the magistrate was drinking ; the king was telling jokes ; the feast was strong and lively for all the royal folks ; the hand of hobart entered ; its fingers stalked the floor ; it leapt upon the magistrate and squeezed with magic force ; he choked and sputtered madly ; he tried to breathe and failed ; the king was horrified , of course , and watched the spectacle ; the hand released its victim and dropped as lifeless limb ; the king called for the royal guard , and they came rushing in ; the hand was tried for murder its guilt was guaranteed the royal guard and royal court appeased the nervous king !