“I am awake, thanks,” he laughed, and the hand dropped from his arm.

After this there was a longer silence than at any time before.  The soldier drew himself into the corner of the seat, an action which repelled further discussion, it seemed to Lorry, so he leaned back in the opposite corner and allowed his mind to wander far from the interior of that black, stuffy carriage.  Where was he going?  When was he to leave Graustark?  Was he to see her soon?

Soon the carriage left the smooth streets of Edelweiss and he could tell, by the jolting and careening, that they were in the country, racing over a rough, rocky road.  It reminded him of an overland trip he had taken in West Virginia some months before, with the fairest girl in all the world as his companion.  Now he was riding in her carriage, but with a surly, untalkative soldier of the guard.  The more he allowed his thoughts to revel in the American ride and its delights, the more uncontrollable became his desire to see the one who had whirled with him in “Light-horse Jerry’s” coach.

“I wish to know how soon I am to see your mistress,” he exclaimed, impulsively, sitting up and striking his companion’s arm byway of emphasis.  To his surprise the hand was dashed away, and he distinctly heard the soldier gasp.  “I beg your pardon!” he cried, fearing that he had given pain with his eager strength.

“You startled me I was half asleep,” stammered the other, apologetically.  “Whom do you mean by my mistress?”

“Her Royal Highness, of course,” said Lorry, impatiently.

“I cannot say when you are to see the Princess,” said his companion after waiting so long that Lorry felt like kicking him.

“Well, see here, my friend, do you know why I agreed to leave that place back there?  I said I wouldn’t go away from Graustark until I had seen her.  If you fellows are spiriting me away —­kidnapping me, as it were,—­I want to tell you I won’t have it that way.  I must know, right now, where we are going in this damnable storm.”

“I have orders to tell you nothing,” said the soldier, staunchly.

“Orders, eh!  From whom?”

“That is my affair, sir!”

“I guess I’m about as much interested in this affair as anybody, and I insist on knowing our destination.  I jumped into this thing blindly, but I’m going to see my way out of it before we go much farther.  Where are we going?”

“You—­you will learn that soon enough,” insisted the other.

“Am I to see her soon?  That’s what I want to know.”

“You must not insist,” cried the soldier.

“Why are you so anxious to see her?” he asked, suddenly.

“Don’t be so blamed inquisitive,” cried Grenfall, angrily, impatiently.  “Tell me where we are going or I’ll put a bullet into you!” Drawing his revolver he leaned over, grasped the guard by the shoulder and placed the muzzle against his breast.