” cried the king, raising his voice.  “You humiliated me, and you shall suffer for it.”

Barney Custer eyed the king for a long moment before he spoke again.  It was difficult to believe that the man was so devoid of gratitude, and so blind as not to see that even the rough treatment that he had received at the American’s hands was as nothing by comparison with the service that the American had done him.  Apparently Leopold had already forgotten that three times Barney Custer had saved his life in the courtyard below.  From the man’s demeanor, now that his life was no longer at stake, Barney caught an inkling of what his attitude might be when once again he was returned to the despotic power of his kingship.