"Well met, cousin!" he cried, stepping up to me, clapping me on the
back, and laughing still. "You must forgive me if I was taken aback. A
man doesn't expect to see double at this time of day, eh, Fritz?"
"I must pray pardon, sire, for my presumption," said I. "I trust it will
not forfeit your Majesty's favour."
"By Heaven! you'll always enjoy the King's countenance," he laughed,
"whether I like it or not; and, sir, I shall very gladly add to it what
services I can. Where are you travelling to?"
"To Strelsau, sire--to the coronation."
The King looked at his friends: he still smiled, though his expression
hinted some uneasiness. But the humorous side of the matter caught him
again.
"Fritz, Fritz!" he cried, "a thousand crowns for a sight of brother
Michael's face when he sees a pair of us!" and the merry laugh rang out
again.
"Seriously," observed Fritz von Tarlenheim, "I question Mr. Rassendyll's
wisdom in visiting Strelsau just now."
The King lit a cigarette.
"Well, Sapt?" said he, questioningly.
"He mustn't go," growled the old fellow.
"Come, colonel, you mean that I should be in Mr. Rassendyll's debt,
if--"
"Oh, ay! wrap it up in the right way," said Sapt, hauling a great pipe
out of his pocket.
"Enough, sire," said I.
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