"He cut a calf's head off!" said Jorian, as a complete explanation of how the preserving of the Princess was effected.
Whereat all laughed, and the Prince more than any. For ever since he drank his first draught of wine, he had begun to mellow.
"Well, hearty fellows, what reward would you have for your great bravery?"
They turned their heads simultaneously inward without moving any other part of their bodies. They nodded to one another.
"Well," cried the Prince, "what reward do you desire?"
"Now for the Field-Marshal's wand!" said the Councillor near to me, under his breath.
"Twelve dozen Rhenish!" said Jorian.
The Prince looked at Boris.
"And you?" he said.
"Twelve dozen Rhenish!" said Boris, without moving a muscle.