The Greek crown was offered to several more princes, who refused it, until George, the second son of the king of Denmark, accepted it in the year 1868.  At the same time the Ionian islands were made over by the English Government to the crown of Greece, and the British troops withdrawn.  One of the first things that happened in King George’s reign was the murder of three English gentlemen—Mr. Herbert, Mr. Lloyd, and Mr. Vyner—who had gone with a party to see the plain of Marathon.  A gang of robbers came and seized upon them and carried them off to the hills, demanding a ransom.  Lady Muncaster, who was of the party, was allowed to return to Athens with her husband, the robbers intending that the ransom should be collected; but troops were sent out to rescue the prisoners, and in rage and disappointment the robbers shot them all three.  The robbers were captured and put to death, and the young king was bitterly grieved at not having been able to prevent these horrors.