that I was putting them into the mill to grind for English sacks."

"Your Majesty will recollect that the measure authorizing this
loan was rather a peculiar one. Five millions were to be
borrowed indiscriminately, of any man or body of men willing to
advance the money on the securities offered. First come, first
served, was not written, but it was implied. It was this which
roused my curiosity, or cupidity, if you will."

"I can not recollect that the bill was as you say," said the
king, frowning.

"I believe you. When the bill came to you, you were not expected
to recollect anything but the royal signature. Have you read
half of what you have signed and made law? No. I am serious.
What is it to you or to the people, who secures this public
mortgage, so long as the money is forthcoming? I desire to
purchase at face value the twenty certificates."

"As a representative of England?"

The diplomat smiled. The king's political ignorance was well
known. "As a representative of England, Sire, I could not
purchase the stubs from which these certificates are cut. And
then, as I remarked, I am an unfettered agent of self. The
interest at two per cent. will be a fine income on a lump of
stagnant money. Even in my own country, where millionaires are
so numerous as to be termed common, I am considered a rich man.
My personal property, aside from my estates, is five times the
amount of the loan. A mere bagatelle, if I may use that