a dark visaged captain of cavalry entered and approached them.

Butzow saluted.

"His Majesty, the King," he announced, "has returned to Blentz. In

accordance with the commands of the Regent I deliver his august

person into your safe keeping, Captain Maenck."

Maenck nodded. He was looking at Barney with evident curiosity.

"Where did you find him?" he asked Butzow.

He made no pretense of according to Barney the faintest indication

of the respect that is supposed to be due to those of royal blood.

Barney commenced to hope that he had finally come upon one who would

know that he was not king.

Butzow recounted the details of the finding of the king. As he

spoke, Maenck's eyes, restless and furtive, seemed to be appraising

the personal charms of the girl who stood just back of Barney.

The American did not like the appearance of the officer, but he saw

that he was evidently supreme at Blentz, and he determined to appeal

to him in the hope that the man might believe his story and untangle

the ridiculous muddle that a chance resemblance to a fugitive

monarch had thrown him and the girl into.

"Captain," said Barney, stepping closer to the officer, "there has

been a mistake in identity here. I am not the king. I am an American

traveling for pleasure in Lutha. The fact that I have gray eyes and

wear a full reddish-brown beard is my only offense. You are

doubtless familiar with the king's appearance and so you at least

have already seen that I am not his majesty.

"Not being the king, there is no cause to detain me longer, and as I

am not a fugitive and never have been, this young lady has been

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