"I make you my compliments," said the King; "I had not the remotest idea. Whereabouts are we now?"
The walls of the palace loomed black above them; the night was dark.
"Small stair entrance on the north side, sir. If your Majesty is without a key——"
"I have no key at all."
"Then kindly allow me, sir." And again to the inspector's pass-key a door opened.
The King entered, and the inspector still accompanied him. "There may be others locked inside," he said, by way of explanation.
They passed through a short corridor and ascended stairs; a small electric pocket-lamp of the inspector's showing them the way. Three doors he unfastened in turn. Having opened the last he switched on the light, then respectfully drew back, presuming to come no further. "This is where your Majesty's private apartments begin," said he; an indication that his task as conductor was over.
"Ah, yes," replied the King, "now at last I know where I am. Till this moment I felt myself a stranger. I have to thank you, Mr. Inspector, for the kind way in which you have done me the honors of my own house; and," he added, "of the police-station."
"I am very sorry, sir, that any such thing should have happened. I can promise it won't occur again."
"No," said the King, smiling, "I suppose not. But pray do not be sorry! I have seldom spent a more interesting time; or—thanks to you and others—had more things given me to think about."