He drew back a pace, his handsome mouth curving into a snarl.
"You doubt my word, Englishman?"
"I have no evidence, sir, for doubting King Theodore's," I answered
as carelessly as I could, hoping the while that none of them heard
the beating of my heart, loud in my own ears as the throb-throb of a
pump. "If you be indeed King Theodore's son, then your father--"
"Say on, sir."
"Why, then, your father, sir, practised some economy in telling me
the truth. But my father and I will be content with the Queen
Emilia's simple word."
As I began this answer I saw the Princess turn away, dropping her
hands. At its conclusion she turned again, but yet irresolutely.
"We will find something less than the Queen Emilia's word to content
you, my friend," her brother promised, eyeing me and breathing hard.
"Where is the crown, Stephanu?"
"In safe keeping, O Prince. I beg leave to say, too, that it was I
who found it in the Englishmen's camp and brought it to the
Princess."
"You shall have your reward, my good Stephanu. You shall put the
bearer, too, into safe keeping.
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