ot that it matters
about you knowing it, as you are not going to live here. It's something
I found out myself. I was on duty here--as page in attendance on the
King--one evening, just at dusk, and the candles weren't lit. There had
been a grand banquet the night before, with music and dancing, and I'd
been up all night, and just as it began to grow dark I turned so sleepy
I couldn't keep my eyes open. I tried ever so hard, but it was of no
use, and I sank down in a chair close up to the hangings in a dark
corner, and was asleep in a moment. I don't think it could have been
long before I woke up again with a start. I suppose some noise must
have woke me, and I sat there staring and wondering where I was, for I
felt quite stupid, when all at once the arras that covered the wall just
opposite to me seemed to open, and something dark came out, to stand
still for a few moments as if listening. Then there was a rustling of
hangings, and the dark figure came straight towards me, making me turn
cold; for I felt then that I had been asleep, and I thought it was some
one come to punish me. But the figure did not come close up to where I
sat, but suddenly turned off towards a light which appeared at the end
of the corridor and came nearer, while directly after I made out that
some of the servants were bringing in candles, and directly after,
though I only saw his back, I knew it was the King."

"Then he didn't see you?" said Denis.

"No, fortunately for me."

"Then he must have come out of some secret passage."

"That was it, and of course you know what I did afterwards--not then,
but the first day that I had the chance?"

"Searched for the secret door, of course. I should."

"Yes, and I found it; and that's what I'm going to show you. We are not
likely to be disturbed now."

Before many minutes had elapsed the two youths were standing in front of
a huge needlework picture representing a classic scene, covered with
warriors and triumphal cars.

"There, you wouldn't think there was a door behind there, would you?"

"No, that I shouldn't," replied Denis.

"But there is. You see that warrior's shield with the boss on it that
stands out as if it were real?"

"Yes," said Denis; "it is very cleverly done."

"Yes, but it is real," said Carrbroke, and he glanced to right and left
to see if they were observed. "We are quite alone. Now you touch that
boss."

"Yes: it's hard and round," said Denis.

"Now give i