He saw flashes of red between his face and the
other's.
"I have heard that before. But how?" banteringly.
"I will waive my crown; man to man!"
"Sword-sticks, sabers or hop-poles? Come," savagely, "what do you mean
by the goose-girl?"
So intent on the struggle were they that neither heard the door open and
close.
"Yes, my dear nephew; what do you mean by Gretchen?"
Carmichael released the king, and with feline quickness stooped and
secured the pistol which had fallen to the floor. Not sure of the new
arrival's purpose, he backed to the wall. He knew the voice and he
recognized its owner.
"Put it in your pocket, Mr. Carmichael. And let us finish this
discussion in English, since there are many ears about the place."
"His royal highness?" murmured the king.
"Yes, sire! True to life!"
Carmichael dropped the pistol into a pocket, and the king smoothed down
his crumpled sleeves.
"A fine comedy!" cried Herr Ludwig jovially, folding his arms over his
deep chest. "A rollicking adventure! Where's the story-book to match it?
A kingdom, working in the dark, headless; fine reading for these
sneaking journalists! Thunder and blazes!" with an amiability which had
behind it a good leaven of despair. "Well, nephew, you have not as yet
answered either Mr.
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