muttered Hendon, admiringly; “he playeth the part to a marvel.”

Then he stretched himself across the door, on the floor, saying contentedly —

“I have lodged worse for seven years; ’twould be but ill gratitude to Him above to find fault with this.”

He dropped asleep as the dawn appeared. Toward noon he rose, uncovered his unconscious ward — a section at a time — and took his measure with a string. The King awoke, just as he had completed his work, complained of the cold, and asked what he was doing.

“’Tis done, now, my liege,” said Hendon; “I have a bit of business outside, but will presently return; sleep thou again — thou needest it. There — let me cover thy head also —