I had no argument to offer. After a time I said: "To-morrow, cousin, we shall return to America, our native land. When we are older it will be pleasant to recount our adventures."
Arriving at our rooms, we found them in possession of a lieutenant of the guard hussars. He was drumming on the hearthstone with the end of his sword scabbard. As we entered he rose and briefly saluted us.
"Which of you two gentlemen is Herr Winthrop?" he asked.
"I am he," said I.
"His Majesty commands your immediate presence at the palace."
"The King?"
"Yes."
"Have you any idea what his desires are?"
"A soldier never presumes to know His Majesty's desires, only his commands. Let us begone at once, sir. I have been waiting for an hour. His Majesty likes dispatch."
"It cannot be anything serious," said I to Pembroke, who wore a worried frown.