"He is awaiting Your Majesty's further commands."
"Tell him to get ready for Essen."
"He begs to remind Your Majesty that he is not in the Baroness's good graces."
"Am I not painfully aware of that? She would prefer the measles to a morning call from Phili."
"Then he is to stay on the train while Your Majesty visits Villa Huegel?"
"Until I require him. He may be needed to quicken her ladyship's decision about matters in hand, as under pressure of his presence she will consent more readily, just to get your precious cousin out of the house."
CHAPTER XXIV
THE WAR LORD'S DAY IN ESSEN
The Krupp Free Hotel—The War Lord and the Cinder—Bertha's Little Surprise—The Blue Ribbon of the Son—A Mad Idea—The War Lord Apes the Expert—Enter the Pawn—A Wily Game—Disposing of Franz
"A wonderful country, the United States," said the War Lord to Chief-Engineer Franz; "it produced two Maxims. The British War Office captured Hiram, but there is another, Hudson, who seems to know as much about explosives and guns as his more celebrated namesake. I want you to take a year's leave and study him—him and Pittsburgh. Your salary goes on, of course, and there will be a suitable allowance for expense. I will arrange this with the Director-General."