shall hear them then.... Look here, Wulf, are you married?"

"Yes, Sire."

"Then I'll bet you deceive your wife."

"Hum! I should be sorry if my wife heard you say that. For up to
now ..."

Fandor laughed.

"Oh, we Kings know everything. Even more than your Secret Service."

"That's true," cried Wulf, "absolutely true."

"Wulf, Paris is the town of charming women. I am sure they will please
you greatly. And as I have no need of your services to-morrow I will
give you your liberty."

The officer was about to break into thanks when the door opened and a
servant announced:

"Will your Majesty receive Monsieur Juve?"

"Show him in."

When the detective entered and heard Fandor addressed as His Majesty he
opened his eyes and stood staring, while Fandor himself was obliged to
stuff his handkerchief into his mouth to prevent himself from roaring
with laughter.

Juve began:

"What does this mean?..."

But Fandor quickly stepped forward.

"Monsieur Juve, let me introduce you to Monsieur Wulf. Monsieur Wulf is
the head of the Secret Service in my Kingdom of Hesse-Weimar."

Then tapping Wulf familiarly on the shoulder he added:

"He's one of the greatest detectives in the world. He was able to find
the King of Hesse-Weimar right here in this apartment.... Though he had
never seen me, he found me and recognized me!"

The officer beamed with delight at the compliment. Fandor then conducted
him to the door, whispering advice as to the best way of passing his
night in Paris.

* * * * *

Scarcely had the ridiculous Wulf disappeared when Juve seized Fandor by
the shoulder.

"Fandor! What does this mean?"

"Why, Juve, simply that I'm the King of Hesse-Weimar--of which fact you
had a proof just now."

But Juve's face was serious.

"Now, without joking, tell me what you are doing here."

When Fandor had finished his explanation Juve seized him by the hand.

"Where is the King, Fandor?"

"I have already told you. I haven't the least idea. And, furthermore, I
don't care."

"You are crazy to talk this way. What is happening is extremely
serious."

"Why?"

"Simply because a charge of murder has been brought against
Frederick-Christian."

"Very few people know it," exclaimed the journalist.

He stopped speaking suddenly. Outside the murmur of a crowd grew louder
and louder as it approached. Juve and Fandor ran to the window just in
time to receive a volley of stones wh