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+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?>
+
+<!DOCTYPE html
+   PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
+   "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" >
+
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
+  <head>
+    <title>
+      THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER, COMPLETE, By Mark Twain
+    </title>
+    <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve">
+
+		body {background:#faebd7; margin:5%; text-align:justify}
+    P { text-indent:   1em;
+        margin-top:    .25em;
+        margin-bottom: .25em; }
+    H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; }
+    HR  { width: 33%; text-align: center; }
+		blockquote {font-size: 97% }
+		.figleft   {float: left;}
+     div.fig     { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; }
+    .figright  {float: right;}
+    .toc       { margin-left: 15%; margin-bottom: 0em;}
+    .boxnote    {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin: 1em 10%; }
+    CENTER { padding: 10px;}
+
+</style>
+  </head>
+  <body>
+    <h1>
+      THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER
+    </h1>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Prince and The Pauper, Complete
+by Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net
+
+
+Title: The Prince and The Pauper, Complete
+
+Author: Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)
+
+Release Date: August 20, 2006 [EBook #1837]
+Last Updated: October 22, 2012
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRINCE AND THE PAUPER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Widger. The earliest PG edition was prepared by
+Les Bowler
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+    <div class="boxnote">
+      <i> <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1837/old/orig1837-h/main.htm">
+      LINK TO THE ORIGINAL HTML FILE: This Ebook Has Been Reformatted For Better
+      Appearance In Mobile Viewers Such As Kindles And Others. The Original
+      Format, Which The Editor Believes Has A More Attractive Appearance For
+      Laptops And Other Computers, May Be Viewed By Clicking On This Box.</a>
+      </i>
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h1>
+      THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER
+    </h1>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      by Mark Twain
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="bookcover.jpg (148K)" src="images/cover.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="frontispiece1.jpg (135K)" src="images/frontispiece1.jpg"
+      width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="frontispiece2.jpg (123K)" src="images/frontispiece2.jpg"
+      width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="titlepage.jpg (62K)" src="images/titlepage.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="greatseal" id="greatseal"></a><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="greatseal.jpg (68K)" src="images/greatseal.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br />The Great Seal <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="dedication.jpg (21K)" src="images/dedication.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="inscription.jpg (16K)" src="images/inscription.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <blockquote>
+      <p>
+        <b> I will set down a tale as it was told to me by one who had it of his
+        father, which latter had it of HIS father, this last having in like
+        manner had it of HIS father&mdash;and so on, back and still back, three
+        hundred years and more, the fathers transmitting it to the sons and so
+        preserving it. &nbsp;It may be history, it may be only a legend, a
+        tradition. It may have happened, it may not have happened: &nbsp;but it
+        COULD have happened. &nbsp;It may be that the wise and the learned
+        believed it in the old days; it may be that only the unlearned and the
+        simple loved it and credited it.</b>
+      </p>
+    </blockquote>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      CONTENTS
+    </h2>
+    <table summary="">
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          I.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c1">The birth of the Prince and the Pauper.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          II.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c2">Tom's early life.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          III.&nbsp;&nbsp;
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c3">Tom's meeting with the Prince.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          IV.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c4">The Prince's troubles begin.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          V.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c5">Tom as a patrician.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          VI.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c6">Tom receives instructions.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          VII.&nbsp;&nbsp;
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c7">Tom's first royal dinner.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          VIII.&nbsp;&nbsp;
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c8">The question of the Seal.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          IX.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c9">The river pageant.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          X.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c10">The Prince in the toils.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XI.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c11">At Guildhall.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XII.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c12">The Prince and his deliverer.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XIII.&nbsp;&nbsp;
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c13">The disappearance of the Prince.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XIV.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c14">'Le Roi est mort&mdash;vive le Roi.'</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XV.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c15">Tom as King.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XVI.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c16">The state dinner.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XVII.&nbsp;&nbsp;
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c17">Foo-foo the First.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XVIII.&nbsp;&nbsp;
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c18">The Prince with the tramps.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XIX.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c19">The Prince with the peasants.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XX.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c20">The Prince and the hermit.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XXI.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c21">Hendon to the rescue.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XXII.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c22">A victim of treachery.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XXIII.&nbsp;&nbsp;
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c23">The Prince a prisoner.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XXIV.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c24">The escape.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XXV.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c25">Hendon Hall.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XXVI.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c26">Disowned.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XXVII.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c27">In prison.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XXVIII.&nbsp;&nbsp;
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c28">The sacrifice.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XXIX.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c29">To London.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XXX.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c30">Tom's progress.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XXXI.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c31">The Recognition procession.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XXXII.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c32">Coronation Day</a>.<br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          XXXIII.
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c33">Edward as King.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          CONCLUSION. &nbsp;
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#c34">Justice and Retribution.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+      <tr>
+        <td>
+          &nbsp;
+        </td>
+        <td>
+          <a href="#link35-403">Notes.</a><br />
+        </td>
+      </tr>
+    </table>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      ILLUSTRATIONS
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <a href="#greatseal">THE GREAT SEAL (frontispiece)</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link01-021">THE BIRTH OF THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link01-023">"SPLENDID PAGEANTS AND GREAT BONFIRES"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link02-025">TOM'S EARLY LIFE </a><br /><br /> <a href="#link02-028">OFFAL
+      COURT</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link02-029">"WITH ANY MISERABLE CRUST"</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link02-030">"HE OFTEN READ THE PRIEST'S BOOKS"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link02-031">"SAW POOR ANNE ASKEW BURNED"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link02-032">"BROUGHT THEIR PERPLEXITIES TO TOM"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link02-033">"LONGING FOR THE PORK-PIES" </a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link03-035">TOM'S MEETING WITH THE PRINCE</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link03-037">"AT TEMPLE BAR"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link03-039">"LET
+      HIM IN"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link03-041">"HOW OLD BE THESE</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link03-043">"DOFF THY RAGS, AND DON THESE SPLENDORS"&nbsp;&nbsp;</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link03-046">"I SALUTE YOUR GRACIOUS HIGHNESS!"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link04-047">THE PRINCE'S TROUBLES BEGIN</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link04-050">"SET UPON BY DOGS"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link04-052">"A
+      DRUNKEN RUFFIAN COLLARED HIM"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link05-055">TOM AS A
+      PATRICIAN</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link05-057">"NEXT HE DREW THE SWORD"</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link05-058">"RESOLVED TO FLY"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link05-059">"THE
+      BOY WAS ON HIS KNEES"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link05-061">"NOBLES WALKED
+      UPON EACH SIDE OF HIM"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link05-062">"HE DROPPED
+      UPON HIS KNEES"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link05-064">"HE TURNED WITH JOYFUL
+      FACE"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link05-065">"THE PHYSICIAN BOWED LOW"</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link05-067">"THE KING FELL BACK UPON HIS COUCH"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link05-068">"IS THIS MAN TO LIVE FOREVER?"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link06-071">TOM RECEIVES INSTRUCTIONS</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link06-073">"PRITHEE, INSIST NOT"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link06-075">"THE LORD ST. JOHN MADE REVERENCE"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link06-077">HERTFORD AND THE PRINCESSES</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link06-079">"SHE MADE REVERENCE"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link06-080">"OFFERED
+      IT TO HIM ON A GOLDEN SALVER"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link06-082">"THEY
+      MUSED A WHILE"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link06-083">"PEACE MY LORD, THOU
+      UTTEREST TREASON!"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link06-084">"HE BEGAN TO PACE
+      THE FLOOR"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link07-087">TOM'S FIRST ROYAL DINNER</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link07-089">"FASTENED A NAPKIN ABOUT HIS NECK"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link07-091">"TOM ATE WITH HIS FINGERS"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link07-092">"HE GRAVELY TOOK A DRAUGHT"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link07-093">"TOM PUT ON THE GREAVES"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link08-095">THE QUESTION OF THE SEAL</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link08-098">"EASED HIM BACK UPON HIS PILLOWS"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link09-101">THE RIVER PAGEANT</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link09-104">"HALBERDIERS
+      APPEARED IN THE GATEWAY"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link09-106">"TOM CANTY
+      STEPPED INTO VIEW"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link10-107">THE PRINCE IN THE
+      TOILS</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link10-110">"A DIM FORM SANK TO THE GROUND"</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link10-111">"WHO ART THOU?"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link10-113">"INTO
+      GOOD WIFE CANTY'S ARMS"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link10-115">"BENT
+      HEEDFULLY AND WARILY OVER HIM"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link10-116">"THE
+      PRINCE SPRANG UP"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link10-118">"HURRIED HIM ALONG
+      THE DARK WAY"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link10-120">"HE WASTE NO TIME"</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link11-121">AT GUILDHALL</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link11-124">"A
+      RICH CANOPY OF STATE"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link11-127">"BEGAN TO LAY
+      ABOUT HIM"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link11-128">"LONG LIVE THE KING!"</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link12-131">THE PRINCE AND HIS DELIVERER</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link12-134">"OUR FRIENDS THREADED THEIR WAY"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link12-136">"OBJECT LESSONS" IN ENGLISH HISTORY</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link12-137">"JOHN CANTY MOVED OFF"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link12-139">"SMOOTHING BACK THE TANGLED CURLS"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link12-141">"PRITHEE, POUR THE WATER"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link12-142">"GO ON&mdash;TELL ME THY STORY</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link12-145">"THOU HAST BEEN SHAMEFULLY ABUSED"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link12-146">"HE DROPPED ON ONE KNEE"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link12-148">"RISE, SIR MILES HENDON, BARONET"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link13-149">THE DISAPPEARANCE OF THE PRINCE</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link13-151">"HE DROPPED ASLEEP"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link13-153">"THESE
+      BE VERY GOOD AND SOUND"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link13-155">"EXPLAIN, THOU
+      LIMB OF SATAN"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link13-156">"HENDON FOLLOWED AFTER
+      HIM"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link14-159">"LE ROI EST MORT-VIVE LE ROI"</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link14-162">"WILT DEIGN TO DELIVER THY COMMANDS?"</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link14-164">"LORD OF THE BEDCHAMBER"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link14-166">"A SECRETARY OF STATE"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link14-170">"STOOD AT GRACEFUL EASE"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link14-172">"'TIS I THAT TAKE THEM"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link14-175">"BUT TAX YOUR MEMORY"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link15-177">TOM AS KING</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link15-181">"TOM
+      HAD WANDERED TO A WINDOW"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link15-183">"TOM SCANNED
+      THE PRISONERS"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link15-187">"LET THE PRISONER GO
+      FREE!"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link15-188">"WHAT IS IT THAT THESE HAVE
+      DONE?"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link15-190">"NODDED THEIR RECOGNITION"</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link16-193">THE STATE DINNER</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link16-196">"A
+      GENTLEMAN BEARING A ROD"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link16-197">"THE
+      CHANCELLOR BETWEEN TWO"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link16-198">"I THANK YOU
+      MY GOOD PEOPLE"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link16-199">"IN THE MIDST OF HIS
+      PAGEANT"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link17-201">FOO-FOO THE FIRST</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link17-205">"RUFFIAN FOLLOWED THEIR STEPS"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link17-206">"HE SEIZED A BILLET OF WOOD"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link17-207">"HE WAS SOON ABSORBED IN THINKING"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link17-208">"A GRIM AND UNSIGHTLY PICTURE"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link17-210">"THEY ROARED OUT A ROLLICKING DITTY"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link17-212">"WHILST THE FLAMES LICKED UPWARDS"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link17-213">"THEY WERE WHIPPED AT THE CART'S TAIL"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link17-215">"THOU SHALT NOT"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link17-216">"KNOCKING
+      HOBBS DOWN"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link17-218">"THRONE HIM"</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link18-221">THE PRINCE WITH THE TRAMPS</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link18-224">"TROOP OF VAGABONDS SET FORWARD"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link18-225">"THEY THREW BONES AND VEGETABLES</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link18-227">"WRITHE AND WALLOW IN THE DIRT"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link18-228">"KING FLED IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link18-230">"HE STUMBLED ALONG"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link18-232">"WHAT
+      SEEMED TO BE A WARM ROPE"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link18-233">"CUDDLED UP
+      TO THE CALF"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link19-235">THE PRINCE WITH THE
+      PEASANTS</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link19-239">"TOOK A GOOD SATISFYING
+      STARE"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link19-240">"MOTHER RECEIVED THE KING
+      KINDLY"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link19-242">"BROUGHT THE KING OUT OF HIS
+      DREAMS"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link19-244">"GAVE HIM A BUTCHER KNIFE TO
+      GRIND"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link20-245">THE PRINCE AND THE HERMIT</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link20-248">"HE TURNED AND DESCRIED TWO FIGURES"</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link20-249">"THE KING ENTERED AND PAUSED"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link20-251">"I WILL TELL YOU A SECRET"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link20-253">"CHATTING PLEASANTLY ALL THE TIME"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link20-255">"DREW HIS THUMB ALONG THE EDGE"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link20-256">"THE NEXT MOMENT THEY WERE BOUND"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link21-257">HENDON TO THE RESCUE</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link21-260">"SUNK
+      UPON HIS KNEES"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link21-262">"GOD MADE EVERY
+      CREATURE BUT YOU!"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link21-264">"THE FETTERED
+      LITTLE KING"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link22-267">A VICTIM OF TREACHERY</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link22-270">"HUGO STOOD NO CHANCE"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link22-272">"BOUND THE POULTICE TIGHT AND FAST"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link22-274">"TARRY HERE TILL I COME AGAIN</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link22-276">"KING SPRANG TO HIS DELIVERER'S SIDE"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link23-279">THE PRINCE A PRISONER</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link23-282">"GENTLY, GOOD FRIEND"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link23-284">"SHE SPRANG TO HER FEET"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link24-287">THE ESCAPE</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link24-290">"THE PIG
+      MAY COST THY NECK, MAN"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link24-292">"BEAR ME UP,
+      BEAR ME UP, SWEET SIR!"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link25-293">HENDON HALL</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link25-296">"JOGGING EASTWARD ON SORRY STEEDS"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link25-297">"THERE IS THE VILLAGE, MY PRINCE!"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link25-299">"'EMBRACE ME, HUGH,' HE CRIED"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link25-301">"HUGH PUT UP HIS HAND IN DISSENT"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link25-303">"A BEAUTIFUL LADY, RICHLY CLOTHED"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link25-305">"HUGH WAS PINNED TO THE WALL"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link26-307">DISOWNED</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link26-310">"OBEY, AND
+      HAVE NO FEAR"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link26-313">"AM I MILES HENDON?"</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link27-315">IN PRISON</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link27-318">"CHAINED
+      IN A LARGE ROOM"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link27-320">"THE OLD MAN LOOKED
+      HENDON OVER"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link27-321">"INFORMATION DELIVERED IN
+      A LOW VOICE"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link27-323">"THE KING!" HE CRIED.
+      "WHAT KING?"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link27-326">"TWO WOMEN CHAINED TO
+      POSTS"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link27-328">"TORN AWAY BY THE OFFICERS"</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link27-329">"THE KING WAS FURIOUS"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link28-331">THE SACRIFICE</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link28-334">"HE
+      CONFRONTED THE OFFICER IN CHARGE"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link28-336">"WHILE
+      THE LASH WAS APPLIED"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link28-337">"SIR HUGH
+      SPURRED AWAY"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link29-339">TO LONDON</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link29-342">"MOUNTED AND RODE OFF WITH THE KING"</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link29-343">"MIDST OF A JAM OF HOWLING PEOPLE"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link30-345">TOM'S PROGRESS</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link30-348">"TO
+      KISS HIS HAND AT PARTING"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link30-348">"COMMANDED
+      HER TO GO TO HER CLOSET"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link31-351">THE
+      RECOGNITION PROCESSION</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link31-353">THE START FOR
+      THE TOWER</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link31-355">"WELCOME, O KING!"</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link31-356">"A LARGESS! A LARGESS!"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link31-359">"SHE WAS AT HIS SIDE"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link31-361">"IT IS AN ILL TIME FOR DREAMING"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link31-362">"SHE WAS MY MOTHER"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link32-363">CORONATION
+      DAY</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link32-366">"GATHERS UP THE LADY'S LONG TRAIN"</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link32-368">"TOM CANTY APPEARED"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link32-370">"AND FELL ON HIS KNEES BEFORE HIM"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link32-373">"THE GREAT SEAL&mdash;FETCH IT HITHER"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link32-375">"SIRE, THE SEAL IS NOT THERE"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link32-377">"BETHINK THEE, MY KING"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link32-379">"LONG LIVE THE TRUE KING!"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link32-381">"TO CRACK NUTS WITH"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link33-383">EDWARD
+      AS KING</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link33-386">"HE STRETCHED HIMSELF ON THE
+      GROUND"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link33-389">"ARRESTED AS A SUSPICIOUS
+      CHARACTER"</a><br /><br /> <a href="#link33-392">"IT IS HIS RIGHT"</a><br /><br />
+      <a href="#link33-394">"STRIP THIS ROBBER"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link33-395">"TOM ROSE AND KISSED THE KING'S HAND"</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link34-397">JUSTICE AND RETRIBUTION</a><br /><br /> <a
+      href="#link35-403">NOTES</a><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />
+      <a name="c1" id="c1"></a> <a name="link01-021" id="link01-021"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link01-021.jpg (73K)" src="images/01-021.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link01-023" id="link01-023"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link01-023.jpg (147K)" src="images/01-023.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter I. The birth of the Prince and the Pauper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the ancient city of London, on a certain autumn day in the second
+      quarter of the sixteenth century, a boy was born to a poor family of the
+      name of Canty, who did not want him. &nbsp;On the same day another English
+      child was born to a rich family of the name of Tudor, who did want him.
+      All England wanted him too. &nbsp;England had so longed for him, and hoped
+      for him, and prayed God for him, that, now that he was really come, the
+      people went nearly mad for joy. &nbsp;Mere acquaintances hugged and kissed
+      each other and cried. Everybody took a holiday, and high and low, rich and
+      poor, feasted and danced and sang, and got very mellow; and they kept this
+      up for days and nights together. &nbsp;By day, London was a sight to see,
+      with gay banners waving from every balcony and housetop, and splendid
+      pageants marching along. &nbsp;By night, it was again a sight to see, with
+      its great bonfires at every corner, and its troops of revellers making
+      merry around them. &nbsp;There was no talk in all England but of the new
+      baby, Edward Tudor, Prince of Wales, who lay lapped in silks and satins,
+      unconscious of all this fuss, and not knowing that great lords and ladies
+      were tending him and watching over him&mdash;and not caring, either.
+      &nbsp;But there was no talk about the other baby, Tom Canty, lapped in his
+      poor rags, except among the family of paupers whom he had just come to
+      trouble with his presence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c2" id="c2"></a> <a
+      name="link02-025" id="link02-025"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link02-025.jpg (57K)" src="images/02-025.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter II. Tom's early life.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Let us skip a number of years.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      London was fifteen hundred years old, and was a great town&mdash;for that
+      day. It had a hundred thousand inhabitants&mdash;some think double as
+      many. &nbsp;The streets were very narrow, and crooked, and dirty,
+      especially in the part where Tom Canty lived, which was not far from
+      London Bridge. &nbsp;The houses were of wood, with the second story
+      projecting over the first, and the third sticking its elbows out beyond
+      the second. &nbsp;The higher the houses grew, the broader they grew.
+      &nbsp;They were skeletons of strong criss-cross beams, with solid material
+      between, coated with plaster. &nbsp;The beams were painted red or blue or
+      black, according to the owner's taste, and this gave the houses a very
+      picturesque look. &nbsp;The windows were small, glazed with little
+      diamond-shaped panes, and they opened outward, on hinges, like doors.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The house which Tom's father lived in was up a foul little pocket called
+      Offal Court, out of Pudding Lane. &nbsp;It was small, decayed, and
+      rickety, but it was packed full of wretchedly poor families. Canty's tribe
+      occupied a room on the third floor. &nbsp;The mother and father had a sort
+      of bedstead in the corner; but Tom, his grandmother, and his two sisters,
+      Bet and Nan, were not restricted&mdash;they had all the floor to
+      themselves, and might sleep where they chose. &nbsp;There were the remains
+      of a blanket or two, and some bundles of ancient and dirty straw, but
+      these could not rightly be called beds, for they were not organised; they
+      were kicked into a general pile, mornings, and selections made from the
+      mass at night, for service.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link02-028" id="link02-028"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link02-028.jpg (94K)" src="images/02-028.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Bet and Nan were fifteen years old&mdash;twins. &nbsp;They were
+      good-hearted girls, unclean, clothed in rags, and profoundly ignorant.
+      &nbsp;Their mother was like them. &nbsp;But the father and the grandmother
+      were a couple of fiends. &nbsp;They got drunk whenever they could; then
+      they fought each other or anybody else who came in the way; they cursed
+      and swore always, drunk or sober; John Canty was a thief, and his mother a
+      beggar. &nbsp;They made beggars of the children, but failed to make
+      thieves of them. &nbsp;Among, but not of, the dreadful rabble that
+      inhabited the house, was a good old priest whom the King had turned out of
+      house and home with a pension of a few farthings, and he used to get the
+      children aside and teach them right ways secretly. Father Andrew also
+      taught Tom a little Latin, and how to read and write; and would have done
+      the same with the girls, but they were afraid of the jeers of their
+      friends, who could not have endured such a queer accomplishment in them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All Offal Court was just such another hive as Canty's house. Drunkenness,
+      riot and brawling were the order, there, every night and nearly all night
+      long. &nbsp;Broken heads were as common as hunger in that place. &nbsp;Yet
+      little Tom was not unhappy. &nbsp;He had a hard time of it, but did not
+      know it. &nbsp;It was the sort of time that all the Offal Court boys had,
+      therefore he supposed it was the correct and comfortable thing. &nbsp;When
+      he came home empty-handed at night, he knew his father would curse him and
+      thrash him first, and that when he was done the awful grandmother would do
+      it all over again and improve on it; and that away in the night his
+      starving mother would slip to him stealthily with any miserable scrap or
+      crust she had been able to save for him by going hungry herself,
+      notwithstanding she was often caught in that sort of treason and soundly
+      beaten for it by her husband.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link02-029" id="link02-029"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link02-029.jpg (55K)" src="images/02-029.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      No, Tom's life went along well enough, especially in summer. &nbsp;He only
+      begged just enough to save himself, for the laws against mendicancy were
+      stringent, and the penalties heavy; so he put in a good deal of his time
+      listening to good Father Andrew's charming old tales and legends about
+      giants and fairies, dwarfs and genii, and enchanted castles, and gorgeous
+      kings and princes. &nbsp;His head grew to be full of these wonderful
+      things, and many a night as he lay in the dark on his scant and offensive
+      straw, tired, hungry, and smarting from a thrashing, he unleashed his
+      imagination and soon forgot his aches and pains in delicious picturings to
+      himself of the charmed life of a petted prince in a regal palace. &nbsp;One
+      desire came in time to haunt him day and night: &nbsp;it was to see a real
+      prince, with his own eyes. &nbsp;He spoke of it once to some of his Offal
+      Court comrades; but they jeered him and scoffed him so unmercifully that
+      he was glad to keep his dream to himself after that.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link02-030" id="link02-030"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link02-030.jpg (80K)" src="images/02-030.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He often read the priest's old books and got him to explain and enlarge
+      upon them. &nbsp;His dreamings and readings worked certain changes in him,
+      by- and-by. &nbsp;His dream-people were so fine that he grew to lament his
+      shabby clothing and his dirt, and to wish to be clean and better clad.
+      &nbsp;He went on playing in the mud just the same, and enjoying it, too;
+      but, instead of splashing around in the Thames solely for the fun of it,
+      he began to find an added value in it because of the washings and
+      cleansings it afforded.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom could always find something going on around the Maypole in Cheapside,
+      and at the fairs; and now and then he and the rest of London had a chance
+      to see a military parade when some famous unfortunate was carried prisoner
+      to the Tower, by land or boat. One summer's day he saw poor Anne Askew and
+      three men burned at the stake in Smithfield, and heard an ex-Bishop
+      preach a sermon to them which did not interest him. &nbsp;Yes, Tom's life
+      was varied and pleasant enough, on the whole.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link02-031" id="link02-031"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link02-031.jpg (171K)" src="images/02-031.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      By-and-by Tom's reading and dreaming about princely life wrought such a
+      strong effect upon him that he began to <i>act</i> the prince, unconsciously. His
+      speech and manners became curiously ceremonious and courtly, to the vast
+      admiration and amusement of his intimates. &nbsp;But Tom's influence among
+      these young people began to grow now, day by day; and in time he came to
+      be looked up to, by them, with a sort of wondering awe, as a superior
+      being. &nbsp;He seemed to know so much! and he could do and say such
+      marvellous things! and withal, he was so deep and wise! &nbsp;Tom's
+      remarks, and Tom's performances, were reported by the boys to their
+      elders; and these, also, presently began to discuss Tom Canty, and to
+      regard him as a most gifted and extraordinary creature. &nbsp;Full-grown
+      people brought their perplexities to Tom for solution, and were often
+      astonished at the wit and wisdom of his decisions. &nbsp;In fact he was
+      become a hero to all who knew him except his own family&mdash;these, only,
+      saw nothing in him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link02-032" id="link02-032"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link02-032.jpg (47K)" src="images/02-032.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Privately, after a while, Tom organised a royal court! &nbsp;He was the
+      prince; his special comrades were guards, chamberlains, equerries, lords
+      and ladies in waiting, and the royal family. &nbsp;Daily the mock prince
+      was received with elaborate ceremonials borrowed by Tom from his romantic
+      readings; daily the great affairs of the mimic kingdom were discussed in
+      the royal council, and daily his mimic highness issued decrees to his
+      imaginary armies, navies, and viceroyalties.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After which, he would go forth in his rags and beg a few farthings, eat
+      his poor crust, take his customary cuffs and abuse, and then stretch
+      himself upon his handful of foul straw, and resume his empty grandeurs in
+      his dreams.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And still his desire to look just once upon a real prince, in the flesh,
+      grew upon him, day by day, and week by week, until at last it absorbed all
+      other desires, and became the one passion of his life.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link02-033" id="link02-033"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link02-033.jpg (41K)" src="images/02-033.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One January day, on his usual begging tour, he tramped despondently up and
+      down the region round about Mincing Lane and Little East Cheap, hour after
+      hour, bare-footed and cold, looking in at cook-shop windows and longing
+      for the dreadful pork-pies and other deadly inventions displayed there&mdash;for
+      to him these were dainties fit for the angels; that is, judging by the
+      smell, they were&mdash;for it had never been his good luck to own and eat
+      one. There was a cold drizzle of rain; the atmosphere was murky; it was a
+      melancholy day. &nbsp;At night Tom reached home so wet and tired and
+      hungry that it was not possible for his father and grandmother to observe
+      his forlorn condition and not be moved&mdash;after their fashion;
+      wherefore they gave him a brisk cuffing at once and sent him to bed.
+      &nbsp;For a long time his pain and hunger, and the swearing and fighting
+      going on in the building, kept him awake; but at last his thoughts drifted
+      away to far, romantic lands, and he fell asleep in the company of jewelled
+      and gilded princelings who live in vast palaces, and had servants
+      salaaming before them or flying to execute their orders. &nbsp;And then,
+      as usual, he dreamed that <i>he</i> was a princeling himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All night long the glories of his royal estate shone upon him; he moved
+      among great lords and ladies, in a blaze of light, breathing perfumes,
+      drinking in delicious music, and answering the reverent obeisances of the
+      glittering throng as it parted to make way for him, with here a smile, and
+      there a nod of his princely head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And when he awoke in the morning and looked upon the wretchedness about
+      him, his dream had had its usual effect&mdash;it had intensified the
+      sordidness of his surroundings a thousandfold. &nbsp;Then came bitterness,
+      and heart-break, and tears.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c3" id="c3"></a> <a name="link03-035"
+      id="link03-035"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link03-035.jpg (77K)" src="images/03-035.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link03-037" id="link03-037"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link03-037.jpg (143K)" src="images/03-037.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter III. Tom's meeting with the Prince.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom got up hungry, and sauntered hungry away, but with his thoughts busy
+      with the shadowy splendours of his night's dreams. He wandered here and
+      there in the city, hardly noticing where he was going, or what was
+      happening around him. &nbsp;People jostled him, and some gave him rough
+      speech; but it was all lost on the musing boy. &nbsp;By-and-by he found
+      himself at Temple Bar, the farthest from home he had ever travelled in
+      that direction. &nbsp;He stopped and considered a moment, then fell into
+      his imaginings again, and passed on outside the walls of London. &nbsp;The
+      Strand had ceased to be a country-road then, and regarded itself as a
+      street, but by a strained construction; for, though there was a tolerably
+      compact row of houses on one side of it, there were only some scattered
+      great buildings on the other, these being palaces of rich nobles, with
+      ample and beautiful grounds stretching to the river&mdash;grounds that are
+      now closely packed with grim acres of brick and stone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom discovered Charing Village presently, and rested himself at the
+      beautiful cross built there by a bereaved king of earlier days; then idled
+      down a quiet, lovely road, past the great cardinal's stately palace,
+      toward a far more mighty and majestic palace beyond&mdash;Westminster. Tom
+      stared in glad wonder at the vast pile of masonry, the wide-spreading
+      wings, the frowning bastions and turrets, the huge stone gateway, with its
+      gilded bars and its magnificent array of colossal granite lions, and other
+      the signs and symbols of English royalty. &nbsp;Was the desire of his soul
+      to be satisfied at last? &nbsp;Here, indeed, was a king's palace. &nbsp;Might
+      he not hope to see a prince now&mdash;a prince of flesh and blood, if
+      Heaven were willing?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At each side of the gilded gate stood a living statue&mdash;that is to
+      say, an erect and stately and motionless man-at-arms, clad from head to
+      heel in shining steel armour. &nbsp;At a respectful distance were many
+      country folk, and people from the city, waiting for any chance glimpse of
+      royalty that might offer. &nbsp;Splendid carriages, with splendid people
+      in them and splendid servants outside, were arriving and departing by
+      several other noble gateways that pierced the royal enclosure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Poor little Tom, in his rags, approached, and was moving slowly and
+      timidly past the sentinels, with a beating heart and a rising hope, when
+      all at once he caught sight through the golden bars of a spectacle that
+      almost made him shout for joy. &nbsp;Within was a comely boy, tanned and
+      brown with sturdy outdoor sports and exercises, whose clothing was all of
+      lovely silks and satins, shining with jewels; at his hip a little jewelled
+      sword and dagger; dainty buskins on his feet, with red heels; and on his
+      head a jaunty crimson cap, with drooping plumes fastened with a great
+      sparkling gem. &nbsp;Several gorgeous gentlemen stood near&mdash;his
+      servants, without a doubt. &nbsp;Oh! he was a prince&mdash;a prince, a
+      living prince, a real prince&mdash;without the shadow of a question; and
+      the prayer of the pauper-boy's heart was answered at last.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom's breath came quick and short with excitement, and his eyes grew big
+      with wonder and delight. &nbsp;Everything gave way in his mind instantly
+      to one desire: &nbsp;that was to get close to the prince, and have a good,
+      devouring look at him. &nbsp;Before he knew what he was about, he had his
+      face against the gate-bars. &nbsp;The next instant one of the soldiers
+      snatched him rudely away, and sent him spinning among the gaping crowd of
+      country gawks and London idlers. &nbsp;The soldier said,&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Mind thy manners, thou young beggar!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The crowd jeered and laughed; but the young prince sprang to the gate with
+      his face flushed, and his eyes flashing with indignation, and cried out,&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How dar'st thou use a poor lad like that? &nbsp;How dar'st thou use the
+      King my father's meanest subject so? &nbsp;Open the gates, and let him
+      in!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link03-039" id="link03-039"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link03-039.jpg (171K)" src="images/03-039.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      You should have seen that fickle crowd snatch off their hats then. You
+      should have heard them cheer, and shout, "Long live the Prince of Wales!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The soldiers presented arms with their halberds, opened the gates, and
+      presented again as the little Prince of Poverty passed in, in his
+      fluttering rags, to join hands with the Prince of Limitless Plenty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Edward Tudor said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou lookest tired and hungry: &nbsp;thou'st been treated ill. &nbsp;Come
+      with me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Half a dozen attendants sprang forward to&mdash;I don't know what;
+      interfere, no doubt. &nbsp;But they were waved aside with a right royal
+      gesture, and they stopped stock still where they were, like so many
+      statues. &nbsp;Edward took Tom to a rich apartment in the palace, which he
+      called his cabinet. &nbsp;By his command a repast was brought such as Tom
+      had never encountered before except in books. &nbsp;The prince, with
+      princely delicacy and breeding, sent away the servants, so that his humble
+      guest might not be embarrassed by their critical presence; then he sat
+      near by, and asked questions while Tom ate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What is thy name, lad?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Tom Canty, an' it please thee, sir."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "'Tis an odd one. &nbsp;Where dost live?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "In the city, please thee, sir. &nbsp;Offal Court, out of Pudding Lane."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Offal Court! &nbsp;Truly 'tis another odd one. &nbsp;Hast parents?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Parents have I, sir, and a grand-dam likewise that is but indifferently
+      precious to me, God forgive me if it be offence to say it&mdash;also twin
+      sisters, Nan and Bet."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Then is thy grand-dam not over kind to thee, I take it?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Neither to any other is she, so please your worship. &nbsp;She hath a
+      wicked heart, and worketh evil all her days."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Doth she mistreat thee?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "There be times that she stayeth her hand, being asleep or overcome with
+      drink; but when she hath her judgment clear again, she maketh it up to me
+      with goodly beatings."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A fierce look came into the little prince's eyes, and he cried out&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What! &nbsp;Beatings?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, indeed, yes, please you, sir."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "<i>Beatings</i>!&mdash;and thou so frail and little. &nbsp;Hark ye: &nbsp;before
+      the night come, she shall hie her to the Tower. &nbsp;The King my father"&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "In sooth, you forget, sir, her low degree. &nbsp;The Tower is for the
+      great alone."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "True, indeed. &nbsp;I had not thought of that. &nbsp;I will consider of
+      her punishment. &nbsp;Is thy father kind to thee?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Not more than Gammer Canty, sir."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Fathers be alike, mayhap. &nbsp;Mine hath not a doll's temper. &nbsp;He
+      smiteth with a heavy hand, yet spareth me: &nbsp;he spareth me not always
+      with his tongue, though, sooth to say. &nbsp;How doth thy mother use
+      thee?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "She is good, sir, and giveth me neither sorrow nor pain of any sort. And
+      Nan and Bet are like to her in this."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How old be these?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link03-041" id="link03-041"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link03-041.jpg (85K)" src="images/03-041.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Fifteen, an' it please you, sir."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The Lady Elizabeth, my sister, is fourteen, and the Lady Jane Grey, my
+      cousin, is of mine own age, and comely and gracious withal; but my sister
+      the Lady Mary, with her gloomy mien and&mdash;Look you: &nbsp;do thy
+      sisters forbid their servants to smile, lest the sin destroy their souls?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "They? &nbsp;Oh, dost think, sir, that <i>they</i> have servants?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The little prince contemplated the little pauper gravely a moment, then
+      said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "And prithee, why not? &nbsp;Who helpeth them undress at night? &nbsp;Who
+      attireth them when they rise?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "None, sir. &nbsp;Would'st have them take off their garment, and sleep
+      without&mdash;like the beasts?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Their garment! &nbsp;Have they but one?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ah, good your worship, what would they do with more? &nbsp;Truly they
+      have not two bodies each."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It is a quaint and marvellous thought! &nbsp;Thy pardon, I had not meant
+      to laugh. &nbsp;But thy good Nan and thy Bet shall have raiment and
+      lackeys enow, and that soon, too: &nbsp;my cofferer shall look to it.
