Sire, his offence--if offence it be-- arose from the affection he bears me, and from no worse cause.
He would not willingly hurt a fly." "What is he called ?" "Tristram." "He has a second name, I suppose ?" "Tristram Salt, then, in full." The man in scarlet at these words gave a quick, penetrating glance at the speaker, and for an instant seemed about to speak; but closed his lips again, and fell to regarding Tristram with interest, as King William went on: "He ought to be in my army." "Your Majesty does him much honour, but--" "But ?" "May it please your Majesty, I had other intentions concerning him." "My lord of Marlborough," said the King, turning coldly from the little man and pointing with his gloved hand towards Tristram, "allow me to present you with a recruit." Captain Barker's face was twisted with a spasm of fury.

But as he stammered for words another voice was lifted, and Captain Runacles came through the crowd.

He had been fetched from his laboratory by Mr.Swiggs, and had arrived on the scene in time to hear the last sentence.
"Your Majesty! Listen to me!" King William was turning calmly to ride back to his escort.

But at sight of the intruder's commanding and venerable figure he checked his mare.
"Pray, sir, who are you?
And what have you to say ?" "I'm Jeremy Runacles, and this lad's guardian." "He is peculiarly unfortunate in the loyalty of his protectors." "Sire, I have served my country in times past." "I know it, Captain Runacles.

But it seems that you, too, fight only against the Dutch." "Your Majesty has, it appears, done me the honour to study my poor record." "My word, sir! Does that surprise you ?" "No, sire, it reassures me.