“Going to lose us?” repeated Jack in surprise.
“What do you mean, sir?” demanded Frank anxiously.
“Why,” said Lord Hastings, “I shall have to report your conduct to His Majesty, King George, and when I do——”
“I told you,” broke in Jack. “His Majesty will ask us to resign.”
“By George! I hope not,” exclaimed Frank.
“And when I do,” continued Lord Hastings, not heeding the interruptions, “I shall probably lose you both, for His Majesty probably will take you away from me.”
“What for, sir?” demanded Jack.
“Why,” was the reply, “His Majesty will realize, as I have long ago, that you are too valuable officers to be fooling around as lieutenants. You will probably get the promotions you both deserve.”
Jack and Frank fell suddenly silent. They had thought of nothing like this. But after some moments Frank said:
“Well, sir, if there is any danger of such a catastrophe, I hope that you will be kind enough to say nothing to the king.”