+      &nbsp;No, thank me not; 'tis nothing. &nbsp;Thou speakest well; thou hast
+      an easy grace in it. &nbsp;Art learned?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I know not if I am or not, sir. &nbsp;The good priest that is called
+      Father Andrew taught me, of his kindness, from his books."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Know'st thou the Latin?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "But scantly, sir, I doubt."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Learn it, lad: &nbsp;'tis hard only at first. &nbsp;The Greek is harder;
+      but neither these nor any tongues else, I think, are hard to the Lady
+      Elizabeth and my cousin. &nbsp;Thou should'st hear those damsels at it!
+      &nbsp;But tell me of thy Offal Court. &nbsp;Hast thou a pleasant life
+      there?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "In truth, yes, so please you, sir, save when one is hungry. There be
+      Punch-and-Judy shows, and monkeys&mdash;oh such antic creatures! and so
+      bravely dressed!&mdash;and there be plays wherein they that play do shout
+      and fight till all are slain, and 'tis so fine to see, and costeth but a
+      farthing&mdash;albeit 'tis main hard to get the farthing, please your
+      worship."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Tell me more."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We lads of Offal Court do strive against each other with the cudgel, like
+      to the fashion of the 'prentices, sometimes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The prince's eyes flashed. &nbsp;Said he&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Marry, that would not I mislike. &nbsp;Tell me more."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We strive in races, sir, to see who of us shall be fleetest."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That would I like also. &nbsp;Speak on."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "In summer, sir, we wade and swim in the canals and in the river, and each
+      doth duck his neighbour, and splatter him with water, and dive and shout
+      and tumble and&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "'Twould be worth my father's kingdom but to enjoy it once! Prithee go
+      on."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We dance and sing about the Maypole in Cheapside; we play in the sand,
+      each covering his neighbour up; and times we make mud pastry&mdash;oh the
+      lovely mud, it hath not its like for delightfulness in all the world!&mdash;we
+      do fairly wallow in the mud, sir, saving your worship's presence."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, prithee, say no more, 'tis glorious! &nbsp;If that I could but clothe
+      me in raiment like to thine, and strip my feet, and revel in the mud once,
+      just once, with none to rebuke me or forbid, meseemeth I could forego the
+      crown!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "And if that I could clothe me once, sweet sir, as thou art clad&mdash;just
+      once&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oho, would'st like it? &nbsp;Then so shall it be. &nbsp;Doff thy rags,
+      and don these splendours, lad! &nbsp;It is a brief happiness, but will be
+      not less keen for that. &nbsp;We will have it while we may, and change
+      again before any come to molest."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link03-043" id="link03-043"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link03-043.jpg (201K)" src="images/03-043.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A few minutes later the little Prince of Wales was garlanded with Tom's
+      fluttering odds and ends, and the little Prince of Pauperdom was tricked
+      out in the gaudy plumage of royalty. &nbsp;The two went and stood side by
+      side before a great mirror, and lo, a miracle: there did not seem to have
+      been any change made! &nbsp;They stared at each other, then at the glass,
+      then at each other again. &nbsp;At last the puzzled princeling said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What dost thou make of this?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ah, good your worship, require me not to answer. &nbsp;It is not meet
+      that one of my degree should utter the thing."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Then will <i>I</i> utter it. &nbsp;Thou hast the same hair, the same eyes, the
+      same voice and manner, the same form and stature, the same face and
+      countenance that I bear. &nbsp;Fared we forth naked, there is none could
+      say which was you, and which the Prince of Wales. &nbsp;And, now that I am
+      clothed as thou wert clothed, it seemeth I should be able the more nearly
+      to feel as thou didst when the brute soldier&mdash;Hark ye, is not this a
+      bruise upon your hand?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Yes; but it is a slight thing, and your worship knoweth that the poor
+      man-at-arms&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Peace! &nbsp;It was a shameful thing and a cruel!" cried the little
+      prince, stamping his bare foot. &nbsp;"If the King&mdash;Stir not a step
+      till I come again! It is a command!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In a moment he had snatched up and put away an article of national
+      importance that lay upon a table, and was out at the door and flying
+      through the palace grounds in his bannered rags, with a hot face and
+      glowing eyes. &nbsp;As soon as he reached the great gate, he seized the
+      bars, and tried to shake them, shouting&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Open! &nbsp;Unbar the gates!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The soldier that had maltreated Tom obeyed promptly; and as the prince
+      burst through the portal, half-smothered with royal wrath, the soldier
+      fetched him a sounding box on the ear that sent him whirling to the
+      roadway, and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Take that, thou beggar's spawn, for what thou got'st me from his
+      Highness!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The crowd roared with laughter. &nbsp;The prince picked himself out of the
+      mud, and made fiercely at the sentry, shouting&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I am the Prince of Wales, my person is sacred; and thou shalt hang for
+      laying thy hand upon me!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The soldier brought his halberd to a present-arms and said mockingly&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I salute your gracious Highness." &nbsp;Then angrily&mdash;"Be off, thou
+      crazy rubbish!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link03-046" id="link03-046"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link03-046.jpg (154K)" src="images/03-046.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Here the jeering crowd closed round the poor little prince, and hustled
+      him far down the road, hooting him, and shouting&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Way for his Royal Highness! &nbsp;Way for the Prince of Wales!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c4" id="c4"></a> <a name="link04-047"
+      id="link04-047"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link04-047.jpg (47K)" src="images/04-047.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter IV. The Prince's troubles begin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After hours of persistent pursuit and persecution, the little prince was
+      at last deserted by the rabble and left to himself. &nbsp;As long as he
+      had been able to rage against the mob, and threaten it royally, and
+      royally utter commands that were good stuff to laugh at, he was very
+      entertaining; but when weariness finally forced him to be silent, he was
+      no longer of use to his tormentors, and they sought amusement elsewhere.
+      He looked about him, now, but could not recognise the locality. &nbsp;He
+      was within the city of London&mdash;that was all he knew. &nbsp;He moved
+      on, aimlessly, and in a little while the houses thinned, and the
+      passers-by were infrequent. &nbsp;He bathed his bleeding feet in the brook
+      which flowed then where Farringdon Street now is; rested a few moments,
+      then passed on, and presently came upon a great space with only a few
+      scattered houses in it, and a prodigious church. &nbsp;He recognised this
+      church. &nbsp;Scaffoldings were about, everywhere, and swarms of workmen;
+      for it was undergoing elaborate repairs. &nbsp;The prince took heart at
+      once&mdash;he felt that his troubles were at an end, now. &nbsp;He said to
+      himself, "It is the ancient Grey Friars' Church, which the king my father
+      hath taken from the monks and given for a home for ever for poor and
+      forsaken children, and new-named it Christ's Church. &nbsp;Right gladly
+      will they serve the son of him who hath done so generously by them&mdash;and
+      the more that that son is himself as poor and as forlorn as any that be
+      sheltered here this day, or ever shall be."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He was soon in the midst of a crowd of boys who were running, jumping,
+      playing at ball and leap-frog, and otherwise disporting themselves, and
+      right noisily, too. &nbsp;They were all dressed alike, and in the fashion
+      which in that day prevailed among serving-men and 'prentices{1}&mdash;that
+      is to say, each had on the crown of his head a flat black cap about the
+      size of a saucer, which was not useful as a covering, it being of such
+      scanty dimensions, neither was it ornamental; from beneath it the hair
+      fell, unparted, to the middle of the forehead, and was cropped straight
+      around; a clerical band at the neck; a blue gown that fitted closely and
+      hung as low as the knees or lower; full sleeves; a broad red belt; bright
+      yellow stockings, gartered above the knees; low shoes with large metal
+      buckles. It was a sufficiently ugly costume.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The boys stopped their play and flocked about the prince, who said with
+      native dignity&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Good lads, say to your master that Edward Prince of Wales desireth speech
+      with him."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A great shout went up at this, and one rude fellow said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Marry, art thou his grace's messenger, beggar?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The prince's face flushed with anger, and his ready hand flew to his hip,
+      but there was nothing there. &nbsp;There was a storm of laughter, and one
+      boy said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Didst mark that? &nbsp;He fancied he had a sword&mdash;belike he is the
+      prince himself."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This sally brought more laughter. &nbsp;Poor Edward drew himself up
+      proudly and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I am the prince; and it ill beseemeth you that feed upon the king my
+      father's bounty to use me so."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This was vastly enjoyed, as the laughter testified. &nbsp;The youth who
+      had first spoken, shouted to his comrades&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ho, swine, slaves, pensioners of his grace's princely father, where be
+      your manners? &nbsp;Down on your marrow bones, all of ye, and do reverence
+      to his kingly port and royal rags!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With boisterous mirth they dropped upon their knees in a body and did mock
+      homage to their prey. &nbsp;The prince spurned the nearest boy with his
+      foot, and said fiercely&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Take thou that, till the morrow come and I build thee a gibbet!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Ah, but this was not a joke&mdash;this was going beyond fun. &nbsp;The
+      laughter ceased on the instant, and fury took its place. &nbsp;A dozen
+      shouted&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Hale him forth! &nbsp;To the horse-pond, to the horse-pond! &nbsp;Where
+      be the dogs? &nbsp;Ho, there, Lion! ho, Fangs!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then followed such a thing as England had never seen before&mdash;the
+      sacred person of the heir to the throne rudely buffeted by plebeian hands,
+      and set upon and torn by dogs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link04-050" id="link04-050"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link04-050.jpg (84K)" src="images/04-050.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As night drew to a close that day, the prince found himself far down in
+      the close-built portion of the city. &nbsp;His body was bruised, his hands
+      were bleeding, and his rags were all besmirched with mud. &nbsp;He
+      wandered on and on, and grew more and more bewildered, and so tired and
+      faint he could hardly drag one foot after the other. &nbsp;He had ceased
+      to ask questions of anyone, since they brought him only insult instead of
+      information. &nbsp;He kept muttering to himself, "Offal Court&mdash;that
+      is the name; if I can but find it before my strength is wholly spent and I
+      drop, then am I saved&mdash;for his people will take me to the palace and
+      prove that I am none of theirs, but the true prince, and I shall have mine
+      own again." &nbsp;And now and then his mind reverted to his treatment by
+      those rude Christ's Hospital boys, and he said, "When I am king, they
+      shall not have bread and shelter only, but also teachings out of books;
+      for a full belly is little worth where the mind is starved, and the heart.
+      &nbsp;I will keep this diligently in my remembrance, that this day's
+      lesson be not lost upon me, and my people suffer thereby; for learning
+      softeneth the heart and breedeth gentleness and charity." {1}
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The lights began to twinkle, it came on to rain, the wind rose, and a raw
+      and gusty night set in. &nbsp;The houseless prince, the homeless heir to
+      the throne of England, still moved on, drifting deeper into the maze of
+      squalid alleys where the swarming hives of poverty and misery were massed
+      together.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Suddenly a great drunken ruffian collared him and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link04-052" id="link04-052"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link04-052.jpg (80K)" src="images/04-052.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Out to this time of night again, and hast not brought a farthing home, I
+      warrant me! &nbsp;If it be so, an' I do not break all the bones in thy
+      lean body, then am I not John Canty, but some other."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The prince twisted himself loose, unconsciously brushed his profaned
+      shoulder, and eagerly said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, art <i>his</i> father, truly? &nbsp;Sweet heaven grant it be so&mdash;then
+      wilt thou fetch him away and restore me!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "<i>His</i> father? &nbsp;I know not what thou mean'st; I but know I am <i>thy</i>
+      father, as thou shalt soon have cause to&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, jest not, palter not, delay not!&mdash;I am worn, I am wounded, I can
+      bear no more. &nbsp;Take me to the king my father, and he will make thee
+      rich beyond thy wildest dreams. &nbsp;Believe me, man, believe me!&mdash;I
+      speak no lie, but only the truth!&mdash;put forth thy hand and save me!
+      &nbsp;I am indeed the Prince of Wales!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The man stared down, stupefied, upon the lad, then shook his head and
+      muttered&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Gone stark mad as any Tom o' Bedlam!"&mdash;then collared him once more,
+      and said with a coarse laugh and an oath, "But mad or no mad, I and thy
+      Gammer Canty will soon find where the soft places in thy bones lie, or I'm
+      no true man!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With this he dragged the frantic and struggling prince away, and
+      disappeared up a front court followed by a delighted and noisy swarm of
+      human vermin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c5" id="c5"></a> <a name="link05-055"
+      id="link05-055"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link05-055.jpg (73K)" src="images/05-055.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link05-057" id="link05-057"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link05-057.jpg (129K)" src="images/05-057.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter V. Tom as a Patrician.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom Canty, left alone in the prince's cabinet, made good use of his
+      opportunity. &nbsp;He turned himself this way and that before the great
+      mirror, admiring his finery; then walked away, imitating the prince's
+      high-bred carriage, and still observing results in the glass. &nbsp;Next
+      he drew the beautiful sword, and bowed, kissing the blade, and laying it
+      across his breast, as he had seen a noble knight do, by way of salute to
+      the lieutenant of the Tower, five or six weeks before, when delivering the
+      great lords of Norfolk and Surrey into his hands for captivity. &nbsp;Tom
+      played with the jewelled dagger that hung upon his thigh; he examined the
+      costly and exquisite ornaments of the room; he tried each of the sumptuous
+      chairs, and thought how proud he would be if the Offal Court herd could
+      only peep in and see him in his grandeur. &nbsp;He wondered if they would
+      believe the marvellous tale he should tell when he got home, or if they
+      would shake their heads, and say his overtaxed imagination had at last
+      upset his reason.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At the end of half an hour it suddenly occurred to him that the prince was
+      gone a long time; then right away he began to feel lonely; very soon he
+      fell to listening and longing, and ceased to toy with the pretty things
+      about him; he grew uneasy, then restless, then distressed. Suppose some
+      one should come, and catch him in the prince's clothes, and the prince not
+      there to explain. &nbsp;Might they not hang him at once, and inquire into
+      his case afterward? &nbsp;He had heard that the great were prompt about
+      small matters. &nbsp;His fear rose higher and higher; and trembling he
+      softly opened the door to the antechamber, resolved to fly and seek the
+      prince, and, through him, protection and release. &nbsp;Six gorgeous
+      gentlemen-servants and two young pages of high degree, clothed like
+      butterflies, sprang to their feet and bowed low before him. &nbsp;He
+      stepped quickly back and shut the door. &nbsp;He said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link05-058" id="link05-058"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link05-058.jpg (138K)" src="images/05-058.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, they mock at me! &nbsp;They will go and tell. &nbsp;Oh! why came I
+      here to cast away my life?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He walked up and down the floor, filled with nameless fears, listening,
+      starting at every trifling sound. &nbsp;Presently the door swung open, and
+      a silken page said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The Lady Jane Grey."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The door closed and a sweet young girl, richly clad, bounded toward him.
+      But she stopped suddenly, and said in a distressed voice&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, what aileth thee, my lord?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom's breath was nearly failing him; but he made shift to stammer out&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ah, be merciful, thou! &nbsp;In sooth I am no lord, but only poor Tom
+      Canty of Offal Court in the city. &nbsp;Prithee let me see the prince, and
+      he will of his grace restore to me my rags, and let me hence unhurt.
+      &nbsp;Oh, be thou merciful, and save me!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      By this time the boy was on his knees, and supplicating with his eyes and
+      uplifted hands as well as with his tongue. &nbsp;The young girl seemed
+      horror-stricken. &nbsp;She cried out&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link05-059" id="link05-059"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link05-059.jpg (104K)" src="images/05-059.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "O my lord, on thy knees?&mdash;and to <i>me</i>!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then she fled away in fright; and Tom, smitten with despair, sank down,
+      murmuring&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "There is no help, there is no hope. &nbsp;Now will they come and take
+      me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Whilst he lay there benumbed with terror, dreadful tidings were speeding
+      through the palace. &nbsp;The whisper&mdash;for it was whispered always&mdash;flew
+      from menial to menial, from lord to lady, down all the long corridors,
+      from story to story, from saloon to saloon, "The prince hath gone mad, the
+      prince hath gone mad!" &nbsp;Soon every saloon, every marble hall, had its
+      groups of glittering lords and ladies, and other groups of dazzling lesser
+      folk, talking earnestly together in whispers, and every face had in it
+      dismay. Presently a splendid official came marching by these groups,
+      making solemn proclamation&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "IN THE NAME OF THE KING!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Let none list to this false and foolish matter, upon pain of death, nor
+      discuss the same, nor carry it abroad. &nbsp;In the name of the King!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The whisperings ceased as suddenly as if the whisperers had been stricken
+      dumb.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Soon there was a general buzz along the corridors, of "The prince! See,
+      the prince comes!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Poor Tom came slowly walking past the low-bowing groups, trying to bow in
+      return, and meekly gazing upon his strange surroundings with bewildered
+      and pathetic eyes. &nbsp;Great nobles walked upon each side of him, making
+      him lean upon them, and so steady his steps. Behind him followed the
+      court-physicians and some servants.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link05-061" id="link05-061"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link05-061.jpg (144K)" src="images/05-061.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Presently Tom found himself in a noble apartment of the palace and heard
+      the door close behind him. &nbsp;Around him stood those who had come with
+      him. Before him, at a little distance, reclined a very large and very fat
+      man, with a wide, pulpy face, and a stern expression. &nbsp;His large head
+      was very grey; and his whiskers, which he wore only around his face, like
+      a frame, were grey also. &nbsp;His clothing was of rich stuff, but old,
+      and slightly frayed in places. &nbsp;One of his swollen legs had a pillow
+      under it, and was wrapped in bandages. &nbsp;There was silence now; and
+      there was no head there but was bent in reverence, except this man's.
+      &nbsp;This stern-countenanced invalid was the dread Henry VIII. &nbsp;He
+      said&mdash;and his face grew gentle as he began to speak&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How now, my lord Edward, my prince? &nbsp;Hast been minded to cozen me,
+      the good King thy father, who loveth thee, and kindly useth thee, with a
+      sorry jest?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Poor Tom was listening, as well as his dazed faculties would let him, to
+      the beginning of this speech; but when the words 'me, the good King' fell
+      upon his ear, his face blanched, and he dropped as instantly upon his
+      knees as if a shot had brought him there. Lifting up his hands, he
+      exclaimed&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link05-062" id="link05-062"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link05-062.jpg (111K)" src="images/05-062.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou the <i>King</i>? &nbsp;Then am I undone indeed!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This speech seemed to stun the King. &nbsp;His eyes wandered from face to
+      face aimlessly, then rested, bewildered, upon the boy before him. &nbsp;Then
+      he said in a tone of deep disappointment&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alack, I had believed the rumour disproportioned to the truth; but I fear
+      me 'tis not so." &nbsp;He breathed a heavy sigh, and said in a gentle
+      voice, "Come to thy father, child: &nbsp;thou art not well."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom was assisted to his feet, and approached the Majesty of England,
+      humble and trembling. &nbsp;The King took the frightened face between his
+      hands, and gazed earnestly and lovingly into it awhile, as if seeking some
+      grateful sign of returning reason there, then pressed the curly head
+      against his breast, and patted it tenderly. &nbsp;Presently he said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Dost not know thy father, child? &nbsp;Break not mine old heart; say thou
+      know'st me. &nbsp;Thou <i>dost</i> know me, dost thou not?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Yea: &nbsp;thou art my dread lord the King, whom God preserve!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "True, true&mdash;that is well&mdash;be comforted, tremble not so; there
+      is none here would hurt thee; there is none here but loves thee. Thou art
+      better now; thy ill dream passeth&mdash;is't not so? &nbsp;Thou wilt not
+      miscall thyself again, as they say thou didst a little while agone?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I pray thee of thy grace believe me, I did but speak the truth, most
+      dread lord; for I am the meanest among thy subjects, being a pauper born,
+      and 'tis by a sore mischance and accident I am here, albeit I was therein
+      nothing blameful. &nbsp;I am but young to die, and thou canst save me with
+      one little word. &nbsp;Oh speak it, sir!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Die? &nbsp;Talk not so, sweet prince&mdash;peace, peace, to thy troubled
+      heart&mdash;thou shalt not die!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom dropped upon his knees with a glad cry&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "God requite thy mercy, O my King, and save thee long to bless thy land!"
+      Then springing up, he turned a joyful face toward the two lords in
+      waiting, and exclaimed, "Thou heard'st it! &nbsp;I am not to die: &nbsp;the
+      King hath said it!" &nbsp;There was no movement, save that all bowed with
+      grave respect; but no one spoke. &nbsp;He hesitated, a little confused,
+      then turned timidly toward the King, saying, "I may go now?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link05-064" id="link05-064"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link05-064.jpg (126K)" src="images/05-064.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Go? &nbsp;Surely, if thou desirest. &nbsp;But why not tarry yet a little?
+      Whither would'st go?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom dropped his eyes, and answered humbly&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Peradventure I mistook; but I did think me free, and so was I moved to
+      seek again the kennel where I was born and bred to misery, yet which
+      harboureth my mother and my sisters, and so is home to me; whereas these
+      pomps and splendours whereunto I am not used&mdash;oh, please you, sir, to
+      let me go!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King was silent and thoughtful a while, and his face betrayed a
+      growing distress and uneasiness. &nbsp;Presently he said, with something
+      of hope in his voice&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Perchance he is but mad upon this one strain, and hath his wits unmarred
+      as toucheth other matter. &nbsp;God send it may be so! &nbsp;We will make
+      trial."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then he asked Tom a question in Latin, and Tom answered him lamely in the
+      same tongue. &nbsp;The lords and doctors manifested their gratification
+      also. The King said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "'Twas not according to his schooling and ability, but showeth that his
+      mind is but diseased, not stricken fatally. &nbsp;How say you, sir?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The physician addressed bowed low, and replied&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It jumpeth with my own conviction, sire, that thou hast divined aright."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link05-065" id="link05-065"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link05-065.jpg (123K)" src="images/05-065.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King looked pleased with this encouragement, coming as it did from so
+      excellent authority, and continued with good heart&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now mark ye all: &nbsp;we will try him further."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He put a question to Tom in French. &nbsp;Tom stood silent a moment,
+      embarrassed by having so many eyes centred upon him, then said diffidently&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I have no knowledge of this tongue, so please your majesty."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King fell back upon his couch. &nbsp;The attendants flew to his
+      assistance; but he put them aside, and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Trouble me not&mdash;it is nothing but a scurvy faintness. &nbsp;Raise
+      me! There, 'tis sufficient. &nbsp;Come hither, child; there, rest thy poor
+      troubled head upon thy father's heart, and be at peace. &nbsp;Thou'lt soon
+      be well: &nbsp;'tis but a passing fantasy. &nbsp;Fear thou not; thou'lt
+      soon be well." &nbsp;Then he turned toward the company: &nbsp;his gentle
+      manner changed, and baleful lightnings began to play from his eyes. &nbsp;He
+      said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "List ye all! &nbsp;This my son is mad; but it is not permanent. &nbsp;Over-study
+      hath done this, and somewhat too much of confinement. &nbsp;Away with his
+      books and teachers! see ye to it. &nbsp;Pleasure him with sports, beguile
+      him in wholesome ways, so that his health come again." &nbsp;He raised
+      himself higher still, and went on with energy, "He is mad; but he is my
+      son, and England's heir; and, mad or sane, still shall he reign! &nbsp;And
+      hear ye further, and proclaim it: whoso speaketh of this his distemper
+      worketh against the peace and order of these realms, and shall to the
+      gallows! . . . Give me to drink&mdash;I burn: &nbsp;this sorrow sappeth my
+      strength. . . . There, take away the cup. . . . Support me. &nbsp;There,
+      that is well. &nbsp;Mad, is he? &nbsp;Were he a thousand times mad, yet is
+      he Prince of Wales, and I the King will confirm it. &nbsp;This very morrow
+      shall he be installed in his princely dignity in due and ancient form.
+      &nbsp;Take instant order for it, my lord Hertford."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link05-067" id="link05-067"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link05-067.jpg (162K)" src="images/05-067.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One of the nobles knelt at the royal couch, and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The King's majesty knoweth that the Hereditary Great Marshal of England
+      lieth attainted in the Tower. &nbsp;It were not meet that one attainted&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Peace! &nbsp;Insult not mine ears with his hated name. &nbsp;Is this man
+      to live for ever? &nbsp;Am I to be baulked of my will? &nbsp;Is the prince
+      to tarry uninstalled, because, forsooth, the realm lacketh an Earl Marshal
+      free of treasonable taint to invest him with his honours? No, by the
+      splendour of God! &nbsp;Warn my Parliament to bring me Norfolk's doom
+      before the sun rise again, else shall they answer for it grievously!" {1}
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Hertford said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The King's will is law;" and, rising, returned to his former place.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link05-068" id="link05-068"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link05-068.jpg (114K)" src="images/05-068.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Gradually the wrath faded out of the old King's face, and he said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Kiss me, my prince. &nbsp;There . . . what fearest thou? &nbsp;Am I not
+      thy loving father?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou art good to me that am unworthy, O mighty and gracious lord: that in
+      truth I know. &nbsp;But&mdash;but&mdash;it grieveth me to think of him
+      that is to die, and&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ah, 'tis like thee, 'tis like thee! &nbsp;I know thy heart is still the
+      same, even though thy mind hath suffered hurt, for thou wert ever of a
+      gentle spirit. &nbsp;But this duke standeth between thee and thine
+      honours: &nbsp;I will have another in his stead that shall bring no taint
+      to his great office. Comfort thee, my prince: &nbsp;trouble not thy poor
+      head with this matter."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "But is it not I that speed him hence, my liege? &nbsp;How long might he
+      not live, but for me?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Take no thought of him, my prince: &nbsp;he is not worthy. &nbsp;Kiss me
+      once again, and go to thy trifles and amusements; for my malady
+      distresseth me. &nbsp;I am aweary, and would rest. &nbsp;Go with thine
+      uncle Hertford and thy people, and come again when my body is refreshed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom, heavy-hearted, was conducted from the presence, for this last
+      sentence was a death-blow to the hope he had cherished that now he would
+      be set free. &nbsp;Once more he heard the buzz of low voices exclaiming,
+      "The prince, the prince comes!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His spirits sank lower and lower as he moved between the glittering files
+      of bowing courtiers; for he recognised that he was indeed a captive now,
+      and might remain for ever shut up in this gilded cage, a forlorn and
+      friendless prince, except God in his mercy take pity on him and set him
+      free.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And, turn where he would, he seemed to see floating in the air the severed
+      head and the remembered face of the great Duke of Norfolk, the eyes fixed
+      on him reproachfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His old dreams had been so pleasant; but this reality was so dreary!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c6" id="c6"></a> <a name="link06-071"
+      id="link06-071"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link06-071.jpg (65K)" src="images/06-071.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link06-073" id="link06-073"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link06-073.jpg (136K)" src="images/06-073.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter VI. Tom receives instructions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom was conducted to the principal apartment of a noble suite, and made to
+      sit down&mdash;a thing which he was loth to do, since there were elderly
+      men and men of high degree about him. &nbsp;He begged them to be seated
+      also, but they only bowed their thanks or murmured them, and remained
+      standing. He would have insisted, but his 'uncle' the Earl of Hertford
+      whispered in his ear&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Prithee, insist not, my lord; it is not meet that they sit in thy
+      presence."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Lord St. John was announced, and after making obeisance to Tom, he
+      said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I come upon the King's errand, concerning a matter which requireth
+      privacy. &nbsp;Will it please your royal highness to dismiss all that
+      attend you here, save my lord the Earl of Hertford?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Observing that Tom did not seem to know how to proceed, Hertford whispered
+      him to make a sign with his hand, and not trouble himself to speak unless
+      he chose. &nbsp;When the waiting gentlemen had retired, Lord St. John said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "His majesty commandeth, that for due and weighty reasons of state, the
+      prince's grace shall hide his infirmity in all ways that be within his
+      power, till it be passed and he be as he was before. &nbsp;To wit, that he
+      shall deny to none that he is the true prince, and heir to England's
+      greatness; that he shall uphold his princely dignity, and shall receive,
+      without word or sign of protest, that reverence and observance which unto
+      it do appertain of right and ancient usage; that he shall cease to speak
+      to any of that lowly birth and life his malady hath conjured out of the
+      unwholesome imaginings of o'er-wrought fancy; that he shall strive with
+      diligence to bring unto his memory again those faces which he was wont to
+      know&mdash;and where he faileth he shall hold his peace, neither betraying
+      by semblance of surprise or other sign that he hath forgot; that upon
+      occasions of state, whensoever any matter shall perplex him as to the
+      thing he should do or the utterance he should make, he shall show nought
+      of unrest to the curious that look on, but take advice in that matter of
+      the Lord Hertford, or my humble self, which are commanded of the King to
+      be upon this service and close at call, till this commandment be
+      dissolved. Thus saith the King's majesty, who sendeth greeting to your
+      royal highness, and prayeth that God will of His mercy quickly heal you
+      and have you now and ever in His holy keeping."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Lord St. John made reverence and stood aside. &nbsp;Tom replied
+      resignedly&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link06-075" id="link06-075"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link06-075.jpg (97K)" src="images/06-075.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The King hath said it. &nbsp;None may palter with the King's command, or
+      fit it to his ease, where it doth chafe, with deft evasions. The King
+      shall be obeyed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Hertford said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Touching the King's majesty's ordainment concerning books and such like
+      serious matters, it may peradventure please your highness to ease your
+      time with lightsome entertainment, lest you go wearied to the banquet and
+      suffer harm thereby."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom's face showed inquiring surprise; and a blush followed when he saw
+      Lord St. John's eyes bent sorrowfully upon him. &nbsp;His lordship said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thy memory still wrongeth thee, and thou hast shown surprise&mdash;but
+      suffer it not to trouble thee, for 'tis a matter that will not bide, but
+      depart with thy mending malady. &nbsp;My Lord of Hertford speaketh of the
+      city's banquet which the King's majesty did promise, some two months
+      flown, your highness should attend. &nbsp;Thou recallest it now?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It grieves me to confess it had indeed escaped me," said Tom, in a
+      hesitating voice; and blushed again.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment the Lady Elizabeth and the Lady Jane Grey were announced.
+      The two lords exchanged significant glances, and Hertford stepped quickly
+      toward the door. &nbsp;As the young girls passed him, he said in a low
+      voice&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I pray ye, ladies, seem not to observe his humours, nor show surprise
+      when his memory doth lapse&mdash;it will grieve you to note how it doth
+      stick at every trifle."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link06-077" id="link06-077"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link06-077.jpg (101K)" src="images/06-077.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Meantime Lord St. John was saying in Tom's ear&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Please you, sir, keep diligently in mind his majesty's desire. Remember
+      all thou canst&mdash;<i>seem</i> to remember all else. &nbsp;Let them not
+      perceive that thou art much changed from thy wont, for thou knowest how
+      tenderly thy old play-fellows bear thee in their hearts and how 'twould
+      grieve them. Art willing, sir, that I remain?&mdash;and thine uncle?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom signified assent with a gesture and a murmured word, for he was
+      already learning, and in his simple heart was resolved to acquit himself
+      as best he might, according to the King's command.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In spite of every precaution, the conversation among the young people
+      became a little embarrassing at times. &nbsp;More than once, in truth, Tom
+      was near to breaking down and confessing himself unequal to his tremendous
+      part; but the tact of the Princess Elizabeth saved him, or a word from one
+      or the other of the vigilant lords, thrown in apparently by chance, had
+      the same happy effect. &nbsp;Once the little Lady Jane turned to Tom and
+      dismayed him with this question,&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Hast paid thy duty to the Queen's majesty to-day, my lord?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom hesitated, looked distressed, and was about to stammer out something
+      at hazard, when Lord St. John took the word and answered for him with the
+      easy grace of a courtier accustomed to encounter delicate difficulties and
+      to be ready for them&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "He hath indeed, madam, and she did greatly hearten him, as touching his
+      majesty's condition; is it not so, your highness?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom mumbled something that stood for assent, but felt that he was getting
+      upon dangerous ground. &nbsp;Somewhat later it was mentioned that Tom was
+      to study no more at present, whereupon her little ladyship exclaimed&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "'Tis a pity, 'tis a pity! &nbsp;Thou wert proceeding bravely. &nbsp;But
+      bide thy time in patience: &nbsp;it will not be for long. &nbsp;Thou'lt
+      yet be graced with learning like thy father, and make thy tongue master of
+      as many languages as his, good my prince."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "My father!" cried Tom, off his guard for the moment. &nbsp;"I trow he
+      cannot speak his own so that any but the swine that kennel in the styes
+      may tell his meaning; and as for learning of any sort soever&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He looked up and encountered a solemn warning in my Lord St. John's eyes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He stopped, blushed, then continued low and sadly: "Ah, my malady
+      persecuteth me again, and my mind wandereth. &nbsp;I meant the King's
+      grace no irreverence."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We know it, sir," said the Princess Elizabeth, taking her 'brother's'
+      hand between her two palms, respectfully but caressingly; "trouble not
+      thyself as to that. &nbsp;The fault is none of thine, but thy
+      distemper's."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou'rt a gentle comforter, sweet lady," said Tom, gratefully, "and my
+      heart moveth me to thank thee for't, an' I may be so bold."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Once the giddy little Lady Jane fired a simple Greek phrase at Tom. &nbsp;The
+      Princess Elizabeth's quick eye saw by the serene blankness of the target's
+      front that the shaft was overshot; so she tranquilly delivered a return
+      volley of sounding Greek on Tom's behalf, and then straightway changed the
+      talk to other matters.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Time wore on pleasantly, and likewise smoothly, on the whole. Snags and
+      sandbars grew less and less frequent, and Tom grew more and more at his
+      ease, seeing that all were so lovingly bent upon helping him and
+      overlooking his mistakes. &nbsp;When it came out that the little ladies
+      were to accompany him to the Lord Mayor's banquet in the evening, his
+      heart gave a bound of relief and delight, for he felt that he should not
+      be friendless, now, among that multitude of strangers; whereas, an hour
+      earlier, the idea of their going with him would have been an insupportable
+      terror to him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom's guardian angels, the two lords, had had less comfort in the
+      interview than the other parties to it. &nbsp;They felt much as if they
+      were piloting a great ship through a dangerous channel; they were on the
+      alert constantly, and found their office no child's play. Wherefore, at
+      last, when the ladies' visit was drawing to a close and the Lord Guilford
+      Dudley was announced, they not only felt that their charge had been
+      sufficiently taxed for the present, but also that they themselves were not
+      in the best condition to take their ship back and make their anxious
+      voyage all over again. &nbsp;So they respectfully advised Tom to excuse
+      himself, which he was very glad to do, although a slight shade of
+      disappointment might have been observed upon my Lady Jane's face when she
+      heard the splendid stripling denied admittance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link06-079" id="link06-079"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link06-079.jpg (89K)" src="images/06-079.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a pause now, a sort of waiting silence which Tom could not
+      understand. &nbsp;He glanced at Lord Hertford, who gave him a sign&mdash;but
+      he failed to understand that also. &nbsp;The ready Elizabeth came to the
+      rescue with her usual easy grace. &nbsp;She made reverence and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Have we leave of the prince's grace my brother to go?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Indeed your ladyships can have whatsoever of me they will, for the
+      asking; yet would I rather give them any other thing that in my poor power
+      lieth, than leave to take the light and blessing of their presence hence.
+      &nbsp;Give ye good den, and God be with ye!" Then he smiled inwardly at
+      the thought, "'Tis not for nought I have dwelt but among princes in my
+      reading, and taught my tongue some slight trick of their broidered and
+      gracious speech withal!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the illustrious maidens were gone, Tom turned wearily to his keepers
+      and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "May it please your lordships to grant me leave to go into some corner and
+      rest me?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Hertford said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "So please your highness, it is for you to command, it is for us to obey.
