; he said he would be home in a day or two, and then we might all
come and see him."

"So this is what goes on while I am away!" complained the Queen, as
though her being at home might have prevented it. "And I wonder how it
was we didn't hear the news. To think of poor Max getting hit like that
and the papers saying nothing about it!"

II

Later in the day the King heard more of the matter from the
Comptroller-General. It had not been kept out of the papers quite as
completely as it should have been. There were rumors, allusions; but
none of the leading dailies had said anything.

"I gather, sir," said the General, "that the Prince has been preparing
himself very thoroughly for the work of the coming Commission, making
personal investigations, mixing daily with the people in the very
poorest districts. Of course it was the duty of the detective service to
know of it and to take what steps they could to insure his safety. I am
told that what actually happened was that on one occasion his Royal
Highness went to the aid of the police, hard pressed by a gang of
rioters; and he was injured in the general melee. It all took place in a
moment and of course no one had any idea that he would involve himself
in it. When he was picked up by the detectives he gave a certain
address." Here the Comptroller assumed an air of the utmost discretion.
"To that address he was taken; and there I believe, sir, still remains."

"Dear, dear," said the King, "very distressing, very unfortunate. I had
hoped all that was over."

"There is no reason, sir, to doubt that he has been properly looked
after; certificated nurses have been in attendance, and at no time was
there any danger."

"And how much of this has got into the papers?"

"Nothing, sir, as to the origin of the affair; but there have been some
interrogations as to his Highness's present whereabouts, and an idea is
abroad that he is not where the Court circular continues to say he is.
Of course, when such rumors creep out there are also undesirable
suggestions, which it would be well to put a stop to as soon as
possible. I am glad to hear from your Majesty that the Prince intends
coming back into residence. I have been in communication with his
secretary, but I have not that gentleman's confidence and he has told me
nothing."

"Well," said the King, "at all events the cause of it all--however much
the result of indiscretion--was quite reputable."

"Oh, quite."

"Commend