ou've felt the same yourself?'

'Why, something of the sort, I confess,' said Raymond, settling his
yellow cap on his brow.

'Bless you! what monarch has not? But you are young and hearty--you
can stand it. So here is my plan: I decline to submit to force,
because the precedent would be dangerous; but I am willing to
abdicate. That is my counter-move--my rival attraction, as the stage
manager would say. But, if it is to succeed, there is no time to be
lost; the posters must be got out at once.'

'Yes, I agree with you,' said Raymond, who was now quite bewildered.

'I was sure I might count on your aid. It is settled, then. As soon as
we reach town I will arrange with the advertising agent that your name
shall appear upon the bills as my successor in the largest type.'

'I?' cried Raymond, jumping up, and almost oversetting the ivory
chair.

'Bless me! what's the matter? Who else but you?'

Raymond sat down again quite dumb-foundered. He a king! It had been
the ambition of his life, but now that it was so near being realised
he found himself unprepared. Some kinds of good luck are better to
look forward to than to have. However, since it seemed inevitable,
Raymond was bound to put a good face upon it. Probably he would have a
prime minister to give him some hints at starting.

'I shall be happy to make myself of use,' he said politely. 'But I
must tell you that it is some time since I governed a kingdom, and I
may be a little out of practice.'

'Oh, never mind that,' returned the King, stroking his beard. 'In an
absolute monarchy like this the sovereign is responsible to no one. Do
as you like; it saves trouble and expense too.'

Raymond smiled, and tried to look at ease. But he resolved to make one
more effort to get time for looking about him.

'It will not be best, I suppose, to enter upon my duties at once?' he
said. 'The people will have to accustom themselves to the change,
and----'

'Nothing of the sort,' interrupted the King. 'I don't believe in too
much playing to the pit and gallery, especially when the stalls are
inclined to be disorderly. Make your hit with the executioner's axe,
if need be. Don't mince matters--it is better to mince _them_.'

'But are you really so willing to part with your crown? It looks quite
as comfortable as my cap feels,' sighed Raymond. They were now within
sight of the city gates, and he was feeling rather nervous.

'Do you think so? Suppose you try it on?' said the