+      That thou should'st rest is indeed a needful thing, since thou must
+      journey to the city presently."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He touched a bell, and a page appeared, who was ordered to desire the
+      presence of Sir William Herbert. &nbsp;This gentleman came straightway,
+      and conducted Tom to an inner apartment. &nbsp;Tom's first movement there
+      was to reach for a cup of water; but a silk-and-velvet servitor seized it,
+      dropped upon one knee, and offered it to him on a golden salver.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link06-080" id="link06-080"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link06-080.jpg (154K)" src="images/06-080.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Next the tired captive sat down and was going to take off his buskins,
+      timidly asking leave with his eye, but another silk-and-velvet
+      discomforter went down upon his knees and took the office from him. &nbsp;He
+      made two or three further efforts to help himself, but being promptly
+      forestalled each time, he finally gave up, with a sigh of resignation and
+      a murmured "Beshrew me, but I marvel they do not require to breathe for me
+      also!" &nbsp;Slippered, and wrapped in a sumptuous robe, he laid himself
+      down at last to rest, but not to sleep, for his head was too full of
+      thoughts and the room too full of people. &nbsp;He could not dismiss the
+      former, so they stayed; he did not know enough to dismiss the latter, so
+      they stayed also, to his vast regret&mdash;and theirs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom's departure had left his two noble guardians alone. &nbsp;They mused a
+      while, with much head-shaking and walking the floor, then Lord St. John
+      said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link06-082" id="link06-082"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link06-082.jpg (83K)" src="images/06-082.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Plainly, what dost thou think?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Plainly, then, this. &nbsp;The King is near his end; my nephew is mad&mdash;mad
+      will mount the throne, and mad remain. &nbsp;God protect England, since
+      she will need it!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Verily it promiseth so, indeed. &nbsp;But . . . have you no misgivings as
+      to . . . as to . . ."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The speaker hesitated, and finally stopped. &nbsp;He evidently felt that
+      he was upon delicate ground. &nbsp;Lord Hertford stopped before him,
+      looked into his face with a clear, frank eye, and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Speak on&mdash;there is none to hear but me. &nbsp;Misgivings as to
+      what?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I am full loth to word the thing that is in my mind, and thou so near to
+      him in blood, my lord. &nbsp;But craving pardon if I do offend, seemeth it
+      not strange that madness could so change his port and manner?&mdash;not
+      but that his port and speech are princely still, but that they <i>differ</i>, in
+      one unweighty trifle or another, from what his custom was aforetime.
+      &nbsp;Seemeth it not strange that madness should filch from his memory his
+      father's very lineaments; the customs and observances that are his due
+      from such as be about him; and, leaving him his Latin, strip him of his
+      Greek and French? &nbsp;My lord, be not offended, but ease my mind of its
+      disquiet and receive my grateful thanks. &nbsp;It haunteth me, his saying
+      he was not the prince, and so&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Peace, my lord, thou utterest treason! &nbsp;Hast forgot the King's
+      command? Remember I am party to thy crime if I but listen."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link06-083" id="link06-083"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link06-083.jpg (108K)" src="images/06-083.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      St. John paled, and hastened to say&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I was in fault, I do confess it. &nbsp;Betray me not, grant me this grace
+      out of thy courtesy, and I will neither think nor speak of this thing
+      more. Deal not hardly with me, sir, else am I ruined."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I am content, my lord. &nbsp;So thou offend not again, here or in the
+      ears of others, it shall be as though thou hadst not spoken. &nbsp;But
+      thou need'st not have misgivings. &nbsp;He is my sister's son; are not his
+      voice, his face, his form, familiar to me from his cradle? Madness can do
+      all the odd conflicting things thou seest in him, and more. &nbsp;Dost not
+      recall how that the old Baron Marley, being mad, forgot the favour of his
+      own countenance that he had known for sixty years, and held it was
+      another's; nay, even claimed he was the son of Mary Magdalene, and that
+      his head was made of Spanish glass; and, sooth to say, he suffered none to
+      touch it, lest by mischance some heedless hand might shiver it? &nbsp;Give
+      thy misgivings easement, good my lord. &nbsp;This is the very prince&mdash;I
+      know him well&mdash;and soon will be thy king; it may advantage thee to
+      bear this in mind, and more dwell upon it than the other."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After some further talk, in which the Lord St. John covered up his mistake
+      as well as he could by repeated protests that his faith was thoroughly
+      grounded now, and could not be assailed by doubts again, the Lord Hertford
+      relieved his fellow-keeper, and sat down to keep watch and ward alone.
+      &nbsp;He was soon deep in meditation, and evidently the longer he thought,
+      the more he was bothered. &nbsp;By-and-by he began to pace the floor and
+      mutter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link06-084" id="link06-084"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link06-084.jpg (61K)" src="images/06-084.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Tush, he <i>must</i> be the prince! &nbsp;Will any be in all the land maintain
+      there can be two, not of one blood and birth, so marvellously twinned?
+      &nbsp;And even were it so, 'twere yet a stranger miracle that chance
+      should cast the one into the other's place. Nay, 'tis folly, folly,
+      folly!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Presently he said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now were he impostor and called himself prince, look you <i>that</i> would be
+      natural; that would be reasonable. &nbsp;But lived ever an impostor yet,
+      who, being called prince by the king, prince by the court, prince by all,
+      <i>denied</i> his dignity and pleaded against his exaltation? &nbsp;<i>No</i>! &nbsp;By
+      the soul of St. Swithin, no! &nbsp;This is the true prince, gone mad!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c7" id="c7"></a> <a name="link07-087"
+      id="link07-087"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link07-087.jpg (90K)" src="images/07-087.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link07-089" id="link07-089"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link07-089.jpg (133K)" src="images/07-089.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter VII. Tom's first royal dinner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Somewhat after one in the afternoon, Tom resignedly underwent the ordeal
+      of being dressed for dinner. &nbsp;He found himself as finely clothed as
+      before, but everything different, everything changed, from his ruff to his
+      stockings. &nbsp;He was presently conducted with much state to a spacious
+      and ornate apartment, where a table was already set for one. &nbsp;Its
+      furniture was all of massy gold, and beautified with designs which
+      well-nigh made it priceless, since they were the work of Benvenuto. &nbsp;The
+      room was half-filled with noble servitors. &nbsp;A chaplain said grace,
+      and Tom was about to fall to, for hunger had long been constitutional with
+      him, but was interrupted by my lord the Earl of Berkeley, who fastened a
+      napkin about his neck; for the great post of Diaperers to the Prince of
+      Wales was hereditary in this nobleman's family. &nbsp;Tom's cupbearer was
+      present, and forestalled all his attempts to help himself to wine. &nbsp;The
+      Taster to his highness the Prince of Wales was there also, prepared to
+      taste any suspicious dish upon requirement, and run the risk of being
+      poisoned. &nbsp;He was only an ornamental appendage at this time, and was
+      seldom called upon to exercise his function; but there had been times, not
+      many generations past, when the office of taster had its perils, and was
+      not a grandeur to be desired. &nbsp;Why they did not use a dog or a
+      plumber seems strange; but all the ways of royalty are strange. &nbsp;My
+      Lord d'Arcy, First Groom of the Chamber, was there, to do goodness knows
+      what; but there he was&mdash;let that suffice. &nbsp;The Lord Chief Butler
+      was there, and stood behind Tom's chair, overseeing the solemnities, under
+      command of the Lord Great Steward and the Lord Head Cook, who stood near.
+      &nbsp;Tom had three hundred and eighty-four servants beside these; but
+      they were not all in that room, of course, nor the quarter of them;
+      neither was Tom aware yet that they existed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All those that were present had been well drilled within the hour to
+      remember that the prince was temporarily out of his head, and to be
+      careful to show no surprise at his vagaries. &nbsp;These 'vagaries' were
+      soon on exhibition before them; but they only moved their compassion and
+      their sorrow, not their mirth. &nbsp;It was a heavy affliction to them to
+      see the beloved prince so stricken.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Poor Tom ate with his fingers mainly; but no one smiled at it, or even
+      seemed to observe it. &nbsp;He inspected his napkin curiously, and with
+      deep interest, for it was of a very dainty and beautiful fabric, then said
+      with simplicity&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Prithee, take it away, lest in mine unheedfulness it be soiled."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Hereditary Diaperer took it away with reverent manner, and without
+      word or protest of any sort.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link07-091" id="link07-091"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link07-091.jpg (156K)" src="images/07-091.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom examined the turnips and the lettuce with interest, and asked what
+      they were, and if they were to be eaten; for it was only recently that men
+      had begun to raise these things in England in place of importing them as
+      luxuries from Holland. {1} &nbsp;His question was answered with grave
+      respect, and no surprise manifested. &nbsp;When he had finished his
+      dessert, he filled his pockets with nuts; but nobody appeared to be aware
+      of it, or disturbed by it. &nbsp;But the next moment he was himself
+      disturbed by it, and showed discomposure; for this was the only service he
+      had been permitted to do with his own hands during the meal, and he did
+      not doubt that he had done a most improper and unprincely thing. &nbsp;At
+      that moment the muscles of his nose began to twitch, and the end of that
+      organ to lift and wrinkle. &nbsp;This continued, and Tom began to evince a
+      growing distress. &nbsp;He looked appealingly, first at one and then
+      another of the lords about him, and tears came into his eyes. &nbsp;They
+      sprang forward with dismay in their faces, and begged to know his trouble.
+      &nbsp;Tom said with genuine anguish&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I crave your indulgence: &nbsp;my nose itcheth cruelly. &nbsp;What is the
+      custom and usage in this emergence? &nbsp;Prithee, speed, for 'tis but a
+      little time that I can bear it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      None smiled; but all were sore perplexed, and looked one to the other in
+      deep tribulation for counsel. &nbsp;But behold, here was a dead wall, and
+      nothing in English history to tell how to get over it. &nbsp;The Master of
+      Ceremonies was not present: &nbsp;there was no one who felt safe to
+      venture upon this uncharted sea, or risk the attempt to solve this solemn
+      problem. &nbsp;Alas! there was no Hereditary Scratcher. &nbsp;Meantime the
+      tears had overflowed their banks, and begun to trickle down Tom's cheeks.
+      &nbsp;His twitching nose was pleading more urgently than ever for relief.
+      &nbsp;At last nature broke down the barriers of etiquette: &nbsp;Tom
+      lifted up an inward prayer for pardon if he was doing wrong, and brought
+      relief to the burdened hearts of his court by scratching his nose himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His meal being ended, a lord came and held before him a broad, shallow,
+      golden dish with fragrant rosewater in it, to cleanse his mouth and
+      fingers with; and my lord the Hereditary Diaperer stood by with a napkin
+      for his use. &nbsp;Tom gazed at the dish a puzzled moment or two, then
+      raised it to his lips, and gravely took a draught. &nbsp;Then he returned
+      it to the waiting lord, and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Nay, it likes me not, my lord: &nbsp;it hath a pretty flavour, but it
+      wanteth strength."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link07-092" id="link07-092"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link07-092.jpg (87K)" src="images/07-092.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This new eccentricity of the prince's ruined mind made all the hearts
+      about him ache; but the sad sight moved none to merriment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom's next unconscious blunder was to get up and leave the table just when
+      the chaplain had taken his stand behind his chair, and with uplifted
+      hands, and closed, uplifted eyes, was in the act of beginning the
+      blessing. &nbsp;Still nobody seemed to perceive that the prince had done a
+      thing unusual.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link07-093" id="link07-093"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link07-093.jpg (179K)" src="images/07-093.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      By his own request our small friend was now conducted to his private
+      cabinet, and left there alone to his own devices. &nbsp;Hanging upon hooks
+      in the oaken wainscoting were the several pieces of a suit of shining
+      steel armour, covered all over with beautiful designs exquisitely inlaid
+      in gold. &nbsp;This martial panoply belonged to the true prince&mdash;a
+      recent present from Madam Parr the Queen. Tom put on the greaves, the
+      gauntlets, the plumed helmet, and such other pieces as he could don
+      without assistance, and for a while was minded to call for help and
+      complete the matter, but bethought him of the nuts he had brought away
+      from dinner, and the joy it would be to eat them with no crowd to eye him,
+      and no Grand Hereditaries to pester him with undesired services; so he
+      restored the pretty things to their several places, and soon was cracking
+      nuts, and feeling almost naturally happy for the first time since God for
+      his sins had made him a prince. &nbsp;When the nuts were all gone, he
+      stumbled upon some inviting books in a closet, among them one about the
+      etiquette of the English court. &nbsp;This was a prize. He lay down upon a
+      sumptuous divan, and proceeded to instruct himself with honest zeal.
+      &nbsp;Let us leave him there for the present.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c8" id="c8"></a> <a name="link08-095"
+      id="link08-095"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link08-095.jpg (51K)" src="images/08-095.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter VIII. The Question of the Seal.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      About five o'clock Henry VIII. awoke out of an unrefreshing nap, and
+      muttered to himself, "Troublous dreams, troublous dreams! Mine end is now
+      at hand: &nbsp;so say these warnings, and my failing pulses do confirm
+      it." Presently a wicked light flamed up in his eye, and he muttered, "Yet
+      will not I die till <i>He</i> go before."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His attendants perceiving that he was awake, one of them asked his
+      pleasure concerning the Lord Chancellor, who was waiting without.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Admit him, admit him!" exclaimed the King eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Lord Chancellor entered, and knelt by the King's couch, saying&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I have given order, and, according to the King's command, the peers of
+      the realm, in their robes, do now stand at the bar of the House, where,
+      having confirmed the Duke of Norfolk's doom, they humbly wait his
+      majesty's further pleasure in the matter."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King's face lit up with a fierce joy. &nbsp;Said he&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Lift me up! &nbsp;In mine own person will I go before my Parliament, and
+      with mine own hand will I seal the warrant that rids me of&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His voice failed; an ashen pallor swept the flush from his cheeks; and the
+      attendants eased him back upon his pillows, and hurriedly assisted him
+      with restoratives. &nbsp;Presently he said sorrowfully&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alack, how have I longed for this sweet hour! and lo, too late it cometh,
+      and I am robbed of this so coveted chance. &nbsp;But speed ye, speed ye!
+      let others do this happy office sith 'tis denied to me. I put my Great
+      Seal in commission: &nbsp;choose thou the lords that shall compose it, and
+      get ye to your work. &nbsp;Speed ye, man! &nbsp;Before the sun shall rise
+      and set again, bring me his head that I may see it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "According to the King's command, so shall it be. &nbsp;Will't please your
+      majesty to order that the Seal be now restored to me, so that I may forth
+      upon the business?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link08-098" id="link08-098"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link08-098.jpg (99K)" src="images/08-098.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The Seal? &nbsp;Who keepeth the Seal but thou?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Please your majesty, you did take it from me two days since, saying it
+      should no more do its office till your own royal hand should use it upon
+      the Duke of Norfolk's warrant."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Why, so in sooth I did: &nbsp;I do remember. . . . What did I with it? . . .
+      I am very feeble. . . . So oft these days doth my memory play the
+      traitor with me. . . . 'Tis strange, strange&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King dropped into inarticulate mumblings, shaking his grey head weakly
+      from time to time, and gropingly trying to recollect what he had done with
+      the Seal. &nbsp;At last my Lord Hertford ventured to kneel and offer
+      information&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Sire, if that I may be so bold, here be several that do remember with me
+      how that you gave the Great Seal into the hands of his highness the Prince
+      of Wales to keep against the day that&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "True, most true!" interrupted the King. &nbsp;"Fetch it! &nbsp;Go: &nbsp;time
+      flieth!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Lord Hertford flew to Tom, but returned to the King before very long,
+      troubled and empty-handed. &nbsp;He delivered himself to this effect&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It grieveth me, my lord the King, to bear so heavy and unwelcome tidings;
+      but it is the will of God that the prince's affliction abideth still, and
+      he cannot recall to mind that he received the Seal. &nbsp;So came I
+      quickly to report, thinking it were waste of precious time, and little
+      worth withal, that any should attempt to search the long array of chambers
+      and saloons that belong unto his royal high&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A groan from the King interrupted the lord at this point. &nbsp;After a
+      little while his majesty said, with a deep sadness in his tone&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Trouble him no more, poor child. &nbsp;The hand of God lieth heavy upon
+      him, and my heart goeth out in loving compassion for him, and sorrow that
+      I may not bear his burden on mine old trouble-weighted shoulders, and so
+      bring him peace."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He closed his eyes, fell to mumbling, and presently was silent. After a
+      time he opened his eyes again, and gazed vacantly around until his glance
+      rested upon the kneeling Lord Chancellor. Instantly his face flushed with
+      wrath&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What, thou here yet! &nbsp;By the glory of God, an' thou gettest not
+      about that traitor's business, thy mitre shall have holiday the morrow for
+      lack of a head to grace withal!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The trembling Chancellor answered&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Good your Majesty, I cry you mercy! &nbsp;I but waited for the Seal."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Man, hast lost thy wits? &nbsp;The small Seal which aforetime I was wont
+      to take with me abroad lieth in my treasury. &nbsp;And, since the Great
+      Seal hath flown away, shall not it suffice? &nbsp;Hast lost thy wits?
+      &nbsp;Begone! &nbsp;And hark ye&mdash;come no more till thou do bring his
+      head."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The poor Chancellor was not long in removing himself from this dangerous
+      vicinity; nor did the commission waste time in giving the royal assent to
+      the work of the slavish Parliament, and appointing the morrow for the
+      beheading of the premier peer of England, the luckless Duke of Norfolk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c9" id="c9"></a> <a name="link09-101"
+      id="link09-101"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link09-101.jpg (60K)" src="images/09-101.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter IX. The river pageant.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At nine in the evening the whole vast river-front of the palace was
+      blazing with light. &nbsp;The river itself, as far as the eye could reach
+      citywards, was so thickly covered with watermen's boats and with
+      pleasure-barges, all fringed with coloured lanterns, and gently agitated
+      by the waves, that it resembled a glowing and limitless garden of flowers
+      stirred to soft motion by summer winds. &nbsp;The grand terrace of stone
+      steps leading down to the water, spacious enough to mass the army of a
+      German principality upon, was a picture to see, with its ranks of royal
+      halberdiers in polished armour, and its troops of brilliantly costumed
+      servitors flitting up and down, and to and fro, in the hurry of
+      preparation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Presently a command was given, and immediately all living creatures
+      vanished from the steps. &nbsp;Now the air was heavy with the hush of
+      suspense and expectancy. &nbsp;As far as one's vision could carry, he
+      might see the myriads of people in the boats rise up, and shade their eyes
+      from the glare of lanterns and torches, and gaze toward the palace.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A file of forty or fifty state barges drew up to the steps. &nbsp;They
+      were richly gilt, and their lofty prows and sterns were elaborately
+      carved. Some of them were decorated with banners and streamers; some with
+      cloth-of-gold and arras embroidered with coats-of-arms; others with silken
+      flags that had numberless little silver bells fastened to them, which
+      shook out tiny showers of joyous music whenever the breezes fluttered
+      them; others of yet higher pretensions, since they belonged to nobles in
+      the prince's immediate service, had their sides picturesquely fenced with
+      shields gorgeously emblazoned with armorial bearings. &nbsp;Each state
+      barge was towed by a tender. &nbsp;Besides the rowers, these tenders
+      carried each a number of men-at-arms in glossy helmet and breastplate, and
+      a company of musicians.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link09-104" id="link09-104"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link09-104.jpg (178K)" src="images/09-104.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The advance-guard of the expected procession now appeared in the great
+      gateway, a troop of halberdiers. &nbsp;'They were dressed in striped hose
+      of black and tawny, velvet caps graced at the sides with silver roses, and
+      doublets of murrey and blue cloth, embroidered on the front and back with
+      the three feathers, the prince's blazon, woven in gold. &nbsp;Their
+      halberd staves were covered with crimson velvet, fastened with gilt nails,
+      and ornamented with gold tassels. &nbsp;Filing off on the right and left,
+      they formed two long lines, extending from the gateway of the palace to
+      the water's edge. &nbsp;A thick rayed cloth or carpet was then unfolded,
+      and laid down between them by attendants in the gold-and-crimson liveries
+      of the prince. &nbsp;This done, a flourish of trumpets resounded from
+      within. &nbsp;A lively prelude arose from the musicians on the water; and
+      two ushers with white wands marched with a slow and stately pace from the
+      portal. &nbsp;They were followed by an officer bearing the civic mace,
+      after whom came another carrying the city's sword; then several sergeants
+      of the city guard, in their full accoutrements, and with badges on their
+      sleeves; then the Garter King-at-arms, in his tabard; then several Knights
+      of the Bath, each with a white lace on his sleeve; then their esquires;
+      then the judges, in their robes of scarlet and coifs; then the Lord High
+      Chancellor of England, in a robe of scarlet, open before, and purfled with
+      minever; then a deputation of aldermen, in their scarlet cloaks; and then
+      the heads of the different civic companies, in their robes of state. Now
+      came twelve French gentlemen, in splendid habiliments, consisting of
+      pourpoints of white damask barred with gold, short mantles of crimson
+      velvet lined with violet taffeta, and carnation coloured
+      hauts-de-chausses, and took their way down the steps. &nbsp;They were of
+      the suite of the French ambassador, and were followed by twelve cavaliers
+      of the suite of the Spanish ambassador, clothed in black velvet,
+      unrelieved by any ornament. &nbsp;Following these came several great
+      English nobles with their attendants.'
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a flourish of trumpets within; and the Prince's uncle, the
+      future great Duke of Somerset, emerged from the gateway, arrayed in a
+      'doublet of black cloth-of-gold, and a cloak of crimson satin flowered
+      with gold, and ribanded with nets of silver.' &nbsp;He turned, doffed his
+      plumed cap, bent his body in a low reverence, and began to step backward,
+      bowing at each step. &nbsp;A prolonged trumpet-blast followed, and a
+      proclamation, "Way for the high and mighty the Lord Edward, Prince of
+      Wales!" &nbsp;High aloft on the palace walls a long line of red tongues of
+      flame leapt forth with a thunder-crash; the massed world on the river
+      burst into a mighty roar of welcome; and Tom Canty, the cause and hero of
+      it all, stepped into view and slightly bowed his princely head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link09-106" id="link09-106"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link09-106.jpg (46K)" src="images/09-106.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He was 'magnificently habited in a doublet of white satin, with a
+      front-piece of purple cloth-of-tissue, powdered with diamonds, and edged
+      with ermine. &nbsp;Over this he wore a mantle of white cloth-of-gold,
+      pounced with the triple-feathered crest, lined with blue satin, set with
+      pearls and precious stones, and fastened with a clasp of brilliants.
+      &nbsp;About his neck hung the order of the Garter, and several princely
+      foreign orders;' and wherever light fell upon him jewels responded with a
+      blinding flash. &nbsp;O Tom Canty, born in a hovel, bred in the gutters of
+      London, familiar with rags and dirt and misery, what a spectacle is this!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c10" id="c10"></a> <a name="link10-107"
+      id="link10-107"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link10-107.jpg (46K)" src="images/10-107.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter X. The Prince in the toils.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We left John Canty dragging the rightful prince into Offal Court, with a
+      noisy and delighted mob at his heels. &nbsp;There was but one person in it
+      who offered a pleading word for the captive, and he was not heeded; he was
+      hardly even heard, so great was the turmoil. &nbsp;The Prince continued to
+      struggle for freedom, and to rage against the treatment he was suffering,
+      until John Canty lost what little patience was left in him, and raised his
+      oaken cudgel in a sudden fury over the Prince's head. &nbsp;The single
+      pleader for the lad sprang to stop the man's arm, and the blow descended
+      upon his own wrist. &nbsp;Canty roared out&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou'lt meddle, wilt thou? &nbsp;Then have thy reward."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link10-110" id="link10-110"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link10-110.jpg (100K)" src="images/10-110.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His cudgel crashed down upon the meddler's head: &nbsp;there was a groan,
+      a dim form sank to the ground among the feet of the crowd, and the next
+      moment it lay there in the dark alone. &nbsp;The mob pressed on, their
+      enjoyment nothing disturbed by this episode.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Presently the Prince found himself in John Canty's abode, with the door
+      closed against the outsiders. &nbsp;By the vague light of a tallow candle
+      which was thrust into a bottle, he made out the main features of the
+      loathsome den, and also the occupants of it. &nbsp;Two frowsy girls and a
+      middle-aged woman cowered against the wall in one corner, with the aspect
+      of animals habituated to harsh usage, and expecting and dreading it now.
+      From another corner stole a withered hag with streaming grey hair and
+      malignant eyes. &nbsp;John Canty said to this one&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Tarry! &nbsp;There's fine mummeries here. &nbsp;Mar them not till thou'st
+      enjoyed them: &nbsp;then let thy hand be heavy as thou wilt. &nbsp;Stand
+      forth, lad. &nbsp;Now say thy foolery again, an thou'st not forgot it.
+      Name thy name. &nbsp;Who art thou?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The insulted blood mounted to the little prince's cheek once more, and he
+      lifted a steady and indignant gaze to the man's face and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "'Tis but ill-breeding in such as thou to command me to speak. &nbsp;I
+      tell thee now, as I told thee before, I am Edward, Prince of Wales, and
+      none other."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link10-111" id="link10-111"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link10-111.jpg (133K)" src="images/10-111.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The stunning surprise of this reply nailed the hag's feet to the floor
+      where she stood, and almost took her breath. &nbsp;She stared at the
+      Prince in stupid amazement, which so amused her ruffianly son, that he
+      burst into a roar of laughter. &nbsp;But the effect upon Tom Canty's
+      mother and sisters was different. &nbsp;Their dread of bodily injury gave
+      way at once to distress of a different sort. &nbsp;They ran forward with
+      woe and dismay in their faces, exclaiming&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, poor Tom, poor lad!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The mother fell on her knees before the Prince, put her hands upon his
+      shoulders, and gazed yearningly into his face through her rising tears.
+      Then she said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, my poor boy! &nbsp;Thy foolish reading hath wrought its woeful work
+      at last, and ta'en thy wit away. &nbsp;Ah! why did'st thou cleave to it
+      when I so warned thee 'gainst it? &nbsp;Thou'st broke thy mother's heart."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Prince looked into her face, and said gently&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thy son is well, and hath not lost his wits, good dame. &nbsp;Comfort
+      thee: let me to the palace where he is, and straightway will the King my
+      father restore him to thee."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The King thy father! &nbsp;Oh, my child! unsay these words that be
+      freighted with death for thee, and ruin for all that be near to thee.
+      &nbsp;Shake of this gruesome dream. &nbsp;Call back thy poor wandering
+      memory. &nbsp;Look upon me. Am not I thy mother that bore thee, and loveth
+      thee?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Prince shook his head and reluctantly said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "God knoweth I am loth to grieve thy heart; but truly have I never looked
+      upon thy face before."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The woman sank back to a sitting posture on the floor, and, covering her
+      eyes with her hands, gave way to heart-broken sobs and wailings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Let the show go on!" shouted Canty. &nbsp;"What, Nan!&mdash;what, Bet!
+      mannerless wenches! will ye stand in the Prince's presence? &nbsp;Upon
+      your knees, ye pauper scum, and do him reverence!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He followed this with another horse-laugh. &nbsp;The girls began to plead
+      timidly for their brother; and Nan said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "An thou wilt but let him to bed, father, rest and sleep will heal his
+      madness: &nbsp;prithee, do."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Do, father," said Bet; "he is more worn than is his wont. &nbsp;To-morrow
+      will he be himself again, and will beg with diligence, and come not empty
+      home again."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This remark sobered the father's joviality, and brought his mind to
+      business. &nbsp;He turned angrily upon the Prince, and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The morrow must we pay two pennies to him that owns this hole; two
+      pennies, mark ye&mdash;all this money for a half-year's rent, else out of
+      this we go. &nbsp;Show what thou'st gathered with thy lazy begging."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Prince said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Offend me not with thy sordid matters. &nbsp;I tell thee again I am the
+      King's son."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A sounding blow upon the Prince's shoulder from Canty's broad palm sent
+      him staggering into goodwife Canty's arms, who clasped him to her breast,
+      and sheltered him from a pelting rain of cuffs and slaps by interposing
+      her own person. &nbsp;The frightened girls retreated to their corner; but
+      the grandmother stepped eagerly forward to assist her son. &nbsp;The
+      Prince sprang away from Mrs. Canty, exclaiming&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link10-113" id="link10-113"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link10-113.jpg (105K)" src="images/10-113.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou shalt not suffer for me, madam. &nbsp;Let these swine do their will
+      upon me alone."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This speech infuriated the swine to such a degree that they set about
+      their work without waste of time. &nbsp;Between them they belaboured the
+      boy right soundly, and then gave the girls and their mother a beating for
+      showing sympathy for the victim.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now," said Canty, "to bed, all of ye. &nbsp;The entertainment has tired
+      me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The light was put out, and the family retired. &nbsp;As soon as the
+      snorings of the head of the house and his mother showed that they were
+      asleep, the young girls crept to where the Prince lay, and covered him
+      tenderly from the cold with straw and rags; and their mother crept to him
+      also, and stroked his hair, and cried over him, whispering broken words of
+      comfort and compassion in his ear the while. &nbsp;She had saved a morsel
+      for him to eat, also; but the boy's pains had swept away all appetite&mdash;at
+      least for black and tasteless crusts. &nbsp;He was touched by her brave
+      and costly defence of him, and by her commiseration; and he thanked her in
+      very noble and princely words, and begged her to go to her sleep and try
+      to forget her sorrows. &nbsp;And he added that the King his father would
+      not let her loyal kindness and devotion go unrewarded. &nbsp;This return
+      to his 'madness' broke her heart anew, and she strained him to her breast
+      again and again, and then went back, drowned in tears, to her bed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As she lay thinking and mourning, the suggestion began to creep into her
+      mind that there was an undefinable something about this boy that was
+      lacking in Tom Canty, mad or sane. &nbsp;She could not describe it, she
+      could not tell just what it was, and yet her sharp mother-instinct seemed
+      to detect it and perceive it. &nbsp;What if the boy were really not her
+      son, after all? &nbsp;Oh, absurd! &nbsp;She almost smiled at the idea,
+      spite of her griefs and troubles. &nbsp;No matter, she found that it was
+      an idea that would not 'down,' but persisted in haunting her. &nbsp;It
+      pursued her, it harassed her, it clung to her, and refused to be put away
+      or ignored. &nbsp;At last she perceived that there was not going to be any
+      peace for her until she should devise a test that should prove, clearly
+      and without question, whether this lad was her son or not, and so banish
+      these wearing and worrying doubts. &nbsp;Ah, yes, this was plainly the
+      right way out of the difficulty; therefore she set her wits to work at
+      once to contrive that test. &nbsp;But it was an easier thing to propose
+      than to accomplish. &nbsp;She turned over in her mind one promising test
+      after another, but was obliged to relinquish them all&mdash;none of them
+      were absolutely sure, absolutely perfect; and an imperfect one could not
+      satisfy her. &nbsp;Evidently she was racking her head in vain&mdash;it
+      seemed manifest that she must give the matter up. &nbsp;While this
+      depressing thought was passing through her mind, her ear caught the
+      regular breathing of the boy, and she knew he had fallen asleep. &nbsp;And
+      while she listened, the measured breathing was broken by a soft, startled
+      cry, such as one utters in a troubled dream. &nbsp;This chance occurrence
+      furnished her instantly with a plan worth all her laboured tests combined.
+      &nbsp;She at once set herself feverishly, but noiselessly, to work to
+      relight her candle, muttering to herself, "Had I but seen him <i>then</i>, I
+      should have known! &nbsp;Since that day, when he was little, that the
+      powder burst in his face, he hath never been startled of a sudden out of
+      his dreams or out of his thinkings, but he hath cast his hand before his
+      eyes, even as he did that day; and not as others would do it, with the
+      palm inward, but always with the palm turned outward&mdash;I have seen it
+      a hundred times, and it hath never varied nor ever failed. &nbsp;Yes, I
+      shall soon know, now!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      By this time she had crept to the slumbering boy's side, with the candle,
+      shaded, in her hand. &nbsp;She bent heedfully and warily over him,
+      scarcely breathing in her suppressed excitement, and suddenly flashed the
+      light in his face and struck the floor by his ear with her knuckles.
+      &nbsp;The sleeper's eyes sprang wide open, and he cast a startled stare
+      about him&mdash;but he made no special movement with his hands.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link10-115" id="link10-115"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link10-115.jpg (138K)" src="images/10-115.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The poor woman was smitten almost helpless with surprise and grief; but
+      she contrived to hide her emotions, and to soothe the boy to sleep again;
+      then she crept apart and communed miserably with herself upon the
+      disastrous result of her experiment. &nbsp;She tried to believe that her
+      Tom's madness had banished this habitual gesture of his; but she could not
+      do it. &nbsp;"No," she said, "his <i>hands</i> are not mad; they could not
+      unlearn so old a habit in so brief a time. &nbsp;Oh, this is a heavy day
+      for me!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Still, hope was as stubborn now as doubt had been before; she could not
+      bring herself to accept the verdict of the test; she must try the thing
+      again&mdash;the failure must have been only an accident; so she startled
+      the boy out of his sleep a second and a third time, at intervals&mdash;with
+      the same result which had marked the first test; then she dragged herself
+      to bed, and fell sorrowfully asleep, saying, "But I cannot give him up&mdash;oh
+      no, I cannot, I cannot&mdash;he <i>must</i> be my boy!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link10-116" id="link10-116"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link10-116.jpg (62K)" src="images/10-116.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The poor mother's interruptions having ceased, and the Prince's pains
+      having gradually lost their power to disturb him, utter weariness at last
+      sealed his eyes in a profound and restful sleep. Hour after hour slipped
+      away, and still he slept like the dead. Thus four or five hours passed.
+      Then his stupor began to lighten. Presently, while half asleep and half
+      awake, he murmured&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Sir William!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After a moment&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ho, Sir William Herbert! &nbsp;Hie thee hither, and list to the strangest
+      dream that ever . . . Sir William! dost hear? &nbsp;Man, I did think me
+      changed to a pauper, and . . . Ho there! &nbsp;Guards! Sir William! &nbsp;What!
+      is there no groom of the chamber in waiting? Alack! it shall go hard with&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What aileth thee?" asked a whisper near him. &nbsp;"Who art thou
+      calling?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Sir William Herbert. &nbsp;Who art thou?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I? &nbsp;Who should I be, but thy sister Nan? &nbsp;Oh, Tom, I had
+      forgot! Thou'rt mad yet&mdash;poor lad, thou'rt mad yet: &nbsp;would I had
+      never woke to know it again! &nbsp;But prithee master thy tongue, lest we
+      be all beaten till we die!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The startled Prince sprang partly up, but a sharp reminder from his
+      stiffened bruises brought him to himself, and he sank back among his foul
+      straw with a moan and the ejaculation&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alas! it was no dream, then!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In a moment all the heavy sorrow and misery which sleep had banished were
+      upon him again, and he realised that he was no longer a petted prince in a
+      palace, with the adoring eyes of a nation upon him, but a pauper, an
+      outcast, clothed in rags, prisoner in a den fit only for beasts, and
+      consorting with beggars and thieves.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the midst of his grief he began to be conscious of hilarious noises and
+      shoutings, apparently but a block or two away. &nbsp;The next moment there
+      were several sharp raps at the door; John Canty ceased from snoring and
+      said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Who knocketh? &nbsp;What wilt thou?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A voice answered&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Know'st thou who it was thou laid thy cudgel on?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "No. &nbsp;Neither know I, nor care."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Belike thou'lt change thy note eftsoons. &nbsp;An thou would save thy
+      neck, nothing but flight may stead thee. &nbsp;The man is this moment
+      delivering up the ghost. &nbsp;'Tis the priest, Father Andrew!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "God-a-mercy!" exclaimed Canty. &nbsp;He roused his family, and hoarsely
+      commanded, "Up with ye all and fly&mdash;or bide where ye are and perish!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Scarcely five minutes later the Canty household were in the street and
+      flying for their lives. &nbsp;John Canty held the Prince by the wrist, and
+      hurried him along the dark way, giving him this caution in a low voice&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Mind thy tongue, thou mad fool, and speak not our name. &nbsp;I will
+      choose me a new name, speedily, to throw the law's dogs off the scent.
