"Your Majesty," said the Court Detective, "I regret very much to state that I was hungry and ate the sandwich and the tinned herring; but if I had had more plaster-of-paris, I could have made you an excellent cast of the tins."
The King could bound as high as the tallest palms Page 99
"It seems to me," said the King, "that you are not really accomplishing much toward taking the criminals."
"But, consider, your Majesty," said the Court Detective, "the handicap under which I labor. A detective without plaster-of-paris is almost helpless, and there is no more plaster-of-paris on the Island. This which I have used was left to me by my father, the Court Detective to your Majesty's grandfather, and it was a most superior article, which can not be replaced."
At this time the King looked at the palace clock. "Very well," said he, "it will not matter, for, as I perceive, it is now half-past two; so I presume I may as well behead you now."
"Your Majesty," said the Court Detective, "I respectfully request that you do not behead me."
"I am sure you can do quite as well without your head," said the King.