. He has nerve and coolness of a very high order. He found
himself in a difficult position when Donovan's bell sounded. He knew
that the King had landed, knew that he was with Donovan and Gorman on
the balcony. In Smith's position I think I should have sent some one
else to take Donovan's orders, one of the island girls, or one of the
boys who were by that time presentable footmen. I should, I feel sure,
have concealed myself, feigned sickness, made any excuse, rather than
face the King in the presence of Donovan and Gorman. But Smith is
greatly my superior. He appeared at once in answer to the summons of
the bell. He stood half-way between Donovan's chair and the door which
opened on the balcony. He did not even glance at the King. But the
King recognized him at once.

"Ah," he said. "It is, yes. Hell's delight! It is the excellent Fritz.
It is so long since I have seen you, Fritz, I began to think you were
dead."

"No, your Majesty, not yet," said Smith. "I hope your Majesty is quite
well, and Mr. Steinwitz, if you'll excuse my asking. I hope Mr.
Steinwitz is quite well."

"That swine," said the King, "is, as always, swallowing in the mire."

"You'll excuse my asking, your Majesty," said Smith, "but I like to
hear about Mr. Steinwitz. It was Mr. Steinwitz who got me my present
situation--a very good situation, your Majesty."

"Smith," said Donovan, "get the King's luggage ashore. He's going to
stay here for a bit. You must make him as comfortable as you can."

"Yes, sir," said Smith. "I'll see to that, sir, at once. Anything
else, sir?"

"Not now," said Donovan.

"Thank you, sir," said Smith.

Then he left the balcony. Many men, perhaps most men, would not have
gone far away, would have lingered near one of the open windows which
gave on the balcony, nervously anxious to hear what was said about
them. Smith was not in the least nervous. He went straight to the
landing steps and was to be seen a few moments later rowing out to the
steamer. He probably guessed pretty accurately what questions Donovan
and Gorman would ask. He must have known what King Konrad Karl would
tell them. He would discover in due time what they decided to do.
There was no real need for eavesdropping. Yet I think most men would
have tried to listen.

"Seems to me," said Donovan to the King, "that you're acquainted with
Smith. I'm not asking questions. It's no affair of mine, anyway. Don't
say a word unless you like. I'm not curious."