t a twist."

Denis did as he was told, and there was a faint click like the lifting
of a latch.

"Now push," continued Carrbroke.

Denis again obeyed, and something gave way as if he had pushed a door
which opened from him.

"Now then," said Carrbroke, "what do you think of that?"

"That if I lifted the arras I could pass into another room."

"Not quite right; not into another room, but into a dark passage made in
the wall. I went in one day when the King was out hunting and I felt
grumpy because I had been left behind, and I thought I should like to
see what there was there."

"Yes, and you went?" said Denis eagerly. "Yes, all along a dark passage
for ever so far. Then I came to another door, which opened easily, and
there was a flight of stairs; at the bottom of that there was another
door and another long passage, twice as long as the first, and then
another door."

"Did you open that?"

"Yes; and where do you think I was?"

"I don't know. In the cellars perhaps."

"No; in a dark part of the terrace all amongst the trees. Then I wasn't
satisfied, for it was all new to me, and I felt curious to see where the
dark winding walk that was before me went to."

"Yes," said Denis eagerly; "and where did it lead?"

"Right away down and down to some stone steps close to a little pavilion
on the banks of the river, where there was a boat fastened to a post.
That was the King's private way, of course."

"Yes," said Denis; "but what did he want it for?"

"Oh, I don't know; and I didn't want to know, for anyone who meddled
with the King's secrets might come in for the loss of his head, and I
didn't want to lose mine. I came back as fast as I could. There, you
can have a look through into the dark passage if you like. Kneel down
and lift up the hangings. There, what can you see?" continued the lad,
as Denis obeyed, finding the abundant folds give way easily, so that he
could peer right beyond.

"Nothing at all; it is quite dark."

"Come away," said Carrbroke quickly. "That's right," he continued, and
then quickly taking Denis's place he quite disappeared.

"Am I to follow?" said Denis wonderingly; but he had hardly finished
speaking before Carrbroke reappeared, laughing.

"Only shutting the door," he said. "Has anyone seen us?"

"No," said Denis, after a glance in both directions.

"That's right," said Carrbroke. "I say, though, it is interesting,
isn't it? But now I've told you I can't help