When the door closed
behind them, the minister of finance drew his handkerchief
across his brow.
"Everard & Co.," mused the Englishman aloud. "Was it not indeed
a stroke for your cousin to select them as his agents? You will
in truth be accused of selling out to the English. But there is
a coincidence in all this."
"I am lost!" said the king.
"On the contrary, you are saved. Everard & Co. are my bankers
and attorneys; in fact, I own an interest in the firm."
"What is this you tell me?" cried the king.
"Sire, we English have a peculiar trait; it is asking for
something after we have taken it. The human countenance is a
fine picture book. I should like to read that belonging to your
cousin Josef, providing I could read unobserved."
"My friend!" said the king.
"Say nothing. Here is the bulldog; take him to her Royal
Highness with my compliments. There is no truer friend than an
animal of his breed. He is steadfast in his love, for he makes
but few friends; he is a good companion, for he is
undemonstrative; he can read and draw inferences, and your
enemies will be his. I shall bid you good afternoon.
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