Claudius flung down the broken whip, and, taking the reins in his teeth, held a pistol in each hand.

He had recognized in the most prominent rider Major von Sendlingen, and in an instant he comprehended that this was a trap and that his chivalric, Christian conduct was the most base of impudent tricks.
Was Kaiserina also a betrayer?
He did not believe that.
Each horseman had a pistol as well as a sword drawn, and, besides, the two inferiors were armed with carbines.

This had the air of an assassination, and, infuriated by the treachery, Claudius resolved to begin the attack.

It mattered little whether Fraulein von Vieradlers was in the conspiracy or not.

Once she had saved his life, and he was bound not to molest her now, so long as she remained neutral.