Jack bowed again as the king finished.
“No doubt you are hungry,” the king continued, “for you could not have eaten during your long chase. My own breakfast is now ready, and I hope I may have the pleasure of your company?”
The king’s last words were an interrogation and, overcome by this hospitality, Jack could do naught but nod his head in assent.
“Come, then,” said the king, and he turned toward the door.
Jack followed him from the room.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
A DASH FOR FREEDOM.
Despite the fact that he was sadly lacking in a knowledge of court etiquette, Jack acquitted himself creditably in breakfasting with royalty. He recounted his adventures preceding the time he joined the British navy and gave the king an account of his early life. He spoke of Frank several times, and finally the king was moved to ask:
“And your friend—this American youth—is he as great a fighter as you are?”
“Well, Frank is a fighter,” was Jack’s reply. “I don’t know as I come in that class,” modestly, “but Frank is a mighty good friend to have around in time of need.”
“No better than you, I’ll warrant,” the king made answer, as he arose from the table. “But come, I have many affairs to attend to, which is the reason I came here from Copenhagen yesterday, so I shall have to turn you over to someone for safekeeping. It would not do to have you get away; and besides, I have promised myself more of your company.”