"I thank you," said King Nicholas.

Nikol, with flushed face, muttered something unintelligible and backed
slowly away.

Then the king thanked each member of the party separately. Even Stubbs
seemed somewhat abashed by the king's manner.

Later Colonel Anderson mentioned the gold they had brought and it was all
deposited--fifteen bags of the precious metal--before the king.

"Again I thank you," said the monarch. "You may make sure that this gold
will be used where it will do the most good."

A few moments later the king signified that the audience was at an end.
As they passed out he spoke a final word:

"If, at any time, there is anything I am able to do for any of you, you
have but to command me."

All bowed low.

"One moment," said the king as they were about to withdraw, "have you
quarters?"

"No, sire," returned Colonel Anderson.

The king spoke to the officer who attended him.

"You will see that these gentlemen are provided with suitable quarters at