esperation.

"Are not the various forms of government of Switzerland somewhat
confusing in a political point of view?"

"No, for all know that the cantons are free, as they should be."

"Does that not lead to skepticism and indifference?"

The stranger's patience was exhausted; without answering the king, he
pushed back his plate and arose from the table.

"Sir, allow me to say that, in consideration of a piece of pie, which
you will not even give me time to eat, you ask too many questions."

"You are right, and I beg your pardon," said the king, as he smilingly
nodded at Balby to remain quiet. "We travel to improve ourselves, but
you have just cause of complaint. I will give you time to eat your piece
of pie. Eat, therefore, monsieur, and when you have finished, if it is
agreeable, we will chat awhile longer."

When the stranger arose to depart, after an animated and interesting
conversation, the king offered him his hand.

"Give me your address," he said, "that is, I beg of you to do so.
You say you have not yet chosen a profession; perhaps I may have the
opportunity of being useful to you."

The Swiss gave him his card, with many thanks, and returned to the deck.

The king gazed thoughtfully after him.

"That man pleases me, and when I am no longer a poor musician, I shall
call him to my side.--Well, brother Henry, what do you think of this
man, who, as I see, is named Mr. Le Catt?"

"I find him rather curt," said Balby, "and he appears to be a great
republican."

"You mean because he hates princes, and was somewhat rude to me.
Concerning the first, you must excuse it in a republican, and I confess
that were I in his place I would probably do the same as to the last, he
was right to give Mr. Zoller a lesson in manners. Poor Zoller is not yet
acquainted with the customs of the common world, and makes all manner of
mistakes against bon ton. I believe to-day is not the first time he has
been reproved for want of manners."

"Mr. Zoller is every inch a king," said Balby, laughing.

[NOTE.--The king's conversation with Mr. Le Catt is historical (see
Thiebault, vol. 1., p. 218). The king did not forget his travelling
adventure, but on his return to Prussia, called Le Catt to court and
gave him the position of lecturer, and for twenty years he enjoyed the
favor and confidence of the king.]

CHAPTER XIV. IN AMSTERDAM.

Wearied, indeed utterly exhausted, the king and Balby returned to the
hotel of