"Come, now. This is no time for evasion."

"Even at the best, sire - " He looked very ferocious, and
cleared his throat. He was terribly ashamed that his voice was
breaking.. "Even at the best, but of course they can only give
an opinion - "

"Six months?"

"A year, sire."

"And at the worst!" said the King, with a grim smile. Then;
following his own line of, thought: "But the people love the boy,
I think."

"They do. It is for that reason, sire, that I advise particular
caution." He hesitated. Then, "Sire," he said earnestly, "there
is something of which I must speak. The Committee of Ten has
organized again."

Involuntarily the King glanced at the photograph on the table.

"Forgive me, sire, if I waken bitter memories. But I fear - "

"You fear!" said the King. "Since when have you taken to
fearing?"

"Nevertheless,"maintained General Mettlich doggedly, "I fear.
This quiet of the last few months alarms me. Dangerous dogs do