I said nothing with my tongue, but for a moment I allowed my eyes to say, "But then you're short, sir." He understood, and for the third time he flushed.
"I thought as much," said I, and with a bow I began to walk on.
But, as ill-luck would have it, I was not to come clear off from my indiscretion.

In a moment I should have been out of sight.

But as I started I saw a gentleman pass the guard, who stood at the salute.

It was the King; escape was impossible.

He walked straight up to me, bowing carelessly in response to M.de Perrencourt's deferential inclination of his person.
"How come you here, Mr Dale ?" he asked abruptly.