Might they not hang him at once, and inquire into his case afterward?
He had heard that the great were prompt about small matters.

His fear rose higher and higher; and trembling he softly opened the door to the antechamber, resolved to fly and seek the prince, and, through him, protection and release.

Six gorgeous gentlemen-servants and two young pages of high degree, clothed like butterflies, sprang to their feet and bowed low before him.

He stepped quickly back and shut the door.

He said-- "Oh, they mock at me! They will go and tell.