But doctors have awkward views as to when a man can have shot himself." "My good Constable, doctors have palms as well as ideas.

If you fill the one you supply the other." "I think," said Sapt, "that both the plans are good.

Suppose we choose the latter, what then ?" "Why, then, by to-morrow at midday the news flashes through Ruritania--yes, and through Europe--that the king, miraculously preserved to-day--" "Praise be to God!" interjected Colonel Sapt; and young Bernenstein laughed.
"Has met a tragic end." "It will occasion great grief," said Sapt.
"Meanwhile, I am safe over the frontier." "Oh, you are quite safe ?" "Absolutely.

And in the afternoon of to-morrow, you and Bernenstein will set out for Strelsau, bringing with you the body of the king." And Rudolf, after a pause, whispered, "You must shave his face.

And if the doctors want to talk about how long he's been dead, why, they have, as I say, palms." Sapt sat silent for a while, apparently considering the scheme.