Presently the squad of retainers returned, the butler leading.
"His Majesty will receive Mr. Bleke."
Roland followed him with tottering knees.
His Majesty, King Alejandro the Thirteenth, on the retired list, was a
genial-looking man of middle age, comfortably stout about the middle
and a little bald as to the forehead. He might have been a prosperous
stock-broker. Roland felt more at his ease at the very sight of him.
"Sit down, Mr. Bleke," said His Majesty, as the door closed. "I have
been wanting to see you for some time."
Roland had nothing to say. He was regaining his composure, but he had a
long way to go yet before he could feel thoroughly at home.
King Alejandro produced a cigaret-case, and offered it to Roland, who
shook his head speechlessly. The King lit a cigaret and smoked
thoughtfully for a while.
"You know, Mr. Bleke," he said at last, "this must stop. It really
must. I mean your devoted efforts on my behalf."
Roland gaped at him.
"You are a very young man. I had expected to see some one much older.
Your youth gives me the impression that you have gone into this affair
from a spirit of adventure.
Pages:
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118