Here is a plan ready
to my hand. Let me find that lost document, appear in Vienna and announce
myself Frederick Augustus, the son of the Archduke Karl! I knew both men
intimately. You may remember that Frederick and I were born in the same
month. I, too, am Frederick Augustus! We passed commonly in America as
brothers. Many of the personal effects of Karl and Augustus are in my
keeping--by the Archduke's own wish. You have spent your life studying
human nature, and you know as well as I do that half the world would
believe my story if I said I was the Emperor's nephew. In the uneasy and
unstable condition of your absurd empire I should be hailed as a
diversion, and then--events, events!"
Count von Stroebel listened with narrowing eyes, and his lips moved in an
effort to find words with which to break in upon this impious
declaration. When Armitage ceased speaking the old man sank back and
glared at him.
"Karl did his work well. You are quite mad. You will do well to go back
to America before the police discover you."
Armitage rose and his manner changed abruptly.
"I do not mean to trouble or annoy you.
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