The King talked quickly and clearly. There was no more trace of the enthusiast, nor, indeed, did he betray again during all the anxious days to come that more passionate side of the man which Brand’s few words seemed to have quickened into life. He talked now as the cool and skilful strategist. Brand, who was something of an amateur soldier himself, listened with keen interest.
“And you?” the King asked at last.
Brand smiled.
“I am here to see that the things which are coming are fairly reported from one quarter, at least,” he answered. “I am going to stay, and if the trouble comes I am correspondent for the New York Herald, as well as the Daily Courier.”
“That is very good news,” the King said. “England and America are the champions of freedom throughout the world. I have fought for England, and if this wrong is done to me I shall appeal to her for justice.”
A knock at the door. A young officer on the King’s staff saluted.
“His Excellency the Turkish Ambassador craves the privilege of an immediate audience,” he announced.