“You will bring the doublet here to-morrow,” he said sternly.
“That is understood,” I said. “Meanwhile,” I went on, fortifying myself with another glass of the perfumed wine, “we may as well discuss the question of my reward.”
“That,” said the Prince, “is already settled.”
“The case is altered,” I said. “If I had known what lay before me, I could have made more fitting terms; but I was in the dark; the dangers and exertions of my existence since then have changed the case completely. I am sure that you do not wish to deal with me unjustly. Think what my service means to you! In your place, I should think nothing too precious for my deliverer.”
A dark frown came over the Prince’s face.
“What is it you demand?” said he.
The Prince Receives the Tailor’s Terms
“I demand nothing,” said I. “But if you wish to have the doublet and be restored to yourself, your country, and your people, I shall ask only three things: one million pieces of gold, this house, and your daughter’s hand in marriage.”
All three jumped to their feet. I sat calmly. At a look from the Prince, his daughter and the Courteous Stranger sat down again. They were both very pale.
“These are your terms?” said the Prince. “You are resolved on this?”