He addressed the Baron in German:
"This man is a designing plotter; he is bent upon mischief and treason;
he has contrived an attempt against the noble ruler of our nation--he is
a menace to the throne--"
"Who is he?" demanded Marhof impatiently; and his eyes and the eyes of
all fell upon Armitage.
"I tell you we found him lurking about in Europe, waiting his chance, and
we drove him away--drove him here to watch him. See these things--that
sword--those orders! They belonged to the Archduke Karl. Look at them and
see that it is true! I tell you we have rendered Austria a high service.
One death--one death--at Vienna--and this son of a madman would be king!
He is Frederick Augustus, the son of the Archduke Karl!"
The room was very still as the last words rang out. The old Ambassador's
gaze clung to Armitage; he stepped nearer, the perspiration breaking out
upon his brow, and his lips trembled as he faltered:
"He would be king; he would be king!"
Then Armitage spoke sharply to Claiborne.
"That will do. The gentleman may retire now."
As Claiborne thrust Chauvenet out of the room, Armitage turned to the
little company, smiling.
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