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

THE ENGLISH TRAVELLER
'To what am I to attribute the honour of this
visit ? ' he asked.
'You have eaten my bread,' replied Otto, 'you
have taken my hand, you have been received
under my roof. When did I fail you in courtesy ?
What have you asked that was not granted as
to an honoured guest ? And here, sir,' tapping
fiercely on the manuscript, 'here is your re-
turn.'
' Your Highness has read my papers ? ' said the
Baronet. ' I am honoured indeed. But the sketch
is most imperfect. I shall now have much to add.
I can say that the Prince, whom I had accused of
idleness, is zealous in the department of police,
taking upon himself those duties that are most
distasteful. I shall be able to relate the burlesque
incident of my arrest, and the singular interview
with which you honour me at present. For the rest,
I have already communicated with my Ambassador
at Vienna ; and unless you propose to murder me, I
shall be at liberty, whether you please or not, within
the week. For I hardly fancy the future empire
of Griinewald is yet ripe to go to war with England.
I conceive I am a little more than quits. I owe
you no explanation ; yours has been the wrong.
You, if you have studied my writing with intelli-
gence, owe me a large debt of gratitude. And to
conclude, as I have not yet finished my toilet, I
imagine the courtesy of a turnkey to a prisoner
would induce you to withdraw.'
There was some paper on the table, and Otto,
q— f 8 1