Will there be five millions in your treasury ten years hence ?" "The wealth of my kingdom is not to be questioned," proudly, "nor its resources." "But in ten years, with the ministers you have ?" The Englishman shrugged doubtfully.

"Why have you not formed a new cabinet of younger men?
Why have you retained those of your predecessor, who are your natural enemies?
You have tried and failed." The expression of weariness returned to the king's face.

He knew that all this was but a preamble to something of deeper significance.

He anticipated what was forming in the other's mind, but he wished to avoid a verbal declaration.

O, he knew that there was a net of intrigue enmeshing him, but it was so very fine that he could not pick up the smallest thread whereby to unravel it.