+      &nbsp;Mind thy tongue, I tell thee!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link10-118" id="link10-118"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link10-118.jpg (142K)" src="images/10-118.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He growled these words to the rest of the family&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "If it so chance that we be separated, let each make for London Bridge;
+      whoso findeth himself as far as the last linen-draper's shop on the
+      bridge, let him tarry there till the others be come, then will we flee
+      into Southwark together."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment the party burst suddenly out of darkness into light; and
+      not only into light, but into the midst of a multitude of singing,
+      dancing, and shouting people, massed together on the river frontage. There
+      was a line of bonfires stretching as far as one could see, up and down the
+      Thames; London Bridge was illuminated; Southwark Bridge likewise; the
+      entire river was aglow with the flash and sheen of coloured lights; and
+      constant explosions of fireworks filled the skies with an intricate
+      commingling of shooting splendours and a thick rain of dazzling sparks
+      that almost turned night into day; everywhere were crowds of revellers;
+      all London seemed to be at large.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      John Canty delivered himself of a furious curse and commanded a retreat;
+      but it was too late. &nbsp;He and his tribe were swallowed up in that
+      swarming hive of humanity, and hopelessly separated from each other in an
+      instant. We are not considering that the Prince was one of his tribe;
+      Canty still kept his grip upon him. &nbsp;The Prince's heart was beating
+      high with hopes of escape, now. &nbsp;A burly waterman, considerably
+      exalted with liquor, found himself rudely shoved by Canty in his efforts
+      to plough through the crowd; he laid his great hand on Canty's shoulder
+      and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Nay, whither so fast, friend? &nbsp;Dost canker thy soul with sordid
+      business when all that be leal men and true make holiday?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Mine affairs are mine own, they concern thee not," answered Canty,
+      roughly; "take away thy hand and let me pass."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Sith that is thy humour, thou'lt <i>not</i> pass, till thou'st drunk to the
+      Prince of Wales, I tell thee that," said the waterman, barring the way
+      resolutely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Give me the cup, then, and make speed, make speed!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Other revellers were interested by this time. &nbsp;They cried out&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The loving-cup, the loving-cup! make the sour knave drink the loving-cup,
+      else will we feed him to the fishes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So a huge loving-cup was brought; the waterman, grasping it by one of its
+      handles, and with the other hand bearing up the end of an imaginary
+      napkin, presented it in due and ancient form to Canty, who had to grasp
+      the opposite handle with one of his hands and take off the lid with the
+      other, according to ancient custom. This left the Prince hand-free for a
+      second, of course. &nbsp;He wasted no time, but dived among the forest of
+      legs about him and disappeared. &nbsp;In another moment he could not have
+      been harder to find, under that tossing sea of life, if its billows had
+      been the Atlantic's and he a lost sixpence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link10-120" id="link10-120"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link10-120.jpg (148K)" src="images/10-120.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He very soon realised this fact, and straightway busied himself about his
+      own affairs without further thought of John Canty. &nbsp;He quickly
+      realised another thing, too. &nbsp;To wit, that a spurious Prince of Wales
+      was being feasted by the city in his stead. &nbsp;He easily concluded that
+      the pauper lad, Tom Canty, had deliberately taken advantage of his
+      stupendous opportunity and become a usurper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Therefore there was but one course to pursue&mdash;find his way to the
+      Guildhall, make himself known, and denounce the impostor. &nbsp;He also
+      made up his mind that Tom should be allowed a reasonable time for
+      spiritual preparation, and then be hanged, drawn and quartered, according
+      to the law and usage of the day in cases of high treason.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c11" id="c11"></a> <a name="link11-121"
+      id="link11-121"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link11-121.jpg (56K)" src="images/11-121.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XI. At Guildhall.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The royal barge, attended by its gorgeous fleet, took its stately way down
+      the Thames through the wilderness of illuminated boats. The air was laden
+      with music; the river banks were beruffled with joy-flames; the distant
+      city lay in a soft luminous glow from its countless invisible bonfires;
+      above it rose many a slender spire into the sky, incrusted with sparkling
+      lights, wherefore in their remoteness they seemed like jewelled lances
+      thrust aloft; as the fleet swept along, it was greeted from the banks with
+      a continuous hoarse roar of cheers and the ceaseless flash and boom of
+      artillery.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To Tom Canty, half buried in his silken cushions, these sounds and this
+      spectacle were a wonder unspeakably sublime and astonishing. To his little
+      friends at his side, the Princess Elizabeth and the Lady Jane Grey, they
+      were nothing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Arrived at the Dowgate, the fleet was towed up the limpid Walbrook (whose
+      channel has now been for two centuries buried out of sight under acres of
+      buildings) to Bucklersbury, past houses and under bridges populous with
+      merry-makers and brilliantly lighted, and at last came to a halt in a
+      basin where now is Barge Yard, in the centre of the ancient city of
+      London. &nbsp;Tom disembarked, and he and his gallant procession crossed
+      Cheapside and made a short march through the Old Jewry and Basinghall
+      Street to the Guildhall.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom and his little ladies were received with due ceremony by the Lord
+      Mayor and the Fathers of the City, in their gold chains and scarlet robes
+      of state, and conducted to a rich canopy of state at the head of the great
+      hall, preceded by heralds making proclamation, and by the Mace and the
+      City Sword. &nbsp;The lords and ladies who were to attend upon Tom and his
+      two small friends took their places behind their chairs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link11-124" id="link11-124"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link11-124.jpg (173K)" src="images/11-124.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At a lower table the Court grandees and other guests of noble degree were
+      seated, with the magnates of the city; the commoners took places at a
+      multitude of tables on the main floor of the hall. &nbsp;From their lofty
+      vantage-ground the giants Gog and Magog, the ancient guardians of the
+      city, contemplated the spectacle below them with eyes grown familiar to it
+      in forgotten generations. &nbsp;There was a bugle-blast and a
+      proclamation, and a fat butler appeared in a high perch in the leftward
+      wall, followed by his servitors bearing with impressive solemnity a royal
+      baron of beef, smoking hot and ready for the knife.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After grace, Tom (being instructed) rose&mdash;and the whole house with
+      him&mdash;and drank from a portly golden loving-cup with the Princess
+      Elizabeth; from her it passed to the Lady Jane, and then traversed the
+      general assemblage. &nbsp;So the banquet began.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      By midnight the revelry was at its height. &nbsp;Now came one of those
+      picturesque spectacles so admired in that old day. &nbsp;A description of
+      it is still extant in the quaint wording of a chronicler who witnessed it:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      'Space being made, presently entered a baron and an earl appareled after
+      the Turkish fashion in long robes of bawdkin powdered with gold; hats on
+      their heads of crimson velvet, with great rolls of gold, girded with two
+      swords, called scimitars, hanging by great bawdricks of gold. &nbsp;Next
+      came yet another baron and another earl, in two long gowns of yellow
+      satin, traversed with white satin, and in every bend of white was a bend
+      of crimson satin, after the fashion of Russia, with furred hats of gray on
+      their heads; either of them having an hatchet in their hands, and boots
+      with pykes' (points a foot long), 'turned up. &nbsp;And after them came a
+      knight, then the Lord High Admiral, and with him five nobles, in doublets
+      of crimson velvet, voyded low on the back and before to the cannell-bone,
+      laced on the breasts with chains of silver; and over that, short cloaks of
+      crimson satin, and on their heads hats after the dancers' fashion, with
+      pheasants' feathers in them. &nbsp;These were appareled after the fashion
+      of Prussia. &nbsp;The torchbearers, which were about an hundred, were
+      appareled in crimson satin and green, like Moors, their faces black. Next
+      came in a mommarye. Then the minstrels, which were disguised, danced; and
+      the lords and ladies did wildly dance also, that it was a pleasure to
+      behold.'
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And while Tom, in his high seat, was gazing upon this 'wild' dancing, lost
+      in admiration of the dazzling commingling of kaleidoscopic colours which
+      the whirling turmoil of gaudy figures below him presented, the ragged but
+      real little Prince of Wales was proclaiming his rights and his wrongs,
+      denouncing the impostor, and clamouring for admission at the gates of
+      Guildhall! The crowd enjoyed this episode prodigiously, and pressed
+      forward and craned their necks to see the small rioter. Presently they
+      began to taunt him and mock at him, purposely to goad him into a higher
+      and still more entertaining fury. &nbsp;Tears of mortification sprang to
+      his eyes, but he stood his ground and defied the mob right royally. &nbsp;Other
+      taunts followed, added mockings stung him, and he exclaimed&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I tell ye again, you pack of unmannerly curs, I am the Prince of Wales!
+      And all forlorn and friendless as I be, with none to give me word of grace
+      or help me in my need, yet will not I be driven from my ground, but will
+      maintain it!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Though thou be prince or no prince, 'tis all one, thou be'st a gallant
+      lad, and not friendless neither! &nbsp;Here stand I by thy side to prove
+      it; and mind I tell thee thou might'st have a worser friend than Miles
+      Hendon and yet not tire thy legs with seeking. Rest thy small jaw, my
+      child; I talk the language of these base kennel-rats like to a very
+      native."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The speaker was a sort of Don Caesar de Bazan in dress, aspect, and
+      bearing. &nbsp;He was tall, trim-built, muscular. &nbsp;His doublet and
+      trunks were of rich material, but faded and threadbare, and their
+      gold-lace adornments were sadly tarnished; his ruff was rumpled and
+      damaged; the plume in his slouched hat was broken and had a bedraggled and
+      disreputable look; at his side he wore a long rapier in a rusty iron
+      sheath; his swaggering carriage marked him at once as a ruffler of the
+      camp. &nbsp;The speech of this fantastic figure was received with an
+      explosion of jeers and laughter. &nbsp;Some cried, "'Tis another prince in
+      disguise!" "'Ware thy tongue, friend: &nbsp;belike he is dangerous!"
+      &nbsp;"Marry, he looketh it&mdash;mark his eye!" &nbsp;"Pluck the lad from
+      him&mdash;to the horse-pond wi' the cub!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Instantly a hand was laid upon the Prince, under the impulse of this happy
+      thought; as instantly the stranger's long sword was out and the meddler
+      went to the earth under a sounding thump with the flat of it. The next
+      moment a score of voices shouted, "Kill the dog! &nbsp;Kill him! Kill
+      him!" and the mob closed in on the warrior, who backed himself against a
+      wall and began to lay about him with his long weapon like a madman. &nbsp;His
+      victims sprawled this way and that, but the mob-tide poured over their
+      prostrate forms and dashed itself against the champion with undiminished
+      fury.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link11-127" id="link11-127"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link11-127.jpg (133K)" src="images/11-127.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His moments seemed numbered, his destruction certain, when suddenly a
+      trumpet-blast sounded, a voice shouted, "Way for the King's messenger!"
+      and a troop of horsemen came charging down upon the mob, who fled out of
+      harm's reach as fast as their legs could carry them. The bold stranger
+      caught up the Prince in his arms, and was soon far away from danger and
+      the multitude.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Return we within the Guildhall. &nbsp;Suddenly, high above the jubilant
+      roar and thunder of the revel, broke the clear peal of a bugle-note.
+      &nbsp;There was instant silence&mdash;a deep hush; then a single voice
+      rose&mdash;that of the messenger from the palace&mdash;and began to pipe
+      forth a proclamation, the whole multitude standing listening.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The closing words, solemnly pronounced, were&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The King is dead!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The great assemblage bent their heads upon their breasts with one accord;
+      remained so, in profound silence, a few moments; then all sank upon their
+      knees in a body, stretched out their hands toward Tom, and a mighty shout
+      burst forth that seemed to shake the building&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Long live the King!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link11-128" id="link11-128"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link11-128.jpg (154K)" src="images/11-128.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Poor Tom's dazed eyes wandered abroad over this stupefying spectacle, and
+      finally rested dreamily upon the kneeling princesses beside him, a moment,
+      then upon the Earl of Hertford. A sudden purpose dawned in his face.
+      &nbsp;He said, in a low tone, at Lord Hertford's ear&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Answer me truly, on thy faith and honour! &nbsp;Uttered I here a command,
+      the which none but a king might hold privilege and prerogative to utter,
+      would such commandment be obeyed, and none rise up to say me nay?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "None, my liege, in all these realms. &nbsp;In thy person bides the
+      majesty of England. &nbsp;Thou art the king&mdash;thy word is law."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom responded, in a strong, earnest voice, and with great animation&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Then shall the king's law be law of mercy, from this day, and never more
+      be law of blood! &nbsp;Up from thy knees and away! &nbsp;To the Tower, and
+      say the King decrees the Duke of Norfolk shall not die!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The words were caught up and carried eagerly from lip to lip far and wide
+      over the hall, and as Hertford hurried from the presence, another
+      prodigious shout burst forth&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The reign of blood is ended! &nbsp;Long live Edward, King of England!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c12" id="c12"></a> <a name="link12-131"
+      id="link12-131"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link12-131.jpg (62K)" src="images/12-131.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XII. The Prince and his Deliverer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As soon as Miles Hendon and the little prince were clear of the mob, they
+      struck down through back lanes and alleys toward the river. &nbsp;Their
+      way was unobstructed until they approached London Bridge; then they
+      ploughed into the multitude again, Hendon keeping a fast grip upon the
+      Prince's&mdash;no, the King's&mdash;wrist. &nbsp;The tremendous news was
+      already abroad, and the boy learned it from a thousand voices at once&mdash;"The
+      King is dead!" &nbsp;The tidings struck a chill to the heart of the poor
+      little waif, and sent a shudder through his frame. &nbsp;He realised the
+      greatness of his loss, and was filled with a bitter grief; for the grim
+      tyrant who had been such a terror to others had always been gentle with
+      him. &nbsp;The tears sprang to his eyes and blurred all objects. &nbsp;For
+      an instant he felt himself the most forlorn, outcast, and forsaken of
+      God's creatures&mdash;then another cry shook the night with its
+      far-reaching thunders: &nbsp;"Long live King Edward the Sixth!" and this
+      made his eyes kindle, and thrilled him with pride to his fingers' ends.
+      "Ah," he thought, "how grand and strange it seems&mdash;<i>I am King</i>!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link12-134" id="link12-134"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link12-134.jpg (116K)" src="images/12-134.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Our friends threaded their way slowly through the throngs upon the bridge.
+      &nbsp;This structure, which had stood for six hundred years, and had been
+      a noisy and populous thoroughfare all that time, was a curious affair, for
+      a closely packed rank of stores and shops, with family quarters overhead,
+      stretched along both sides of it, from one bank of the river to the other.
+      &nbsp;The Bridge was a sort of town to itself; it had its inn, its
+      beer-houses, its bakeries, its haberdasheries, its food markets, its
+      manufacturing industries, and even its church. &nbsp;It looked upon the
+      two neighbours which it linked together&mdash;London and Southwark&mdash;as
+      being well enough as suburbs, but not otherwise particularly important.
+      &nbsp;It was a close corporation, so to speak; it was a narrow town, of a
+      single street a fifth of a mile long, its population was but a village
+      population and everybody in it knew all his fellow-townsmen intimately,
+      and had known their fathers and mothers before them&mdash;and all their
+      little family affairs into the bargain. &nbsp;It had its aristocracy, of
+      course&mdash;its fine old families of butchers, and bakers, and what-not,
+      who had occupied the same old premises for five or six hundred years, and
+      knew the great history of the Bridge from beginning to end, and all its
+      strange legends; and who always talked bridgy talk, and thought bridgy
+      thoughts, and lied in a long, level, direct, substantial bridgy way.
+      &nbsp;It was just the sort of population to be narrow and ignorant and
+      self-conceited. Children were born on the Bridge, were reared there, grew
+      to old age, and finally died without ever having set a foot upon any part
+      of the world but London Bridge alone. &nbsp;Such people would naturally
+      imagine that the mighty and interminable procession which moved through
+      its street night and day, with its confused roar of shouts and cries, its
+      neighings and bellowing and bleatings and its muffled thunder-tramp, was
+      the one great thing in this world, and themselves somehow the proprietors
+      of it. &nbsp;And so they were, in effect&mdash;at least they could exhibit
+      it from their windows, and did&mdash;for a consideration&mdash;whenever a
+      returning king or hero gave it a fleeting splendour, for there was no
+      place like it for affording a long, straight, uninterrupted view of
+      marching columns.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Men born and reared upon the Bridge found life unendurably dull and inane
+      elsewhere. &nbsp;History tells of one of these who left the Bridge at the
+      age of seventy-one and retired to the country. &nbsp;But he could only
+      fret and toss in his bed; he could not go to sleep, the deep stillness was
+      so painful, so awful, so oppressive. &nbsp;When he was worn out with it,
+      at last, he fled back to his old home, a lean and haggard spectre, and
+      fell peacefully to rest and pleasant dreams under the lulling music of the
+      lashing waters and the boom and crash and thunder of London Bridge.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the times of which we are writing, the Bridge furnished 'object
+      lessons' in English history for its children&mdash;namely, the livid and
+      decaying heads of renowned men impaled upon iron spikes atop of its
+      gateways. &nbsp;But we digress.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link12-136" id="link12-136"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link12-136.jpg (35K)" src="images/12-136.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hendon's lodgings were in the little inn on the Bridge. &nbsp;As he neared
+      the door with his small friend, a rough voice said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "So, thou'rt come at last! &nbsp;Thou'lt not escape again, I warrant thee;
+      and if pounding thy bones to a pudding can teach thee somewhat, thou'lt
+      not keep us waiting another time, mayhap,"&mdash;and John Canty put out
+      his hand to seize the boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Miles Hendon stepped in the way and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Not too fast, friend. &nbsp;Thou art needlessly rough, methinks. &nbsp;What
+      is the lad to thee?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "If it be any business of thine to make and meddle in others' affairs, he
+      is my son."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "'Tis a lie!" cried the little King, hotly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Boldly said, and I believe thee, whether thy small headpiece be sound or
+      cracked, my boy. &nbsp;But whether this scurvy ruffian be thy father or
+      no, 'tis all one, he shall not have thee to beat thee and abuse, according
+      to his threat, so thou prefer to bide with me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I do, I do&mdash;I know him not, I loathe him, and will die before I will
+      go with him."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Then 'tis settled, and there is nought more to say."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We will see, as to that!" exclaimed John Canty, striding past Hendon to
+      get at the boy; "by force shall he&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "If thou do but touch him, thou animated offal, I will spit thee like a
+      goose!" said Hendon, barring the way and laying his hand upon his sword
+      hilt. &nbsp;Canty drew back. &nbsp;"Now mark ye," continued Hendon, "I
+      took this lad under my protection when a mob of such as thou would have
+      mishandled him, mayhap killed him; dost imagine I will desert him now to a
+      worser fate?&mdash;for whether thou art his father or no&mdash;and sooth
+      to say, I think it is a lie&mdash;a decent swift death were better for
+      such a lad than life in such brute hands as thine. &nbsp;So go thy ways,
+      and set quick about it, for I like not much bandying of words, being not
+      over-patient in my nature."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link12-137" id="link12-137"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link12-137.jpg (107K)" src="images/12-137.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      John Canty moved off, muttering threats and curses, and was swallowed from
+      sight in the crowd. &nbsp;Hendon ascended three flights of stairs to his
+      room, with his charge, after ordering a meal to be sent thither. &nbsp;It
+      was a poor apartment, with a shabby bed and some odds and ends of old
+      furniture in it, and was vaguely lighted by a couple of sickly candles.
+      The little King dragged himself to the bed and lay down upon it, almost
+      exhausted with hunger and fatigue. &nbsp;He had been on his feet a good
+      part of a day and a night (for it was now two or three o'clock in the
+      morning), and had eaten nothing meantime. &nbsp;He murmured drowsily&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Prithee call me when the table is spread," and sank into a deep sleep
+      immediately.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A smile twinkled in Hendon's eye, and he said to himself&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "By the mass, the little beggar takes to one's quarters and usurps one's
+      bed with as natural and easy a grace as if he owned them&mdash;with never
+      a by-your-leave or so-please-it-you, or anything of the sort. &nbsp;In his
+      diseased ravings he called himself the Prince of Wales, and bravely doth
+      he keep up the character. &nbsp;Poor little friendless rat, doubtless his
+      mind has been disordered with ill-usage. &nbsp;Well, I will be his friend;
+      I have saved him, and it draweth me strongly to him; already I love the
+      bold-tongued little rascal. &nbsp;How soldier-like he faced the smutty
+      rabble and flung back his high defiance! &nbsp;And what a comely, sweet
+      and gentle face he hath, now that sleep hath conjured away its troubles
+      and its griefs. I will teach him; I will cure his malady; yea, I will be
+      his elder brother, and care for him and watch over him; and whoso would
+      shame him or do him hurt may order his shroud, for though I be burnt for
+      it he shall need it!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link12-139" id="link12-139"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link12-139.jpg (110K)" src="images/12-139.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He bent over the boy and contemplated him with kind and pitying interest,
+      tapping the young cheek tenderly and smoothing back the tangled curls with
+      his great brown hand. &nbsp;A slight shiver passed over the boy's form.
+      Hendon muttered&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "See, now, how like a man it was to let him lie here uncovered and fill
+      his body with deadly rheums. &nbsp;Now what shall I do? 'twill wake him to
+      take him up and put him within the bed, and he sorely needeth sleep."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He looked about for extra covering, but finding none, doffed his doublet
+      and wrapped the lad in it, saying, "I am used to nipping air and scant
+      apparel, 'tis little I shall mind the cold!"&mdash;then walked up and down
+      the room, to keep his blood in motion, soliloquising as before.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "His injured mind persuades him he is Prince of Wales; 'twill be odd to
+      have a Prince of Wales still with us, now that he that <i>was</i> the prince is
+      prince no more, but king&mdash;for this poor mind is set upon the one
+      fantasy, and will not reason out that now it should cast by the prince and
+      call itself the king. . . If my father liveth still, after these seven
+      years that I have heard nought from home in my foreign dungeon, he will
+      welcome the poor lad and give him generous shelter for my sake; so will my
+      good elder brother, Arthur; my other brother, Hugh&mdash;but I will crack
+      his crown an <i>he</i> interfere, the fox-hearted, ill-conditioned animal! Yes,
+      thither will we fare&mdash;and straightway, too."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A servant entered with a smoking meal, disposed it upon a small deal
+      table, placed the chairs, and took his departure, leaving such cheap
+      lodgers as these to wait upon themselves. &nbsp;The door slammed after
+      him, and the noise woke the boy, who sprang to a sitting posture, and shot
+      a glad glance about him; then a grieved look came into his face and he
+      murmured to himself, with a deep sigh, "Alack, it was but a dream, woe is
+      me!" &nbsp;Next he noticed Miles Hendon's doublet&mdash;glanced from that
+      to Hendon, comprehended the sacrifice that had been made for him, and
+      said, gently&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou art good to me, yes, thou art very good to me. &nbsp;Take it and put
+      it on&mdash;I shall not need it more."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then he got up and walked to the washstand in the corner and stood there,
+      waiting. &nbsp;Hendon said in a cheery voice&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We'll have a right hearty sup and bite, now, for everything is savoury
+      and smoking hot, and that and thy nap together will make thee a little man
+      again, never fear!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The boy made no answer, but bent a steady look, that was filled with grave
+      surprise, and also somewhat touched with impatience, upon the tall knight
+      of the sword. &nbsp;Hendon was puzzled, and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What's amiss?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Good sir, I would wash me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, is that all? &nbsp;Ask no permission of Miles Hendon for aught thou
+      cravest. &nbsp;Make thyself perfectly free here, and welcome, with all
+      that are his belongings."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Still the boy stood, and moved not; more, he tapped the floor once or
+      twice with his small impatient foot. &nbsp;Hendon was wholly perplexed.
+      &nbsp;Said he&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Bless us, what is it?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Prithee pour the water, and make not so many words!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link12-141" id="link12-141"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link12-141.jpg (125K)" src="images/12-141.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hendon, suppressing a horse-laugh, and saying to himself, "By all the
+      saints, but this is admirable!" stepped briskly forward and did the small
+      insolent's bidding; then stood by, in a sort of stupefaction, until the
+      command, "Come&mdash;the towel!" woke him sharply up. &nbsp;He took up a
+      towel, from under the boy's nose, and handed it to him without comment.
+      &nbsp;He now proceeded to comfort his own face with a wash, and while he
+      was at it his adopted child seated himself at the table and prepared to
+      fall to. Hendon despatched his ablutions with alacrity, then drew back the
+      other chair and was about to place himself at table, when the boy said,
+      indignantly&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Forbear! &nbsp;Wouldst sit in the presence of the King?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This blow staggered Hendon to his foundations. &nbsp;He muttered to
+      himself, "Lo, the poor thing's madness is up with the time! &nbsp;It hath
+      changed with the great change that is come to the realm, and now in fancy
+      is he <i>king</i>! Good lack, I must humour the conceit, too&mdash;there is no
+      other way&mdash;faith, he would order me to the Tower, else!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And pleased with this jest, he removed the chair from the table, took his
+      stand behind the King, and proceeded to wait upon him in the courtliest
+      way he was capable of.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      While the King ate, the rigour of his royal dignity relaxed a little, and
+      with his growing contentment came a desire to talk. He said&mdash;"I think
+      thou callest thyself Miles Hendon, if I heard thee aright?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Yes, Sire," Miles replied; then observed to himself, "If I <i>must</i> humour
+      the poor lad's madness, I must 'Sire' him, I must 'Majesty' him, I must
+      not go by halves, I must stick at nothing that belongeth to the part I
+      play, else shall I play it ill and work evil to this charitable and kindly
+      cause."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King warmed his heart with a second glass of wine, and said&mdash;"I
+      would know thee&mdash;tell me thy story. &nbsp;Thou hast a gallant way
+      with thee, and a noble&mdash;art nobly born?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We are of the tail of the nobility, good your Majesty. &nbsp;My father is
+      a baronet&mdash;one of the smaller lords by knight service {2}&mdash;Sir
+      Richard Hendon of Hendon Hall, by Monk's Holm in Kent."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The name has escaped my memory. &nbsp;Go on&mdash;tell me thy story."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link12-142" id="link12-142"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link12-142.jpg (102K)" src="images/12-142.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "'Tis not much, your Majesty, yet perchance it may beguile a short
+      half-hour for want of a better. &nbsp;My father, Sir Richard, is very
+      rich, and of a most generous nature. &nbsp;My mother died whilst I was yet
+      a boy. &nbsp;I have two brothers: &nbsp;Arthur, my elder, with a soul like
+      to his father's; and Hugh, younger than I, a mean spirit, covetous,
+      treacherous, vicious, underhanded&mdash;a reptile. &nbsp;Such was he from
+      the cradle; such was he ten years past, when I last saw him&mdash;a ripe
+      rascal at nineteen, I being twenty then, and Arthur twenty-two. &nbsp;There
+      is none other of us but the Lady Edith, my cousin&mdash;she was sixteen
+      then&mdash;beautiful, gentle, good, the daughter of an earl, the last of
+      her race, heiress of a great fortune and a lapsed title. &nbsp;My father
+      was her guardian. &nbsp;I loved her and she loved me; but she was
+      betrothed to Arthur from the cradle, and Sir Richard would not suffer the
+      contract to be broken. &nbsp;Arthur loved another maid, and bade us be of
+      good cheer and hold fast to the hope that delay and luck together would
+      some day give success to our several causes. &nbsp;Hugh loved the Lady
+      Edith's fortune, though in truth he said it was herself he loved&mdash;but
+      then 'twas his way, alway, to say the one thing and mean the other. &nbsp;But
+      he lost his arts upon the girl; he could deceive my father, but none else.
+      &nbsp;My father loved him best of us all, and trusted and believed him;
+      for he was the youngest child, and others hated him&mdash;these qualities
+      being in all ages sufficient to win a parent's dearest love; and he had a
+      smooth persuasive tongue, with an admirable gift of lying&mdash;and these
+      be qualities which do mightily assist a blind affection to cozen itself.
+      &nbsp;I was wild&mdash;in troth I might go yet farther and say <i>very</i> wild,
+      though 'twas a wildness of an innocent sort, since it hurt none but me,
+      brought shame to none, nor loss, nor had in it any taint of crime or
+      baseness, or what might not beseem mine honourable degree.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Yet did my brother Hugh turn these faults to good account&mdash;he seeing
+      that our brother Arthur's health was but indifferent, and hoping the worst
+      might work him profit were I swept out of the path&mdash;so&mdash;but
+      'twere a long tale, good my liege, and little worth the telling. &nbsp;Briefly,
+      then, this brother did deftly magnify my faults and make them crimes;
+      ending his base work with finding a silken ladder in mine apartments&mdash;conveyed
+      thither by his own means&mdash;and did convince my father by this, and
+      suborned evidence of servants and other lying knaves, that I was minded to
+      carry off my Edith and marry with her in rank defiance of his will.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Three years of banishment from home and England might make a soldier and
+      a man of me, my father said, and teach me some degree of wisdom. &nbsp;I
+      fought out my long probation in the continental wars, tasting sumptuously
+      of hard knocks, privation, and adventure; but in my last battle I was
+      taken captive, and during the seven years that have waxed and waned since
+      then, a foreign dungeon hath harboured me. &nbsp;Through wit and courage I
+      won to the free air at last, and fled hither straight; and am but just
+      arrived, right poor in purse and raiment, and poorer still in knowledge of
+      what these dull seven years have wrought at Hendon Hall, its people and
+      belongings. &nbsp;So please you, sir, my meagre tale is told."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou hast been shamefully abused!" said the little King, with a flashing
+      eye. &nbsp;"But I will right thee&mdash;by the cross will I! &nbsp;The
+      King hath said it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link12-145" id="link12-145"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link12-145.jpg (79K)" src="images/12-145.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then, fired by the story of Miles's wrongs, he loosed his tongue and
+      poured the history of his own recent misfortunes into the ears of his
+      astonished listener. &nbsp;When he had finished, Miles said to himself&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Lo, what an imagination he hath! &nbsp;Verily, this is no common mind;
+      else, crazed or sane, it could not weave so straight and gaudy a tale as
+      this out of the airy nothings wherewith it hath wrought this curious
+      romaunt. Poor ruined little head, it shall not lack friend or shelter
+      whilst I bide with the living. &nbsp;He shall never leave my side; he
+      shall be my pet, my little comrade. &nbsp;And he shall be cured!&mdash;ay,
+      made whole and sound&mdash;then will he make himself a name&mdash;and
+      proud shall I be to say, 'Yes, he is mine&mdash;I took him, a homeless
+      little ragamuffin, but I saw what was in him, and I said his name would be
+      heard some day&mdash;behold him, observe him&mdash;was I right?'"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King spoke&mdash;in a thoughtful, measured voice&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou didst save me injury and shame, perchance my life, and so my crown.
+      Such service demandeth rich reward. &nbsp;Name thy desire, and so it be
+      within the compass of my royal power, it is thine."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This fantastic suggestion startled Hendon out of his reverie. &nbsp;He was
+      about to thank the King and put the matter aside with saying he had only
+      done his duty and desired no reward, but a wiser thought came into his
+      head, and he asked leave to be silent a few moments and consider the
+      gracious offer&mdash;an idea which the King gravely approved, remarking
+      that it was best to be not too hasty with a thing of such great import.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Miles reflected during some moments, then said to himself, "Yes, that is
+      the thing to do&mdash;by any other means it were impossible to get at it&mdash;and
+      certes, this hour's experience has taught me 'twould be most wearing and
+      inconvenient to continue it as it is. Yes, I will propose it; 'twas a
+      happy accident that I did not throw the chance away." &nbsp;Then he
+      dropped upon one knee and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link12-146" id="link12-146"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link12-146.jpg (100K)" src="images/12-146.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "My poor service went not beyond the limit of a subject's simple duty, and
+      therefore hath no merit; but since your Majesty is pleased to hold it
+      worthy some reward, I take heart of grace to make petition to this effect.
+      &nbsp;Near four hundred years ago, as your grace knoweth, there being ill
+      blood betwixt John, King of England, and the King of France, it was
+      decreed that two champions should fight together in the lists, and so
+      settle the dispute by what is called the arbitrament of God. &nbsp;These
+      two kings, and the Spanish king, being assembled to witness and judge the
+      conflict, the French champion appeared; but so redoubtable was he, that
+      our English knights refused to measure weapons with him. &nbsp;So the
+      matter, which was a weighty one, was like to go against the English
+      monarch by default. &nbsp;Now in the Tower lay the Lord de Courcy, the
+      mightiest arm in England, stripped of his honours and possessions, and
+      wasting with long captivity. &nbsp;Appeal was made to him; he gave assent,
+      and came forth arrayed for battle; but no sooner did the Frenchman glimpse
+      his huge frame and hear his famous name but he fled away, and the French
+      king's cause was lost. &nbsp;King John restored De Courcy's titles and
+      possessions, and said, 'Name thy wish and thou shalt have it, though it
+      cost me half my kingdom;' whereat De Courcy, kneeling, as I do now, made
+      answer, 'This, then, I ask, my liege; that I and my successors may have
+      and hold the privilege of remaining covered in the presence of the kings
+      of England, henceforth while the throne shall last.' The boon was granted,
+      as your Majesty knoweth; and there hath been no time, these four hundred
+      years, that that line has failed of an heir; and so, even unto this day,
+      the head of that ancient house still weareth his hat or helm before the
+      King's Majesty, without let or hindrance, and this none other may do. {3}
+      Invoking this precedent in aid of my prayer, I beseech the King to grant
+      to me but this one grace and privilege&mdash;to my more than sufficient
+      reward&mdash;and none other, to wit: &nbsp;that I and my heirs, for ever,
+      may <i>sit</i> in the presence of the Majesty of England!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Rise, Sir Miles Hendon, Knight," said the King, gravely&mdash;giving the
+      accolade with Hendon's sword&mdash;"rise, and seat thyself. &nbsp;Thy
+      petition is granted. &nbsp;Whilst England remains, and the crown
+      continues, the privilege shall not lapse."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link12-148" id="link12-148"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link12-148.jpg (127K)" src="images/12-148.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His Majesty walked apart, musing, and Hendon dropped into a chair at
+      table, observing to himself, "'Twas a brave thought, and hath wrought me a
+      mighty deliverance; my legs are grievously wearied. An I had not thought
+      of that, I must have had to stand for weeks, till my poor lad's wits are
+      cured." &nbsp;After a little, he went on, "And so I am become a knight of
+      the Kingdom of Dreams and Shadows! A most odd and strange position, truly,
+      for one so matter-of-fact as I. &nbsp;I will not laugh&mdash;no, God
+      forbid, for this thing which is so substanceless to me is <i>real</i> to him.
