www.freeclassicebooks.com

Hamericans is bloomin' green," he remarked, "so youse can stand for

Hamerican, right enough. No other wissitors is such blarsted fools. But

yon's the palace, an' I s'pose 'is Majesty'll give ye a 'ot reception."

Thanks; I'll look him up," said the boy, and left the officer convulsed

with laughter.

He soon knew why. The palace was surrounded by a cordon of the king's

own life guards, who admitted no one save those who presented proper

credentials.

There's only one thing to do;" thought Rob, "and that's to walk straight

in, as I haven't any friends to give me a regular introduction."

So he boldly advanced to the gate, where he found himself stopped by

crossed carbines and a cry of "Halt!"

Excuse me," said Rob; "I'm in a hurry."

He pushed the carbines aside and marched on. The soldiers made

thrusts at him with their weapons, and an officer jabbed at his breast

with a glittering sword, but the Garment of Repulsion protected him from

these dangers as well as from a hail of bullets that followed his

advancing figure.

He reached the entrance of the palace only to face another group of

guardsmen and a second order to halt, and as these soldiers were over

six feet tall and stood shoulder to shoulder Rob saw that he could not

hope to pass them without using his electric tube.

Stand aside, you fellows!" he ordered.

There was no response. He extended the tube and, as he pressed the

button, described a semi-circle with the instrument. Immediately the tall

guardsmen toppled over like so many tenpins, and Rob stepped across

their bodies and penetrated to the reception room, where a brilliant

assemblage awaited, in hushed and anxious groups, for opportunity to

obtain audience with the king.

I hope his Majesty isn't busy," said Rob to a solemn-visaged official who

confronted him. "I want to have a little talk with him."

I--I--ah--beg pardon!" exclaimed the astounded master of ceremonies.

What name, please?"

The Master Key