for the little Crown Prince. One who is both brave and loyal."

Afterward, in his small room, Nikky composed a neat, well-rounded
speech, in which he expressed his loyalty, gratitude, and undying
devotion to the Crown Prince. It was an elegant little speech.
Unluckily, the occasion for it had gone by two hours.

"I - I am grateful, sire," was what he said. "I -" And there he
stopped and choked up. It was rather dreadful.

"I depend on you, Captain Larisch," said the King gravely, and
nodded his head in a gesture of dismissal. Nikky backed toward
the door, struck a hassock, all but went down, bowed again at the
door, and fled.

"A fine lad," said General Mettlich, "but no talker."

"All the better," replied His Majesty. "I am tired of men who
talk well. And" - he smiled faintly -"I am tired of you. You
talk too well. You make me think. I don't want to think. I've
been thinking all my life. It is time to rest, my friend."




CHAPTER V

AT THE RIDING-SCHOOL