join me in performing these
duties--turn and turn aboot. Eh, laddie--but he would pay ye mair than
that daft beggar, Spitz."

Rage and disgust overpowered me. "And THIS is my answer," I said,
rushing upon him.

I have said earlier in these pages that I was a "strong" swordsman. In
point of fact, I had carefully studied in the transpontine theatres
that form of melodramatic mediaeval sword-play known as "two up and two
down." To my disgust, however, this wretched Scotchman did not seem to
understand it, but in a twinkling sent my sword flying over my head.
Before I could recover it, he had mounted a horse ready saddled in the
wood, and, shouting to me that he would take my "compleements" to the
Princess, galloped away. Even then I would have pursued him afoot, but,
hearing shouts behind me, I turned as Spitz and Fritz rode up.

"Has the King escaped to Kohlslau?" asked Fritz, staring at me.

"No," I said, "but Rupert of Glasgow"--

"--Rupert of Glasgow," growled Spitz. "We've settled him! He's gagged
and bound and is now on his way to the frontier in a close carriage."

"Rupert--on his way to the frontier?" I gasped.

"Yes. Two of my men found him, disguised with a handkerchief over his
face, trying to escape from the castle. And while we were looking for
the King, whom we supposed was with you, they have sent the rascally
Scotchman home."

"Fool!" I gasped. "Rupert of Glasgow has just left me! YOU HAVE
DEPORTED YOUR OWN KING." And overcome by my superhuman exertions, I
sank unconscious to the ground.

When I came to, I found myself in a wagon lit, speeding beyond the
Trulyruralania frontier. On my berth was lying a missive with the seal
of the S'helpburgs. Tearing it open I recognized the handwriting of
the Princess Flirtia.

MY DEAR RUPERT,--Owing to the confusion that arises from there being so
many of you, I have concluded to accept the hand of the Duke Michael.
I may not become a Queen, but I shall bring rest to my country, and
Michael assures me in his playful manner that "three of a kind," "even
of the same color," do not always win at poker. It will tranquilize
you somewhat to know that the Lord Chancellor assures me that on
examining the records of the dynasty he finds that my ancestor Rupert
never left his kingdom during his entire reign, and that consequently
your ancestress has been grossly maligned. I am sending typewritten
copies of this to Rupert of Glasgow and the King. Farewe