Collected works > Edinburgh edition, 1894-98 - Works of Robert Louis Stevenson > Volume 9, 1895 - Romances Volume II

IN WHICH THE PRINCE
whom he had received the week before at court, and
of an old English rogue called Transome, whom
he had known in youth, came pertinently to the
Prince's help. 'Transome,' he answered, 'is my
name. I am an English traveller. It is, to-day,
Tuesday. On Thursday, before noon, the money
shall be ready. Let us meet, if you please, in Mitt-
walden, at the "Morning Star."'
' I am, in all things lawful, your servant to com-
mand,' replied the farmer. ' An Englishman ! You
are a great race of travellers. And has your lordship
some experience of land ? '
'I have had some interest of the kind before,'
returned the Prince ; ' not in Gerolstein, indeed.
But fortune, as you say, turns the wheel, and I
desire to be beforehand with her revolutions.'
'Very right, sir, I am sure,' said Mr. Killian.
They had been strolling with deliberation ; but
they were now drawing near to the farmhouse,
mounting by the trellised pathway to the level of
the meadow. A little before them, the sound of
voices had been some while audible, and now grew
louder and more distinct with every step of their
advance. Presently, when they emerged upon the
top of the bank, they beheld Fritz and Ottilia some
way off; he, very black and bloodshot, emphasizing
his hoarse speech with the smacking of his fist
against his palm ; she, standing a little way off in
blowsy, voluble distress.
' Dear me ! ' said Mr. Gottesheim, and made as if
he would turn aside.
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