“Not if you will give me your parole not to attempt to escape,” said the general kindly.
“I can’t do that, sir,” replied Jack, taken somewhat aback by the old general’s kindness.
“Then I fear that I must order you confined.”
The general turned to the officer who had captured Jack; but before he could open his mouth to speak, the abrupt entrance of another figure into the room caused him to turn with his order left unspoken.
As the newcomer advanced into the room, both Danish officers saluted, and then bowed low. Instinctively Jack felt that he was in the presence of royalty, and he also bent his knee in homage.
Nor was he wrong, for the good-natured, kindly-faced smiling man, who now approached them, was none other than Christian X, King of Denmark. In his eye there was a twinkle, and there was a humorous quirk to his mouth, only partly hidden by his mustache.
Nodding to the two officers, the king walked directly up to Jack, who, being the subject of a king himself, fell upon his knee. The king extended a hand and lifted the boy to his feet.
“I have overheard your conversation, sirs,” he said quietly, and, turning once more to Jack, “and I am indeed proud to have the pleasure of meeting so valiant an English youth.”
“I thank your majesty,” said Jack in great confusion, and could say no more.
“It is indeed unfortunate that you should have fallen into our hands,” continued the king, “for it must be as you have been told. Denmark is strictly neutral, and neutral she shall remain while I am king. You, I regret to say, must stay with us. But you shall be well treated. I myself shall see to that.”