Queen of Hearts. Ay, he spake in my ear, and said—
King of Hearts (threatening the Joker). What, Sir Joker! Hast thou dared to frighten or disturb the Queen?
Queen of Hearts (expostulating). Nay, nay, the Joker is good! Good Sir Joker, tell the King. Tell them all, that they may know!
"WHAT IS THIS MYSTERY?"
King of Hearts (sternly). Come, Sir Joker, what is this mystery?
Joker. There is no mystery, my lord. It is all but too plain. Her Majesty the Queen, as you know, did fashion eight large fire-crackers of fine red paper, the which were placed upon the board for the banquet. I went to seek a fan for her Majesty of Spades, and in passing the banquet hall curiosity did impel me to look in upon the tables. The fire-crackers are not there, my liege. They have been purloined. They have been stolen.
[Great excitement. The Kings and Queens talk and gesticulate with one another.]
King of Hearts. What? The fire-crackers are stolen?
Joker. Ay, my lord, stolen.