The driver demurred at first to the idea of leaving the valuable remains of the carriage unguarded; but when it was pointed out to him that he would otherwise be separated from his still more precious horses, he acquiesced sullenly in Cyril’s decision. The horses were brought to the side of the road, and the bags and rugs tied on their backs with the harness-ropes in such a way as to form some approach to a saddle. Then the Queen mounted one, with the little King perched before her, and Fräulein von Staubach the other, and the melancholy procession started in the direction of the farm, traversing a lane in which the ruts bade fair to beat the record for depth and intricacy. When the lights of the house were seen in front, and the driver went forward to announce the plight of the party, Cyril took the opportunity of saying—
“I don’t want to frighten you, Lilian; but I don’t feel easy about this delay, following upon our meeting with our friend the sub-prefect. If he receives news from Tatarjé of our escape, he will spot us at once, and perhaps block the way in front. I think we ought to have some other disguise to which we can resort if we are hard pressed, and it might be as well if there were native clothes for all of us. Perhaps you might be able to buy one complete costume here to-night, and another in the town when we get there to-morrow morning. Carlo and I might rig ourselves out at Ortojuk, which we expect to reach at mid-day, and then we shall all have something to take to if necessary, without arousing suspicion by buying a lot of clothes all at once. What do you think, Carlo?”
“I think the idea is excellent, sir. I see no reason to apprehend treachery, but I am disturbed by this second misfortune.”
“I will certainly buy a dress if I can,” said the Queen. “I suppose there would be no harm in getting two if they were willing to sell them?”
“None whatever; only then you will have to invent some excuse for wanting them. One you might wish to take home as a curiosity, but you would scarcely—— Ah, here is our friend returning, and not alone. I hope the people are hospitably inclined.”
But there was no need for apprehension as to the welcome to be found at the farm. The family which inhabited it, and which was patriarchal in extent and in variety of ages, came out in a body to greet the travellers and assure them of hospitality, and escorted them into the high-walled courtyard which enclosed the house and outbuildings. Supper was already over, but a supplementary meal was quickly prepared; and when it had been consumed, the men of the family accompanied Paschics and the driver back to the road, to see what could be done for the carriage, while the Queen and Fräulein von Staubach were taken possession of by the women. Cyril was lounging in front of the house with a cigar, and endeavouring to draw some comfort from the different misfortunes of the day, when the Queen came out from the passage behind him.
“I am sorry to disturb you, Arthur,” she said, “but would you mind fetching Tommy for me? He has slipped out into the yard to play with the farmer’s grandchildren, and he ought to go to bed. We are doing our best to induce the women to sell us some of their clothes. They were very unwilling to part with them at first; but now the younger ones are beginning to think that they could buy themselves Western costumes with the money we should pay. Some of the things are most beautifully worked—there is a little embroidered suit belonging to one of the boys which looks as if it would just fit Tommy, so please bring him in.”
Smiling to himself at her complete absorption in the matter in hand, Cyril went in search of King Michael, whom he discovered snugly ensconced on the top of a partially demolished corn-stack, in company with the children of the farm. They were talking eagerly as he approached.
“The little stranger boy shall be the king, because he is the youngest, and has such pretty yellow hair. I will be the old queen, his mother.”
To Cyril’s horror King Michael’s voice answered in Thracian—