"Yes," said Charming, "I am laughing to think of Wieduwillst's face to-morrow on reading these ordinances in the court gazette. Enough of these follies, buffoon doctor; give me back the papers and put an end to this farce." "What is this?" said the little man, taking up the decree of the regency. "God forgive me! it is an abdication. What are you thinking of, Prince Charming? What! the inheritance bequeathed to you by your fathers, the people intrusted to you by God, your name, your honor, will you throw all these at the feet of an adventurer? Will you let yourself be dethroned and duped by a deceiver? Impossible! It does not suit me. I oppose it. Do you hear?" "What insolent fellow addresses his prince in this way?" "Politeness is not in words. Charming, are you mad? Are you dreaming? Are you wholly without heart?" "This is too much!" cried the king. "Begone, wretch, or I will throw you out of the window." "Begone!" said the little doctor, in a shrill voice. "No, not till I have destroyed this mad and stupid document. See, I tear your abdication in pieces and trample it under-foot!" Charming seized the madman and called his guards. No one answered. The little man struggled with wonderful strength. With his foot he threw the lamp on the ground; but the king, despite the darkness, kept fast hold of the sorcerer, who felt his strength failing. "Let me go!" murmured he; "for Heaven's sake let me go! You know not what you are doing. You are breaking my arm." His words and prayers were useless. Suddenly a shower of blows, dealt by a strong hand, fell on the king's ears. Charming let go his hold in surprise, and turned to attack his invisible enemy. He found nothing but empty space, and, staggering in the darkness, cried loudly for the help that did not come. Such a thing could not have happened in a minister's house; kings are always worse guarded. VIII THE END OF A DREAM At last a door opened and Rachimburg entered, according to etiquette, to undress the king. The faithful servant appeared greatly vexed to find him without a light, groping along the wall. "Where is that infernal doctor?" asked Charming, foaming with rage. "It is more than an hour, sire, since His Excellency quitted the palace." "Who is talking of Wieduwillst?" cried the king. "Which way did the villain go that just insulted me?" Rachimburg looked at the prince with a contrite air, and raised his eyes to heaven, sighing. "A man went out of the door that leads to your rooms," said Charming. "How did he enter, and where has he fled?" "Sire," said Rachimburg, "I have neither quitted my post nor seen any one." "I tell you that a man was in this room a moment ago." "Sire, Your Majesty is never mistaken; if a man was in this room he is still here, unless he has flown through the window or Your Majesty has been dreaming." "Fool, do I look like a man who has been dreaming? Did I overturn this lamp? did I tear these papers?"