“Immediately afterwards, there was a great commotion heard from inside the pie, and first one bird and then another began to sing, hopping out of the pie and on to the table, evidently delighted at regaining its liberty.

“Finally, amid the breathless silence of all about the table, they flew off through the open window, and nothing was left but the crust.

“The Queen sat back in her chair looking half-triumphant and half-ashamed.

“’I’m afraid it isn’t a very satisfactory pie, from the eating point of view,’ she faltered, ’but I couldn’t have the poor pretty little things killed, and so I put them in the dish alive, and when the crust, which I baked separately, was nearly cold, I cut a hole in the top, so that they could breathe, and put it over them.’

“‘It does your heart much credit, my love,’ cried the King, ’and, the thought of cutting a hole in the crust was a very kind one.’

“And indeed, wherever and in whatever country I have been since that time, many years ago, and have related the story, the ladies of that country have always made a hole in the top of their pies, in honour of the beautiful and kind Queen who first invented it.

“I did not hear much more of the conversation which followed this episode, for unfortunately, just then, I felt myself disappearing, and had only just time to incline my head respectfully to the King and Queen before I had vanished.”

“But,” I remarked, when Shin Shira left off speaking, “you haven’t told me yet how you came to get the title of ‘Doctor.’”

“Oh, that’s all part of the same story,” said Shin Shira, refilling his pipe; “it has a sequel.  About seven months after the events which I have narrated” (you’ll have noticed that Shin Shira loved using long words when he could), “I found myself again in the same country, and I thought I could not leave it without paying my respects to the amiable King and Queen; so, one fine afternoon, I made my way up to the Castle.

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“I found the King in his counting-house, industriously counting out his money.  He left off when he saw me, though, and came forward to greet me heartily.

“‘The Queen, bless her! will be as delighted to see you as I am,’ said he; ‘we’ll go and find her.  I fancy I know where she is.’

“He led the way at once to the parlour, and there we found her Majesty looking sweet and amiable as ever.

“She was rather confused at being discovered in the act of eating some bread and honey.

“‘I am suffering from a very poor appetite,’ her Majesty explained, after she had made me welcome, ’and have eaten nothing at all to-day, and just now I fancied a little honey, for which I have a great liking.’

“‘I hope your Majesty is not unwell, that your appetite is so feeble?’ I inquired with great solicitation.

“‘Oh no!’ replied the Queen, with an effort at brightness; ’I’m a little worried, that’s all.’