"Good!" said he. "Now we understand the situation and each other; and I can assist you more effectively."
"I shall advise you the moment anything new develops," said I.
"And remember, Major, to either you or Lotzen the Princess means the Crown. Frederick will be only too glad to pass it so to his own descendants."
"That's the truth," said I. "But I reckon the Princess doesn't need the Crown to get Lotzen or me."
"Do you realize how lucky it is, under the circumstances, that you are unmarried?" Courtney inquired.
"Rather—only, if I had chanced to be married, I would still be your Military Attaché. Frederick would never have given me the chance to be an Archduke."
"At least, it's sure he would never have given you a chance to be a King."
"And the American newspapers would have missed a great news item," I added.
"I never quite appreciated what a wonder you were until they told me," he laughed. "You seem to possess a marvellous assortment of talents—and, as for bravery, they have had you leading every charge in the Spanish War."
"It's all very tiresome," I said.