I replied that I was a practical farmer, and had never been in the government service.
"Tell me how you have become what you are," said the Prince, taking a seat opposite me.
CHAPTER IV.
"I shall gladly tell you all."
"The less reserve on your part, the greater my thanks."
"I was one of those who were persecuted on account of what at that time was called demagogism.
"The soldier who guarded me--he is now a servant in my employ--informed me that I had been sentenced to death, and offered to change clothes with me, in order that I might escape. I refused the offer and remained. We were not sentenced to death, but to imprisonment for ten years. Ten years! A long, long night stared us in the face.
"Your Highness has taken me by the hand. Your father declared that he would never voluntarily offer his hand to me or my confederates, although it were necessary to do so if we meant to give him a pledge of our allegiance.
"You cannot remember the circumstance.
"After being imprisoned for five years, we were pardoned, and I and two of my prison-mates were elected members of the Parliament.