xperience have
taught me to trust no one in your Majesty's service but myself."

"Ah, but you are not a king. Where should I be if I trusted none?"

The doctor bowed.

"There, you see, I trust you; and what is more, I trust these two boys
as thoroughly as anyone at Court. You know, old friend, that there are
hundreds here who will say they would die for me. Now, those two lads
would not say such a thing to save their lives."

"Your Majesty!" cried the two young courtiers, in the same tone of
protest.

"Well," said the King, smiling; "I am right. I believe you would either
of you die to save me, and without saying word."

The pair drew back, smiling and satisfied, each glancing at the doctor
as much as to say, Do you hear that?

"There," said the King, "I trust you all; so now go on, Leoni, and say
what you have to say; and, boys, mind this; we are in secret conclave
now. There must be no chattering afterwards, or discussion."

"Your Majesty commands," said the doctor gravely. "Shall I continue
from where we left off yesterday?"

"No; let's have it all again. My gallop yesterday through the forest
gave me so much to do in managing a fiery horse and keeping him from
breaking my neck amongst the boughs as he carried me into so many real
dangers, that all your imaginary notions were swept away. Let's have it
all again."

The doctor bowed.

"It will save me," said the King, "from making only a half confidence to
my young friends here. But be brief. Put it if you can into a few
words. You in your studies and porings over black books are convinced--
of what?"

"That your Majesty's throne and succession--"

"Well, really, Leoni, I don't know that I care much about the
succession. But my throne is not a safe seat unless--"

"Unless, your Majesty, that half sacred mystic balas ruby that was
carried off by Henry of England is brought back and restored to its
place in the French Crown."

"Yes, that's it," said the King. "I remember all now. But do you
believe, Leoni, as a man who has long studied the secrets of nature, and
the mysteries of life, that there can be such virtue in precious stones
that they can influence our lives?"

"Yes, your Majesty," said the doctor solemnly; "and everything goes to
prove it the wide world through; amongst the greatest and most civilised
down to the most savage nations these talismanic gems have been
preserved and treasured up. Prosperity and safety of life have