The people in the palace were not much different from people today and some of them became very jealous of the good fortune of the man who had saved the King's life. Whenever they had a chance they whispered untrue stories about him to the King.
For a long time no one could change the King's mind about his faithful servant. But one day a report came to him that the man was unfaithful and not to be trusted. He had been seen, late at night when everything was quiet, going to a room in the far corner of the palace. He carried with him a bundle of what was thought to be stolen goods.
"Well, now," said the King, "I'd like to know what he is up to." You see he didn't lose his faith in the man, but he was curious and decided to see for himself.
That night he gathered the jealous courtiers around him and they all quietly followed the man through the halls to the farthest corner of the palace where he disappeared behind a door.
"Open the door!" the King called loudly in the silent night.
