John stared.

"Mervo?"

It sounded like some patent medicine.

"I have been instructed," said Mr. Crump solemnly, "to inform Your
Highness that the Republic has been dissolved, and that your subjects
offer you the throne of your ancestors."

John leaned back in his chair, and looked at the speaker in dumb
amazement. The thought flashed across him that Mr. Crump had been
perfectly correct in saying that he had dined.

His attitude appeared to astound Mr. Crump. He goggled through his
spectacles at John, who was reminded of some rare fish.

"You are John Maude? You said you were."

"I'm John Maude right enough. We're solid on that point."

"And your mother was the only sister of Mr. Andrew Westley?"

"You're right there, too."

"Then there is no mistake. I say the Republic--" He paused, as if
struck with an idea. "Don't you know?" he said. "Your father--"

John became suddenly interested.