hand of his yeoman messenger. Like all fabricators, the latter had overreached himself. On further examination, however, she observed that the clasp had formerly belonged to Queen Kunigunde, and had been given to her by Lord Zawis. But it had disappeared. Clearly the source whence the soldier had obtained it probably corresponded with the origin of the disappearance of the missing state document. On further reflection Agaphia concluded that the soldier well knew the woman whom he had, in an unwitting moment, described. For these reasons and others she determined to watch that soldier during his turn of guard in the palace, and avoid all visit to the White Tower during his duty there. Her presence during the yeoman’s watch in the palace encouraged him; and he gradually confided to her many items of importance. Among other disclosures he incidentally alluded to his knowledge of a strong chest securely deposited in the palace. He also handed to her one day a scrap of parchment containing a compliment from himself; but on the other side were easily legible the letters, ‘Kar,’ in a bold, dignified chirography. This scrap Agaphia carefully preserved.
During the year 1287 the young Queen Judith threatened to retire to a private station, and took formal steps to carry her threat into execution. This proceeding created consternation in the palace. During the confusion the adherents of Zawis momentarily assumed the mastery. Agaphia made careful search for the strong chest; and succeeded in
