"They are roaring with laughter, sire, at the whimsical nature of the jest."
"Yes, but what do they say?"
"Some say that your Majesty, with great cunning, ventured privily in the night and cut them off while he slept; others, that with great bravery you defeated him in mortal combat and carried them away as the spoils of the victor."
"Oh! And what did you say?"
The Chancellor looked reproachful.
"Naturally, your Majesty, I have not spoken with them."
"Ah, well, I have been thinking it over in the night, and I remember now that I did kill him. You understand?"
"Your Majesty's skill in sword play will be much appreciated by the people."
"Quite so," said the King hastily. "Well, that's all—I'm getting up now. And we're all going home to-morrow."
The Chancellor went out, rubbing his hands with delight.