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Should we demand a light, and immediately appear with our passes, do you not believe that this dragon of a postmaster would immediately think that we had written them ourselves, and put a forged seal under them?" "How, then, are we to get a light?" said Balby, confused. The king thought a moment, then laughed gayly.
Colonel Balby did as the king ordered, and drew from the bag the portfolio, with its precious contents. The king bade Balby sit down and fill up the blanks at his dictation. The pass was drawn up for the two brothers, Frederick and Henry Zoller, accompanied by their servant, with the intention of travelling through Holland. The king placed his signature under this important document.
"Now, it is only necessary to put the state seal under it, and we shall be free; but how will we get a light?" "I cannot tell who is a rascal, you may be one for aught I know." Balby uttered an angry exclamation and stepped nearer to the daring postmaster, while his servant shook his fist threateningly at Niclas. The king dispelled their anger with a single glance.
I beg you, choose your words well. Be civil, or he might refuse to come, and I thirst for company." Balby returned in a few moments, with the stranger. "Here, my friend," said Balby. "I bring you our deliverer in time of need. He will gladly take his share of the pie." "And he richly deserves it," said the king, as he greeted the stranger politely.
"It is only necessary for your majesty to make yourself known to the postmaster," said Colonel Balby. "And if he will not believe me, this fripon who declares that no one could tell by my appearance whether I was a rascal or not, this dull-eyed simpleton, who will not see the royal mark upon my brow, which my courtiers see so plainly written there? No, no, my friend, that is not the way.
Truly there are fools who in the sublimity of their folly wish to appear indifferent to such earthly pleasures, declaring that they are necessary evils, most uncomfortable bodily craving, and nothing more. They are fools who do not understand that eating and drinking is an art, a science, the soul of the soul, the compass of thought and feeling. Dear Balby, order us a costly meal.
The king declared he needed rest, and wished to pass a few days in undisturbed quiet at the castle of Moyland. No one accompanied him but Colonel Balby, his intimate friend, and his cabinet-hussar, Deesen. The king was in an uncommonly good humor, and his eyes sparkled with delight. After a short rest in his chamber, he desired to see Colonel Balby.
He gave Balby a nod to follow, and withdrew into the cabin. "Truly, if every-day life had so many adventures, I do not understand how any one can complain of ennui. Through what varied scenes I have passed to-day!" "But our adventures arise from the peculiarity of our situation," said Balby. "All these little contretemps are annoying and disagreeable; but seem only amusing to a king in disguise."
"If you dare to speak another insulting word, you are lost," cried Balby. A hand was laid on his shoulder, and a voice murmured in his ear: "Do not compromise us." The king now also left the stage, and tried to subdue the anger of his companion. "Pardon, sir, the violence of my friend," said the king, with an ironical smile, as he bowed to the postmaster.
"My brother wants it for himself himself alone," said Balby, decisively. Even the proud hostess felt his tone imposing. "Sir," said she, after a short pause, "forgive me if I speak plainly to you. You wish to eat one of my renowned pies, and to have it served in a private room, as the General Stadtholder and other high potentates are accustomed to do.
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