"Let them go quietly back to Jugendheit."
"No!" blazed the duke.
"Are we rich enough for war?"
"Always questions, questions! What the devil is my army for if not to
uphold my dignity? Herbeck, you shall not argue me out of this."
"Rather let me reason. This is some prank, which I am sure does not
concern Ehrenstein in the least. They would never dare enter Dreiberg
for aught else. There must be a flaw in our secret service."
"Doubtless."
"I have seen this writing before," said Herbeck. "I shall make it my
business to inquire who it is that takes this kindly interest in the
affairs of state."
The duke struck the bell violently.
"Summon the chief of the police," he said to the secretary.
"Yes, yes, your Highness, let it be a police affair. This letter does
not state the why and wherefore of their presence here."
"It holds enough for me."
"Will your highness leave the matter in my hands?"
"Herbeck, in some things you are weak."
"And in others I am strong," smiled the chancellor. "I am weak when
there is talk of war; I am strong when peace is in the balance."
"Is it possible, Herbeck, that you do not appreciate the magnitude of
the situation?"
"It is precisely because I do that I wish to move slowly. Wait.
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