I found out afterwards that Mr. Smith's words had been of inestimable value, for this was his weak point: no one could flatter him too much about his sword-play. In other things he was unapproachable; but from that day to this Prince Kleber and I have been very great friends.
The room was filling up now, and I saw Mr. Smith's face wreathed in smiles, from which I surmised that I was playing my part well.
There was a little commotion in the crowd, and General von Vorkovitch was announced.
He was much older than I had anticipated, bowed, and rather shaky.
He would have bent in homage, had I not anticipated it by advancing a step or two and taking his hand.
"Your Majesty," he said slowly, "I have waited for this day, praying that I might be spared to see my King upon the throne of Rudarlia."
"General, before I knew that I was to be a King, even when a little boy at school, I thought of and longed to see the victor of Vortz, so God has been good to us both." I turned to Bauen. "A chair for General von Vorkovitch." Then turning to the old man, I continued, "Sit, General, we shall want all your strength, perhaps, to win us more battles."
The last to arrive was the editor of the most influential paper in Rudarlia, a man of much importance. His articles on the abuse of power had more than once caused the suppression of his paper, and exile or imprisonment to himself.
I was talking to him, when Mr. Smith made me a sign; I knew what it meant, and nodded.
He immediately commanded silence. Instantly a hush fell on the groups of excited men and women, and they formed a circle round me.