"There! there! have done," said His Majesty, with a touch of uneasiness.
"But I would not ask a pledge, blindfold, Sir; even to save all those ten lives of mine."
"One more than a cat, eh? Do you know, Mr. Mallock, you remind me sometimes of a cat. You are so demure, and yet you can pounce and scratch when the occasion comes."
"I would sooner it had been a little dog, Sir," I said, glancing at the spaniels that were curled up together before the fire.
"Well—well; we are wandering," smiled the King. "Now what is this favour?"
I supposed I must have looked very grave and serious; for before I could speak he leaned forward.
"It is to count as a complete discharge, I understood you to say, Mr.
Mallock, for all obligations on my part. And there is no money in it?"
"Yes, Sir," said I. "And there is no money in it."
He must have seen I was serious.
"Well; I take you at your word, sir. I will grant it. Tell me what it is."