r dream.
I will act. Come."

The diplomat nodded approvingly; and together they marched toward the
palace. The bulldog trotted on behind, his pink tongue lolling out
of his black mouth, a white tusk or two gleaming on each side. The
Lieutenant of the cuirassiers saluted as they passed him, and, when they
had gone some distance, swung in behind. He observed with some concern
that his Majesty was much agitated.

The business of the kingdom, save that performed in the Diet, was
accomplished in the east wing of the palace; the king's apartments,
aside from the state rooms, occupied the west wing. It was to the
business section that the king conducted the diplomat. In the chamber of
finance its minister was found busy at his desk. He glanced up casually,
but gave an ejaculation of surprise when he perceived who his visitors
were.

"O, your Majesty!" he cried, bobbing up and running out his chair.
"Good afternoon, your Excellency," to the Englishman, adjusting his
gold-rimmed glasses, through which his eyes shone pale and cold.

The diplomat bowed. The little man reminded him of M. Thiers, that
effervescence of soda tinctured with the bitterness of iron. He
understood the distrust which Count von Wallenstein entertained for him,
but he was not distrustful of the count. Distrust implies uncertainty,
and the Englishman was not the least uncertain as to his conception of
this gentleman of finance.

There were few men whom the count could not interpret; one stood before
him. He could not comprehend why England had sent so astute a diplomat
and politician to a third-rate kingdom. Of that which we can not
understand we are suspicious, and the guilty are distrustful. Neither
the minister of police nor his subordinates could fathom the purpose of
this calm, dignified old man with the difficult English name.

"Count," began the king, pleasantly, "his Excellency here has made a
peculiar request."

"And what might that be, Sire?"

"He offers to purchase the entire number of certificates issued to-day
for our loan."

"Five millions of crowns?" The minister's astonishment was so genuine
that in jerking back his head his glasses slipped from his nose and
dangled on the string.

The Englishman bowed again, the wrinkle of a smile on his face.

"I would not believe him serious at first, count," said the king,
laughing easily, "but he assured me that he is. What can be done about
it?"

"O, your Majesty," cried the minister, ex