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THE MESSAGE OF SIMON THE HUNTSMAN.
I RECEIVED the telegram sent to me by the Constable of Zenda at my own house in Strelsau about one o'clock.

It is needless to say that I made immediate preparations to obey his summons.

My wife indeed protested--and I must admit with some show of reason--that I was unfit to endure further fatigues, and that my bed was the only proper place for me.

I could not listen; and James, Mr.Rassendyll's servant, being informed of the summons, was at my elbow with a card of the trains from Strelsau to Zenda, without waiting for any order from me.