`` Where on earth are they ? '' cried the king , rushing through all the rooms in that part of the castle . He shouted for them , and looked everywhere ; but there was not a trace of tailor , hatter , optician , swordmaker , upholsterer . 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 XXXXX us ca n't , '' said the swordmaker .
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