to me. We will go to Amsterdam, and enjoy the galleries and
museums."

"I thank your majesty," said Balby, laughing, "you have saved my
life. I should have died of curiosity if you had not spoken. Now, I
feel powerful and strong, and can keep pace with your majesty's
wandering steps."

Silently they walked on until they reached a sign-post.

"We are now on the border--let us bid farewell to the Prussian
colors, we see them for the last time. Sire, we will greet them with
reverence."

He took off his hat and bowed lowly before the black and white
colors of Prussia, a greeting that Deesen imitated with the fervor
of a patriot.

The king did not unite in their enthusiasm; he was writing with his
stick upon the ground.

"Come here, Balby, and read this," he said, pointing to the lines he
had traced. "Can you read them?"

"Certainly," said Balby, "the words are, 'majesty' and 'sire.'"

"So they are, friend. I leave these two words on the borders of
Prussia; perhaps on our return we may find and resume them. But as
long as we are on the soil of Holland there must be no majesty, no
sire."