will always be of
great interest to me."

"I ask pardon, your Majesty," replied the official a little stiffly,
"but it is against all regulations for anything to go out of this museum
when it has once been catalogued."

"Ah, yes," retorted the King, smiling pleasantly, "but then it is
against all regulations for bombs to be thrown at the royal coach when I
am in it; so you must allow, for once, this small breach that I make in
your chain of evidence. There is plenty of material for conviction still
left, should you ever discover the criminal."

"I am afraid, sir," said the Superintendent, speaking gravely, "that
this will get me into trouble with the Prefect. May I express a hope
that your Majesty will reconsider the matter?"

"Oh, no, not at all!" said the King. "Tell the Prefect that the
responsibility rests with me. The Prince here is witness that I robbed
you and that you were helpless. Lay all the blame upon me without any
scruple! And if it is a very grave breach of the regulations--well--you
can inform the Prime Minister; and then, no doubt I shall hear of it."

The Superintendent stood mute; he had made his protest, and he could not
pretend that he was satisfied.

"By the way," went on the King, "I have a very particular request to
make which I think concerns your department. In connection with a
certain incident that took place the other night--and which shall be
nameless--one of your special inspectors has been dismissed, I hear?"

"That is so, your Majesty."

"Well, I do not wish to interfere in anything that makes for efficiency;
but I have to request--will you please to make a particular note of
it--that he shall be retired on a full pension."

For a moment the official hesitated. "May I ask why, sir?"

"Because practically I have promised it. It is either that or I
re-engage him for my own personal service. He is a man whom I have
trusted in matters of an exceedingly confidential character. Pray see to
it."

The head of the department could hold out no longer. "It shall be as
your Majesty wishes," said he.

"Very well," said the King. "Please report when you have seen the matter
through. And now, Prince, I think that we have exhausted
everything--including, I fear, your patience, Mr. Superintendent. What a
very criminal part of society you have to deal with! I hope that the
influences of the place are not catching."

"As to that, sir, I can hardly say," replied the other with a wry smile.