There were two courtyards to cross, two walls to climb, and beyond the walls the unfriendly streets.

The man hoodwinked his sentries, climbed his two walls, crossed the unfriendly streets, and took refuge in a cellar, where he was discovered.

From the cellar in broad daylight he fought his way to the roofs, and on the roofs he played such a game of hide-and-seek among the chimney-tops--" Wogan broke off from his story with a clear thrill of laughter; it was a laugh of enjoyment at a pleasing recollection.

Then he suddenly flung himself down on his knee at the feet of his sovereign.

"Give me leave, your Majesty," he cried passionately.