blood-stains. I have none; therefore I am innocent of the death of Partigan, sir.'
'This is quibbling—this is lying!' cried the enraged Demon. 'You are covered with blood-stains from head to foot.'
'Yes, sir, I grant you, but it is the blood of a Bengal tiger, which attacked me and was going to tear me to pieces, when a concealed gun went off, perhaps by accident, sir, and killed the poor gentleman—I mean the big tiger, sir.'
'Who concealed the gun?'
'A strict and searching investigation will be made into the mystery of this matter, sir, and when we return from our contemplated visit to foreign countries, the result will be duly laid before you,' said the Doctor.
'We!' sneered the Demon. 'You are not fool enough to think that I am going to take you? No, sir; you must be punished for your share in this day's business. I have bound myself to take Ubertus, but we shall soon have him here again. Are you ready?'
'I am quite ready, sir,' I answered; 'but I hope your Majesty will be kind and generous, and allow our friend to come with us. He has been here a long time, and has never had a holiday. In my country, Tasmania, the Government and bank clerks have holidays two or three times a month, if I do not mistake. This good and hard-working Doctor, who has endeared himself to the inhabitants of all parts of your wide dominions, sir, has saved my life no less than three times during my short residence here. It will be impossible for me to prove my gratitude to him, unless you will graciously permit me to take him to my happy home in Tasmania, and introduce him to my family and friends. It is possible, sir, I admit, to thank him in words but words are often the despicable froth of empty
