time he did not."

"Fritz, I believe you," said the king, "and you shall have the
reward that you asked for--stay here and play a little while. Go,
now, and call your tutor; I have a few words to say to him."

The little prince sprang toward the door, but suddenly stopped,
embarrassed.

"What is the matter?" asked the king. "Why do you not call your
tutor?"

"Sire, I am very much troubled. Herr Behnisch will be very angry
when you tell him about the shuttlecock. I beg you not to betray
me!"

"Yes, but if you will play before me, you must get the plaything
which you say is in his pocket."

"Sire, then I had rather not play," cried the prince.

"On the contrary," said the king, "your punishment shall be, to take
the plaything as cleverly out of the pocket as you put it in. If you
do it well, then I will say nothing about it; but, if your tutor
discovers you, then you must submit to the storm. It lies in your
own hands. Whilst I am conversing with the tutor, try your luck. Now
call him in."

The prince obeyed thoughtfully, and the tutor entered. He stood near
the door, and made the three prescribed bows; then he waited with a