The Pothunters

rom the throne of his ancestors. But at the time its mirthfulness did not appeal to him. He was in a frenzy of restlessness. He wanted Betty. He wanted to see her

s that puts ideals first and money after. That military and civilians alike would rally to a man round Mr. Scobell and the Casino he was well aware. But this did not affect his determination to remain till the last. If he went n

in its mind, discussed it, slept upon it, discussed it again, and displaye

isted of a deputation of four, headed by the wizened little man, who had frowned at John in the Dutch room o

on Mandelbaum and Mr. Archer-Cleeve. His own name was Pugh, and the whole party, like the other visitors whom they represented, had, it seemed, come to Mervo, at great trouble and exp

ystery to us. We asked the soldiers at the door. They referred us to Mr. Scobell. We asked Mr. Scobell. He referred us to y

impatiently. Not so Herr von Mandelbaum, who slid forward after the manner of one in q

ully parted fair hair and the expression

e, you know, I mean re

cher-Cleeve upo

for cigars," said Mr. P

ss, for an

t?" sai

de an impat

ht to rule this massive

Pu

proceeding," said t

poke for the

" he murmu

sing his voice, "that it was a h

heavily, in assent

von Mandelbaum

ed at the

om England,

I am a Brit

ising person began to

the authorities

different matter, sir

ling is forb

in Mervo,

ch

?" said t

'Tchah!'

said th

is Highnes

nodded ap

ing is forbidden in Mervo for the same reason that it is

ling has been permitted in

concession. But, when I came to the throne, it became necessary for h

e paused. "Forgotten what I was going

ome remark at the back of

spoke

would you find it pleasant to b

neither h

. I don't want to be a prince-take it from me, it's a much overrated profession-but if I've got to be one, I'll specialize. I won't comb

?" said t

e, people who feel it necessary to chant '

id Mr. Pugh. "Your remarks a

I describe it-what it comes to is that the Casino is closed. You c

stand me, sir, we are not here to threaten. We are a peaceful deputation of visitors. But I have observed your people, sir. I h

s happened. I don't know if you have any influence with the populace, Mr. Pugh-you seem a pretty warm and important sort of person-but, if you have, do please ask them as a favo

may j

only thing that's keeping me in this forsaken place is this delay. These people are

?" said t

onel," said Mr. Pugh,

rs completely to ha

stration of practical insanity, but, finding him out

now," said Mr. Archer-Cl

d to consider that John's l

o supply them. His pa

t doesn't strike you as a satisfactory reason, that's up to you. Do what you like about it. The one thing you may take as a solid fact-and

then withdrew

*

Mr. Scobell. It was brief. "Come on down befor

that definite hostilities

ut seven o'clock, John was strolling with a cigarette, when he was aware of a man crouching, with his back toward him. So absorbed was the man in something which he was writing on the s

not profound, but he could unde

to touch up one of the letters. If he had been deliberately

was a prince. The temptation was to

ohn resumed his stroll. The first

*

on guard in front of the Casino was narrowly missed by an anonymous orange. For Mervo this was practically equiva

ted the fury of the mob. The rest of that day an

lad to see him. The staff of the Palace were loyal, but considered as cheery companions,

. This time John tore it up unread, and, turning to the s

ing one of John's cigars, M

ure up there. He's mad clean through. He's losing money all the while the people

y did, somebody must have injected radium into them first. I'll give them another couple of days

you want

k to America. I don't blame you, Crump, because it was not your fault, but, by George! if I had known what you w

the sound of agitated v

next moment it flew

ted group of footmen

seemed to b

head. Then he dropped them to his side, and shrugged his shoulders, finishi

nce!" he

French burst from the

s gentlemen in the passage. Concentrate yourself on Poineau. What's he talking about? I believe he's come to t

alth of gestures. It astonished John that Mr. Cru

" said

mp look

ge mob in the market-pl

woul

oineau urges you to disguise yourself and escape while there is time. You will be safe at his

n't wait till night. The boat leaves for Marseilles in another hour. I'll catch that. I can manage it comfort

tter of a crowd. He stopped. General Poineau whipped out his swor

we sha'n't want it. Come along, Crump.

here was a small balcony with a stone parapet. As J

repeated, and from somewhere at the back of the crowd came the sharp crack of a rifle, and a shot, the first

le spread o

the mob. There was something so engaging and friendly in his smile that the howling died away and fi

balcony with some reluctance, being mistrus

t, Crump, and that ther

her that I am no longer

if that

ped forward as the secretary finished speaking, and shouted s

nterpreted Mr. Crump,

to open

em up, old man. Tell them to make up their minds on the jump, because I want to catch that boat. Don't

ind was unused to being hustled in this way. Then a voice shouted, as it were t

med down

t I guess we must close down the entertainment now, or I shall be missing the boat. Will you tell them, Crump, that any citizen who cares for a drink and a cigar will find it in the Palace. Tell the household staff

*

down their refreshment beneath the stony eye of the majordomo and his assistants, while upstairs in th