"And if I decline to serve in any other capacity than the one I now--"
"Then I shall brand you as a spy and a coward."
"You have already called me a spy, your excellency. It will not make it
true, let me add, if you call me a coward. I refuse to take up arms
against either Dawsbergen or Axphain."
The remark created a profound sensation.
"Then you are employed by both instead of one!" shouted the Iron Count
gleefully.
"I am employed as a guard for her royal highness," said Baldos, with a
square glance at Yetive, "and not as a fighter in the ranks. I will
fight till death for her, but not for Graustark."