"Unwell? Why, it is not an hour since he left me!"
"Nevertheless—"
"Let me explain, sire," said Captain Runacles, stepping forward again. "It happened thus. We met Captain van Adrienssen on our way from The Hague."
"Yes, yes."
"And it appeared—though I had forgotten it—that twenty years ago I had the imprudence to throw a boot at his head. It was off the Texel—"
"Have you lost your senses?"
"I beg your Majesty to listen. The sight of me revived that painful recollection. We pulled out our swords and fell on each other, forgetting, alas! that now we are both servants of your Majesty. It is annoying; but before we could remember it, Captain van Adrienssen was wounded."
William's brow was black as night.
"A duel?" he said sternly.
"Your Majesty, it could hardly be dignified by that name. Say rather—"