"Imbecile, set your eye on that and admit me without more ado!"
The majordomo was thunderstruck. Indeed, a blast from the heavens would
have jarred him less.
"Open, then!"
The majordomo threw back the bolts and the carter pushed his way in.
That ring on the carter's finger? The majordomo felt himself slipping
into a fantastic dream.
"Take me to the baron."
Vastly subdued the majordomo preceded the carter into the office of the
embassy. There he left the strange guest and went in search of the
baron. The ambassador was in his study, reading.
"Your Excellency, there is a man in the office who desires to see you
quickly."
The ambassador laid down his book. "Upon what pretense did he gain
admittance at this hour?" he demanded.
"I refused him admittance, your Excellency, because he was dressed like
a carter.--"
"A carter!" The ambassador wrathfully jumped to his feet.
"One moment, your Excellency. He wore a ring on his finger, and I could
not refuse him."
"A ring, you say?"
Guarding his voice with his hand, the majordomo whispered two words.
"Here, and dressed like a carter? What the devil!" The ambassador rushed
from the study.
It was dark in the embassy office. Quickly the ambassador lighted some
candles.
Pages:
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112