The thing that he had worked for and almost despaired of had come to pass.

For a while he could not speak; he flung himself upon his knees and kissed the Prince's hand.
That very night he received the letter giving him full powers, and the next morning he drove off in a carriage of his Highness drawn by six Polish horses towards the town of Strahlen on the road to Prague.

At Strahlen he stayed a day, feigning a malady, and sent the carriage back.
The following day, however, he took horse, and riding along by-roads and lanes avoided Prague and hurried towards Schlestadt.
He rode watchfully, avoiding towns, and with an eye alert for every passer-by.

That he was ahead of any courier from the Emperor at Vienna he did not doubt, but, on the other hand, the Countess of Berg and Lady Featherstone had the advantage of him by some four days.

There would be no lack of money to hinder him; there would be no scruple as to the means.