“‘I have enemies who have circulated this report.’
“‘But I know it to be true.’
“‘You, sire?’
“‘Yes, me; I saw her in your house not three hours ago.’
“‘You did, most gracious prince?’
“‘Yes, and spoke to her.’
“The colonel bowed, he could not answer a word.
“‘Come,’ said the king, ‘no more deception, take the file of men you need—bring the wench to me ere sunrise, or you will incur my lasting displeasure.’
“So speaking, the king left the court-yard.”
“This is quite an adventure,” said Death-wing, “go on; what happened next?”