while we lay hidden the little farm-girl came by us and ran to the princess, courtesying and crying:
"Madame, the king is here—in the bushes. May I guide you to him, madame?"
"Nonsense, child!" said old Strakencz; "the king lies wounded in the castle."
"Yes, sir, he's wounded, I know; but he's there—with Count Fritz—and not at the castle," she persisted.
"Is he in two places, or are there two kings?" asked Flavia, bewildered. "And how should he be here?"
"He pursued a gentleman, madame, and they fought till Count Fritz came; and the other gentleman took my father's horse from me and rode away; but the king is here with Count Fritz. Why, madame, is there another man in Ruritania like the king?"
"No, my child," said Flavia softly (I was told it afterward), and she smiled and gave the girl money. "I will go and see the gentleman," and she rose to alight from the carriage.
But at this moment Sapt came riding from the
