“Again I thank you,” said the monarch.  “You may make sure that this gold will be used where it will do the most good.”

A few moments later the king signified that the audience was at an end.  As they passed out he spoke a final word: 

“If, at any time, there is anything I am able to do for any of you, you have but to command me.”

All bowed low.

“One moment,” said the king as they were about to withdraw, “have you quarters?”

“No, sire,” returned Colonel Anderson.

The king spoke to the officer who attended him.

“You will see that these gentlemen are provided with suitable quarters at once,” he commanded.  “They are my guests.”

The officer saluted and motioned the others to follow him.  Outside they were turned over to a second officer, who escorted them to a tent somewhat larger than the rest.

“You will make this your quarters,” said the officer.  “I shall send you an orderly, and if at any time there is anything you require, you have but to mention it to him.”

He saluted and departed.

Left to themselves at last, Hal, Chester and the others looked about.  The tent was fitted up comfortably, almost luxuriously.  There were seven or eight cots within and the tent had the appearance of having sheltered men of note.

“Style to this place, if you ask me,” said Stubbs, “Makes a fellow want to turn in and sleep a bit.”

“And that is just what we’ll do,” said Chester.  “I’m tired out myself.”

“Same here,” agreed Hal.

Colonel Anderson and Nikol also announced that they were ready to seek repose at any time, and after some further talk, all lay down and soon were fast asleep.

The sun was high in the heavens when Chester opened his eyes.  He was up and dressed quickly.  Glancing around, he saw that the others, with the exception of Stubbs, who had one eye open, were still fast asleep.

“Guess I’ll take a little trip by myself,” the lad muttered.

He moved toward the exit.

“Wait a minute, there,” Stubbs called, hopping out of his cot.  “I’ll go with you.”

“How’s that, Mr. Stubbs?” said Chester, pausing.  “Why do you arise so early?  Thought you always stayed until last.”

“Don’t you believe it,” said the little man.  “I like to sleep the same as the next fellow, but when I have business on hand I attend to it first.”

“Business?” repeated Chester.  “And what business have you on hand this morning?”

“Got to get busy and get some news,” was the reply.  “I’m going to have a look about this camp, ask some questions, then do a little writing; after which I’ll hunt up the official censor and the rest of the gang and see what arrangements I can make toward getting my stuff sent through.”

“Then I’ll go with you on your hunt,” Chester decided.  “Maybe I can get a few pointers.  I might want to get into the newspaper business myself some day.”