When the King awoke in the morning, the women were gone.

“They are saved!” he said, joyfully; then added, despondently, “but woe is me! — for they were my comforters.”

Each of them had left a shred of ribbon pinned to his clothing, in token of remembrance. He said he would keep these things always; and that soon he would seek out these dear good friends of his and take them under his protection.

Just then the jailer came in with some subordinates, and commanded that the prisoners be conducted to the jail-yard. The King was overjoyed — it would be a blessed thing to see the blue sky and breathe the fresh air once more.

He fretted and chafed at the slowness of the officers, but his