Take us into his Majesty's presence--that's all I ask, and I don't care how it's done.

You shall have our _parole_ if you please." The sergeant shook his head.

"It's against my orders." "Then we must try to pass you." "Suffer me to point out that we are seven to two." "Thank you.

But this is an affair of conscience." "Nevertheless--" "Confound it, sir!" broke in the little hunchback.

"You are here, it seems, to frustrate our intentions; but I'm hanged if you shall criticise them too.