"Humph," said Nick, "I wish you had told me. I should not have given him the opportunity."
"Well, after all," I suggested, "the Fox has a right to exclude us if he is so minded. A man's castle is his home, I take it."
"Bharbazonians do not treat each other with such scant courtesy."
"You forget that we are two Americans to him. But even Bharbazonia is known to Baedeker, I suppose."
"Can you, the rejected physician, who yesterday stood ready to treat his son, forgive him so lightly?"
"Assuredly, when I remember that I was also one of the party which contributed to his son's fall."
"You are too good-natured, Dale. I could choke him with pleasure. One of these days when his son is king I shall compel an apology."
By common consent when we reached the highway we turned away from Framkor and rode past the Duke's estate, the length of which was plainly marked by an almost endless hedge. As we came opposite a pretty little summer-house, enclosed in glass and used as a winter conservatory, I caught sight of the prince's face behind the glass. His profile was toward us and, as he was sitting, only his head and shoulders were visible. Not hearing our hoof beats on the soft dirt road he did not look up as we passed. Here was an opportunity of accomplishing our purpose in spite of the Duke. Nothing loath I embraced it.
"If you are minded to talk to the Fox's son before he is king," I exclaimed, indicating the summer-house, "here is your chance."
Seeing the Prince, Nick put his horse to the hedge without a word and I followed. As we struck the ground on the other side, the Prince looked quickly up. He watched us tie our horses to a tree, but made no effort to rise when we burst open the door and unceremoniously entered.