The captain of the fool's guard stood over a young man who was bravely standing before him and his men.
"Do you confess to murdering the king?" the captain roared.
"No," said the young man. "I do not."
"Right, then," said the captain, turning to his men. "Clap him in irons, then."
A minute later, the young man was laughing and running free, while the captain glared at his men.
"Really," he thought. "Next time I'll insist on more intelligent candidates to select my guards from."

What had happened?