"
Taking a large sealed paper from a drawer in his writing-desk, he handed
it to Cecil.
"That is the order for the arrest; destroy it yourself!" said he.
Taking the paper, Cecil read it with attention. "It is, as you say, the
order for the arrest. It is destroyed!"
With a satisfied smile, he tore the paper into a thousand pieces, and
placed these in his bosom.
The count had stepped to the table and hastily written a few lines upon
another piece of paper. This he handed to Cecil. "I hope you are now
satisfied," said he.
Cecil took the paper and read it.
"This is a safety-pass in due form," said he--"a valid instruction to
all boundary guards and officials to let us pass without molestation.
Your excellency, we are quits. I complied with your wish, as you now
have with mine, and my dear master is saved!"
"It being understood that you start immediately," said the count.
"The post-horses are already ordered, and we shall set out as soon as I
return home. Farewell, therefore, Sir Count; I thank you for enabling me
to save the man whom I most loved. I thank you!"
Cecil was approaching the door, when he suddenly stopped, and his face
took a sad expression.
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