+      &nbsp;And to me, also, in one way, it is not a falsity, for it reflects
+      with truth the sweet and generous spirit that is in him." &nbsp;After a
+      pause: "Ah, what if he should call me by my fine title before folk!&mdash;there'd
+      be a merry contrast betwixt my glory and my raiment! &nbsp;But no matter,
+      let him call me what he will, so it please him; I shall be content."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c13" id="c13"></a> <a name="link13-149"
+      id="link13-149"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link13-149.jpg (41K)" src="images/13-149.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link13-151" id="link13-151"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link13-151.jpg (124K)" src="images/13-151.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XIII. The disappearance of the Prince.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A heavy drowsiness presently fell upon the two comrades. &nbsp;The King
+      said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Remove these rags."&mdash;meaning his clothing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hendon disapparelled the boy without dissent or remark, tucked him up in
+      bed, then glanced about the room, saying to himself, ruefully, "He hath
+      taken my bed again, as before&mdash;marry, what shall <i>I</i> do?" &nbsp;The
+      little King observed his perplexity, and dissipated it with a word. &nbsp;He
+      said, sleepily&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou wilt sleep athwart the door, and guard it." &nbsp;In a moment more
+      he was out of his troubles, in a deep slumber.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Dear heart, he should have been born a king!" muttered Hendon,
+      admiringly; "he playeth the part to a marvel."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then he stretched himself across the door, on the floor, saying
+      contentedly&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I have lodged worse for seven years; 'twould be but ill gratitude to Him
+      above to find fault with this."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He dropped asleep as the dawn appeared. &nbsp;Toward noon he rose,
+      uncovered his unconscious ward&mdash;a section at a time&mdash;and took
+      his measure with a string. &nbsp;The King awoke, just as he had completed
+      his work, complained of the cold, and asked what he was doing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "'Tis done, now, my liege," said Hendon; "I have a bit of business
+      outside, but will presently return; sleep thou again&mdash;thou needest
+      it. There&mdash;let me cover thy head also&mdash;thou'lt be warm the
+      sooner."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King was back in dreamland before this speech was ended. Miles slipped
+      softly out, and slipped as softly in again, in the course of thirty or
+      forty minutes, with a complete second-hand suit of boy's clothing, of
+      cheap material, and showing signs of wear; but tidy, and suited to the
+      season of the year. &nbsp;He seated himself, and began to overhaul his
+      purchase, mumbling to himself&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "A longer purse would have got a better sort, but when one has not the
+      long purse one must be content with what a short one may do&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "'There was a woman in our town, <br />In our town did dwell&mdash;'
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link13-153" id="link13-153"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link13-153.jpg (83K)" src="images/13-153.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "He stirred, methinks&mdash;I must sing in a less thunderous key; 'tis not
+      good to mar his sleep, with this journey before him, and he so wearied
+      out, poor chap . . . This garment&mdash;'tis well enough&mdash;a stitch
+      here and another one there will set it aright. &nbsp;This other is better,
+      albeit a stitch or two will not come amiss in it, likewise . . . <i>These</i> be
+      very good and sound, and will keep his small feet warm and dry&mdash;an
+      odd new thing to him, belike, since he has doubtless been used to foot it
+      bare, winters and summers the same . . . Would thread were bread, seeing
+      one getteth a year's sufficiency for a farthing, and such a brave big
+      needle without cost, for mere love. &nbsp;Now shall I have the demon's own
+      time to thread it!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And so he had. &nbsp;He did as men have always done, and probably always
+      will do, to the end of time&mdash;held the needle still, and tried to
+      thrust the thread through the eye, which is the opposite of a woman's way.
+      &nbsp;Time and time again the thread missed the mark, going sometimes on
+      one side of the needle, sometimes on the other, sometimes doubling up
+      against the shaft; but he was patient, having been through these
+      experiences before, when he was soldiering. &nbsp;He succeeded at last,
+      and took up the garment that had lain waiting, meantime, across his lap,
+      and began his work.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The inn is paid&mdash;the breakfast that is to come, included&mdash;and
+      there is wherewithal left to buy a couple of donkeys and meet our little
+      costs for the two or three days betwixt this and the plenty that awaits us
+      at Hendon Hall&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "'She loved her hus&mdash;'
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Body o' me! &nbsp;I have driven the needle under my nail! . . . It
+      matters little&mdash;'tis not a novelty&mdash;yet 'tis not a convenience,
+      neither. . . . We shall be merry there, little one, never doubt it! Thy
+      troubles will vanish there, and likewise thy sad distemper&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "'She loved her husband dearilee, <br />But another man&mdash;'
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "These be noble large stitches!"&mdash;holding the garment up and viewing
+      it admiringly&mdash;"they have a grandeur and a majesty that do cause
+      these small stingy ones of the tailor-man to look mightily paltry and
+      plebeian&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "'She loved her husband dearilee, <br />But another man he loved she,&mdash;'
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Marry, 'tis done&mdash;a goodly piece of work, too, and wrought with
+      expedition. &nbsp;Now will I wake him, apparel him, pour for him, feed
+      him, and then will we hie us to the mart by the Tabard Inn in Southwark
+      and&mdash;be pleased to rise, my liege!&mdash;he answereth not&mdash;what
+      ho, my liege!&mdash;of a truth must I profane his sacred person with a
+      touch, sith his slumber is deaf to speech. &nbsp;What!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He threw back the covers&mdash;the boy was gone!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He stared about him in speechless astonishment for a moment; noticed for
+      the first time that his ward's ragged raiment was also missing; then he
+      began to rage and storm and shout for the innkeeper. &nbsp;At that moment
+      a servant entered with the breakfast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Explain, thou limb of Satan, or thy time is come!" roared the man of war,
+      and made so savage a spring toward the waiter that this latter could not
+      find his tongue, for the instant, for fright and surprise. &nbsp;"Where is
+      the boy?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link13-155" id="link13-155"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link13-155.jpg (157K)" src="images/13-155.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In disjointed and trembling syllables the man gave the information
+      desired.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "You were hardly gone from the place, your worship, when a youth came
+      running and said it was your worship's will that the boy come to you
+      straight, at the bridge-end on the Southwark side. &nbsp;I brought him
+      hither; and when he woke the lad and gave his message, the lad did grumble
+      some little for being disturbed 'so early,' as he called it, but
+      straightway trussed on his rags and went with the youth, only saying it
+      had been better manners that your worship came yourself, not sent a
+      stranger&mdash;and so&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "And so thou'rt a fool!&mdash;a fool and easily cozened&mdash;hang all thy
+      breed! Yet mayhap no hurt is done. &nbsp;Possibly no harm is meant the
+      boy. &nbsp;I will go fetch him. &nbsp;Make the table ready. &nbsp;Stay!
+      the coverings of the bed were disposed as if one lay beneath them&mdash;happened
+      that by accident?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I know not, good your worship. &nbsp;I saw the youth meddle with them&mdash;he
+      that came for the boy."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thousand deaths! &nbsp;'Twas done to deceive me&mdash;'tis plain 'twas
+      done to gain time. &nbsp;Hark ye! &nbsp;Was that youth alone?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "All alone, your worship."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Art sure?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Sure, your worship."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Collect thy scattered wits&mdash;bethink thee&mdash;take time, man."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After a moment's thought, the servant said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "When he came, none came with him; but now I remember me that as the two
+      stepped into the throng of the Bridge, a ruffian-looking man plunged out
+      from some near place; and just as he was joining them&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What <i>then</i>?&mdash;out with it!" thundered the impatient Hendon,
+      interrupting.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Just then the crowd lapped them up and closed them in, and I saw no more,
+      being called by my master, who was in a rage because a joint that the
+      scrivener had ordered was forgot, though I take all the saints to witness
+      that to blame <i>me</i> for that miscarriage were like holding the unborn babe to
+      judgment for sins com&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Out of my sight, idiot! &nbsp;Thy prating drives me mad! &nbsp;Hold!
+      Whither art flying? &nbsp;Canst not bide still an instant? &nbsp;Went they
+      toward Southwark?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Even so, your worship&mdash;for, as I said before, as to that detestable
+      joint, the babe unborn is no whit more blameless than&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link13-156" id="link13-156"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link13-156.jpg (77K)" src="images/13-156.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Art here <i>yet</i>! &nbsp;And prating still! &nbsp;Vanish, lest I throttle
+      thee!" The servitor vanished. &nbsp;Hendon followed after him, passed him,
+      and plunged down the stairs two steps at a stride, muttering, "'Tis that
+      scurvy villain that claimed he was his son. &nbsp;I have lost thee, my
+      poor little mad master&mdash;it is a bitter thought&mdash;and I had come
+      to love thee so! &nbsp;No! by book and bell, <i>not</i> lost! &nbsp;Not lost, for
+      I will ransack the land till I find thee again. &nbsp;Poor child, yonder
+      is his breakfast&mdash;and mine, but I have no hunger now; so, let the
+      rats have it&mdash;speed, speed! that is the word!" &nbsp;As he wormed his
+      swift way through the noisy multitudes upon the Bridge he several times
+      said to himself&mdash;clinging to the thought as if it were a particularly
+      pleasing one&mdash;"He grumbled, but he <i>went</i>&mdash;he went, yes, because
+      he thought Miles Hendon asked it, sweet lad&mdash;he would ne'er have done
+      it for another, I know it well."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c14" id="c14"></a> <a name="link14-159"
+      id="link14-159"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link14-159.jpg (78K)" src="images/14-159.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XIV. 'Le Roi est mort&mdash;vive le Roi.'
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Toward daylight of the same morning, Tom Canty stirred out of a heavy
+      sleep and opened his eyes in the dark. &nbsp;He lay silent a few moments,
+      trying to analyse his confused thoughts and impressions, and get some sort
+      of meaning out of them; then suddenly he burst out in a rapturous but
+      guarded voice&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I see it all, I see it all! &nbsp;Now God be thanked, I am indeed awake
+      at last! &nbsp;Come, joy! vanish, sorrow! &nbsp;Ho, Nan! Bet! kick off
+      your straw and hie ye hither to my side, till I do pour into your
+      unbelieving ears the wildest madcap dream that ever the spirits of night
+      did conjure up to astonish the soul of man withal! . . . Ho, Nan, I say!
+      &nbsp;Bet!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A dim form appeared at his side, and a voice said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Wilt deign to deliver thy commands?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link14-162" id="link14-162"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link14-162.jpg (99K)" src="images/14-162.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Commands? . . . O, woe is me, I know thy voice! &nbsp;Speak thou&mdash;who
+      am I?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou? &nbsp;In sooth, yesternight wert thou the Prince of Wales; to-day
+      art thou my most gracious liege, Edward, King of England."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom buried his head among his pillows, murmuring plaintively&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alack, it was no dream! &nbsp;Go to thy rest, sweet sir&mdash;leave me to
+      my sorrows."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom slept again, and after a time he had this pleasant dream. &nbsp;He
+      thought it was summer, and he was playing, all alone, in the fair meadow
+      called Goodman's Fields, when a dwarf only a foot high, with long red
+      whiskers and a humped back, appeared to him suddenly and said, "Dig by
+      that stump." &nbsp;He did so, and found twelve bright new pennies&mdash;wonderful
+      riches! &nbsp;Yet this was not the best of it; for the dwarf said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I know thee. &nbsp;Thou art a good lad, and a deserving; thy distresses
+      shall end, for the day of thy reward is come. &nbsp;Dig here every seventh
+      day, and thou shalt find always the same treasure, twelve bright new
+      pennies. Tell none&mdash;keep the secret."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the dwarf vanished, and Tom flew to Offal Court with his prize,
+      saying to himself, "Every night will I give my father a penny; he will
+      think I begged it, it will glad his heart, and I shall no more be beaten.
+      One penny every week the good priest that teacheth me shall have; mother,
+      Nan, and Bet the other four. We be done with hunger and rags, now, done
+      with fears and frets and savage usage."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In his dream he reached his sordid home all out of breath, but with eyes
+      dancing with grateful enthusiasm; cast four of his pennies into his
+      mother's lap and cried out&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "They are for thee!&mdash;all of them, every one!&mdash;for thee and Nan
+      and Bet&mdash;and honestly come by, not begged nor stolen!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The happy and astonished mother strained him to her breast and exclaimed&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It waxeth late&mdash;may it please your Majesty to rise?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Ah! that was not the answer he was expecting. &nbsp;The dream had snapped
+      asunder&mdash;he was awake.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He opened his eyes&mdash;the richly clad First Lord of the Bedchamber was
+      kneeling by his couch. &nbsp;The gladness of the lying dream faded away&mdash;the
+      poor boy recognised that he was still a captive and a king. &nbsp;The room
+      was filled with courtiers clothed in purple mantles&mdash;the mourning
+      colour&mdash;and with noble servants of the monarch. &nbsp;Tom sat up in
+      bed and gazed out from the heavy silken curtains upon this fine company.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The weighty business of dressing began, and one courtier after another
+      knelt and paid his court and offered to the little King his condolences
+      upon his heavy loss, whilst the dressing proceeded. &nbsp;In the
+      beginning, a shirt was taken up by the Chief Equerry in Waiting, who
+      passed it to the First Lord of the Buckhounds, who passed it to the Second
+      Gentleman of the Bedchamber, who passed it to the Head Ranger of Windsor
+      Forest, who passed it to the Third Groom of the Stole, who passed it to
+      the Chancellor Royal of the Duchy of Lancaster, who passed it to the
+      Master of the Wardrobe, who passed it to Norroy King-at-Arms, who passed
+      it to the Constable of the Tower, who passed it to the Chief Steward of
+      the Household, who passed it to the Hereditary Grand Diaperer, who passed
+      it to the Lord High Admiral of England, who passed it to the Archbishop of
+      Canterbury, who passed it to the First Lord of the Bedchamber, who took
+      what was left of it and put it on Tom. &nbsp;Poor little wondering chap,
+      it reminded him of passing buckets at a fire.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link14-164" id="link14-164"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link14-164.jpg (59K)" src="images/14-164.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Each garment in its turn had to go through this slow and solemn process;
+      consequently Tom grew very weary of the ceremony; so weary that he felt an
+      almost gushing gratefulness when he at last saw his long silken hose begin
+      the journey down the line and knew that the end of the matter was drawing
+      near. &nbsp;But he exulted too soon. &nbsp;The First Lord of the
+      Bedchamber received the hose and was about to encase Tom's legs in them,
+      when a sudden flush invaded his face and he hurriedly hustled the things
+      back into the hands of the Archbishop of Canterbury with an astounded look
+      and a whispered, "See, my lord!" pointing to a something connected with
+      the hose. &nbsp;The Archbishop paled, then flushed, and passed the hose to
+      the Lord High Admiral, whispering, "See, my lord!" &nbsp;The Admiral
+      passed the hose to the Hereditary Grand Diaperer, and had hardly breath
+      enough in his body to ejaculate, "See, my lord!" &nbsp;The hose drifted
+      backward along the line, to the Chief Steward of the Household, the
+      Constable of the Tower, Norroy King-at-Arms, the Master of the Wardrobe,
+      the Chancellor Royal of the Duchy of Lancaster, the Third Groom of the
+      Stole, the Head Ranger of Windsor Forest, the Second Gentleman of the
+      Bedchamber, the First Lord of the Buckhounds,&mdash;accompanied always
+      with that amazed and frightened "See! see!"&mdash;till they finally
+      reached the hands of the Chief Equerry in Waiting, who gazed a moment,
+      with a pallid face, upon what had caused all this dismay, then hoarsely
+      whispered, "Body of my life, a tag gone from a truss-point!&mdash;to the
+      Tower with the Head Keeper of the King's Hose!"&mdash;after which he
+      leaned upon the shoulder of the First Lord of the Buckhounds to regather
+      his vanished strength whilst fresh hose, without any damaged strings to
+      them, were brought.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But all things must have an end, and so in time Tom Canty was in a
+      condition to get out of bed. &nbsp;The proper official poured water, the
+      proper official engineered the washing, the proper official stood by with
+      a towel, and by-and-by Tom got safely through the purifying stage and was
+      ready for the services of the Hairdresser-royal. &nbsp;When he at length
+      emerged from this master's hands, he was a gracious figure and as pretty
+      as a girl, in his mantle and trunks of purple satin, and purple-plumed
+      cap. &nbsp;He now moved in state toward his breakfast-room, through the
+      midst of the courtly assemblage; and as he passed, these fell back,
+      leaving his way free, and dropped upon their knees.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After breakfast he was conducted, with regal ceremony, attended by his
+      great officers and his guard of fifty Gentlemen Pensioners bearing gilt
+      battle-axes, to the throne-room, where he proceeded to transact business
+      of state. &nbsp;His 'uncle,' Lord Hertford, took his stand by the throne,
+      to assist the royal mind with wise counsel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The body of illustrious men named by the late King as his executors
+      appeared, to ask Tom's approval of certain acts of theirs&mdash;rather a
+      form, and yet not wholly a form, since there was no Protector as yet.
+      &nbsp;The Archbishop of Canterbury made report of the decree of the
+      Council of Executors concerning the obsequies of his late most illustrious
+      Majesty, and finished by reading the signatures of the Executors, to wit:
+      &nbsp;the Archbishop of Canterbury; the Lord Chancellor of England;
+      William Lord St. John; John Lord Russell; Edward Earl of Hertford; John
+      Viscount Lisle; Cuthbert Bishop of Durham&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom was not listening&mdash;an earlier clause of the document was puzzling
+      him. &nbsp;At this point he turned and whispered to Lord Hertford&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What day did he say the burial hath been appointed for?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The sixteenth of the coming month, my liege."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "'Tis a strange folly. &nbsp;Will he keep?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Poor chap, he was still new to the customs of royalty; he was used to
+      seeing the forlorn dead of Offal Court hustled out of the way with a very
+      different sort of expedition. &nbsp;However, the Lord Hertford set his
+      mind at rest with a word or two.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A secretary of state presented an order of the Council appointing the
+      morrow at eleven for the reception of the foreign ambassadors, and desired
+      the King's assent.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link14-166" id="link14-166"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link14-166.jpg (136K)" src="images/14-166.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom turned an inquiring look toward Hertford, who whispered&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Your Majesty will signify consent. &nbsp;They come to testify their royal
+      masters' sense of the heavy calamity which hath visited your Grace and the
+      realm of England."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom did as he was bidden. &nbsp;Another secretary began to read a preamble
+      concerning the expenses of the late King's household, which had amounted
+      to 28,000 pounds during the preceding six months&mdash;a sum so vast that
+      it made Tom Canty gasp; he gasped again when the fact appeared that 20,000
+      pounds of this money was still owing and unpaid; {4} and once more when it
+      appeared that the King's coffers were about empty, and his twelve hundred
+      servants much embarrassed for lack of the wages due them. &nbsp;Tom spoke
+      out, with lively apprehension&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We be going to the dogs, 'tis plain. &nbsp;'Tis meet and necessary that
+      we take a smaller house and set the servants at large, sith they be of no
+      value but to make delay, and trouble one with offices that harass the
+      spirit and shame the soul, they misbecoming any but a doll, that hath nor
+      brains nor hands to help itself withal. &nbsp;I remember me of a small
+      house that standeth over against the fish-market, by Billingsgate&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A sharp pressure upon Tom's arm stopped his foolish tongue and sent a
+      blush to his face; but no countenance there betrayed any sign that this
+      strange speech had been remarked or given concern.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A secretary made report that forasmuch as the late King had provided in
+      his will for conferring the ducal degree upon the Earl of Hertford and
+      raising his brother, Sir Thomas Seymour, to the peerage, and likewise
+      Hertford's son to an earldom, together with similar aggrandisements to
+      other great servants of the Crown, the Council had resolved to hold a
+      sitting on the 16th of February for the delivering and confirming of these
+      honours, and that meantime, the late King not having granted, in writing,
+      estates suitable to the support of these dignities, the Council, knowing
+      his private wishes in that regard, had thought proper to grant to Seymour
+      '500 pound lands,' and to Hertford's son '800 pound lands, and 300 pound
+      of the next bishop's lands which should fall vacant,'&mdash;his present
+      Majesty being willing. {5}
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom was about to blurt out something about the propriety of paying the
+      late King's debts first, before squandering all this money, but a timely
+      touch upon his arm, from the thoughtful Hertford, saved him this
+      indiscretion; wherefore he gave the royal assent, without spoken comment,
+      but with much inward discomfort. &nbsp;While he sat reflecting a moment
+      over the ease with which he was doing strange and glittering miracles, a
+      happy thought shot into his mind: &nbsp;why not make his mother Duchess of
+      Offal Court, and give her an estate? &nbsp;But a sorrowful thought swept
+      it instantly away: he was only a king in name, these grave veterans and
+      great nobles were his masters; to them his mother was only the creature of
+      a diseased mind; they would simply listen to his project with unbelieving
+      ears, then send for the doctor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The dull work went tediously on. &nbsp;Petitions were read, and
+      proclamations, patents, and all manner of wordy, repetitious, and
+      wearisome papers relating to the public business; and at last Tom sighed
+      pathetically and murmured to himself, "In what have I offended, that the
+      good God should take me away from the fields and the free air and the
+      sunshine, to shut me up here and make me a king and afflict me so?" &nbsp;Then
+      his poor muddled head nodded a while and presently drooped to his
+      shoulder; and the business of the empire came to a standstill for want of
+      that august factor, the ratifying power. &nbsp;Silence ensued around the
+      slumbering child, and the sages of the realm ceased from their
+      deliberations.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      During the forenoon, Tom had an enjoyable hour, by permission of his
+      keepers, Hertford and St. John, with the Lady Elizabeth and the little
+      Lady Jane Grey; though the spirits of the princesses were rather subdued
+      by the mighty stroke that had fallen upon the royal house; and at the end
+      of the visit his 'elder sister'&mdash;afterwards the 'Bloody Mary' of
+      history&mdash;chilled him with a solemn interview which had but one merit
+      in his eyes, its brevity. &nbsp;He had a few moments to himself, and then
+      a slim lad of about twelve years of age was admitted to his presence,
+      whose clothing, except his snowy ruff and the laces about his wrists, was
+      of black,&mdash;doublet, hose, and all. &nbsp;He bore no badge of mourning
+      but a knot of purple ribbon on his shoulder. &nbsp;He advanced
+      hesitatingly, with head bowed and bare, and dropped upon one knee in front
+      of Tom. Tom sat still and contemplated him soberly a moment. &nbsp;Then he
+      said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Rise, lad. &nbsp;Who art thou. &nbsp;What wouldst have?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The boy rose, and stood at graceful ease, but with an aspect of concern in
+      his face. &nbsp;He said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link14-170" id="link14-170"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link14-170.jpg (101K)" src="images/14-170.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Of a surety thou must remember me, my lord. &nbsp;I am thy whipping-boy."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "My <i>whipping</i>-boy?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The same, your Grace. &nbsp;I am Humphrey&mdash;Humphrey Marlow."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom perceived that here was someone whom his keepers ought to have posted
+      him about. &nbsp;The situation was delicate. &nbsp;What should he do?&mdash;pretend
+      he knew this lad, and then betray by his every utterance that he had never
+      heard of him before? &nbsp;No, that would not do. &nbsp;An idea came to
+      his relief: accidents like this might be likely to happen with some
+      frequency, now that business urgencies would often call Hertford and St.
+      John from his side, they being members of the Council of Executors;
+      therefore perhaps it would be well to strike out a plan himself to meet
+      the requirements of such emergencies. &nbsp;Yes, that would be a wise
+      course&mdash;he would practise on this boy, and see what sort of success
+      he might achieve. &nbsp;So he stroked his brow perplexedly a moment or
+      two, and presently said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now I seem to remember thee somewhat&mdash;but my wit is clogged and dim
+      with suffering&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alack, my poor master!" ejaculated the whipping-boy, with feeling;
+      adding, to himself, "In truth 'tis as they said&mdash;his mind is gone&mdash;alas,
+      poor soul! &nbsp;But misfortune catch me, how am I forgetting! &nbsp;They
+      said one must not seem to observe that aught is wrong with him."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "'Tis strange how my memory doth wanton with me these days," said Tom.
+      "But mind it not&mdash;I mend apace&mdash;a little clue doth often serve
+      to bring me back again the things and names which had escaped me. &nbsp;(And
+      not they, only, forsooth, but e'en such as I ne'er heard before&mdash;as
+      this lad shall see.) &nbsp;Give thy business speech."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "'Tis matter of small weight, my liege, yet will I touch upon it, an' it
+      please your Grace. &nbsp;Two days gone by, when your Majesty faulted
+      thrice in your Greek&mdash;in the morning lessons,&mdash;dost remember
+      it?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Y-e-s&mdash;methinks I do. &nbsp;(It is not much of a lie&mdash;an' I had
+      meddled with the Greek at all, I had not faulted simply thrice, but forty
+      times.) Yes, I do recall it, now&mdash;go on."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The master, being wroth with what he termed such slovenly and doltish
+      work, did promise that he would soundly whip me for it&mdash;and&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Whip <i>thee</i>!" said Tom, astonished out of his presence of mind. "Why should
+      he whip <i>thee</i> for faults of mine?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ah, your Grace forgetteth again. &nbsp;He always scourgeth me when thou
+      dost fail in thy lessons."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "True, true&mdash;I had forgot. &nbsp;Thou teachest me in private&mdash;then
+      if I fail, he argueth that thy office was lamely done, and&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, my liege, what words are these? &nbsp;I, the humblest of thy
+      servants, presume to teach <i>thee</i>?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Then where is thy blame? &nbsp;What riddle is this? &nbsp;Am I in truth
+      gone mad, or is it thou? &nbsp;Explain&mdash;speak out."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "But, good your Majesty, there's nought that needeth simplifying.&mdash;None
+      may visit the sacred person of the Prince of Wales with blows; wherefore,
+      when he faulteth, 'tis I that take them; and meet it is and right, for
+      that it is mine office and my livelihood." {1}
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link14-172" id="link14-172"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link14-172.jpg (84K)" src="images/14-172.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom stared at the tranquil boy, observing to himself, "Lo, it is a
+      wonderful thing,&mdash;a most strange and curious trade; I marvel they
+      have not hired a boy to take my combings and my dressings for me&mdash;would
+      heaven they would!&mdash;an' they will do this thing, I will take my
+      lashings in mine own person, giving God thanks for the change." Then he
+      said aloud&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "And hast thou been beaten, poor friend, according to the promise?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "No, good your Majesty, my punishment was appointed for this day, and
+      peradventure it may be annulled, as unbefitting the season of mourning
+      that is come upon us; I know not, and so have made bold to come hither and
+      remind your Grace about your gracious promise to intercede in my behalf&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "With the master? &nbsp;To save thee thy whipping?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ah, thou dost remember!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "My memory mendeth, thou seest. &nbsp;Set thy mind at ease&mdash;thy back
+      shall go unscathed&mdash;I will see to it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, thanks, my good lord!" cried the boy, dropping upon his knee again.
+      "Mayhap I have ventured far enow; and yet&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Seeing Master Humphrey hesitate, Tom encouraged him to go on, saying he
+      was "in the granting mood."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Then will I speak it out, for it lieth near my heart. &nbsp;Sith thou art
+      no more Prince of Wales but King, thou canst order matters as thou wilt,
+      with none to say thee nay; wherefore it is not in reason that thou wilt
+      longer vex thyself with dreary studies, but wilt burn thy books and turn
+      thy mind to things less irksome. Then am I ruined, and mine orphan sisters
+      with me!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ruined? &nbsp;Prithee how?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "My back is my bread, O my gracious liege! if it go idle, I starve. &nbsp;An'
+      thou cease from study mine office is gone thou'lt need no whipping-boy. Do
+      not turn me away!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom was touched with this pathetic distress. &nbsp;He said, with a right
+      royal burst of generosity&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Discomfort thyself no further, lad. &nbsp;Thine office shall be permanent
+      in thee and thy line for ever." &nbsp;Then he struck the boy a light blow
+      on the shoulder with the flat of his sword, exclaiming, "Rise, Humphrey
+      Marlow, Hereditary Grand Whipping-Boy to the Royal House of England!
+      &nbsp;Banish sorrow&mdash;I will betake me to my books again, and study so
+      ill that they must in justice treble thy wage, so mightily shall the
+      business of thine office be augmented."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The grateful Humphrey responded fervidly&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thanks, O most noble master, this princely lavishness doth far surpass my
+      most distempered dreams of fortune. &nbsp;Now shall I be happy all my
+      days, and all the house of Marlow after me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom had wit enough to perceive that here was a lad who could be useful to
+      him. &nbsp;He encouraged Humphrey to talk, and he was nothing loath.
+      &nbsp;He was delighted to believe that he was helping in Tom's 'cure'; for
+      always, as soon as he had finished calling back to Tom's diseased mind the
+      various particulars of his experiences and adventures in the royal
+      school-room and elsewhere about the palace, he noticed that Tom was then
+      able to 'recall' the circumstances quite clearly. &nbsp;At the end of an
+      hour Tom found himself well freighted with very valuable information
+      concerning personages and matters pertaining to the Court; so he resolved
+      to draw instruction from this source daily; and to this end he would give
+      order to admit Humphrey to the royal closet whenever he might come,
+      provided the Majesty of England was not engaged with other people. &nbsp;Humphrey
+      had hardly been dismissed when my Lord Hertford arrived with more trouble
+      for Tom.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He said that the Lords of the Council, fearing that some overwrought
+      report of the King's damaged health might have leaked out and got abroad,
+      they deemed it wise and best that his Majesty should begin to dine in
+      public after a day or two&mdash;his wholesome complexion and vigorous
+      step, assisted by a carefully guarded repose of manner and ease and grace
+      of demeanour, would more surely quiet the general pulse&mdash;in case any
+      evil rumours <i>had</i> gone about&mdash;than any other scheme that could be
+      devised.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the Earl proceeded, very delicately, to instruct Tom as to the
+      observances proper to the stately occasion, under the rather thin disguise
+      of 'reminding' him concerning things already known to him; but to his vast
+      gratification it turned out that Tom needed very little help in this line&mdash;he
+      had been making use of Humphrey in that direction, for Humphrey had
+      mentioned that within a few days he was to begin to dine in public; having
+      gathered it from the swift-winged gossip of the Court. Tom kept these
+      facts to himself, however.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Seeing the royal memory so improved, the Earl ventured to apply a few
+      tests to it, in an apparently casual way, to find out how far its
+      amendment had progressed. &nbsp;The results were happy, here and there, in
+      spots&mdash;spots where Humphrey's tracks remained&mdash;and on the whole
+      my lord was greatly pleased and encouraged. &nbsp;So encouraged was he,
+      indeed, that he spoke up and said in a quite hopeful voice&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link14-175" id="link14-175"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link14-175.jpg (98K)" src="images/14-175.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now am I persuaded that if your Majesty will but tax your memory yet a
+      little further, it will resolve the puzzle of the Great Seal&mdash;a loss
+      which was of moment yesterday, although of none to-day, since its term of
+      service ended with our late lord's life. May it please your Grace to make
+      the trial?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom was at sea&mdash;a Great Seal was something which he was totally
+      unacquainted with. &nbsp;After a moment's hesitation he looked up
+      innocently and asked&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What was it like, my lord?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Earl started, almost imperceptibly, muttering to himself, "Alack, his
+      wits are flown again!&mdash;it was ill wisdom to lead him on to strain
+      them"&mdash;then he deftly turned the talk to other matters, with the
+      purpose of sweeping the unlucky seal out of Tom's thoughts&mdash;a purpose
+      which easily succeeded.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c15" id="c15"></a> <a name="link15-177"
+      id="link15-177"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link15-177.jpg (56K)" src="images/15-177.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XV. Tom as King.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The next day the foreign ambassadors came, with their gorgeous trains; and
+      Tom, throned in awful state, received them. &nbsp;The splendours of the
+      scene delighted his eye and fired his imagination at first, but the
+      audience was long and dreary, and so were most of the addresses&mdash;wherefore,
+      what began as a pleasure grew into weariness and home-sickness by-and-by.
+      &nbsp;Tom said the words which Hertford put into his mouth from time to
+      time, and tried hard to acquit himself satisfactorily, but he was too new
+      to such things, and too ill at ease to accomplish more than a tolerable
+      success. &nbsp;He looked sufficiently like a king, but he was ill able to
+      feel like one. &nbsp;He was cordially glad when the ceremony was ended.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The larger part of his day was 'wasted'&mdash;as he termed it, in his own
+      mind&mdash;in labours pertaining to his royal office. &nbsp;Even the two
+      hours devoted to certain princely pastimes and recreations were rather a
+      burden to him than otherwise, they were so fettered by restrictions and
+      ceremonious observances. &nbsp;However, he had a private hour with his
+      whipping-boy which he counted clear gain, since he got both entertainment
+      and needful information out of it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The third day of Tom Canty's kingship came and went much as the others had
+      done, but there was a lifting of his cloud in one way&mdash;he felt less
+      uncomfortable than at first; he was getting a little used to his
+      circumstances and surroundings; his chains still galled, but not all the
+      time; he found that the presence and homage of the great afflicted and
+      embarrassed him less and less sharply with every hour that drifted over
+      his head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But for one single dread, he could have seen the fourth day approach
+      without serious distress&mdash;the dining in public; it was to begin that
+      day. There were greater matters in the programme&mdash;for on that day he
+      would have to preside at a council which would take his views and commands
+      concerning the policy to be pursued toward various foreign nations
+      scattered far and near over the great globe; on that day, too, Hertford
+      would be formally chosen to the grand office of Lord Protector; other
+      things of note were appointed for that fourth day, also; but to Tom they
+      were all insignificant compared with the ordeal of dining all by himself
+      with a multitude of curious eyes fastened upon him and a multitude of
+      mouths whispering comments upon his performance,&mdash;and upon his
+      mistakes, if he should be so unlucky as to make any.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Still, nothing could stop that fourth day, and so it came. &nbsp;It found
+      poor Tom low-spirited and absent-minded, and this mood continued; he could
+      not shake it off. &nbsp;The ordinary duties of the morning dragged upon
+      his hands, and wearied him. &nbsp;Once more he felt the sense of captivity
+      heavy upon him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Late in the forenoon he was in a large audience-chamber, conversing with
+      the Earl of Hertford and dully awaiting the striking of the hour appointed
+      for a visit of ceremony from a considerable number of great officials and
+      courtiers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link15-181" id="link15-181"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link15-181.jpg (53K)" src="images/15-181.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After a little while, Tom, who had wandered to a window and become
+      interested in the life and movement of the great highway beyond the palace
+      gates&mdash;and not idly interested, but longing with all his heart to
+      take part in person in its stir and freedom&mdash;saw the van of a hooting
+      and shouting mob of disorderly men, women, and children of the lowest and
+      poorest degree approaching from up the road.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I would I knew what 'tis about!" he exclaimed, with all a boy's curiosity
+      in such happenings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou art the King!" solemnly responded the Earl, with a reverence. "Have
+      I your Grace's leave to act?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "O blithely, yes! &nbsp;O gladly, yes!" exclaimed Tom excitedly, adding to
+      himself with a lively sense of satisfaction, "In truth, being a king is
+      not all dreariness&mdash;it hath its compensations and conveniences."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Earl called a page, and sent him to the captain of the guard with the
+      order&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Let the mob be halted, and inquiry made concerning the occasion of its
+      movement. &nbsp;By the King's command!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A few seconds later a long rank of the royal guards, cased in flashing
+      steel, filed out at the gates and formed across the highway in front of
+      the multitude. &nbsp;A messenger returned, to report that the crowd were
+      following a man, a woman, and a young girl to execution for crimes
+      committed against the peace and dignity of the realm.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Death&mdash;and a violent death&mdash;for these poor unfortunates! &nbsp;The
+      thought wrung Tom's heart-strings. &nbsp;The spirit of compassion took
+      control of him, to the exclusion of all other considerations; he never
+      thought of the offended laws, or of the grief or loss which these three
+      criminals had inflicted upon their victims; he could think of nothing but
+      the scaffold and the grisly fate hanging over the heads of the condemned.
+      &nbsp;His concern made him even forget, for the moment, that he was but
+      the false shadow of a king, not the substance; and before he knew it he
+      had blurted out the command&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Bring them here!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then he blushed scarlet, and a sort of apology sprung to his lips; but
+      observing that his order had wrought no sort of surprise in the Earl or
+      the waiting page, he suppressed the words he was about to utter. &nbsp;The
+      page, in the most matter-of-course way, made a profound obeisance and
+      retired backwards out of the room to deliver the command. &nbsp;Tom
+      experienced a glow of pride and a renewed sense of the compensating
+      advantages of the kingly office. He said to himself, "Truly it is like
+      what I was used to feel when I read the old priest's tales, and did
+      imagine mine own self a prince, giving law and command to all, saying 'Do
+      this, do that,' whilst none durst offer let or hindrance to my will."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now the doors swung open; one high-sounding title after another was
+      announced, the personages owning them followed, and the place was quickly
+      half-filled with noble folk and finery. &nbsp;But Tom was hardly conscious
+      of the presence of these people, so wrought up was he and so intensely
+      absorbed in that other and more interesting matter. &nbsp;He seated
+      himself absently in his chair of state, and turned his eyes upon the door
+      with manifestations of impatient expectancy; seeing which, the company
+      forbore to trouble him, and fell to chatting a mixture of public business
+      and court gossip one with another.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In a little while the measured tread of military men was heard
+      approaching, and the culprits entered the presence in charge of an
+      under-sheriff and escorted by a detail of the king's guard. &nbsp;The
+      civil officer knelt before Tom, then stood aside; the three doomed persons
+      knelt, also, and remained so; the guard took position behind Tom's chair.
