“Well,” said the King, “we assume that your case is completed at last and that it must be both interesting and important to be forced upon our attention at the present time!”
“The case is fully completed, Sire,” answered Kearns, “and in importance will not, I think, disappoint your expectations. I am prepared to report now.”
“Not now,” interrupted the King. “We would prefer to learn the details at the palace—upon our return.”
“But the matters I have to impart, Sire, are most pressing—most urgent!”
“So are matters here,” exclaimed the King, with a peculiar smile. “Certain rumors—as wicked as they are unfounded—have, it has reached our ears, been set afloat and have deeply shocked us. It has become necessary by our presence here, and that of Her Majesty, to discountenance these scandalous gossipings.”
Mr. Kearns could accommodate his intelligence to that which was required of him as well as the next man. He accordingly contrived to inject into his countenance the necessary quantum of astonishment and indignation and having done this, he promptly returned to the charge.
“It becomes my duty to report to you, Sire,” he said, “that danger threatens and that an armed attack is projected.”
It was the King’s turn to look startled and astonished.
“When?” he asked.
“Possibly within three days.”