“Been in any more naval battles since we last met?” said Gorman. “By the way, was there any fuss when you got home about that man’s teeth?”
Von Moll stalked into the hall. Gorman followed him.
“It’s no use your pretending not to understand English,” he said. “You talked it splendidly last time you were here.”
Von Moll made no pretence at politeness. He did not even salute the Queen. He looked round him with an insolent glare. Konrad Karl hurried through the door at the far end of the hall and took his place at the Queen’s side. He had a lighted cigarette in his hand. It could not be said of him that he was frightened; but he was certainly excited. He fidgeted nervously with his moustache and his eyes were unusually bright. Von Moll watched him for a minute and then spoke.
“King Konrad Karl,” he said, “you will consider yourself under arrest and be prepared to follow me on board.”
The King gave a little twist to his moustache.
“By whose authority do you give these orders?” he said.
“The Emperor’s.”
Von Moll clicked his heels together and saluted as he spoke. King Konrad Karl shrugged his shoulders. Gorman, determined not to be ignored this time, took von Moll by the arm.