Barney thought of the girl he loved; but he did not mention her name, for he knew that she was not for him now.
“There is nothing, your majesty,” he said.
“A money reward,” Leopold started to suggest, and then Barney Custer lost his temper.
A flush mounted to his face, his chin went up, and there came to his lips bitter words of sarcasm. With an effort, however, he held his tongue, and, turning his back upon the king, his broad shoulders proclaiming the contempt he felt, he walked slowly out of the room.
Von der Tann and Butzow and Leopold of Lutha stood in silence as the American passed out of sight beyond the portal.
The manner of his going had been an affront to the king, and the young ruler had gone red with anger.
“Butzow,” he cried, “bring the fellow back; he shall be taught a lesson in the deference that is due kings.”
Butzow hesitated. “He has risked his life a dozen times for your majesty,” said the lieutenant.
Leopold flushed.
“Do not humiliate him, sire,” advised Von der Tann. “He has earned a greater reward at your hands than that.”