d the other, with his cynical
smile. "I have never been a ladies' man."

CHAPTER FIVE.

A KING AT SEA.

"Well, boys, we are fairly started," said the King, "but this vessel
moves about a great deal. I hope we are not going to have rough
weather."

"Well, I'm sorry to say, Sire--" began Saint Simon.

"Ah!" cried the King, in a low angry voice. "Four days since we
started, and I have been giving you lesson after lesson, and you begin
at once addressing me like that. Once more, both of you, I am the Comte
de la Seine, on my travels, and you, Saint Simon, are my friend, and
you, Denis, my esquire. Now look here, Denis, do I look at all like a
king now?"

"Not in the least, Comte."

"And now you, Saint Simon; what have you got to say about the weather?"

"That I have been talking to the shipmaster, and he says the weather is
going to be very fine--"

"That's good," cried the King.

"--but very windy."

"That's bad," said the King--"for the poor horses," he added hastily.
"I wish we had had them fastened up below."

As he spoke he glanced forward at where, a good distance apart, three
very beautiful chargers were doubly haltered to the rail, and whinnying
uneasily and pawing at the deck, and then made an uneasy gesture, for a
puff of wind filled out the two big sails of the clumsy vessel and made
it careen, so that the royal passenger made a snatch at a rope which was
hanging loose and gave to his touch, when he made another snatch and
caught at Saint Simon to save himself from falling.

"A bad, a clumsy vessel!" he cried angrily. "Here, I'm tired with our
long two days' ride. I think I'll go into the cabin and lie down. Give
me your arm, Denis." And, steadying himself by the lad, he went below,
lay down at once, and dismissed his attendant, who returned on deck, to
be met by Saint Simon.

The two young men, gazed silently at each other, and with mirth in their
eyes.

"The sea doesn't respect kings," said Saint Simon merrily.

"Nor anybody else," replied Denis; "so don't let us holloa till we are
out of the wood."

"You mean across the water."

"Yes," said Denis. "It may be our turn next. I wish we were over in
England now."

"What, are you afraid?" cried Saint Simon.

"Yes--for my poor horse. I'm afraid of his breaking away. Look how he
is straining at his halter, and how rough his coat is. It looked like
satin yesterday. If he broke loose what should we do?"

"Try to tie him