The King looked at his friends: he still smiled, though his expression
hinted some uneasiness. But the humorous side of the matter caught him
again.

"Fritz, Fritz!" he cried, "a thousand crowns for a sight of brother
Michael's face when he sees a pair of us!" and the merry laugh rang out
again.

"Seriously," observed Fritz von Tarlenheim, "I question Mr. Rassendyll's
wisdom in visiting Strelsau just now."

The King lit a cigarette.

"Well, Sapt?" said he, questioningly.

"He mustn't go," growled the old fellow.

"Come, colonel, you mean that I should be in Mr. Rassendyll's debt,
if--"

"Oh, ay! wrap it up in the right way," said Sapt, hauling a great pipe
out of his pocket.

"Enough, sire," said I. "I'll leave Ruritania today."

"No, by thunder, you shan't--and that's sans phrase, as Sapt likes it.
For you shall dine with me tonight, happen what will afterwards. Come,
man, you don't meet a new relation every day!"

"We dine sparingly tonight," said Fritz von Tarlenheim.