"Hallo!" answered the stranger. "What are you talking about? Do you think I don't know my duty? Off with you this moment, or I'll let you feel the weight of my staff. But come to St. Gregory's Church and give me back my clothes at twelve o'clock. Good-bye. This is glorious fun!"
The new guardian of the streets walked onward with all the dignity becoming his office, while Philip hurried to a neighboring tavern.
III.
As he was passing the door of the royal palace, he was laid hold of by a person in a mask who had alighted from a carriage. Philip turned round, and in a low whispering voice asked what the stranger wanted.
"My gracious lord," answered the mask, "in your reverie you have passed the door. Will your Royal Highness—"
"What? Royal Highness?" said laughing. "I am no highness. What put that in your head?"
The mask bowed respectfully, and pointed to the brilliant buckle in Philip's hat. "I ask your pardon if I have betrayed your disguise. But, in whatever character you asume, your noble bearing will betray you. Will you condescend to lead the way? Does your Highness intend to dance?"
"I? To dance?" replied Philip. "No—you see I have boots on."
"To play, then?" inquired the mask.
"Still less. I have brought no money with me," said the assistant watchman.