The physician looked at the lad keenly, and Jack returned his gaze unflinchingly. Finally the physician arose.
“Come, then,” he said; “but I would have you inform His Majesty that in the future I must insist upon a written order.”
Jack bowed coldly, and followed the physician from the room. Up two flights of stairs they went, and from there into a private room, fitted up luxuriously.
“You see,” the superintendent explained, “the prisoner has the best that we can offer. I hope that you will see fit to inform His Majesty that his orders are being obeyed.”
“I shall be glad to do so,” replied Jack.
He followed the physician to the bedside of the traitor. Hardy was sleeping, but the physician aroused him by shaking his arm.
“Your presence before the king is desired immediately,” he said.
Jack kept his face averted, for he feared that Hardy would recognize him in spite of his uniform.
“What does the king want?” questioned the traitor of the physician.
“I do not know, but this officer,” indicating Jack, “has been sent to conduct you to him.”