"Your Majesty! Listen to me!"
King William was turning calmly to ride back to his escort. But at sight of the intruder's commanding and venerable figure he checked his mare.
"Pray, sir, who are you? And what have you to say?"
"I'm Jeremy Runacles, and this lad's guardian."
"He is peculiarly unfortunate in the loyalty of his protectors."
"Sire, I have served my country in times past."
"I know it, Captain Runacles. But it seems that you, too, fight only against the Dutch."
"Your Majesty has, it appears, done me the honour to study my poor record."
"My word, sir! Does that surprise you?"
"No, sire, it reassures me. For you must be aware that I am no rebel."