In this country if the King is crowned while drunk, the kingdom instantly reverts to a villain--no matter who.

But in this case the villain is Black Michael.

Ha! What say you, lad?
Shall we frustrate the rascal, by having YOU personate the King ?" I was--well!--intoxicated at the thought! But what would my sister-in-law say?
Would she--in her Nonconformist conscience--consider it strictly honorable?
But I swept all scruples aside.

A King was to be saved! "I will go," I said.

"Let us on to Kohlslau--riding like the wind!" We rode like the wind, furiously, madly.