There, that's it." He nodded stiffly, and was moving away on Peter's arm when Captain Barker interposed.
"Excuse me, Captain van Adrienssen, but just outside the park gate you'll find a litter, which I am happy to place at your service." "Thank you, sir, but I'll not use it." "You will," said Peter decidedly.
"Why, sir, we have to start for Amsterdam to-night." "You'll get no farther than The Hague," said Peter; "and there you'll be put to bed." They walked slowly off, arm-in-arm.

Drawing near the sentries, Captain van Adrienssen groaned.
"Going to faint ?" Peter asked.
"Not till I get outside." He was as good as his word, and they went through the gates without exciting suspicion.

The litter was there, and Peter, beckoning to the men, explained the case in a whisper.

His companion offered no opposition.

Indeed, no sooner was he placed in the litter than he swooned away.
King William was still strolling in his favourite avenue when the two captains approached, led by their friend the ensign, who was beginning to wish himself well out of the business.