"That kid," he announced judicially, "is off his nut! Hullo! I told you so! Fry not out, 104. Good old Charles!"     

       "I say," exclaimed Horace, who sat nearest the window, "there are two rummy-looking chaps coming to the front door, wearing a sort of fancy dress!"     

       "It must be the Germans," said Reggie. "The paper says they landed here this afternoon. I expect——"     

       A thunderous knock rang through the house. The family looked at one another. Voices were heard in the hall, and next moment the door opened and the servant announced "Mr. Prinsotto and Mr. Aydycong."     

       "Or, rather," said the first of the two newcomers, a tall, bearded, soldierly man, in perfect English, "Prince Otto of Saxe-Pfennig and Captain the Graf von Poppenheim, his aide-de-camp."     

       "Just so—just so!" said Mr. Chugwater, affably. "Sit down, won't you?"     

       The visitors seated themselves. There was an awkward silence.     

       "Warm day!" said Mr. Chugwater.     

       "Very!" said the Prince, a little constrainedly.     

       "Perhaps a cup of tea? Have you come far?"     

       "Well—er—pretty far. That is to say, a certain distance. In fact, from Germany."     

       "I spent my summer holiday last year at Dresden. Capital place!"     

       "Just so. The fact is, Mr.—er—"     

       "Chugwater. By the way—my wife, Mrs. Chugwater."     

       The prince bowed. So did his aide-de-camp.     

       "The fact is, Mr. Jugwater," resumed the prince, "we are not here on a holiday."     

       "Quite so, quite so. Business before pleasure."     

 Prev. P 6/55 next