led in
Strelsau; yet if my master should chance to be killed in Strelsau--"

"Heaven forbid, James! On all grounds, Heaven forbid!"

"Even if my master is not killed, it will be difficult for us to get the
king killed at the right time, and by means that will seem plausible."

Sapt seemed to fall into the humor of the speculation. "That's all very
true. But if Mr. Rassendyll is to be king, it will be both awkward
and difficult to dispose of the king's body and of this poor fellow
Herbert," said he, sucking at his pipe.

Again James paused for a little while before he remarked: "I am, of
course, sir, only discussing the matter by way of passing the time. It
would probably be wrong to carry any such plan into effect."

"It might be, but let us discuss it--to pass the time," said Sapt; and
he leant forward, looking into the servant's quiet, shrewd face.

"Well, then, sir, since it amuses you, let us say that the king came
to the lodge last night, and was joined there by his friend Mr.
Rassendyll."

"And did I come too?"

"You, sir, came also, in attendance on the king."

"Well, and you, James? You came. How came you?"

"Why, sir, by the Count of Tarlenheim's orders, to wait on Mr.
Rassendyll, the king's friend. Now, the king, sir... This is my story,
you know, sir, only my story."

"Your story interests me. Go on with it."

"The king went out very early this morning, sir."

"That would be on private business?"

"So we should have understood. But Mr. Rassendyll, Herbert, and
ourselves remained here."

"Had the Count of Hentzau been?"

"Not to our knowledge, sir. But we were all tired and slept very
soundly."

"Now did we?" said the constable, with a grim smile.

"In fact, sir, we were all overcome with fatigue--Mr. Rassendyll like
the rest--and full morning found us still in our beds. There we should
be to this moment, sir, had we not been suddenly aroused in a startling
and fearful manner."

"You should write story books, James. Now what was this fearful manner
in which we were aroused?"

James laid down his pipe, and, resting his hands on his knees, continued
his story.

"This lodge, sir, this wooden lodge--for the lodge is all of wood, sir,
without and within."

"This lodge is undoubtedly of wood, James, and, as you say, both inside
and out."

"And since it is, sir, it would be mighty careless to leave a candle
burning where the oil and firewood are stored."

"Most criminal!"

"But hard