"Not a moment," said the General.
"Not a moment, I quite agree," said the Chancellor.
"If you could recognise the man," pursued the King. "I would have him arrested at once."
"It is possible, sire, that I might," said the officer, as rigid as ever. "He was a beggar with a limp, deformed shoulders, and a peculiarly educated voice for one of his class. And, further, I think I can tell your majesty where to inquire for him."
"What do you mean, sir?" said the King. "Proceed as shortly as possible."
"He took refuge in the High Chancellor's garden," said the officer.
"Are you sure of this?" asked the King, growing suddenly calm.
"I took particular pains not to be mistaken, sire," answered the gendarme, "because the fellow had the impudence to say he was the Chancellor himself."
"What is the meaning of this?" said the King, turning on the Chancellor.