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KING BIZARRE AND PRINCE CHARMING “Do no such thing!" returned the king. "If ever she returns, do not frighten her; follow her and discover her retreat. But where is she? Which way did she go? Lead me; if I find her your fortune 15 made." ‘Sire,’ said the honest porter, looking at the moon, “if the specter is anywhere, it must be up yonder; I saw it, as plainly as I see Your Majesty, dissolving in mist. But before taking flight it gave me a message for Your Majesty." “What? Speak quickly!” “Sire, its words were terrible; I shall never dare repeat them to Your Majesty." “Speak, I order you.” “Sire, the specter said, in a sepulchral voice, " Tell the king that if he marries again he is a dead man. The loved one will return. " "Here," said the prince, whose eyes shone with a strange luster, "take this purse. Henceforth I attach you to my person; I appoint you my first attendant, counting on your devotion and prudence. Let this affair remain a secret between us." “That makes two,’ murmured Rachimburg, as he departed with a firm tread, like a man who neither suffers himself to be cast down by fear or dazzled by good fortune. He was a strong-minded man. The next morning the court gazette contained the fol173
