DOCTOR AND DETECTIVE
gratitude. When the doctor received the money he said to his wife that a doctor's trade seemed to be a very easy one, and she answered that his bargain, which had seemed to her a foolish one, was, after all, quite satisfactory so far.
Some time passed, when one day a beautiful gold ring belonging to the princess was stolen. A diligent search was made, but it seemed to have vanished altogether, with the thief. At length the Great Detective was named to the king as the right man to be consulted in this difficult affair. His Majesty lost no time in sending a beautiful carriage and a messenger, with an invitation to the great man: Would he kindly assist in finding the gold ring which had been stolen?" Yes, I know it all," said he to the messenger who stood before him, bowing politely, "and I am willing to come." So he entered the carriage in his complete doctor's equipment, followed by his wife, whereupon they drove to the Royal palace. The king himself stepped forward and opened the carriage door to the worthy couple, bowing and scraping and making himself agreeable. He invited them to partake of a dinner; the following day they would begin the search for the ring. The wise man assented to this, and they proceeded to the dinner-table, which was, of course, laid in a splendid and gorgeous manner. The doctor whispered to his wife, that she must remember how many dishes they had. When all had been seated, the door was opened
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