You are a brave young officer, but I have many a score of brave young officers, and it was your quick wit, in suggesting the strategy by which we crossed the Dwina without loss, that has marked you out from among others, and made me see that you are fit for something better than getting your throat cut." The king then changed the subject with his usual abruptness, and dismissed Charlie, at the end of his ride, without any further allusion to the subject.

The young fellow, however, knew enough of the king's headstrong disposition to be aware that the matter was settled, and that he could not, without incurring the king's serious displeasure, decline to accept the commission.

He walked back, with a serious face, to the hut that the officers of the company occupied, and asked Harry Jervoise to come out to him.
"What is it, Charlie ?" his friend said.

"Has his gracious majesty been blowing you up, or has your horse broken its knees ?" "A much worse thing than either, Harry.

The king appears to have taken into his head that I am cut out for a diplomatist;" and he then repeated to his friend the conversation the king had had with him.
Harry burst into a shout of laughter.
"Don't be angry, Charlie, but I cannot help it.