“It is not pleasant, I know, sir,” said Mr Braine quietly; “but may I, as a fellow-countryman, offer you a little advice?”
“Of course.”
“Then pray go, sir. And, excuse me for saying, it would be uncourteous not to obey the summons. Vous parlez Français?” he added quietly.
“Yes, badly.”
“Croyez moi: il faut.”
Ned noticed a slight twitching of the Tumongong’s facial muscles, and an intent look in his eyes, as if he were trying to understand the last words, which puzzled him.
“I am at his highness’s service,” said Murray, abruptly. “Come Ned, you may as well come too.”
The chief officer smiled gravely, and placed himself beside Murray, his companion following his example, and walking up to Ned. Then they both bowed politely to the ladies, and signed to the visitors to go toward the steps.
“You are coming, then?” said Murray, as he saw Mr Braine step forward.
“I? Oh yes. You will want an interpreter,” said the gentleman addressed.