"We'll be off at midnight, Hobbs," said Truxton, feeling in his pocket for the missing watch.
"As you say, Mr. King, just as you say," said Hobbs with fine indifference.
As Truxton was leaving the Castle ten minutes later, Hobbs having gone before to see to the packing of food-bags and the filling of flasks, a brisk, eager-faced young attendant hurried up to him.
"I bear a message from his Royal Highness," said the attendant, detaining him.
"He should be sound asleep at this time," said Truxton, surprised.
"His Royal Highness insists on staying awake as long as possible, sir. It is far past his bedtime, but these are troublesome times, he says. Every man should do his part. Prince Robin has asked for you, sir."
"How's that?"
"He desires you to appear before him at once, sir."
"In—in the audience chamber?"
"In his bedchamber, sir. He is very sleepy, but says that you are to come to him before starting away on your mission of danger."