He turned the cylinder to "South Africa," and, opening the lid, at once became interested.  An English column, commanded by a brave but stubborn officer, was surrounded by the Boer forces and fighting desperately to avoid capture or annihilation.
"This would be interesting to King Edward," thought the boy.  "Guess I'll hunt him up and tell him about it."
A few steps away stood a policeman.  Rob approached him and asked:
"Where's the king to-day?"
The officer looked at him with mingled surprise and suspicion.
"'Is Majesty is sojournin' at Marlb'ro 'Ouse, just now," was the reply.  "Per'aps you wants to make 'im a wissit," he continued, with lofty sarcasm.
"That's it, exactly," said Rob.  "I'm an American, and thought while I was in London I'd drop in on His Royal Highness and say 'hello' to him."
The officer chuckled, as if much amused.
"Hamericans is bloomin' green," he remarked, "so youse can stand for Hamerican, right enough.  No other wissitors is such blarsted fools. But yon's the palace, an' I s'pose 'is Majesty'll give ye a 'ot reception."
"Thanks; I'll look him up," said the boy, and left the officer convulsed with laughter.
He soon knew why.  The palace was surrounded by a cordon of the king's own life guards, who admitted no one save those who presented proper credentials.
"There's only one thing to do;" thought Rob, "and that's to walk straight in, as I haven't any friends to give me a regular introduction."
So he boldly advanced to the gate, where he found himself stopped by crossed carbines and a cry of "Halt!"
"Excuse me," said Rob; "I'm in a hurry."