But Mr. Hobbs was not the kind to falter, once he had given his word; however hazy he may have been at the moment, he knew that he had volunteered to do something. Nor did it seem to surprise him when he finally found out what it was.
"We'll be off at midnight, Hobbs," said Truxton, feeling in his pocket for the missing watch.
"As you say, Mr. King, just as you say," said Hobbs with fine indifference.
As Truxton was leaving the Castle ten minutes later, Hobbs having gone before to see to the packing of food-bags and the filling of flasks, a brisk, eager-faced young attendant hurried up to him.
"I bear a message from his Royal Highness," said the attendant, detaining him.
"He should be sound asleep at this time," said Truxton, surprised.
"His Royal Highness insists on staying awake as long as possible, sir. It is far past his bedtime, but these are troublesome times, he says. Every man should do his part. Prince Robin has asked for you, sir."
"How's that?"
"He desires you to appear before him at once, sir."
"In--in the audience chamber?"
"In his bedchamber, sir. He is very sleepy, but says that you are to come to him before starting away on your mission of danger."
"Plucky little beggar!" cried Truxton, his heart swelling with love for the royal youngster.
"Sir!" exclaimed the attendant, his eyes wide with amazement and reproof.
"I'll see him," said the other promptly, as if he were granting the audience.
He followed the perplexed attendant up the grand staircase, across thickly carpeted halls in which posed statuesque soldiers of the Royal Guard, to the door of the Prince's bedchamber. Here he was confronted by Count Vos Engo.
"Enter," said Vos Engo, with very poor grace, standing aside. The sentinels grounded their arms and Truxton King passed into the royal chamber, alone.