The king hastened to a window over the gate , and saw the sentinels on duty . `` Hi ! '' he called . And the sentinels turned round , looked up , and saluted . `` Have you seen anyone go out ? '' he cried . `` No one , sire , '' answered the soldiers . The king , who began to guess what had happened , hurried back to the turret-room . There were all the tradesmen with parcels under their arms . `` What means this , gentlemen ? '' said his Majesty , severely . `` For what reason did you leave the room without my permission ? '' They all knelt down , humbly imploring his compassion . `` Get up , you donkeys ! '' said the king , forgetting his politeness . `` Get up , and tell me where you have been hiding yourselves . '' The hatter came forward , and said : `` Sire , you will not believe me ; indeed , I can scarcely believe it myself ! '' `` Nor none of us ca n't , '' said the swordmaker . `` We have been home , and brought the articles . All orders executed with punctuality and dispatch , '' he added , quoting his own advertisement without thinking of it .
On this the XXXXX took out and exhibited the Andrea Ferrara blade , which was exactly like the Sword of Sharpness .
Majesty Sire executed gentlemen hatter king permission room swordmaker turret-room