We were by now at the station. Fritz had recovered nerve enough to explain to the astonished station master that the king had changed his plans. The train steamed up. We got into a first-class carriage, and Sapt, leaning back on the cushions, went on with his lesson. I looked at my watch—the king's watch it was, of course. It was just eight.
"I wonder if they've gone to look for us," I said.
"I hope they won't find the king," said Fritz nervously, and this time it was Sapt who shrugged his shoulders.
The train traveled well, and at half-past nine, looking out of the window, I saw the towers and spires of a great city.
"Your capital, my liege," grinned old Sapt, with a wave of his hand, and, leaning forward, he laid his finger on my pulse. "A little too quick," said he in his grumbling tone.
"I'm not made of stone!"I exclaimed.
"You'll do," said he, with a nod. "We must say Fritz here has caught the ague. Drain your flask, Fritz, for Heaven's sake, boy!"
