THE HISTORY OF A NUT-CRACKER. 75

to meet that minute, the matter being
of the utmost importance. The council
assembled, the business was explained,
and it was decided by a majority of
voices, “ That’ Dame Mousey, being
accused of having eaten of the fat des-
tined for the sausages, the polonies, and
the black puddings of the king, should
be tried for the same offence; and that
if the said Dame Mousey was found =
guilty, she and all her race should be
banished from the kingdom, and all her
goods or possessions, namely, lands,
castles, palaces, and royal residences should be confiscated.”
Then the king ob-

served to his coun-
th cillors that while the

| trial lasted, Dame

Mousey and_ her
Mi family would have
: ‘hi ‘sufficient time to
devour all the fat in
"the royal kitchens,

which would expose

him to the same

privation as_ that

which he had just
endured in the presence of six crowned heads, without
reckoning royal princes, hereditary dukes, and heirs apparent.
He therefore demanded a discretionary power in respect to
Dame Mousey and her family.

The privy council divided, for the form of the thing, but
the discretionary power was voted, as you may well suppose,
by a large majority.

The king then sent one of his best carriages, preceded by
a courier that greater speed might be used, to a very skilful