theatres that form of melodramatic mediaeval sword-play known as
"two up and two down." To my disgust, however, this wretched
Scotchman did not seem to understand it, but in a twinkling sent my
sword flying over my head. Before I could recover it, he had
mounted a horse ready saddled in the wood, and, shouting to me that
he would take my "compleements" to the Princess, galloped away.
Even then I would have pursued him afoot, but, hearing shouts
behind me, I turned as Spitz and Fritz rode up.

"Has the King escaped to Kohlslau?" asked Fritz, staring at me.

"No," I said, "but Rupert of Glasgow"--

"--Rupert of Glasgow," growled Spitz. "We've settled him! He's
gagged and bound and is now on his way to the frontier in a close
carriage."

"Rupert--on his way to the frontier?" I gasped.

"Yes. Two of my men found him, disguised with a handkerchief over
his face, trying to escape from the castle. And while we were
looking for the King, whom we supposed was with you, they have sent
the rascally Scotchman home."

"Fool!" I gasped. "Rupert of Glasgow has just left me! YOU HAVE
DEPORTED YOUR OWN KING." And overcome by my superhuman exertions,
I sank unconscious to the ground.

When I came to, I found myself in a wagon lit, speeding beyond the
Trulyruralania frontier. On my berth was lying a missive with the