“‘Why not go up into the ball-room yourself?’ said the officer.
“I hid myself under a dark archway and listened to all that passed.
“Blood complained of his dress, and at last a second officer took up the card.
“In a few moments the king descended into the court-yard, apparently in a very bad temper.
“They walked towards the dark archway in which I was concealed.
“I heard all that passed between them.
“‘Well, Blood,’ said the king, in a cross mood, ‘what is the meaning of all this? You want a file of soldiers, I am told.’
“Colonel Blood explained all about the robbery, and swore in the king’s presence like a trooper.
“The king listened, smiled and frowned by turns, and at last said—
“‘Blood, what has become of that exquisite lass you abducted from Darlington? I am dying to see her.’