surprised.

"It will be your part to break the news as gently as possible to my
people. You will begin by saying that I am busy with a great
enchanter who has called to see me, and that therefore I am unable to
show myself to my people this morning. Later on in the day you will
announce that the enchanter has shown me how to defeat the wicked
Euralians; you will dwell upon the fact that this victory, as assured
by him, involves an overwhelming sacrifice on my part, but that for
the good of my people I am willing to endure it. Then you will
solemnly announce that the sacrifice I am making, have indeed already
made, is nothing less than---- What are all those fools cheering for
out there?" A mighty roar of laughter rose to the sky. "Here, what's
it all about? Just go and look."

The Chancellor went to the door of the tent--and saw.

He came back to the King, striving to speak casually.

"Just a humorous emblem that the Euralians have raised over their
camp," he said. "It wouldn't amuse your Majesty."

"I am hardly in a mood for joking," said the King. "Let us return to
business. As I was saying, you will announce to the people that the
enormous sacrifice which their King is prepared to make for them
consists of-- There they go again. I must really see what it is.
Just pull the door back so that I may see without being seen."

"It--it really wouldn't amuse your Majesty."

"Are you implying that I have no sense of humour?" said the King
sternly.

"Oh, no, sire, but there are certain jokes, jokes in the poorest of
taste, that would naturally not appeal to so delicate a palate as your
Majesty's. This--er--strikes me as one of them."

"Of that I am the best judge," said the King coldly. "Open the door
at once."

The Chancellor opened the door; and there before the King's eyes,
flaunting themselves in the breeze beneath the Royal Standard of
Euralia, waved his own beloved whiskers.

The King of Barodia was not a lovable man, and his daughters were
decidedly plain, but there are moments when one cannot help admiring
him. This was one of them.

"You may shut the door," he said to the Chancellor. "The instructions
which I gave to you just now," he went on in the same cold voice, "are
cancelled. Let me think for a moment." He began to walk up and down
his apartment. "You may think, too," he added kindly. "If you have
anything not entirely senseless to suggest, you may suggest it."

He continued