"His Imperial Majesty will receive him for a few minutes later.

The Baron Von Ragastein will come this way." Dominey was ushered now into the main saloon.

His guide motioned him to remain near the entrance, and, himself advancing a few paces, stood at the salute before a seated figure who was bending over a map, which a stern-faced man in the uniform of a general had unrolled before him.

The Kaiser glanced up at the sound of footsteps and whispered something in the general's ear.

The latter clicked his heels together and retired.
The Kaiser beckoned Dominey to advance.
"The Baron Von Ragastein, your Majesty," the young officer murmured.
Dominey stood at attention for a moment and bowed a little awkwardly.
The Kaiser smiled.
"It pleases me," he said, "to see a German officer ill at ease without his uniform.