or conjectures, and I wish you to do exactly what you are told."
I bowed.
"It is your sword that I need, and not your brains. I will do the thinking. Is that clear to you?"
"Yes, sire."
"You know the Chancellor's Grove, in the forest?"
I bowed.
"You know also the large double fir-tree where the hounds assembled on Tuesday?"
Had he known that I met a girl under it three times a week, he would not have asked me. I bowed once more without remark.
"Very good. You will meet me there at ten o'clock tonight."
I had got past being surprised at anything which might happen. If he had asked me to take his place upon the imperial throne I could only have nodded my busby.
"We shall then proceed into the wood together," said the Emperor. "You will be armed with a sword, but not with pistols. You must address no remark to me, and I shall say nothing to you. We will advance in silence. You understand?"
"I understand, sire."
"After a time we shall see a man, or more pro-
