"I'll tell Smith," he said, "to get your luggage ashore right now and fix up a room for you."
I have always admired Smith. He is not only competent in practical affairs. He has nerve and coolness of a very high order. He found himself in a difficult position when Donovan's bell sounded. He knew that the King had landed, knew that he was with Donovan and Gorman on the balcony. In Smith's position I think I should have sent some one else to take Donovan's orders, one of the island girls, or one of the boys who were by that time presentable footmen. I should, I feel sure, have concealed myself, feigned sickness, made any excuse, rather than face the King in the presence of Donovan and Gorman. But Smith is greatly my superior. He appeared at once in answer to the summons of the bell. He stood half-way between Donovan's chair and the door which opened on the balcony. He did not even glance at the King. But the King recognized him at once.
"Ah," he said. "It is, yes. Hell's delight! It is the excellent Fritz. It is so long since I have seen you, Fritz, I began to think you were dead."
"No, your Majesty, not yet," said Smith. "I hope your Majesty is quite well, and Mr. Steinwitz, if you'll excuse my asking. I hope Mr. Steinwitz is quite well."
"That swine," said the King, "is, as always, swallowing in the mire."
"You'll excuse my asking, your Majesty," said Smith, "but I like to hear about Mr. Steinwitz. It was Mr. Steinwitz who got me my present situation--a very good situation, your Majesty."
"Smith," said Donovan, "get the King's luggage ashore. He's going to stay here for a bit. You must make him as comfortable as you can."
"Yes, sir," said Smith. "I'll see to that, sir, at once. Anything else, sir?"
Then he left the balcony. Many men, perhaps most men, would not have gone far away, would have lingered near one of the open windows which gave on the balcony, nervously anxious to hear what was said about them. Smith was not in the least nervous. He went straight to the landing steps and was to be seen a few moments later rowing out to the steamer. He probably guessed pretty accurately what questions Donovan and Gorman would ask. He must have known what King Konrad Karl would tell them. He would discover in due time what they decided to do. There was no real need for eavesdropping. Yet I think most men would have tried to listen.