I watched the brave monarch read it through from beginning to end without one manifestation of dismay or even of indignation.
‘My poor subjects!’ was his sole remark as he raised his eyes at the end. ‘They little know the fate they are preparing for their children.’
I asked if his Majesty had any further instructions for me. To my surprise he answered, ‘Yes.’
“I watched the brave monarch read it through from beginning to end without one manifestation of dismay.”
‘There is only one quarter to which I can look for aid,’ he said, ‘and that is England. Germany is a broken reed. Go to England, take this document with you, show it to the principal members of the Government, telling them how it came into your hands, and ask them if they wish to see a Russian Cherbourg within twelve hours of the Scottish coast. If they remain indifferent, I can do nothing more.’
‘The English Press?’ I suggested doubtfully.
‘The Norwegians have captured it, I fear,’ objected his Majesty. ‘Norway is the playground of the British tourist; and, besides, the English consider themselves half Norwegian by race. No, popular sentiment in Great Britain is on the side of Norway.’
‘Nevertheless, sire, if thoughtful Englishmen could be made to realise that, for the sake of pique—for a mere whim—the Norwegians were about to place the keys of the Atlantic in the hands of Britain’s most formidable foe, they might make their influence felt.’
‘Do what you think best, M. V——,’ the King said wearily. ‘I am getting an old man, and I wish for peace.’