+      &nbsp;Tom scanned the prisoners curiously. Something about the dress or
+      appearance of the man had stirred a vague memory in him. &nbsp;"Methinks I
+      have seen this man ere now . . . but the when or the where fail me."&mdash;Such
+      was Tom's thought. Just then the man glanced quickly up and quickly
+      dropped his face again, not being able to endure the awful port of
+      sovereignty; but the one full glimpse of the face which Tom got was
+      sufficient. &nbsp;He said to himself: "Now is the matter clear; this is
+      the stranger that plucked Giles Witt out of the Thames, and saved his
+      life, that windy, bitter, first day of the New Year&mdash;a brave good
+      deed&mdash;pity he hath been doing baser ones and got himself in this sad
+      case . . . I have not forgot the day, neither the hour; by reason that an
+      hour after, upon the stroke of eleven, I did get a hiding by the hand of
+      Gammer Canty which was of so goodly and admired severity that all that
+      went before or followed after it were but fondlings and caresses by
+      comparison."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link15-183" id="link15-183"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link15-183.jpg (176K)" src="images/15-183.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom now ordered that the woman and the girl be removed from the presence
+      for a little time; then addressed himself to the under-sheriff, saying&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Good sir, what is this man's offence?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The officer knelt, and answered&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "So please your Majesty, he hath taken the life of a subject by poison."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom's compassion for the prisoner, and admiration of him as the daring
+      rescuer of a drowning boy, experienced a most damaging shock.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The thing was proven upon him?" he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Most clearly, sire."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom sighed, and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Take him away&mdash;he hath earned his death. &nbsp;'Tis a pity, for he
+      was a brave heart&mdash;na&mdash;na, I mean he hath the <i>look</i> of it!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The prisoner clasped his hands together with sudden energy, and wrung them
+      despairingly, at the same time appealing imploringly to the 'King' in
+      broken and terrified phrases&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "O my lord the King, an' thou canst pity the lost, have pity upon me!
+      &nbsp;I am innocent&mdash;neither hath that wherewith I am charged been
+      more than but lamely proved&mdash;yet I speak not of that; the judgment is
+      gone forth against me and may not suffer alteration; yet in mine extremity
+      I beg a boon, for my doom is more than I can bear. A grace, a grace, my
+      lord the King! in thy royal compassion grant my prayer&mdash;give
+      commandment that I be hanged!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom was amazed. &nbsp;This was not the outcome he had looked for.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Odds my life, a strange <i>boon</i>! &nbsp;Was it not the fate intended thee?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "O good my liege, not so! &nbsp;It is ordered that I be <i>boiled alive</i>!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The hideous surprise of these words almost made Tom spring from his chair.
+      &nbsp;As soon as he could recover his wits he cried out&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Have thy wish, poor soul! an' thou had poisoned a hundred men thou
+      shouldst not suffer so miserable a death."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The prisoner bowed his face to the ground and burst into passionate
+      expressions of gratitude&mdash;ending with&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "If ever thou shouldst know misfortune&mdash;which God forefend!&mdash;may
+      thy goodness to me this day be remembered and requited!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom turned to the Earl of Hertford, and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "My lord, is it believable that there was warrant for this man's ferocious
+      doom?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It is the law, your Grace&mdash;for poisoners. &nbsp;In Germany coiners
+      be boiled to death in <i>oil</i>&mdash;not cast in of a sudden, but by a rope let
+      down into the oil by degrees, and slowly; first the feet, then the legs,
+      then&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "O prithee no more, my lord, I cannot bear it!" cried Tom, covering his
+      eyes with his hands to shut out the picture. &nbsp;"I beseech your good
+      lordship that order be taken to change this law&mdash;oh, let no more poor
+      creatures be visited with its tortures."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Earl's face showed profound gratification, for he was a man of
+      merciful and generous impulses&mdash;a thing not very common with his
+      class in that fierce age. &nbsp;He said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "These your Grace's noble words have sealed its doom. &nbsp;History will
+      remember it to the honour of your royal house."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The under-sheriff was about to remove his prisoner; Tom gave him a sign to
+      wait; then he said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Good sir, I would look into this matter further. &nbsp;The man has said
+      his deed was but lamely proved. &nbsp;Tell me what thou knowest."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "If the King's grace please, it did appear upon the trial that this man
+      entered into a house in the hamlet of Islington where one lay sick&mdash;three
+      witnesses say it was at ten of the clock in the morning, and two say it
+      was some minutes later&mdash;the sick man being alone at the time, and
+      sleeping&mdash;and presently the man came forth again and went his way.
+      &nbsp;The sick man died within the hour, being torn with spasms and
+      retchings."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Did any see the poison given? &nbsp;Was poison found?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Marry, no, my liege."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Then how doth one know there was poison given at all?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Please your Majesty, the doctors testified that none die with such
+      symptoms but by poison."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Weighty evidence, this, in that simple age. &nbsp;Tom recognised its
+      formidable nature, and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The doctor knoweth his trade&mdash;belike they were right. &nbsp;The
+      matter hath an ill-look for this poor man."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Yet was not this all, your Majesty; there is more and worse. Many
+      testified that a witch, since gone from the village, none know whither,
+      did foretell, and speak it privately in their ears, that the sick man
+      <i>would die by poison</i>&mdash;and more, that a stranger would give it&mdash;a
+      stranger with brown hair and clothed in a worn and common garb; and surely
+      this prisoner doth answer woundily to the bill. &nbsp;Please your Majesty
+      to give the circumstance that solemn weight which is its due, seeing it
+      was <i>foretold</i>."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This was an argument of tremendous force in that superstitious day. &nbsp;Tom
+      felt that the thing was settled; if evidence was worth anything, this poor
+      fellow's guilt was proved. &nbsp;Still he offered the prisoner a chance,
+      saying&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "If thou canst say aught in thy behalf, speak."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Nought that will avail, my King. &nbsp;I am innocent, yet cannot I make
+      it appear. &nbsp;I have no friends, else might I show that I was not in
+      Islington that day; so also might I show that at that hour they name I was
+      above a league away, seeing I was at Wapping Old Stairs; yea more, my
+      King, for I could show, that whilst they say I was <i>taking</i> life, I was
+      <i>saving</i> it. &nbsp;A drowning boy&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Peace! &nbsp;Sheriff, name the day the deed was done!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "At ten in the morning, or some minutes later, the first day of the New
+      Year, most illustrious&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Let the prisoner go free&mdash;it is the King's will!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link15-187" id="link15-187"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link15-187.jpg (170K)" src="images/15-187.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Another blush followed this unregal outburst, and he covered his indecorum
+      as well as he could by adding&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It enrageth me that a man should be hanged upon such idle, hare-brained
+      evidence!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A low buzz of admiration swept through the assemblage. &nbsp;It was not
+      admiration of the decree that had been delivered by Tom, for the propriety
+      or expediency of pardoning a convicted poisoner was a thing which few
+      there would have felt justified in either admitting or admiring&mdash;no,
+      the admiration was for the intelligence and spirit which Tom had
+      displayed. &nbsp;Some of the low-voiced remarks were to this effect&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "This is no mad king&mdash;he hath his wits sound."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How sanely he put his questions&mdash;how like his former natural self
+      was this abrupt imperious disposal of the matter!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "God be thanked, his infirmity is spent! &nbsp;This is no weakling, but a
+      king. &nbsp;He hath borne himself like to his own father."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The air being filled with applause, Tom's ear necessarily caught a little
+      of it. &nbsp;The effect which this had upon him was to put him greatly at
+      his ease, and also to charge his system with very gratifying sensations.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      However, his juvenile curiosity soon rose superior to these pleasant
+      thoughts and feelings; he was eager to know what sort of deadly mischief
+      the woman and the little girl could have been about; so, by his command,
+      the two terrified and sobbing creatures were brought before him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What is it that these have done?" he inquired of the sheriff.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link15-188" id="link15-188"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link15-188.jpg (27K)" src="images/15-188.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Please your Majesty, a black crime is charged upon them, and clearly
+      proven; wherefore the judges have decreed, according to the law, that they
+      be hanged. &nbsp;They sold themselves to the devil&mdash;such is their
+      crime."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom shuddered. &nbsp;He had been taught to abhor people who did this
+      wicked thing. &nbsp;Still, he was not going to deny himself the pleasure
+      of feeding his curiosity for all that; so he asked&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Where was this done?&mdash;and when?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "On a midnight in December, in a ruined church, your Majesty."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom shuddered again.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Who was there present?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Only these two, your grace&mdash;and <i>that other</i>."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Have these confessed?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Nay, not so, sire&mdash;they do deny it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Then prithee, how was it known?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Certain witness did see them wending thither, good your Majesty; this
+      bred the suspicion, and dire effects have since confirmed and justified
+      it. &nbsp;In particular, it is in evidence that through the wicked power
+      so obtained, they did invoke and bring about a storm that wasted all the
+      region round about. &nbsp;Above forty witnesses have proved the storm; and
+      sooth one might have had a thousand, for all had reason to remember it,
+      sith all had suffered by it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Certes this is a serious matter." &nbsp;Tom turned this dark piece of
+      scoundrelism over in his mind a while, then asked&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Suffered the woman also by the storm?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link15-190" id="link15-190"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link15-190.jpg (69K)" src="images/15-190.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Several old heads among the assemblage nodded their recognition of the
+      wisdom of this question. &nbsp;The sheriff, however, saw nothing
+      consequential in the inquiry; he answered, with simple directness&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Indeed did she, your Majesty, and most righteously, as all aver. Her
+      habitation was swept away, and herself and child left shelterless."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Methinks the power to do herself so ill a turn was dearly bought. She had
+      been cheated, had she paid but a farthing for it; that she paid her soul,
+      and her child's, argueth that she is mad; if she is mad she knoweth not
+      what she doth, therefore sinneth not."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The elderly heads nodded recognition of Tom's wisdom once more, and one
+      individual murmured, "An' the King be mad himself, according to report,
+      then is it a madness of a sort that would improve the sanity of some I wot
+      of, if by the gentle providence of God they could but catch it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What age hath the child?" asked Tom.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Nine years, please your Majesty."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "By the law of England may a child enter into covenant and sell itself, my
+      lord?" asked Tom, turning to a learned judge.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The law doth not permit a child to make or meddle in any weighty matter,
+      good my liege, holding that its callow wit unfitteth it to cope with the
+      riper wit and evil schemings of them that are its elders. &nbsp;The <i>Devil</i>
+      may buy a child, if he so choose, and the child agree thereto, but not an
+      Englishman&mdash;in this latter case the contract would be null and void."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It seemeth a rude unchristian thing, and ill contrived, that English law
+      denieth privileges to Englishmen to waste them on the devil!" cried Tom,
+      with honest heat.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This novel view of the matter excited many smiles, and was stored away in
+      many heads to be repeated about the Court as evidence of Tom's originality
+      as well as progress toward mental health.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The elder culprit had ceased from sobbing, and was hanging upon Tom's
+      words with an excited interest and a growing hope. &nbsp;Tom noticed this,
+      and it strongly inclined his sympathies toward her in her perilous and
+      unfriended situation. &nbsp;Presently he asked&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How wrought they to bring the storm?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "<i>By pulling off their stockings</i>, sire."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This astonished Tom, and also fired his curiosity to fever heat. He said,
+      eagerly&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It is wonderful! &nbsp;Hath it always this dread effect?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Always, my liege&mdash;at least if the woman desire it, and utter the
+      needful words, either in her mind or with her tongue."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom turned to the woman, and said with impetuous zeal&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Exert thy power&mdash;I would see a storm!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a sudden paling of cheeks in the superstitious assemblage, and a
+      general, though unexpressed, desire to get out of the place&mdash;all of
+      which was lost upon Tom, who was dead to everything but the proposed
+      cataclysm. &nbsp;Seeing a puzzled and astonished look in the woman's face,
+      he added, excitedly&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Never fear&mdash;thou shalt be blameless. &nbsp;More&mdash;thou shalt go
+      free&mdash;none shall touch thee. &nbsp;Exert thy power."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, my lord the King, I have it not&mdash;I have been falsely accused."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thy fears stay thee. &nbsp;Be of good heart, thou shalt suffer no harm.
+      &nbsp;Make a storm&mdash;it mattereth not how small a one&mdash;I require
+      nought great or harmful, but indeed prefer the opposite&mdash;do this and
+      thy life is spared&mdash;thou shalt go out free, with thy child, bearing
+      the King's pardon, and safe from hurt or malice from any in the realm."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The woman prostrated herself, and protested, with tears, that she had no
+      power to do the miracle, else she would gladly win her child's life alone,
+      and be content to lose her own, if by obedience to the King's command so
+      precious a grace might be acquired.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom urged&mdash;the woman still adhered to her declarations. &nbsp;Finally
+      he said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I think the woman hath said true. &nbsp;An' <i>my</i> mother were in her place
+      and gifted with the devil's functions, she had not stayed a moment to call
+      her storms and lay the whole land in ruins, if the saving of my forfeit
+      life were the price she got! &nbsp;It is argument that other mothers are
+      made in like mould. &nbsp;Thou art free, goodwife&mdash;thou and thy child&mdash;for
+      I do think thee innocent. &nbsp;<i>Now</i> thou'st nought to fear, being pardoned&mdash;pull
+      off thy stockings!&mdash;an' thou canst make me a storm, thou shalt be
+      rich!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The redeemed creature was loud in her gratitude, and proceeded to obey,
+      whilst Tom looked on with eager expectancy, a little marred by
+      apprehension; the courtiers at the same time manifesting decided
+      discomfort and uneasiness. &nbsp;The woman stripped her own feet and her
+      little girl's also, and plainly did her best to reward the King's
+      generosity with an earthquake, but it was all a failure and a
+      disappointment. &nbsp;Tom sighed, and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "There, good soul, trouble thyself no further, thy power is departed out
+      of thee. &nbsp;Go thy way in peace; and if it return to thee at any time,
+      forget me not, but fetch me a storm." {13}
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c16" id="c16"></a> <a name="link16-193"
+      id="link16-193"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link16-193.jpg (42K)" src="images/16-193.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XVI. The State Dinner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The dinner hour drew near&mdash;yet strangely enough, the thought brought
+      but slight discomfort to Tom, and hardly any terror. &nbsp;The morning's
+      experiences had wonderfully built up his confidence; the poor little
+      ash-cat was already more wonted to his strange garret, after four days'
+      habit, than a mature person could have become in a full month. &nbsp;A
+      child's facility in accommodating itself to circumstances was never more
+      strikingly illustrated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Let us privileged ones hurry to the great banqueting-room and have a
+      glance at matters there whilst Tom is being made ready for the imposing
+      occasion. &nbsp;It is a spacious apartment, with gilded pillars and
+      pilasters, and pictured walls and ceilings. &nbsp;At the door stand tall
+      guards, as rigid as statues, dressed in rich and picturesque costumes, and
+      bearing halberds. &nbsp;In a high gallery which runs all around the place
+      is a band of musicians and a packed company of citizens of both sexes, in
+      brilliant attire. &nbsp;In the centre of the room, upon a raised platform,
+      is Tom's table. Now let the ancient chronicler speak:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link16-196" id="link16-196"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link16-196.jpg (65K)" src="images/16-196.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "A gentleman enters the room bearing a rod, and along with him another
+      bearing a tablecloth, which, after they have both kneeled three times with
+      the utmost veneration, he spreads upon the table, and after kneeling again
+      they both retire; then come two others, one with the rod again, the other
+      with a salt-cellar, a plate, and bread; when they have kneeled as the
+      others had done, and placed what was brought upon the table, they too
+      retire with the same ceremonies performed by the first; at last come two
+      nobles, richly clothed, one bearing a tasting-knife, who, after
+      prostrating themselves three times in the most graceful manner, approach
+      and rub the table with bread and salt, with as much awe as if the King had
+      been present." {6}
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So end the solemn preliminaries. &nbsp;Now, far down the echoing corridors
+      we hear a bugle-blast, and the indistinct cry, "Place for the King! &nbsp;Way
+      for the King's most excellent majesty!" &nbsp;These sounds are momently
+      repeated&mdash;they grow nearer and nearer&mdash;and presently, almost in
+      our faces, the martial note peals and the cry rings out, "Way for the
+      King!" &nbsp;At this instant the shining pageant appears, and files in at
+      the door, with a measured march. Let the chronicler speak again:&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "First come Gentlemen, Barons, Earls, Knights of the Garter, all richly
+      dressed and bareheaded; next comes the Chancellor, between two, one of
+      which carries the royal sceptre, the other the Sword of State in a red
+      scabbard, studded with golden fleurs-de-lis, the point upwards; next comes
+      the King himself&mdash;whom, upon his appearing, twelve trumpets and many
+      drums salute with a great burst of welcome, whilst all in the galleries
+      rise in their places, crying 'God save the King!' &nbsp;After him come
+      nobles attached to his person, and on his right and left march his guard
+      of honour, his fifty Gentlemen Pensioners, with gilt battle-axes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link16-197" id="link16-197"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link16-197.jpg (183K)" src="images/16-197.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This was all fine and pleasant. &nbsp;Tom's pulse beat high, and a glad
+      light was in his eye. &nbsp;He bore himself right gracefully, and all the
+      more so because he was not thinking of how he was doing it, his mind being
+      charmed and occupied with the blithe sights and sounds about him&mdash;and
+      besides, nobody can be very ungraceful in nicely-fitting beautiful clothes
+      after he has grown a little used to them&mdash;especially if he is for the
+      moment unconscious of them. Tom remembered his instructions, and
+      acknowledged his greeting with a slight inclination of his plumed head,
+      and a courteous "I thank ye, my good people."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link16-198" id="link16-198"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link16-198.jpg (43K)" src="images/16-198.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He seated himself at table, without removing his cap; and did it without
+      the least embarrassment; for to eat with one's cap on was the one solitary
+      royal custom upon which the kings and the Cantys met upon common ground,
+      neither party having any advantage over the other in the matter of old
+      familiarity with it. &nbsp;The pageant broke up and grouped itself
+      picturesquely, and remained bareheaded.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now to the sound of gay music the Yeomen of the Guard entered,&mdash;"the
+      tallest and mightiest men in England, they being carefully selected in
+      this regard"&mdash;but we will let the chronicler tell about it:&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The Yeomen of the Guard entered, bareheaded, clothed in scarlet, with
+      golden roses upon their backs; and these went and came, bringing in each
+      turn a course of dishes, served in plate. &nbsp;These dishes were received
+      by a gentleman in the same order they were brought, and placed upon the
+      table, while the taster gave to each guard a mouthful to eat of the
+      particular dish he had brought, for fear of any poison."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom made a good dinner, notwithstanding he was conscious that hundreds of
+      eyes followed each morsel to his mouth and watched him eat it with an
+      interest which could not have been more intense if it had been a deadly
+      explosive and was expected to blow him up and scatter him all about the
+      place. &nbsp;He was careful not to hurry, and equally careful not to do
+      anything whatever for himself, but wait till the proper official knelt
+      down and did it for him. &nbsp;He got through without a mistake&mdash;flawless
+      and precious triumph.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link16-199" id="link16-199"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link16-199.jpg (99K)" src="images/16-199.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the meal was over at last and he marched away in the midst of his
+      bright pageant, with the happy noises in his ears of blaring bugles,
+      rolling drums, and thundering acclamations, he felt that if he had seen
+      the worst of dining in public it was an ordeal which he would be glad to
+      endure several times a day if by that means he could but buy himself free
+      from some of the more formidable requirements of his royal office.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c17" id="c17"></a> <a name="link17-201"
+      id="link17-201"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link17-201.jpg (70K)" src="images/17-201.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XVII. Foo-foo the First.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Miles Hendon hurried along toward the Southwark end of the bridge, keeping
+      a sharp look-out for the persons he sought, and hoping and expecting to
+      overtake them presently. &nbsp;He was disappointed in this, however.
+      &nbsp;By asking questions, he was enabled to track them part of the way
+      through Southwark; then all traces ceased, and he was perplexed as to how
+      to proceed. &nbsp;Still, he continued his efforts as best he could during
+      the rest of the day. &nbsp;Nightfall found him leg-weary, half-famished,
+      and his desire as far from accomplishment as ever; so he supped at the
+      Tabard Inn and went to bed, resolved to make an early start in the
+      morning, and give the town an exhaustive search. &nbsp;As he lay thinking
+      and planning, he presently began to reason thus: &nbsp;The boy would
+      escape from the ruffian, his reputed father, if possible; would he go back
+      to London and seek his former haunts? &nbsp;No, he would not do that, he
+      would avoid recapture. What, then, would he do? &nbsp;Never having had a
+      friend in the world, or a protector, until he met Miles Hendon, he would
+      naturally try to find that friend again, provided the effort did not
+      require him to go toward London and danger. &nbsp;He would strike for
+      Hendon Hall, that is what he would do, for he knew Hendon was homeward
+      bound and there he might expect to find him. &nbsp;Yes, the case was plain
+      to Hendon&mdash;he must lose no more time in Southwark, but move at once
+      through Kent, toward Monk's Holm, searching the wood and inquiring as he
+      went. &nbsp;Let us return to the vanished little King now.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link17-205" id="link17-205"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link17-205.jpg (159K)" src="images/17-205.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The ruffian whom the waiter at the inn on the bridge saw 'about to join'
+      the youth and the King did not exactly join them, but fell in close behind
+      them and followed their steps. &nbsp;He said nothing. His left arm was in
+      a sling, and he wore a large green patch over his left eye; he limped
+      slightly, and used an oaken staff as a support. &nbsp;The youth led the
+      King a crooked course through Southwark, and by-and-by struck into the
+      high road beyond. &nbsp;The King was irritated, now, and said he would
+      stop here&mdash;it was Hendon's place to come to him, not his to go to
+      Hendon. &nbsp;He would not endure such insolence; he would stop where he
+      was. &nbsp;The youth said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou'lt tarry here, and thy friend lying wounded in the wood yonder?
+      &nbsp;So be it, then."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King's manner changed at once. &nbsp;He cried out&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Wounded? &nbsp;And who hath dared to do it? &nbsp;But that is apart; lead
+      on, lead on! &nbsp;Faster, sirrah! &nbsp;Art shod with lead? &nbsp;Wounded,
+      is he? &nbsp;Now though the doer of it be a duke's son he shall rue it!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was some distance to the wood, but the space was speedily traversed.
+      The youth looked about him, discovered a bough sticking in the ground,
+      with a small bit of rag tied to it, then led the way into the forest,
+      watching for similar boughs and finding them at intervals; they were
+      evidently guides to the point he was aiming at. &nbsp;By-and-by an open
+      place was reached, where were the charred remains of a farm-house, and
+      near them a barn which was falling to ruin and decay. &nbsp;There was no
+      sign of life anywhere, and utter silence prevailed. &nbsp;The youth
+      entered the barn, the King following eagerly upon his heels. &nbsp;No one
+      there! The King shot a surprised and suspicious glance at the youth, and
+      asked&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Where is he?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A mocking laugh was his answer. &nbsp;The King was in a rage in a moment;
+      he seized a billet of wood and was in the act of charging upon the youth
+      when another mocking laugh fell upon his ear. &nbsp;It was from the lame
+      ruffian who had been following at a distance. The King turned and said
+      angrily&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link17-206" id="link17-206"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link17-206.jpg (110K)" src="images/17-206.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Who art thou? &nbsp;What is thy business here?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Leave thy foolery," said the man, "and quiet thyself. &nbsp;My disguise
+      is none so good that thou canst pretend thou knowest not thy father
+      through it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou art not my father. &nbsp;I know thee not. &nbsp;I am the King.
+      &nbsp;If thou hast hid my servant, find him for me, or thou shalt sup
+      sorrow for what thou hast done."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      John Canty replied, in a stern and measured voice&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It is plain thou art mad, and I am loath to punish thee; &nbsp;but if
+      thou provoke me, I must. &nbsp;Thy prating doth no harm here, where there
+      are no ears that need to mind thy follies; yet it is well to practise thy
+      tongue to wary speech, that it may do no hurt when our quarters change.
+      &nbsp;I have done a murder, and may not tarry at home&mdash;neither shalt
+      thou, seeing I need thy service. &nbsp;My name is changed, for wise
+      reasons; it is Hobbs&mdash;John Hobbs; thine is Jack&mdash;charge thy
+      memory accordingly. &nbsp;Now, then, speak. &nbsp;Where is thy mother?
+      &nbsp;Where are thy sisters? &nbsp;They came not to the place appointed&mdash;knowest
+      thou whither they went?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King answered sullenly&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Trouble me not with these riddles. &nbsp;My mother is dead; my sisters
+      are in the palace."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The youth near by burst into a derisive laugh, and the King would have
+      assaulted him, but Canty&mdash;or Hobbs, as he now called himself&mdash;prevented
+      him, and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Peace, Hugo, vex him not; his mind is astray, and thy ways fret him. Sit
+      thee down, Jack, and quiet thyself; thou shalt have a morsel to eat,
+      anon."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hobbs and Hugo fell to talking together, in low voices, and the King
+      removed himself as far as he could from their disagreeable company. &nbsp;He
+      withdrew into the twilight of the farther end of the barn, where he found
+      the earthen floor bedded a foot deep with straw. &nbsp;He lay down here,
+      drew straw over himself in lieu of blankets, and was soon absorbed in
+      thinking. &nbsp;He had many griefs, but the minor ones were swept almost
+      into forgetfulness by the supreme one, the loss of his father. &nbsp;To
+      the rest of the world the name of Henry VIII. brought a shiver, and
+      suggested an ogre whose nostrils breathed destruction and whose hand dealt
+      scourgings and death; but to this boy the name brought only sensations of
+      pleasure; the figure it invoked wore a countenance that was all gentleness
+      and affection. &nbsp;He called to mind a long succession of loving
+      passages between his father and himself, and dwelt fondly upon them, his
+      unstinted tears attesting how deep and real was the grief that possessed
+      his heart. As the afternoon wasted away, the lad, wearied with his
+      troubles, sank gradually into a tranquil and healing slumber.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link17-207" id="link17-207"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link17-207.jpg (74K)" src="images/17-207.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After a considerable time&mdash;he could not tell how long&mdash;his
+      senses struggled to a half-consciousness, and as he lay with closed eyes
+      vaguely wondering where he was and what had been happening, he noted a
+      murmurous sound, the sullen beating of rain upon the roof. A snug sense of
+      comfort stole over him, which was rudely broken, the next moment, by a
+      chorus of piping cackles and coarse laughter. &nbsp;It startled him
+      disagreeably, and he unmuffled his head to see whence this interruption
+      proceeded. &nbsp;A grim and unsightly picture met his eye. &nbsp;A bright
+      fire was burning in the middle of the floor, at the other end of the barn;
+      and around it, and lit weirdly up by the red glare, lolled and sprawled
+      the motliest company of tattered gutter-scum and ruffians, of both sexes,
+      he had ever read or dreamed of. &nbsp;There were huge stalwart men, brown
+      with exposure, long-haired, and clothed in fantastic rags; there were
+      middle-sized youths, of truculent countenance, and similarly clad; there
+      were blind mendicants, with patched or bandaged eyes; crippled ones, with
+      wooden legs and crutches; diseased ones, with running sores peeping from
+      ineffectual wrappings; there was a villain-looking pedlar with his pack; a
+      knife-grinder, a tinker, and a barber-surgeon, with the implements of
+      their trades; some of the females were hardly-grown girls, some were at
+      prime, some were old and wrinkled hags, and all were loud, brazen,
+      foul-mouthed; and all soiled and slatternly; there were three sore-faced
+      babies; there were a couple of starveling curs, with strings about their
+      necks, whose office was to lead the blind.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link17-208" id="link17-208"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link17-208.jpg (160K)" src="images/17-208.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The night was come, the gang had just finished feasting, an orgy was
+      beginning; the can of liquor was passing from mouth to mouth. A general
+      cry broke forth&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "A song! a song from the Bat and Dick and Dot-and-go-One!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One of the blind men got up, and made ready by casting aside the patches
+      that sheltered his excellent eyes, and the pathetic placard which recited
+      the cause of his calamity. &nbsp;Dot-and-go-One disencumbered himself of
+      his timber leg and took his place, upon sound and healthy limbs, beside
+      his fellow-rascal; then they roared out a rollicking ditty, and were
+      reinforced by the whole crew, at the end of each stanza, in a rousing
+      chorus. &nbsp;By the time the last stanza was reached, the half-drunken
+      enthusiasm had risen to such a pitch, that everybody joined in and sang it
+      clear through from the beginning, producing a volume of villainous sound
+      that made the rafters quake. &nbsp;These were the inspiring words:&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      'Bien Darkman's then, Bouse Mort and Ken,<br /> The bien Coves bings awast,<br />
+      On Chates to trine by Rome Coves dine<br /> For his long lib at last.<br />
+      Bing'd out bien Morts and toure, and toure,<br /> Bing out of the Rome vile
+      bine,<br /> And toure the Cove that cloy'd your duds,<br /> Upon the Chates
+      to trine.'<br /><br /> (From'The English Rogue.' London, 1665.)
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link17-210" id="link17-210"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link17-210.jpg (63K)" src="images/17-210.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Conversation followed; not in the thieves' dialect of the song, for that
+      was only used in talk when unfriendly ears might be listening. &nbsp;In
+      the course of it, it appeared that 'John Hobbs' was not altogether a new
+      recruit, but had trained in the gang at some former time. &nbsp;His later
+      history was called for, and when he said he had 'accidentally' killed a
+      man, considerable satisfaction was expressed; when he added that the man
+      was a priest, he was roundly applauded, and had to take a drink with
+      everybody. &nbsp;Old acquaintances welcomed him joyously, and new ones
+      were proud to shake him by the hand. &nbsp;He was asked why he had
+      'tarried away so many months.' &nbsp;He answered&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "London is better than the country, and safer, these late years, the laws
+      be so bitter and so diligently enforced. &nbsp;An' I had not had that
+      accident, I had stayed there. &nbsp;I had resolved to stay, and never more
+      venture country-wards&mdash;but the accident has ended that."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He inquired how many persons the gang numbered now. &nbsp;The 'ruffler,'
+      or chief, answered&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Five and twenty sturdy budges, bulks, files, clapperdogeons and maunders,
+      counting the dells and doxies and other morts. {7} &nbsp;Most are here,
+      the rest are wandering eastward, along the winter lay. We follow at dawn."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I do not see the Wen among the honest folk about me. &nbsp;Where may he
+      be?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Poor lad, his diet is brimstone, now, and over hot for a delicate taste.
+      He was killed in a brawl, somewhere about midsummer."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I sorrow to hear that; the Wen was a capable man, and brave."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That was he, truly. &nbsp;Black Bess, his dell, is of us yet, but absent
+      on the eastward tramp; a fine lass, of nice ways and orderly conduct, none
+      ever seeing her drunk above four days in the seven."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "She was ever strict&mdash;I remember it well&mdash;a goodly wench and
+      worthy all commendation. &nbsp;Her mother was more free and less
+      particular; a troublesome and ugly-tempered beldame, but furnished with a
+      wit above the common."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "We lost her through it. &nbsp;Her gift of palmistry and other sorts of
+      fortune-telling begot for her at last a witch's name and fame. The law
+      roasted her to death at a slow fire. &nbsp;It did touch me to a sort of
+      tenderness to see the gallant way she met her lot&mdash;cursing and
+      reviling all the crowd that gaped and gazed around her, whilst the flames
+      licked upward toward her face and catched her thin locks and crackled
+      about her old gray head&mdash;cursing them! why an' thou should'st live a
+      thousand years thoud'st never hear so masterful a cursing. &nbsp;Alack,
+      her art died with her. &nbsp;There be base and weakling imitations left,
+      but no true blasphemy."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link17-212" id="link17-212"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link17-212.jpg (44K)" src="images/17-212.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Ruffler sighed; the listeners sighed in sympathy; a general depression
+      fell upon the company for a moment, for even hardened outcasts like these
+      are not wholly dead to sentiment, but are able to feel a fleeting sense of
+      loss and affliction at wide intervals and under peculiarly favouring
+      circumstances&mdash;as in cases like to this, for instance, when genius
+      and culture depart and leave no heir. &nbsp;However, a deep drink all
+      round soon restored the spirits of the mourners.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Have any others of our friends fared hardly?" asked Hobbs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Some&mdash;yes. &nbsp;Particularly new comers&mdash;such as small
+      husbandmen turned shiftless and hungry upon the world because their farms
+      were taken from them to be changed to sheep ranges. &nbsp;They begged, and
+      were whipped at the cart's tail, naked from the girdle up, till the blood
+      ran; then set in the stocks to be pelted; they begged again, were whipped
+      again, and deprived of an ear; they begged a third time&mdash;poor devils,
+      what else could they do?&mdash;and were branded on the cheek with a
+      red-hot iron, then sold for slaves; they ran away, were hunted down, and
+      hanged. &nbsp;'Tis a brief tale, and quickly told. &nbsp;Others of us have
+      fared less hardly. Stand forth, Yokel, Burns, and Hodge&mdash;show your
+      adornments!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link17-213" id="link17-213"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link17-213.jpg (125K)" src="images/17-213.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These stood up and stripped away some of their rags, exposing their backs,
+      criss-crossed with ropy old welts left by the lash; one turned up his hair
+      and showed the place where a left ear had once been; another showed a
+      brand upon his shoulder&mdash;the letter V&mdash;and a mutilated ear; the
+      third said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I am Yokel, once a farmer and prosperous, with loving wife and kids&mdash;now
+      am I somewhat different in estate and calling; and the wife and kids are
+      gone; mayhap they are in heaven, mayhap in&mdash;in the other place&mdash;but
+      the kindly God be thanked, they bide no more in <i>England</i>! &nbsp;My good old
+      blameless mother strove to earn bread by nursing the sick; one of these
+      died, the doctors knew not how, so my mother was burnt for a witch, whilst
+      my babes looked on and wailed. &nbsp;English law!&mdash;up, all, with your
+      cups!&mdash;now all together and with a cheer!&mdash;drink to the merciful
+      English law that delivered <i>her</i> from the English hell! &nbsp;Thank you,
+      mates, one and all. &nbsp;I begged, from house to house&mdash;I and the
+      wife&mdash;bearing with us the hungry kids&mdash;but it was crime to be
+      hungry in England&mdash;so they stripped us and lashed us through three
+      towns. &nbsp;Drink ye all again to the merciful English law!&mdash;for its
+      lash drank deep of my Mary's blood and its blessed deliverance came quick.
+      &nbsp;She lies there, in the potter's field, safe from all harms. &nbsp;And
+      the kids&mdash;well, whilst the law lashed me from town to town, they
+      starved. Drink, lads&mdash;only a drop&mdash;a drop to the poor kids, that
+      never did any creature harm. &nbsp;I begged again&mdash;begged, for a
+      crust, and got the stocks and lost an ear&mdash;see, here bides the stump;
+      I begged again, and here is the stump of the other to keep me minded of
+      it. And still I begged again, and was sold for a slave&mdash;here on my
+      cheek under this stain, if I washed it off, ye might see the red S the
+      branding-iron left there! &nbsp;A <i>slave</i>! &nbsp;Do you understand that
+      word? &nbsp;An English <i>slave</i>!&mdash;that is he that stands before ye.
