"I do not know," said he; and he added in a low tone, kissing his little packet again: "Wherever she is, God in his graciousness send her joy." And he turned to the executioner, saying, "Get on, man." But then he looked as it were for the last time on the living sea of faces round him, and suddenly, out of all of them, he saw one. What Christian saw the King saw also, and he rose from his chair with an oath and a laugh. "This sister of mine is a wonderful wench," said he. "Come, let us see why she will not have this rascal hanged. Run, some one, and tell them not to string him up till I give the word." The King walked out of the palace and came into the square, the Guard parting the people before him; and Osra, seeing him coming, stood now quite still, blushing and smiling, although she was very ashamed and panted sorely. Then the King came and faced her, saying nothing, but lifting his eyebrows and smiling whimsically; but at last he whispered: "What, was there a man in the forest, Osra?" And she answered: "Do not ask me that, sire, but ask Christian Hantz what is in the packet which he kissed as the hangman took hold of him." "He is not only a robber, but a murderer also, though he will not own to it." "No, he is no murderer," said she. "Look in the packet." "Then come and look with me," said the King, and taking her hand he led her up on to the scaffold in the sight of all the people, who wondered and laughed; for they always laughed at the ways of the Princess Osra. But she flew straight across to Christian, who fell on one knee with the rope round his neck. "Give me the packet," she cried, and she tore it open. And in it she found her order for a thousand crowns and the gem engraved with the Royal Arms. For an instant she looked at Christian, and then she said: "You have not got money for the order? Yet my name is good for a thousand crowns." "To me, madame, it was better than fifty thousand." "But," she broke out eagerly; "you should have sent the ring. I could have saved you." "But you would have kept it in return for the service, madame." "Aye, sir, that was the bargain," said Osra, with a little low laugh. "I knew it. And I preferred to die with it rather than live without it." "Another foolish speech!" "Yes, for the man is foolish, madame." "And they cry to you, 'Where is the girl?' And you do not answer, but die under a foul charge!" To this Christian Hantz made no answer at all, unless it were one to murmur mournfully: "And, madame, they have taken from me the red skirt and----" The Princess Osra suddenly turned from him, and went to the King, who had stood regarding her; and she knelt down before him, saying: "Sire and dear brother, pardon this man. He did but shelter his friend, and he will rob no more." "I might forgive him his robberies, if he would take service in my army." "Yes, in my regiment of Guards!" she cried.