Part 25 (1/2)

He took the dwarf by the arm and the latter moved along grumbling to himself.

The king received the party in his private quarters--a large field tent.

When the party was ushered into his presence, he was attended by a single orderly. He arose at their entrance. His eyes surveyed the group quickly, and he demanded:

”Where is my friend, Colonel Edwards?”

Colonel Anderson, delegated spokesman for the party by reason of his superior rank, stepped forward and replied quietly:

”He is dead, sire.”

The king took a step backward and pa.s.sed a trembling hand across his brow. He was silent for some moments before replying.

”Dead! One more victim of the Kaiser's militarism. Tell me, how did he die?”

Colonel Anderson explained quietly and briefly. Then, at the king's request, he went into the details of the journey; and when he had concluded, King Nicholas expressed his deep thanks for the service each member of the party had rendered him.

”And you say Nicolas, the traitor, is dead?” he questioned.

”Yes, your majesty. Nikol here,” and Colonel Anderson indicated the dwarf, ”saw to that.”

The king turned to Nikol. Then he commanded:

”Come here!”

Trembling, in spite of his denial that he was afraid of a king, Nikol approached. The king extended a hand, and Nikol bent one knee and put his lips to the hand.

”I thank you,” said King Nicholas.

Nikol, with flushed face, muttered something unintelligible and backed slowly away.

Then the king thanked each member of the party separately. Even Stubbs seemed somewhat abashed by the king's manner.

Later Colonel Anderson mentioned the gold they had brought and it was all deposited--fifteen bags of the precious metal--before the king.

”Again I thank you,” said the monarch. ”You may make sure that this gold will be used where it will do the most good.”

A few moments later the king signified that the audience was at an end.

As they pa.s.sed out he spoke a final word:

”If, at any time, there is anything I am able to do for any of you, you have but to command me.”

All bowed low.

”One moment,” said the king as they were about to withdraw, ”have you quarters?”

”No, sire,” returned Colonel Anderson.

The king spoke to the officer who attended him.

”You will see that these gentlemen are provided with suitable quarters at once,” he commanded. ”They are my guests.”