"They live around my neighbourhood; most of them have small farms, and the others who have not, earn good wages now, and they will soon save enough to buy a piece of land for themselves."
"Splendid! I suppose you still keep the secret of your hiding-place; the other men would not have told of its position?"
"Not a word. They took an oath never to do so, unless I gave them permission, for the place was mine by right of discovery."
"Supposing it was needed for the sake of Rudarlia and that His Majesty said, 'Send for Piotr that I may ask him for permission to use his hiding-place for his country's good.'"
This appeared to tickle him immensely and he roared with laughter.
"If His Majesty asked for it, he should have it for his own sake, Excellency, and my life with it if he wished."
I rang a bell.
"Has Colonel von Quarovitch arrived yet?"
"He awaits your Majesty."
"Tell him I wish to see him now."