+      &nbsp;I have run from my master, and when I am found&mdash;the heavy curse
+      of heaven fall on the law of the land that hath commanded it!&mdash;I
+      shall hang!" {1}
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A ringing voice came through the murky air&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou shalt <i>not</i>!&mdash;and this day the end of that law is come!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link17-215" id="link17-215"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link17-215.jpg (87K)" src="images/17-215.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All turned, and saw the fantastic figure of the little King approaching
+      hurriedly; as it emerged into the light and was clearly revealed, a
+      general explosion of inquiries broke out&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Who is it? &nbsp;<i>What</i> is it? &nbsp;Who art thou, manikin?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The boy stood unconfused in the midst of all those surprised and
+      questioning eyes, and answered with princely dignity&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I am Edward, King of England."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A wild burst of laughter followed, partly of derision and partly of
+      delight in the excellence of the joke. &nbsp;The King was stung. &nbsp;He
+      said sharply&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ye mannerless vagrants, is this your recognition of the royal boon I have
+      promised?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He said more, with angry voice and excited gesture, but it was lost in a
+      whirlwind of laughter and mocking exclamations. &nbsp;'John Hobbs' made
+      several attempts to make himself heard above the din, and at last
+      succeeded&mdash;saying&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Mates, he is my son, a dreamer, a fool, and stark mad&mdash;mind him not&mdash;he
+      thinketh he <i>is</i> the King."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I <i>am</i> the King," said Edward, turning toward him, "as thou shalt know to
+      thy cost, in good time. &nbsp;Thou hast confessed a murder&mdash;thou
+      shalt swing for it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "<i>Thou'lt</i> betray me?&mdash;<i>thou</i>? &nbsp;An' I get my hands upon thee&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link17-216" id="link17-216"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link17-216.jpg (101K)" src="images/17-216.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Tut-tut!" said the burley Ruffler, interposing in time to save the King,
+      and emphasising this service by knocking Hobbs down with his fist, "hast
+      respect for neither Kings <i>nor</i> Rufflers? &nbsp;An' thou insult my presence
+      so again, I'll hang thee up myself." &nbsp;Then he said to his Majesty,
+      "Thou must make no threats against thy mates, lad; and thou must guard thy
+      tongue from saying evil of them elsewhere. &nbsp;<i>Be king</i>, if it please thy
+      mad humour, but be not harmful in it. &nbsp;Sink the title thou hast
+      uttered&mdash;'tis treason; we be bad men in some few trifling ways, but
+      none among us is so base as to be traitor to his King; we be loving and
+      loyal hearts, in that regard. &nbsp;Note if I speak truth. &nbsp;Now&mdash;all
+      together: &nbsp;'Long live Edward, King of England!'"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "LONG LIVE EDWARD, KING OF ENGLAND!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The response came with such a thundergust from the motley crew that the
+      crazy building vibrated to the sound. &nbsp;The little King's face lighted
+      with pleasure for an instant, and he slightly inclined his head, and said
+      with grave simplicity&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I thank you, my good people."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This unexpected result threw the company into convulsions of merriment.
+      When something like quiet was presently come again, the Ruffler said,
+      firmly, but with an accent of good nature&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Drop it, boy, 'tis not wise, nor well. &nbsp;Humour thy fancy, if thou
+      must, but choose some other title."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A tinker shrieked out a suggestion&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Foo-foo the First, King of the Mooncalves!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The title 'took,' at once, every throat responded, and a roaring shout
+      went up, of&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Long live Foo-foo the First, King of the Mooncalves!" followed by
+      hootings, cat-calls, and peals of laughter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Hale him forth, and crown him!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Robe him!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Sceptre him!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Throne him!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      These and twenty other cries broke out at once! and almost before the poor
+      little victim could draw a breath he was crowned with a tin basin, robed
+      in a tattered blanket, throned upon a barrel, and sceptred with the
+      tinker's soldering-iron. &nbsp;Then all flung themselves upon their knees
+      about him and sent up a chorus of ironical wailings, and mocking
+      supplications, whilst they swabbed their eyes with their soiled and ragged
+      sleeves and aprons&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link17-218" id="link17-218"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link17-218.jpg (108K)" src="images/17-218.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Be gracious to us, O sweet King!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Trample not upon thy beseeching worms, O noble Majesty!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Pity thy slaves, and comfort them with a royal kick!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Cheer us and warm us with thy gracious rays, O flaming sun of
+      sovereignty!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Sanctify the ground with the touch of thy foot, that we may eat the dirt
+      and be ennobled!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Deign to spit upon us, O Sire, that our children's children may tell of
+      thy princely condescension, and be proud and happy for ever!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But the humorous tinker made the 'hit' of the evening and carried off the
+      honours. &nbsp;Kneeling, he pretended to kiss the King's foot, and was
+      indignantly spurned; whereupon he went about begging for a rag to paste
+      over the place upon his face which had been touched by the foot, saying it
+      must be preserved from contact with the vulgar air, and that he should
+      make his fortune by going on the highway and exposing it to view at the
+      rate of a hundred shillings a sight. &nbsp;He made himself so killingly
+      funny that he was the envy and admiration of the whole mangy rabble.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tears of shame and indignation stood in the little monarch's eyes; and the
+      thought in his heart was, "Had I offered them a deep wrong they could not
+      be more cruel&mdash;yet have I proffered nought but to do them a kindness&mdash;and
+      it is thus they use me for it!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c18" id="c18"></a> <a name="link18-221"
+      id="link18-221"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link18-221.jpg (75K)" src="images/18-221.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XVIII. The Prince with the Tramps.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The troop of vagabonds turned out at early dawn, and set forward on their
+      march. &nbsp;There was a lowering sky overhead, sloppy ground under foot,
+      and a winter chill in the air. &nbsp;All gaiety was gone from the company;
+      some were sullen and silent, some were irritable and petulant, none were
+      gentle-humoured, all were thirsty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Ruffler put 'Jack' in Hugo's charge, with some brief instructions, and
+      commanded John Canty to keep away from him and let him alone; he also
+      warned Hugo not to be too rough with the lad.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link18-224" id="link18-224"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link18-224.jpg (97K)" src="images/18-224.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After a while the weather grew milder, and the clouds lifted somewhat. The
+      troop ceased to shiver, and their spirits began to improve. &nbsp;They
+      grew more and more cheerful, and finally began to chaff each other and
+      insult passengers along the highway. &nbsp;This showed that they were
+      awaking to an appreciation of life and its joys once more. &nbsp;The dread
+      in which their sort was held was apparent in the fact that everybody gave
+      them the road, and took their ribald insolences meekly, without venturing
+      to talk back. They snatched linen from the hedges, occasionally in full
+      view of the owners, who made no protest, but only seemed grateful that
+      they did not take the hedges, too.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link18-225" id="link18-225"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link18-225.jpg (97K)" src="images/18-225.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      By-and-by they invaded a small farmhouse and made themselves at home while
+      the trembling farmer and his people swept the larder clean to furnish a
+      breakfast for them. &nbsp;They chucked the housewife and her daughters
+      under the chin whilst receiving the food from their hands, and made coarse
+      jests about them, accompanied with insulting epithets and bursts of
+      horse-laughter. &nbsp;They threw bones and vegetables at the farmer and
+      his sons, kept them dodging all the time, and applauded uproariously when
+      a good hit was made. They ended by buttering the head of one of the
+      daughters who resented some of their familiarities. &nbsp;When they took
+      their leave they threatened to come back and burn the house over the heads
+      of the family if any report of their doings got to the ears of the
+      authorities.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      About noon, after a long and weary tramp, the gang came to a halt behind a
+      hedge on the outskirts of a considerable village. &nbsp;An hour was
+      allowed for rest, then the crew scattered themselves abroad to enter the
+      village at different points to ply their various trades&mdash;'Jack' was
+      sent with Hugo. &nbsp;They wandered hither and thither for some time, Hugo
+      watching for opportunities to do a stroke of business, but finding none&mdash;so
+      he finally said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I see nought to steal; it is a paltry place. &nbsp;Wherefore we will
+      beg."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "<i>We</i>, forsooth! &nbsp;Follow thy trade&mdash;it befits thee. &nbsp;But <i>I</i>
+      will not beg."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou'lt not beg!" exclaimed Hugo, eyeing the King with surprise.
+      "Prithee, since when hast thou reformed?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What dost thou mean?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Mean? &nbsp;Hast thou not begged the streets of London all thy life?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I? &nbsp;Thou idiot!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Spare thy compliments&mdash;thy stock will last the longer. &nbsp;Thy
+      father says thou hast begged all thy days. &nbsp;Mayhap he lied.
+      Peradventure you will even make so bold as to <i>say</i> he lied," scoffed Hugo.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Him <i>you</i> call my father? &nbsp;Yes, he lied."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Come, play not thy merry game of madman so far, mate; use it for thy
+      amusement, not thy hurt. &nbsp;An' I tell him this, he will scorch thee
+      finely for it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Save thyself the trouble. &nbsp;I will tell him."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I like thy spirit, I do in truth; but I do not admire thy judgment.
+      Bone-rackings and bastings be plenty enow in this life, without going out
+      of one's way to invite them. &nbsp;But a truce to these matters; <i>I</i>
+      believe your father. &nbsp;I doubt not he can lie; I doubt not he <i>doth</i>
+      lie, upon occasion, for the best of us do that; but there is no occasion
+      here. &nbsp;A wise man does not waste so good a commodity as lying for
+      nought. &nbsp;But come; sith it is thy humour to give over begging,
+      wherewithal shall we busy ourselves? &nbsp;With robbing kitchens?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King said, impatiently&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Have done with this folly&mdash;you weary me!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hugo replied, with temper&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now harkee, mate; you will not beg, you will not rob; so be it. But I
+      will tell you what you <i>will</i> do. &nbsp;You will play decoy whilst <i>I</i> beg.
+      Refuse, an' you think you may venture!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King was about to reply contemptuously, when Hugo said, interrupting&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Peace! &nbsp;Here comes one with a kindly face. &nbsp;Now will I fall
+      down in a fit. &nbsp;When the stranger runs to me, set you up a wail, and
+      fall upon your knees, seeming to weep; then cry out as all the devils of
+      misery were in your belly, and say, 'Oh, sir, it is my poor afflicted
+      brother, and we be friendless; o' God's name cast through your merciful
+      eyes one pitiful look upon a sick, forsaken, and most miserable wretch;
+      bestow one little penny out of thy riches upon one smitten of God and
+      ready to perish!'&mdash;and mind you, keep you <i>on</i> wailing, and abate not
+      till we bilk him of his penny, else shall you rue it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then immediately Hugo began to moan, and groan, and roll his eyes, and
+      reel and totter about; and when the stranger was close at hand, down he
+      sprawled before him, with a shriek, and began to writhe and wallow in the
+      dirt, in seeming agony.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link18-227" id="link18-227"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link18-227.jpg (143K)" src="images/18-227.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "O, dear, O dear!" cried the benevolent stranger, "O poor soul, poor soul,
+      how he doth suffer! &nbsp;There&mdash;let me help thee up."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "O noble sir, forbear, and God love you for a princely gentleman&mdash;but
+      it giveth me cruel pain to touch me when I am taken so. &nbsp;My brother
+      there will tell your worship how I am racked with anguish when these fits
+      be upon me. &nbsp;A penny, dear sir, a penny, to buy a little food; then
+      leave me to my sorrows."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "A penny! thou shalt have three, thou hapless creature,"&mdash;and he
+      fumbled in his pocket with nervous haste and got them out. "There, poor
+      lad, take them and most welcome. &nbsp;Now come hither, my boy, and help
+      me carry thy stricken brother to yon house, where&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I am not his brother," said the King, interrupting.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What! not his brother?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, hear him!" groaned Hugo, then privately ground his teeth. "He denies
+      his own brother&mdash;and he with one foot in the grave!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Boy, thou art indeed hard of heart, if this is thy brother. &nbsp;For
+      shame!&mdash;and he scarce able to move hand or foot. &nbsp;If he is not
+      thy brother, who is he, then?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link18-228" id="link18-228"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link18-228.jpg (137K)" src="images/18-228.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "A beggar and a thief! &nbsp;He has got your money and has picked your
+      pocket likewise. &nbsp;An' thou would'st do a healing miracle, lay thy
+      staff over his shoulders and trust Providence for the rest."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But Hugo did not tarry for the miracle. &nbsp;In a moment he was up and
+      off like the wind, the gentleman following after and raising the hue and
+      cry lustily as he went. &nbsp;The King, breathing deep gratitude to Heaven
+      for his own release, fled in the opposite direction, and did not slacken
+      his pace until he was out of harm's reach. &nbsp;He took the first road
+      that offered, and soon put the village behind him. &nbsp;He hurried along,
+      as briskly as he could, during several hours, keeping a nervous watch over
+      his shoulder for pursuit; but his fears left him at last, and a grateful
+      sense of security took their place. &nbsp;He recognised, now, that he was
+      hungry, and also very tired. &nbsp;So he halted at a farmhouse; but when
+      he was about to speak, he was cut short and driven rudely away. &nbsp;His
+      clothes were against him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He wandered on, wounded and indignant, and was resolved to put himself in
+      the way of like treatment no more. &nbsp;But hunger is pride's master; so,
+      as the evening drew near, he made an attempt at another farmhouse; but
+      here he fared worse than before; for he was called hard names and was
+      promised arrest as a vagrant except he moved on promptly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The night came on, chilly and overcast; and still the footsore monarch
+      laboured slowly on. &nbsp;He was obliged to keep moving, for every time he
+      sat down to rest he was soon penetrated to the bone with the cold. &nbsp;All
+      his sensations and experiences, as he moved through the solemn gloom and
+      the empty vastness of the night, were new and strange to him. &nbsp;At
+      intervals he heard voices approach, pass by, and fade into silence; and as
+      he saw nothing more of the bodies they belonged to than a sort of formless
+      drifting blur, there was something spectral and uncanny about it all that
+      made him shudder. &nbsp;Occasionally he caught the twinkle of a light&mdash;always
+      far away, apparently&mdash;almost in another world; if he heard the tinkle
+      of a sheep's bell, it was vague, distant, indistinct; the muffled lowing
+      of the herds floated to him on the night wind in vanishing cadences, a
+      mournful sound; now and then came the complaining howl of a dog over
+      viewless expanses of field and forest; all sounds were remote; they made
+      the little King feel that all life and activity were far removed from him,
+      and that he stood solitary, companionless, in the centre of a measureless
+      solitude.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link18-230" id="link18-230"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link18-230.jpg (152K)" src="images/18-230.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He stumbled along, through the gruesome fascinations of this new
+      experience, startled occasionally by the soft rustling of the dry leaves
+      overhead, so like human whispers they seemed to sound; and by-and-by he
+      came suddenly upon the freckled light of a tin lantern near at hand.
+      &nbsp;He stepped back into the shadows and waited. &nbsp;The lantern stood
+      by the open door of a barn. &nbsp;The King waited some time&mdash;there
+      was no sound, and nobody stirring. &nbsp;He got so cold, standing still,
+      and the hospitable barn looked so enticing, that at last he resolved to
+      risk everything and enter. He started swiftly and stealthily, and just as
+      he was crossing the threshold he heard voices behind him. &nbsp;He darted
+      behind a cask, within the barn, and stooped down. &nbsp;Two farm-labourers
+      came in, bringing the lantern with them, and fell to work, talking
+      meanwhile. &nbsp;Whilst they moved about with the light, the King made
+      good use of his eyes and took the bearings of what seemed to be a
+      good-sized stall at the further end of the place, purposing to grope his
+      way to it when he should be left to himself. &nbsp;He also noted the
+      position of a pile of horse blankets, midway of the route, with the intent
+      to levy upon them for the service of the crown of England for one night.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      By-and-by the men finished and went away, fastening the door behind them
+      and taking the lantern with them. &nbsp;The shivering King made for the
+      blankets, with as good speed as the darkness would allow; gathered them
+      up, and then groped his way safely to the stall. &nbsp;Of two of the
+      blankets he made a bed, then covered himself with the remaining two.
+      &nbsp;He was a glad monarch, now, though the blankets were old and thin,
+      and not quite warm enough; and besides gave out a pungent horsey odour
+      that was almost suffocatingly powerful.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Although the King was hungry and chilly, he was also so tired and so
+      drowsy that these latter influences soon began to get the advantage of the
+      former, and he presently dozed off into a state of semi-consciousness.
+      &nbsp;Then, just as he was on the point of losing himself wholly, he
+      distinctly felt something touch him! &nbsp;He was broad awake in a moment,
+      and gasping for breath. &nbsp;The cold horror of that mysterious touch in
+      the dark almost made his heart stand still. &nbsp;He lay motionless, and
+      listened, scarcely breathing. But nothing stirred, and there was no sound.
+      &nbsp;He continued to listen, and wait, during what seemed a long time,
+      but still nothing stirred, and there was no sound. &nbsp;So he began to
+      drop into a drowse once more, at last; and all at once he felt that
+      mysterious touch again! &nbsp;It was a grisly thing, this light touch from
+      this noiseless and invisible presence; it made the boy sick with ghostly
+      fears. &nbsp;What should he do? &nbsp;That was the question; but he did
+      not know how to answer it. &nbsp;Should he leave these reasonably
+      comfortable quarters and fly from this inscrutable horror? &nbsp;But fly
+      whither? &nbsp;He could not get out of the barn; and the idea of scurrying
+      blindly hither and thither in the dark, within the captivity of the four
+      walls, with this phantom gliding after him, and visiting him with that
+      soft hideous touch upon cheek or shoulder at every turn, was intolerable.
+      &nbsp;But to stay where he was, and endure this living death all night&mdash;was
+      that better? &nbsp;No. &nbsp;What, then, was there left to do? &nbsp;Ah,
+      there was but one course; he knew it well&mdash;he must put out his hand
+      and find that thing!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was easy to think this; but it was hard to brace himself up to try it.
+      Three times he stretched his hand a little way out into the dark,
+      gingerly; and snatched it suddenly back, with a gasp&mdash;not because it
+      had encountered anything, but because he had felt so sure it was just
+      <i>going</i> to. &nbsp;But the fourth time, he groped a little further, and his
+      hand lightly swept against something soft and warm. &nbsp;This petrified
+      him, nearly, with fright; his mind was in such a state that he could
+      imagine the thing to be nothing else than a corpse, newly dead and still
+      warm. He thought he would rather die than touch it again. &nbsp;But he
+      thought this false thought because he did not know the immortal strength
+      of human curiosity. In no long time his hand was tremblingly groping again&mdash;against
+      his judgment, and without his consent&mdash;but groping persistently on,
+      just the same. &nbsp;It encountered a bunch of long hair; he shuddered,
+      but followed up the hair and found what seemed to be a warm rope; followed
+      up the rope and found an innocent calf!&mdash;for the rope was not a rope
+      at all, but the calf's tail.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link18-232" id="link18-232"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link18-232.jpg (88K)" src="images/18-232.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King was cordially ashamed of himself for having gotten all that
+      fright and misery out of so paltry a matter as a slumbering calf; but he
+      need not have felt so about it, for it was not the calf that frightened
+      him, but a dreadful non-existent something which the calf stood for; and
+      any other boy, in those old superstitious times, would have acted and
+      suffered just as he had done.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link18-233" id="link18-233"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link18-233.jpg (109K)" src="images/18-233.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King was not only delighted to find that the creature was only a calf,
+      but delighted to have the calf's company; for he had been feeling so
+      lonesome and friendless that the company and comradeship of even this
+      humble animal were welcome. &nbsp;And he had been so buffeted, so rudely
+      entreated by his own kind, that it was a real comfort to him to feel that
+      he was at last in the society of a fellow-creature that had at least a
+      soft heart and a gentle spirit, whatever loftier attributes might be
+      lacking. &nbsp;So he resolved to waive rank and make friends with the
+      calf.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      While stroking its sleek warm back&mdash;for it lay near him and within
+      easy reach&mdash;it occurred to him that this calf might be utilised in
+      more ways than one. &nbsp;Whereupon he re-arranged his bed, spreading it
+      down close to the calf; then he cuddled himself up to the calf's back,
+      drew the covers up over himself and his friend, and in a minute or two was
+      as warm and comfortable as he had ever been in the downy couches of the
+      regal palace of Westminster.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Pleasant thoughts came at once; life took on a cheerfuller seeming. &nbsp;He
+      was free of the bonds of servitude and crime, free of the companionship of
+      base and brutal outlaws; he was warm; he was sheltered; in a word, he was
+      happy. &nbsp;The night wind was rising; it swept by in fitful gusts that
+      made the old barn quake and rattle, then its forces died down at
+      intervals, and went moaning and wailing around corners and projections&mdash;but
+      it was all music to the King, now that he was snug and comfortable: let it
+      blow and rage, let it batter and bang, let it moan and wail, he minded it
+      not, he only enjoyed it. &nbsp;He merely snuggled the closer to his
+      friend, in a luxury of warm contentment, and drifted blissfully out of
+      consciousness into a deep and dreamless sleep that was full of serenity
+      and peace. &nbsp;The distant dogs howled, the melancholy kine complained,
+      and the winds went on raging, whilst furious sheets of rain drove along
+      the roof; but the Majesty of England slept on, undisturbed, and the calf
+      did the same, it being a simple creature, and not easily troubled by
+      storms or embarrassed by sleeping with a king.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c19" id="c19"></a> <a name="link19-235"
+      id="link19-235"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link19-235.jpg (57K)" src="images/19-235.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XIX. The Prince with the peasants.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the King awoke in the early morning, he found that a wet but
+      thoughtful rat had crept into the place during the night and made a cosy
+      bed for itself in his bosom. &nbsp;Being disturbed now, it scampered away.
+      The boy smiled, and said, "Poor fool, why so fearful? &nbsp;I am as
+      forlorn as thou. &nbsp;'Twould be a sham in me to hurt the helpless, who
+      am myself so helpless. &nbsp;Moreover, I owe you thanks for a good omen;
+      for when a king has fallen so low that the very rats do make a bed of him,
+      it surely meaneth that his fortunes be upon the turn, since it is plain he
+      can no lower go."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He got up and stepped out of the stall, and just then he heard the sound
+      of children's voices. &nbsp;The barn door opened and a couple of little
+      girls came in. &nbsp;As soon as they saw him their talking and laughing
+      ceased, and they stopped and stood still, gazing at him with strong
+      curiosity; they presently began to whisper together, then they approached
+      nearer, and stopped again to gaze and whisper. &nbsp;By-and-by they
+      gathered courage and began to discuss him aloud. &nbsp;One said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "He hath a comely face."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The other added&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "And pretty hair."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "But is ill clothed enow."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "And how starved he looketh."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They came still nearer, sidling shyly around and about him, examining him
+      minutely from all points, as if he were some strange new kind of animal,
+      but warily and watchfully the while, as if they half feared he might be a
+      sort of animal that would bite, upon occasion. &nbsp;Finally they halted
+      before him, holding each other's hands for protection, and took a good
+      satisfying stare with their innocent eyes; then one of them plucked up all
+      her courage and inquired with honest directness&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Who art thou, boy?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I am the King," was the grave answer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link19-239" id="link19-239"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link19-239.jpg (71K)" src="images/19-239.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The children gave a little start, and their eyes spread themselves wide
+      open and remained so during a speechless half minute. &nbsp;Then curiosity
+      broke the silence&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The <i>King</i>? &nbsp;What King?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The King of England."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The children looked at each other&mdash;then at him&mdash;then at each
+      other again&mdash;wonderingly, perplexedly; then one said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Didst hear him, Margery?&mdash;he said he is the King. &nbsp;Can that be
+      true?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How can it be else but true, Prissy? &nbsp;Would he say a lie? &nbsp;For
+      look you, Prissy, an' it were not true, it <i>would</i> be a lie. &nbsp;It surely
+      would be. Now think on't. &nbsp;For all things that be not true, be lies&mdash;thou
+      canst make nought else out of it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a good tight argument, without a leak in it anywhere; and it left
+      Prissy's half-doubts not a leg to stand on. &nbsp;She considered a moment,
+      then put the King upon his honour with the simple remark&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "If thou art truly the King, then I believe thee."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I am truly the King."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This settled the matter. &nbsp;His Majesty's royalty was accepted without
+      further question or discussion, and the two little girls began at once to
+      inquire into how he came to be where he was, and how he came to be so
+      unroyally clad, and whither he was bound, and all about his affairs.
+      &nbsp;It was a mighty relief to him to pour out his troubles where they
+      would not be scoffed at or doubted; so he told his tale with feeling,
+      forgetting even his hunger for the time; and it was received with the
+      deepest and tenderest sympathy by the gentle little maids. &nbsp;But when
+      he got down to his latest experiences and they learned how long he had
+      been without food, they cut him short and hurried him away to the
+      farmhouse to find a breakfast for him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King was cheerful and happy now, and said to himself, "When I am come
+      to mine own again, I will always honour little children, remembering how
+      that these trusted me and believed in me in my time of trouble; whilst
+      they that were older, and thought themselves wiser, mocked at me and held
+      me for a liar."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link19-240" id="link19-240"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link19-240.jpg (103K)" src="images/19-240.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The children's mother received the King kindly, and was full of pity; for
+      his forlorn condition and apparently crazed intellect touched her womanly
+      heart. &nbsp;She was a widow, and rather poor; consequently she had seen
+      trouble enough to enable her to feel for the unfortunate. &nbsp;She
+      imagined that the demented boy had wandered away from his friends or
+      keepers; so she tried to find out whence he had come, in order that she
+      might take measures to return him; but all her references to neighbouring
+      towns and villages, and all her inquiries in the same line went for
+      nothing&mdash;the boy's face, and his answers, too, showed that the things
+      she was talking of were not familiar to him. &nbsp;He spoke earnestly and
+      simply about court matters, and broke down, more than once, when speaking
+      of the late King 'his father'; but whenever the conversation changed to
+      baser topics, he lost interest and became silent.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The woman was mightily puzzled; but she did not give up. &nbsp;As she
+      proceeded with her cooking, she set herself to contriving devices to
+      surprise the boy into betraying his real secret. &nbsp;She talked about
+      cattle&mdash;he showed no concern; then about sheep&mdash;the same result:
+      &nbsp;so her guess that he had been a shepherd boy was an error; she
+      talked about mills; and about weavers, tinkers, smiths, trades and
+      tradesmen of all sorts; and about Bedlam, and jails, and charitable
+      retreats: &nbsp;but no matter, she was baffled at all points. &nbsp;Not
+      altogether, either; for she argued that she had narrowed the thing down to
+      domestic service. &nbsp;Yes, she was sure she was on the right track, now;
+      he must have been a house servant. &nbsp;So she led up to that. &nbsp;But
+      the result was discouraging. The subject of sweeping appeared to weary
+      him; fire-building failed to stir him; scrubbing and scouring awoke no
+      enthusiasm. The goodwife touched, with a perishing hope, and rather as a
+      matter of form, upon the subject of cooking. &nbsp;To her surprise, and
+      her vast delight, the King's face lighted at once! &nbsp;Ah, she had
+      hunted him down at last, she thought; and she was right proud, too, of the
+      devious shrewdness and tact which had accomplished it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Her tired tongue got a chance to rest, now; for the King's, inspired by
+      gnawing hunger and the fragrant smells that came from the sputtering pots
+      and pans, turned itself loose and delivered itself up to such an eloquent
+      dissertation upon certain toothsome dishes, that within three minutes the
+      woman said to herself, "Of a truth I was right&mdash;he hath holpen in a
+      kitchen!" &nbsp;Then he broadened his bill of fare, and discussed it with
+      such appreciation and animation, that the goodwife said to herself, "Good
+      lack! how can he know so many dishes, and so fine ones withal? &nbsp;For
+      these belong only upon the tables of the rich and great. &nbsp;Ah, now I
+      see! ragged outcast as he is, he must have served in the palace before his
+      reason went astray; yes, he must have helped in the very kitchen of the
+      King himself! &nbsp;I will test him."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Full of eagerness to prove her sagacity, she told the King to mind the
+      cooking a moment&mdash;hinting that he might manufacture and add a dish or
+      two, if he chose; then she went out of the room and gave her children a
+      sign to follow after. &nbsp;The King muttered&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Another English king had a commission like to this, in a bygone time&mdash;it
+      is nothing against my dignity to undertake an office which the great
+      Alfred stooped to assume. &nbsp;But I will try to better serve my trust
+      than he; for he let the cakes burn."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The intent was good, but the performance was not answerable to it, for
+      this King, like the other one, soon fell into deep thinkings concerning
+      his vast affairs, and the same calamity resulted&mdash;the cookery got
+      burned. The woman returned in time to save the breakfast from entire
+      destruction; and she promptly brought the King out of his dreams with a
+      brisk and cordial tongue-lashing. Then, seeing how troubled he was over
+      his violated trust, she softened at once, and was all goodness and
+      gentleness toward him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link19-242" id="link19-242"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link19-242.jpg (145K)" src="images/19-242.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The boy made a hearty and satisfying meal, and was greatly refreshed and
+      gladdened by it. &nbsp;It was a meal which was distinguished by this
+      curious feature, that rank was waived on both sides; yet neither recipient
+      of the favour was aware that it had been extended. &nbsp;The goodwife had
+      intended to feed this young tramp with broken victuals in a corner, like
+      any other tramp or like a dog; but she was so remorseful for the scolding
+      she had given him, that she did what she could to atone for it by allowing
+      him to sit at the family table and eat with his betters, on ostensible
+      terms of equality with them; and the King, on his side, was so remorseful
+      for having broken his trust, after the family had been so kind to him,
+      that he forced himself to atone for it by humbling himself to the family
+      level, instead of requiring the woman and her children to stand and wait
+      upon him, while he occupied their table in the solitary state due to his
+      birth and dignity. &nbsp;It does us all good to unbend sometimes. &nbsp;This
+      good woman was made happy all the day long by the applauses which she got
+      out of herself for her magnanimous condescension to a tramp; and the King
+      was just as self-complacent over his gracious humility toward a humble
+      peasant woman.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When breakfast was over, the housewife told the King to wash up the
+      dishes. &nbsp;This command was a staggerer, for a moment, and the King
+      came near rebelling; but then he said to himself, "Alfred the Great
+      watched the cakes; doubtless he would have washed the dishes too&mdash;therefore
+      will I essay it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He made a sufficiently poor job of it; and to his surprise too, for the
+      cleaning of wooden spoons and trenchers had seemed an easy thing to do. It
+      was a tedious and troublesome piece of work, but he finished it at last.
+      &nbsp;He was becoming impatient to get away on his journey now; however,
+      he was not to lose this thrifty dame's society so easily. &nbsp;She
+      furnished him some little odds and ends of employment, which he got
+      through with after a fair fashion and with some credit. &nbsp;Then she set
+      him and the little girls to paring some winter apples; but he was so
+      awkward at this service that she retired him from it and gave him a
+      butcher knife to grind.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link19-244" id="link19-244"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link19-244.jpg (129K)" src="images/19-244.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Afterwards she kept him carding wool until he began to think he had laid
+      the good King Alfred about far enough in the shade for the present in the
+      matter of showy menial heroisms that would read picturesquely in
+      story-books and histories, and so he was half-minded to resign. &nbsp;And
+      when, just after the noonday dinner, the goodwife gave him a basket of
+      kittens to drown, he did resign. &nbsp;At least he was just going to
+      resign&mdash;for he felt that he must draw the line somewhere, and it
+      seemed to him that to draw it at kitten-drowning was about the right thing&mdash;when
+      there was an interruption. &nbsp;The interruption was John Canty&mdash;with
+      a peddler's pack on his back&mdash;and Hugo.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King discovered these rascals approaching the front gate before they
+      had had a chance to see him; so he said nothing about drawing the line,
+      but took up his basket of kittens and stepped quietly out the back way,
+      without a word. &nbsp;He left the creatures in an out-house, and hurried
+      on, into a narrow lane at the rear.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c20" id="c20"></a> <a name="link20-245"
+      id="link20-245"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link20-245.jpg (42K)" src="images/20-245.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XX. The Prince and the hermit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The high hedge hid him from the house, now; and so, under the impulse of a
+      deadly fright, he let out all his forces and sped toward a wood in the
+      distance. &nbsp;He never looked back until he had almost gained the
+      shelter of the forest; then he turned and descried two figures in the
+      distance. That was sufficient; he did not wait to scan them critically,
+      but hurried on, and never abated his pace till he was far within the
+      twilight depths of the wood. Then he stopped; being persuaded that he was
+      now tolerably safe. He listened intently, but the stillness was profound
+      and solemn&mdash;awful, even, and depressing to the spirits. &nbsp;At wide
+      intervals his straining ear did detect sounds, but they were so remote,
+      and hollow, and mysterious, that they seemed not to be real sounds, but
+      only the moaning and complaining ghosts of departed ones. &nbsp;So the
+      sounds were yet more dreary than the silence which they interrupted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was his purpose, in the beginning, to stay where he was the rest of the
+      day; but a chill soon invaded his perspiring body, and he was at last
+      obliged to resume movement in order to get warm. He struck straight
+      through the forest, hoping to pierce to a road presently, but he was
+      disappointed in this. &nbsp;He travelled on and on; but the farther he
+      went, the denser the wood became, apparently. &nbsp;The gloom began to
+      thicken, by-and-by, and the King realised that the night was coming on.
+      &nbsp;It made him shudder to think of spending it in such an uncanny
+      place; so he tried to hurry faster, but he only made the less speed, for
+      he could not now see well enough to choose his steps judiciously;
+      consequently he kept tripping over roots and tangling himself in vines and
+      briers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link20-248" id="link20-248"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link20-248.jpg (160K)" src="images/20-248.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And how glad he was when at last he caught the glimmer of a light! He
+      approached it warily, stopping often to look about him and listen. &nbsp;It
+      came from an unglazed window-opening in a shabby little hut. &nbsp;He
+      heard a voice, now, and felt a disposition to run and hide; but he changed
+      his mind at once, for this voice was praying, evidently. &nbsp;He glided
+      to the one window of the hut, raised himself on tiptoe, and stole a glance
+      within. &nbsp;The room was small; its floor was the natural earth, beaten
+      hard by use; in a corner was a bed of rushes and a ragged blanket or two;
+      near it was a pail, a cup, a basin, and two or three pots and pans; there
+      was a short bench and a three-legged stool; on the hearth the remains of a
+      faggot fire were smouldering; before a shrine, which was lighted by a
+      single candle, knelt an aged man, and on an old wooden box at his side lay
+      an open book and a human skull. &nbsp;The man was of large, bony frame;
+      his hair and whiskers were very long and snowy white; he was clothed in a
+      robe of sheepskins which reached from his neck to his heels.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link20-249" id="link20-249"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link20-249.jpg (139K)" src="images/20-249.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "A holy hermit!" said the King to himself; "now am I indeed fortunate."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The hermit rose from his knees; the King knocked. &nbsp;A deep voice
+      responded&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Enter!&mdash;but leave sin behind, for the ground whereon thou shalt
+      stand is holy!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King entered, and paused. &nbsp;The hermit turned a pair of gleaming,
+      unrestful eyes upon him, and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Who art thou?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I am the King," came the answer, with placid simplicity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Welcome, King!" cried the hermit, with enthusiasm. &nbsp;Then, bustling
+      about with feverish activity, and constantly saying, "Welcome, welcome,"
+      he arranged his bench, seated the King on it, by the hearth, threw some
+      faggots on the fire, and finally fell to pacing the floor with a nervous
+      stride.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Welcome! &nbsp;Many have sought sanctuary here, but they were not worthy,
+      and were turned away. &nbsp;But a King who casts his crown away, and
+      despises the vain splendours of his office, and clothes his body in rags,
+      to devote his life to holiness and the mortification of the flesh&mdash;he
+      is worthy, he is welcome!&mdash;here shall he abide all his days till
+      death come." &nbsp;The King hastened to interrupt and explain, but the
+      hermit paid no attention to him&mdash;did not even hear him, apparently,
+      but went right on with his talk, with a raised voice and a growing energy.
+      &nbsp;"And thou shalt be at peace here. &nbsp;None shall find out thy
+      refuge to disquiet thee with supplications to return to that empty and
+      foolish life which God hath moved thee to abandon. &nbsp;Thou shalt pray
+      here; thou shalt study the Book; thou shalt meditate upon the follies and
+      delusions of this world, and upon the sublimities of the world to come;
+      thou shalt feed upon crusts and herbs, and scourge thy body with whips,
+      daily, to the purifying of thy soul. Thou shalt wear a hair shirt next thy
+      skin; thou shalt drink water only; and thou shalt be at peace; yes, wholly
+      at peace; for whoso comes to seek thee shall go his way again, baffled; he
+      shall not find thee, he shall not molest thee."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The old man, still pacing back and forth, ceased to speak aloud, and began
+      to mutter. &nbsp;The King seized this opportunity to state his case; and
+      he did it with an eloquence inspired by uneasiness and apprehension.
