“My kingdom is a tiny one,” he answered, “and I do not think after a while that there will be any difficulty at all.”
Mr. Van Decht rose from his chair and shook hands solemnly with the young man.
“I wasn’t reckoning upon having a King for a son-in-law,” he said, “but I know a man when I see him, and if it works out to be possible you can take my consent for granted. Sara is the daughter of plain people with no family to boast of, but I tell you this, sir, I am a man with few wants, and I will give Sara the largest dowry that has ever been given by prince or commoner. I reckon I’m worth five million pounds, and I’ll settle four and a half upon her. Theos wants money, and that may take things a bit smoother in case of trouble.”
“You are magnificently generous, sir!” Ughtred answered. “I am afraid that nowadays a bride with such a dowry would rank above princesses.”
The cathedral clock chimed again. Ughtred tore himself away. Reist met him at the door, his eyes blazing with excitement.
“Effenden Pascha has left the city!” he exclaimed. “The Turks are streaming over the frontier—Bushnieff has wired for reinforcements.”
“The supply trains are waiting?” Ughtred asked, quickly.
“With steam up!”
“Your carriage quickly. To the barracks!” Ughtred exclaimed.