Like most members of the kingly caste, Karl XXII. was a big eater and an early riser. On the morning following Trafford's adventures in the slums of Weidenbruck, the genial monarch was breakfasting on innumerable fried eggs and abundant grilled ham at the early hour of seven. He was dressed in high, white leggings, stout boots, and a dark brown woollen jersey; and the reason of his athletic attire was a suggested ski-ing expedition in the neighbourhood of Nussheim,--a small village some ten miles distant from the capital. His Majesty was breakfasting alone save for his faithful major-domo, Herr Bomcke, an old gentleman of great dignity and superb whiskers. Bomcke moved noiselessly about the room, with one eye on his royal master's needs, and the other on the doorway, which was guarded by a young officer in a snow-white uniform and glistening steel cuirass. The apartment itself was the moderate-sized chamber where Karl was wont to conduct his private affairs. In one corner stood a satinwood bureau strewn thick with papers; in another a marble bust of his father on a malachite pedestal. Two entire sides of the room were devoted to book-shelves, which contained such diverse treasures as fifteenth-century bestiaries, "Alice in Wonderland," "Moltke's History of the Franco-Prussian War," and the Badminton volume on "Winter Sports." The whole of the apartment had a mellow golden tinge, a soft atmosphere of affluent homeliness and regal respectability. Just as his Majesty was consuming his fourth roll and honey, there was a whispering in the doorway and Saunders' name was announced in the mellifluous tones of the major-domo. "Good-morning," began the King. "You are ready for our expedition, I perceive." "My family motto is _semper paratus_--always ready," replied Saunders lightly. "But I understand our train does not start for Nussheim till 8 A.M. I came early because I wished to talk over a delicate situation with you." "Talk away," said the King, attacking another roll, and draining his coffee cup. "The Princess Gloria is in Weidenbruck." Karl nodded thoughtfully. "And her address?" he asked. "I don't know. I did not want to know, so I refused to see her home last night." Again the King nodded. He understood his friend's position perfectly. "The Princess Gloria----" he began, producing an enormous meerschaum pipe, and proceeding to stuff it with some dark tobacco. "Is being very closely watched," said a voice from the doorway. It was General Meyer, who had entered unannounced, as was his privilege. "And how about Father Bernhardt?" grunted the King, puffing at his pipe without looking up. "He has been closely watched for some time." "It was about him that I came to speak," said the General, walking into the middle of the room. "You have taken him, of course," said the King. "I told you to employ four men."