+      &nbsp;But the hermit went on muttering, and gave no heed. &nbsp;And still
+      muttering, he approached the King and said impressively&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "'Sh! &nbsp;I will tell you a secret!" &nbsp;He bent down to impart it,
+      but checked himself, and assumed a listening attitude. &nbsp;After a
+      moment or two he went on tiptoe to the window-opening, put his head out,
+      and peered around in the gloaming, then came tiptoeing back again, put his
+      face close down to the King's, and whispered&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I am an archangel!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link20-251" id="link20-251"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link20-251.jpg (65K)" src="images/20-251.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King started violently, and said to himself, "Would God I were with
+      the outlaws again; for lo, now am I the prisoner of a madman!" &nbsp;His
+      apprehensions were heightened, and they showed plainly in his face. &nbsp;In
+      a low excited voice the hermit continued&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I see you feel my atmosphere! &nbsp;There's awe in your face! &nbsp;None
+      may be in this atmosphere and not be thus affected; for it is the very
+      atmosphere of heaven. &nbsp;I go thither and return, in the twinkling of
+      an eye. &nbsp;I was made an archangel on this very spot, it is five years
+      ago, by angels sent from heaven to confer that awful dignity. &nbsp;Their
+      presence filled this place with an intolerable brightness. &nbsp;And they
+      knelt to me, King! yes, they knelt to me! for I was greater than they.
+      &nbsp;I have walked in the courts of heaven, and held speech with the
+      patriarchs. &nbsp;Touch my hand&mdash;be not afraid&mdash;touch it. &nbsp;There&mdash;now
+      thou hast touched a hand which has been clasped by Abraham and Isaac and
+      Jacob! &nbsp;For I have walked in the golden courts; I have seen the Deity
+      face to face!" &nbsp;He paused, to give this speech effect; then his face
+      suddenly changed, and he started to his feet again saying, with angry
+      energy, "Yes, I am an archangel; <i>a mere archangel!</i>&mdash;I that might have
+      been pope! &nbsp;It is verily true. &nbsp;I was told it from heaven in a
+      dream, twenty years ago; ah, yes, I was to be pope!&mdash;and I <i>should</i>
+      have been pope, for Heaven had said it&mdash;but the King dissolved my
+      religious house, and I, poor obscure unfriended monk, was cast homeless
+      upon the world, robbed of my mighty destiny!" Here he began to mumble
+      again, and beat his forehead in futile rage, with his fist; now and then
+      articulating a venomous curse, and now and then a pathetic "Wherefore I am
+      nought but an archangel&mdash;I that should have been pope!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So he went on, for an hour, whilst the poor little King sat and suffered.
+      Then all at once the old man's frenzy departed, and he became all
+      gentleness. &nbsp;His voice softened, he came down out of his clouds, and
+      fell to prattling along so simply and so humanly, that he soon won the
+      King's heart completely. &nbsp;The old devotee moved the boy nearer to the
+      fire and made him comfortable; doctored his small bruises and abrasions
+      with a deft and tender hand; and then set about preparing and cooking a
+      supper&mdash;chatting pleasantly all the time, and occasionally stroking
+      the lad's cheek or patting his head, in such a gently caressing way that
+      in a little while all the fear and repulsion inspired by the archangel
+      were changed to reverence and affection for the man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link20-253" id="link20-253"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link20-253.jpg (131K)" src="images/20-253.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This happy state of things continued while the two ate the supper; then,
+      after a prayer before the shrine, the hermit put the boy to bed, in a
+      small adjoining room, tucking him in as snugly and lovingly as a mother
+      might; and so, with a parting caress, left him and sat down by the fire,
+      and began to poke the brands about in an absent and aimless way. Presently
+      he paused; then tapped his forehead several times with his fingers, as if
+      trying to recall some thought which had escaped from his mind. &nbsp;Apparently
+      he was unsuccessful. &nbsp;Now he started quickly up, and entered his
+      guest's room, and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou art King?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Yes," was the response, drowsily uttered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What King?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Of England."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Of England? &nbsp;Then Henry is gone!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Alack, it is so. &nbsp;I am his son."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A black frown settled down upon the hermit's face, and he clenched his
+      bony hands with a vindictive energy. &nbsp;He stood a few moments,
+      breathing fast and swallowing repeatedly, then said in a husky voice&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Dost know it was he that turned us out into the world houseless and
+      homeless?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was no response. &nbsp;The old man bent down and scanned the boy's
+      reposeful face and listened to his placid breathing. &nbsp;"He sleeps&mdash;sleeps
+      soundly;" and the frown vanished away and gave place to an expression of
+      evil satisfaction. &nbsp;A smile flitted across the dreaming boy's
+      features. The hermit muttered, "So&mdash;his heart is happy;" and he
+      turned away. &nbsp;He went stealthily about the place, seeking here and
+      there for something; now and then halting to listen, now and then jerking
+      his head around and casting a quick glance toward the bed; and always
+      muttering, always mumbling to himself. &nbsp;At last he found what he
+      seemed to want&mdash;a rusty old butcher knife and a whetstone. &nbsp;Then
+      he crept to his place by the fire, sat himself down, and began to whet the
+      knife softly on the stone, still muttering, mumbling, ejaculating. &nbsp;The
+      winds sighed around the lonely place, the mysterious voices of the night
+      floated by out of the distances. &nbsp;The shining eyes of venturesome
+      mice and rats peered out at the old man from cracks and coverts, but he
+      went on with his work, rapt, absorbed, and noted none of these things.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At long intervals he drew his thumb along the edge of his knife, and
+      nodded his head with satisfaction. &nbsp;"It grows sharper," he said;
+      "yes, it grows sharper."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He took no note of the flight of time, but worked tranquilly on,
+      entertaining himself with his thoughts, which broke out occasionally in
+      articulate speech&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "His father wrought us evil, he destroyed us&mdash;and is gone down into
+      the eternal fires! &nbsp;Yes, down into the eternal fires! &nbsp;He
+      escaped us&mdash;but it was God's will, yes it was God's will, we must not
+      repine. &nbsp;But he hath not escaped the fires! &nbsp;No, he hath not
+      escaped the fires, the consuming, unpitying, remorseless fires&mdash;and
+      <i>they</i> are everlasting!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And so he wrought, and still wrought&mdash;mumbling, chuckling a low
+      rasping chuckle at times&mdash;and at times breaking again into words&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It was his father that did it all. &nbsp;I am but an archangel; but for
+      him I should be pope!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link20-255" id="link20-255"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link20-255.jpg (128K)" src="images/20-255.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King stirred. &nbsp;The hermit sprang noiselessly to the bedside, and
+      went down upon his knees, bending over the prostrate form with his knife
+      uplifted. &nbsp;The boy stirred again; his eyes came open for an instant,
+      but there was no speculation in them, they saw nothing; the next moment
+      his tranquil breathing showed that his sleep was sound once more.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The hermit watched and listened, for a time, keeping his position and
+      scarcely breathing; then he slowly lowered his arms, and presently crept
+      away, saying,&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It is long past midnight; it is not best that he should cry out, lest by
+      accident someone be passing."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link20-256" id="link20-256"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link20-256.jpg (69K)" src="images/20-256.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He glided about his hovel, gathering a rag here, a thong there, and
+      another one yonder; then he returned, and by careful and gentle handling
+      he managed to tie the King's ankles together without waking him. &nbsp;Next
+      he essayed to tie the wrists; he made several attempts to cross them, but
+      the boy always drew one hand or the other away, just as the cord was ready
+      to be applied; but at last, when the archangel was almost ready to
+      despair, the boy crossed his hands himself, and the next moment they were
+      bound. Now a bandage was passed under the sleeper's chin and brought up
+      over his head and tied fast&mdash;and so softly, so gradually, and so
+      deftly were the knots drawn together and compacted, that the boy slept
+      peacefully through it all without stirring.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c21" id="c21"></a> <a name="link21-257"
+      id="link21-257"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link21-257.jpg (51K)" src="images/21-257.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XXI. Hendon to the rescue.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The old man glided away, stooping, stealthy, cat-like, and brought the low
+      bench. &nbsp;He seated himself upon it, half his body in the dim and
+      flickering light, and the other half in shadow; and so, with his craving
+      eyes bent upon the slumbering boy, he kept his patient vigil there,
+      heedless of the drift of time, and softly whetted his knife, and mumbled
+      and chuckled; and in aspect and attitude he resembled nothing so much as a
+      grizzly, monstrous spider, gloating over some hapless insect that lay
+      bound and helpless in his web.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After a long while, the old man, who was still gazing,&mdash;yet not
+      seeing, his mind having settled into a dreamy abstraction,&mdash;observed,
+      on a sudden, that the boy's eyes were open! wide open and staring!&mdash;staring
+      up in frozen horror at the knife. &nbsp;The smile of a gratified devil
+      crept over the old man's face, and he said, without changing his attitude
+      or his occupation&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Son of Henry the Eighth, hast thou prayed?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The boy struggled helplessly in his bonds, and at the same time forced a
+      smothered sound through his closed jaws, which the hermit chose to
+      interpret as an affirmative answer to his question.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Then pray again. &nbsp;Pray the prayer for the dying!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A shudder shook the boy's frame, and his face blenched. &nbsp;Then he
+      struggled again to free himself&mdash;turning and twisting himself this
+      way and that; tugging frantically, fiercely, desperately&mdash;but
+      uselessly&mdash;to burst his fetters; and all the while the old ogre
+      smiled down upon him, and nodded his head, and placidly whetted his knife;
+      mumbling, from time to time, "The moments are precious, they are few and
+      precious&mdash;pray the prayer for the dying!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The boy uttered a despairing groan, and ceased from his struggles,
+      panting. &nbsp;The tears came, then, and trickled, one after the other,
+      down his face; but this piteous sight wrought no softening effect upon the
+      savage old man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The dawn was coming now; the hermit observed it, and spoke up sharply,
+      with a touch of nervous apprehension in his voice&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I may not indulge this ecstasy longer! &nbsp;The night is already gone.
+      &nbsp;It seems but a moment&mdash;only a moment; would it had endured a
+      year! &nbsp;Seed of the Church's spoiler, close thy perishing eyes, an'
+      thou fearest to look upon&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The rest was lost in inarticulate mutterings. &nbsp;The old man sank upon
+      his knees, his knife in his hand, and bent himself over the moaning boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link21-260" id="link21-260"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link21-260.jpg (111K)" src="images/21-260.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hark! &nbsp;There was a sound of voices near the cabin&mdash;the knife
+      dropped from the hermit's hand; he cast a sheepskin over the boy and
+      started up, trembling. &nbsp;The sounds increased, and presently the
+      voices became rough and angry; then came blows, and cries for help; then a
+      clatter of swift footsteps, retreating. &nbsp;Immediately came a
+      succession of thundering knocks upon the cabin door, followed by&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Hullo-o-o! &nbsp;Open! &nbsp;And despatch, in the name of all the
+      devils!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Oh, this was the blessedest sound that had ever made music in the King's
+      ears; for it was Miles Hendon's voice!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The hermit, grinding his teeth in impotent rage, moved swiftly out of the
+      bedchamber, closing the door behind him; and straightway the King heard a
+      talk, to this effect, proceeding from the 'chapel':&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Homage and greeting, reverend sir! &nbsp;Where is the boy&mdash;<i>my</i> boy?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What boy, friend?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What boy! &nbsp;Lie me no lies, sir priest, play me no deceptions!&mdash;I
+      am not in the humour for it. &nbsp;Near to this place I caught the
+      scoundrels who I judged did steal him from me, and I made them confess;
+      they said he was at large again, and they had tracked him to your door.
+      &nbsp;They showed me his very footprints. &nbsp;Now palter no more; for
+      look you, holy sir, an' thou produce him not&mdash;Where is the boy?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "O good sir, peradventure you mean the ragged regal vagrant that tarried
+      here the night. &nbsp;If such as you take an interest in such as he, know,
+      then, that I have sent him of an errand. &nbsp;He will be back anon."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How soon? &nbsp;How soon? &nbsp;Come, waste not the time&mdash;cannot I
+      overtake him? How soon will he be back?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou need'st not stir; he will return quickly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "So be it, then. &nbsp;I will try to wait. &nbsp;But stop!&mdash;<i>you</i> sent
+      him of an errand?&mdash;you! &nbsp;Verily this is a lie&mdash;he would not
+      go. &nbsp;He would pull thy old beard, an' thou didst offer him such an
+      insolence. Thou hast lied, friend; thou hast surely lied! &nbsp;He would
+      not go for thee, nor for any man."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "For any <i>man</i>&mdash;no; haply not. &nbsp;But I am not a man."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "<i>What</i>! &nbsp;Now o' God's name what art thou, then?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It is a secret&mdash;mark thou reveal it not. &nbsp;I am an archangel!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a tremendous ejaculation from Miles Hendon&mdash;not altogether
+      unprofane&mdash;followed by&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "This doth well and truly account for his complaisance! &nbsp;Right well I
+      knew he would budge nor hand nor foot in the menial service of any mortal;
+      but, lord, even a king must obey when an archangel gives the word o'
+      command! &nbsp;Let me&mdash;'sh! &nbsp;What noise was that?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All this while the little King had been yonder, alternately quaking with
+      terror and trembling with hope; and all the while, too, he had thrown all
+      the strength he could into his anguished moanings, constantly expecting
+      them to reach Hendon's ear, but always realising, with bitterness, that
+      they failed, or at least made no impression. &nbsp;So this last remark of
+      his servant came as comes a reviving breath from fresh fields to the
+      dying; and he exerted himself once more, and with all his energy, just as
+      the hermit was saying&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Noise? &nbsp;I heard only the wind."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Mayhap it was. &nbsp;Yes, doubtless that was it. &nbsp;I have been
+      hearing it faintly all the&mdash;there it is again! &nbsp;It is not the
+      wind! &nbsp;What an odd sound! &nbsp;Come, we will hunt it out!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now the King's joy was nearly insupportable. &nbsp;His tired lungs did
+      their utmost&mdash;and hopefully, too&mdash;but the sealed jaws and the
+      muffling sheepskin sadly crippled the effort. &nbsp;Then the poor fellow's
+      heart sank, to hear the hermit say&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ah, it came from without&mdash;I think from the copse yonder. &nbsp;Come,
+      I will lead the way."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King heard the two pass out, talking; heard their footsteps die
+      quickly away&mdash;then he was alone with a boding, brooding, awful
+      silence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It seemed an age till he heard the steps and voices approaching again&mdash;and
+      this time he heard an added sound,&mdash;the trampling of hoofs,
+      apparently. &nbsp;Then he heard Hendon say&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I will not wait longer. &nbsp;I <i>cannot</i> wait longer. &nbsp;He has lost his
+      way in this thick wood. &nbsp;Which direction took he? &nbsp;Quick&mdash;point
+      it out to me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "He&mdash;but wait; I will go with thee."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Good&mdash;good! &nbsp;Why, truly thou art better than thy looks. &nbsp;Marry
+      I do not think there's not another archangel with so right a heart as
+      thine. &nbsp;Wilt ride? &nbsp;Wilt take the wee donkey that's for my boy,
+      or wilt thou fork thy holy legs over this ill-conditioned slave of a mule
+      that I have provided for myself?&mdash;and had been cheated in too, had he
+      cost but the indifferent sum of a month's usury on a brass farthing let to
+      a tinker out of work."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "No&mdash;ride thy mule, and lead thine ass; I am surer on mine own feet,
+      and will walk."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link21-262" id="link21-262"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link21-262.jpg (97K)" src="images/21-262.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Then prithee mind the little beast for me while I take my life in my
+      hands and make what success I may toward mounting the big one."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then followed a confusion of kicks, cuffs, tramplings and plungings,
+      accompanied by a thunderous intermingling of volleyed curses, and finally
+      a bitter apostrophe to the mule, which must have broken its spirit, for
+      hostilities seemed to cease from that moment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With unutterable misery the fettered little King heard the voices and
+      footsteps fade away and die out. &nbsp;All hope forsook him, now, for the
+      moment, and a dull despair settled down upon his heart. "My only friend is
+      deceived and got rid of," he said; "the hermit will return and&mdash;"
+      &nbsp;He finished with a gasp; and at once fell to struggling so
+      frantically with his bonds again, that he shook off the smothering
+      sheepskin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      And now he heard the door open! &nbsp;The sound chilled him to the marrow&mdash;already
+      he seemed to feel the knife at his throat. &nbsp;Horror made him close his
+      eyes; horror made him open them again&mdash;and before him stood John
+      Canty and Hugo!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link21-264" id="link21-264"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link21-264.jpg (96K)" src="images/21-264.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He would have said "Thank God!" if his jaws had been free.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A moment or two later his limbs were at liberty, and his captors, each
+      gripping him by an arm, were hurrying him with all speed through the
+      forest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c22" id="c22"></a> <a name="link22-267"
+      id="link22-267"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link22-267.jpg (44K)" src="images/22-267.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XXII. A Victim of Treachery.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Once more 'King Foo-foo the First' was roving with the tramps and outlaws,
+      a butt for their coarse jests and dull-witted railleries, and sometimes
+      the victim of small spitefulness at the hands of Canty and Hugo when the
+      Ruffler's back was turned. &nbsp;None but Canty and Hugo really disliked
+      him. &nbsp;Some of the others liked him, and all admired his pluck and
+      spirit. &nbsp;During two or three days, Hugo, in whose ward and charge the
+      King was, did what he covertly could to make the boy uncomfortable; and at
+      night, during the customary orgies, he amused the company by putting small
+      indignities upon him&mdash;always as if by accident. &nbsp;Twice he
+      stepped upon the King's toes&mdash;accidentally&mdash;and the King, as
+      became his royalty, was contemptuously unconscious of it and indifferent
+      to it; but the third time Hugo entertained himself in that way, the King
+      felled him to the ground with a cudgel, to the prodigious delight of the
+      tribe. &nbsp;Hugo, consumed with anger and shame, sprang up, seized a
+      cudgel, and came at his small adversary in a fury. &nbsp;Instantly a ring
+      was formed around the gladiators, and the betting and cheering began.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link22-270" id="link22-270"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link22-270.jpg (85K)" src="images/22-270.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But poor Hugo stood no chance whatever. &nbsp;His frantic and lubberly
+      'prentice-work found but a poor market for itself when pitted against an
+      arm which had been trained by the first masters of Europe in single-stick,
+      quarter-staff, and every art and trick of swordsmanship. &nbsp;The little
+      King stood, alert but at graceful ease, and caught and turned aside the
+      thick rain of blows with a facility and precision which set the motley
+      on-lookers wild with admiration; and every now and then, when his
+      practised eye detected an opening, and a lightning-swift rap upon Hugo's
+      head followed as a result, the storm of cheers and laughter that swept the
+      place was something wonderful to hear. &nbsp;At the end of fifteen
+      minutes, Hugo, all battered, bruised, and the target for a pitiless
+      bombardment of ridicule, slunk from the field; and the unscathed hero of
+      the fight was seized and borne aloft upon the shoulders of the joyous
+      rabble to the place of honour beside the Ruffler, where with vast ceremony
+      he was crowned King of the Game-Cocks; his meaner title being at the same
+      time solemnly cancelled and annulled, and a decree of banishment from the
+      gang pronounced against any who should thenceforth utter it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All attempts to make the King serviceable to the troop had failed. He had
+      stubbornly refused to act; moreover, he was always trying to escape.
+      &nbsp;He had been thrust into an unwatched kitchen, the first day of his
+      return; he not only came forth empty-handed, but tried to rouse the
+      housemates. He was sent out with a tinker to help him at his work; he
+      would not work; moreover, he threatened the tinker with his own
+      soldering-iron; and finally both Hugo and the tinker found their hands
+      full with the mere matter of keeping his from getting away. &nbsp;He
+      delivered the thunders of his royalty upon the heads of all who hampered
+      his liberties or tried to force him to service. &nbsp;He was sent out, in
+      Hugo's charge, in company with a slatternly woman and a diseased baby, to
+      beg; but the result was not encouraging&mdash;he declined to plead for the
+      mendicants, or be a party to their cause in any way.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus several days went by; and the miseries of this tramping life, and the
+      weariness and sordidness and meanness and vulgarity of it, became
+      gradually and steadily so intolerable to the captive that he began at last
+      to feel that his release from the hermit's knife must prove only a
+      temporary respite from death, at best.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But at night, in his dreams, these things were forgotten, and he was on
+      his throne, and master again. &nbsp;This, of course, intensified the
+      sufferings of the awakening&mdash;so the mortifications of each succeeding
+      morning of the few that passed between his return to bondage and the
+      combat with Hugo, grew bitterer and bitterer, and harder and harder to
+      bear.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The morning after that combat, Hugo got up with a heart filled with
+      vengeful purposes against the King. &nbsp;He had two plans, in particular.
+      One was to inflict upon the lad what would be, to his proud spirit and
+      'imagined' royalty, a peculiar humiliation; and if he failed to accomplish
+      this, his other plan was to put a crime of some kind upon the King, and
+      then betray him into the implacable clutches of the law.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In pursuance of the first plan, he purposed to put a 'clime' upon the
+      King's leg; rightly judging that that would mortify him to the last and
+      perfect degree; and as soon as the clime should operate, he meant to get
+      Canty's help, and <i>force</i> the King to expose his leg in the highway and beg
+      for alms. &nbsp;'Clime' was the cant term for a sore, artificially
+      created. To make a clime, the operator made a paste or poultice of
+      unslaked lime, soap, and the rust of old iron, and spread it upon a piece
+      of leather, which was then bound tightly upon the leg. &nbsp;This would
+      presently fret off the skin, and make the flesh raw and angry-looking;
+      blood was then rubbed upon the limb, which, being fully dried, took on a
+      dark and repulsive colour. &nbsp;Then a bandage of soiled rags was put on
+      in a cleverly careless way which would allow the hideous ulcer to be seen,
+      and move the compassion of the passer-by. {8}
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hugo got the help of the tinker whom the King had cowed with the
+      soldering-iron; they took the boy out on a tinkering tramp, and as soon as
+      they were out of sight of the camp they threw him down and the tinker held
+      him while Hugo bound the poultice tight and fast upon his leg.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link22-272" id="link22-272"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link22-272.jpg (139K)" src="images/22-272.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King raged and stormed, and promised to hang the two the moment the
+      sceptre was in his hand again; but they kept a firm grip upon him and
+      enjoyed his impotent struggling and jeered at his threats. &nbsp;This
+      continued until the poultice began to bite; and in no long time its work
+      would have been perfected, if there had been no interruption. &nbsp;But
+      there was; for about this time the 'slave' who had made the speech
+      denouncing England's laws, appeared on the scene, and put an end to the
+      enterprise, and stripped off the poultice and bandage.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King wanted to borrow his deliverer's cudgel and warm the jackets of
+      the two rascals on the spot; but the man said no, it would bring trouble&mdash;leave
+      the matter till night; the whole tribe being together, then, the outside
+      world would not venture to interfere or interrupt. &nbsp;He marched the
+      party back to camp and reported the affair to the Ruffler, who listened,
+      pondered, and then decided that the King should not be again detailed to
+      beg, since it was plain he was worthy of something higher and better&mdash;wherefore,
+      on the spot he promoted him from the mendicant rank and appointed him to
+      steal!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hugo was overjoyed. &nbsp;He had already tried to make the King steal, and
+      failed; but there would be no more trouble of that sort, now, for of
+      course the King would not dream of defying a distinct command delivered
+      directly from head-quarters. &nbsp;So he planned a raid for that very
+      afternoon, purposing to get the King in the law's grip in the course of
+      it; and to do it, too, with such ingenious strategy, that it should seem
+      to be accidental and unintentional; for the King of the Game-Cocks was
+      popular now, and the gang might not deal over-gently with an unpopular
+      member who played so serious a treachery upon him as the delivering him
+      over to the common enemy, the law.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Very well. &nbsp;All in good time Hugo strolled off to a neighbouring
+      village with his prey; and the two drifted slowly up and down one street
+      after another, the one watching sharply for a sure chance to achieve his
+      evil purpose, and the other watching as sharply for a chance to dart away
+      and get free of his infamous captivity for ever.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Both threw away some tolerably fair-looking opportunities; for both, in
+      their secret hearts, were resolved to make absolutely sure work this time,
+      and neither meant to allow his fevered desires to seduce him into any
+      venture that had much uncertainty about it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hugo's chance came first. &nbsp;For at last a woman approached who carried
+      a fat package of some sort in a basket. &nbsp;Hugo's eyes sparkled with
+      sinful pleasure as he said to himself, "Breath o' my life, an' I can but
+      put <i>that</i> upon him, 'tis good-den and God keep thee, King of the
+      Game-Cocks!" He waited and watched&mdash;outwardly patient, but inwardly
+      consuming with excitement&mdash;till the woman had passed by, and the time
+      was ripe; then said, in a low voice&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link22-274" id="link22-274"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link22-274.jpg (135K)" src="images/22-274.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Tarry here till I come again," and darted stealthily after the prey.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King's heart was filled with joy&mdash;he could make his escape, now,
+      if Hugo's quest only carried him far enough away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But he was to have no such luck. &nbsp;Hugo crept behind the woman,
+      snatched the package, and came running back, wrapping it in an old piece
+      of blanket which he carried on his arm. &nbsp;The hue and cry was raised
+      in a moment, by the woman, who knew her loss by the lightening of her
+      burden, although she had not seen the pilfering done. &nbsp;Hugo thrust
+      the bundle into the King's hands without halting, saying&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now speed ye after me with the rest, and cry 'Stop thief!' but mind ye
+      lead them astray!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The next moment Hugo turned a corner and darted down a crooked alley&mdash;and
+      in another moment or two he lounged into view again, looking innocent and
+      indifferent, and took up a position behind a post to watch results.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The insulted King threw the bundle on the ground; and the blanket fell
+      away from it just as the woman arrived, with an augmenting crowd at her
+      heels; she seized the King's wrist with one hand, snatched up her bundle
+      with the other, and began to pour out a tirade of abuse upon the boy while
+      he struggled, without success, to free himself from her grip.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hugo had seen enough&mdash;his enemy was captured and the law would get
+      him, now&mdash;so he slipped away, jubilant and chuckling, and wended
+      campwards, framing a judicious version of the matter to give to the
+      Ruffler's crew as he strode along.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King continued to struggle in the woman's strong grasp, and now and
+      then cried out in vexation&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Unhand me, thou foolish creature; it was not I that bereaved thee of thy
+      paltry goods."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The crowd closed around, threatening the King and calling him names; a
+      brawny blacksmith in leather apron, and sleeves rolled to his elbows, made
+      a reach for him, saying he would trounce him well, for a lesson; but just
+      then a long sword flashed in the air and fell with convincing force upon
+      the man's arm, flat side down, the fantastic owner of it remarking
+      pleasantly, at the same time&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Marry, good souls, let us proceed gently, not with ill blood and
+      uncharitable words. &nbsp;This is matter for the law's consideration, not
+      private and unofficial handling. &nbsp;Loose thy hold from the boy,
+      goodwife."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link22-276" id="link22-276"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link22-276.jpg (140K)" src="images/22-276.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The blacksmith averaged the stalwart soldier with a glance, then went
+      muttering away, rubbing his arm; the woman released the boy's wrist
+      reluctantly; the crowd eyed the stranger unlovingly, but prudently closed
+      their mouths. &nbsp;The King sprang to his deliverer's side, with flushed
+      cheeks and sparkling eyes, exclaiming&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou hast lagged sorely, but thou comest in good season, now, Sir Miles;
+      carve me this rabble to rags!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c23" id="c23"></a> <a name="link23-279"
+      id="link23-279"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link23-279.jpg (41K)" src="images/23-279.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XXIII. The Prince a prisoner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hendon forced back a smile, and bent down and whispered in the King's ear&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Softly, softly, my prince, wag thy tongue warily&mdash;nay, suffer it not
+      to wag at all. &nbsp;Trust in me&mdash;all shall go well in the end." Then
+      he added to himself: &nbsp;"<i>Sir</i> Miles! &nbsp;Bless me, I had totally
+      forgot I was a knight! Lord, how marvellous a thing it is, the grip his
+      memory doth take upon his quaint and crazy fancies! . . . An empty and
+      foolish title is mine, and yet it is something to have deserved it; for I
+      think it is more honour to be held worthy to be a spectre-knight in his
+      Kingdom of Dreams and Shadows, than to be held base enough to be an earl
+      in some of the <i>real</i> kingdoms of this world."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The crowd fell apart to admit a constable, who approached and was about to
+      lay his hand upon the King's shoulder, when Hendon said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Gently, good friend, withhold your hand&mdash;he shall go peaceably; I am
+      responsible for that. &nbsp;Lead on, we will follow."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link23-282" id="link23-282"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link23-282.jpg (90K)" src="images/23-282.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The officer led, with the woman and her bundle; Miles and the King
+      followed after, with the crowd at their heels. &nbsp;The King was inclined
+      to rebel; but Hendon said to him in a low voice&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Reflect, Sire&mdash;your laws are the wholesome breath of your own
+      royalty; shall their source resist them, yet require the branches to
+      respect them? Apparently one of these laws has been broken; when the King
+      is on his throne again, can it ever grieve him to remember that when he
+      was seemingly a private person he loyally sank the king in the citizen and
+      submitted to its authority?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thou art right; say no more; thou shalt see that whatsoever the King of
+      England requires a subject to suffer, under the law, he will himself
+      suffer while he holdeth the station of a subject."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the woman was called upon to testify before the justice of the peace,
+      she swore that the small prisoner at the bar was the person who had
+      committed the theft; there was none able to show the contrary, so the King
+      stood convicted. &nbsp;The bundle was now unrolled, and when the contents
+      proved to be a plump little dressed pig, the judge looked troubled, whilst
+      Hendon turned pale, and his body was thrilled with an electric shiver of
+      dismay; but the King remained unmoved, protected by his ignorance. &nbsp;The
+      judge meditated, during an ominous pause, then turned to the woman, with
+      the question&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What dost thou hold this property to be worth?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The woman courtesied and replied&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Three shillings and eightpence, your worship&mdash;I could not abate a
+      penny and set forth the value honestly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The justice glanced around uncomfortably upon the crowd, then nodded to
+      the constable, and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Clear the court and close the doors."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was done. &nbsp;None remained but the two officials, the accused, the
+      accuser, and Miles Hendon. &nbsp;This latter was rigid and colourless, and
+      on his forehead big drops of cold sweat gathered, broke and blended
+      together, and trickled down his face. &nbsp;The judge turned to the woman
+      again, and said, in a compassionate voice&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "'Tis a poor ignorant lad, and mayhap was driven hard by hunger, for these
+      be grievous times for the unfortunate; mark you, he hath not an evil face&mdash;but
+      when hunger driveth&mdash;Good woman! dost know that when one steals a
+      thing above the value of thirteenpence ha'penny the law saith he shall
+      <i>hang</i> for it?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The little King started, wide-eyed with consternation, but controlled
+      himself and held his peace; but not so the woman. &nbsp;She sprang to her
+      feet, shaking with fright, and cried out&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link23-284" id="link23-284"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link23-284.jpg (143K)" src="images/23-284.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, good lack, what have I done! &nbsp;God-a-mercy, I would not hang the
+      poor thing for the whole world! &nbsp;Ah, save me from this, your worship&mdash;what
+      shall I do, what <i>can</i> I do?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The justice maintained his judicial composure, and simply said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Doubtless it is allowable to revise the value, since it is not yet writ
+      upon the record."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Then in God's name call the pig eightpence, and heaven bless the day that
+      freed my conscience of this awesome thing!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Miles Hendon forgot all decorum in his delight; and surprised the King and
+      wounded his dignity, by throwing his arms around him and hugging him. The
+      woman made her grateful adieux and started away with her pig; and when the
+      constable opened the door for her, he followed her out into the narrow
+      hall. &nbsp;The justice proceeded to write in his record book. &nbsp;Hendon,
+      always alert, thought he would like to know why the officer followed the
+      woman out; so he slipped softly into the dusky hall and listened. &nbsp;He
+      heard a conversation to this effect&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It is a fat pig, and promises good eating; I will buy it of thee; here is
+      the eightpence."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Eightpence, indeed! &nbsp;Thou'lt do no such thing. &nbsp;It cost me
+      three shillings and eightpence, good honest coin of the last reign, that
+      old Harry that's just dead ne'er touched or tampered with. &nbsp;A fig for
+      thy eightpence!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Stands the wind in that quarter? &nbsp;Thou wast under oath, and so swore
+      falsely when thou saidst the value was but eightpence. &nbsp;Come
+      straightway back with me before his worship, and answer for the crime!&mdash;and
+      then the lad will hang."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "There, there, dear heart, say no more, I am content. &nbsp;Give me the
+      eightpence, and hold thy peace about the matter."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The woman went off crying: &nbsp;Hendon slipped back into the court room,
+      and the constable presently followed, after hiding his prize in some
+      convenient place. &nbsp;The justice wrote a while longer, then read the
+      King a wise and kindly lecture, and sentenced him to a short imprisonment
+      in the common jail, to be followed by a public flogging. &nbsp;The
+      astounded King opened his mouth, and was probably going to order the good
+      judge to be beheaded on the spot; but he caught a warning sign from
+      Hendon, and succeeded in closing his mouth again before he lost anything
+      out of it. Hendon took him by the hand, now, made reverence to the
+      justice, and the two departed in the wake of the constable toward the
+      jail. &nbsp;The moment the street was reached, the inflamed monarch
+      halted, snatched away his hand, and exclaimed&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Idiot, dost imagine I will enter a common jail <i>alive</i>?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hendon bent down and said, somewhat sharply&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "<i>Will</i> you trust in me? &nbsp;Peace! and forbear to worsen our chances with
+      dangerous speech. &nbsp;What God wills, will happen; thou canst not hurry
+      it, thou canst not alter it; therefore wait, and be patient&mdash;'twill
+      be time enow to rail or rejoice when what is to happen has happened." {1}
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c24" id="c24"></a> <a name="link24-287"
+      id="link24-287"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link24-287.jpg (51K)" src="images/24-287.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XXIV. The Escape.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The short winter day was nearly ended. &nbsp;The streets were deserted,
+      save for a few random stragglers, and these hurried straight along, with
+      the intent look of people who were only anxious to accomplish their
+      errands as quickly as possible, and then snugly house themselves from the
+      rising wind and the gathering twilight. They looked neither to the right
+      nor to the left; they paid no attention to our party, they did not even
+      seem to see them. Edward the Sixth wondered if the spectacle of a king on
+      his way to jail had ever encountered such marvellous indifference before.
+      By-and-by the constable arrived at a deserted market-square, and proceeded
+      to cross it. &nbsp;When he had reached the middle of it, Hendon laid his
+      hand upon his arm, and said in a low voice&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Bide a moment, good sir, there is none in hearing, and I would say a word
+      to thee."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "My duty forbids it, sir; prithee hinder me not, the night comes on."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Stay, nevertheless, for the matter concerns thee nearly. &nbsp;Turn thy
+      back a moment and seem not to see: &nbsp;<i>let this poor lad escape</i>."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "This to me, sir! &nbsp;I arrest thee in&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Nay, be not too hasty. &nbsp;See thou be careful and commit no foolish
+      error,"&mdash;then he shut his voice down to a whisper, and said in the
+      man's ear&mdash;"the pig thou hast purchased for eightpence may cost thee
+      thy neck, man!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The poor constable, taken by surprise, was speechless, at first, then
+      found his tongue and fell to blustering and threatening; but Hendon was
+      tranquil, and waited with patience till his breath was spent; then said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I have a liking to thee, friend, and would not willingly see thee come to
+      harm. &nbsp;Observe, I heard it all&mdash;every word. &nbsp;I will prove
+      it to thee." Then he repeated the conversation which the officer and the
+      woman had had together in the hall, word for word, and ended with&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "There&mdash;have I set it forth correctly? &nbsp;Should not I be able to
+      set it forth correctly before the judge, if occasion required?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The man was dumb with fear and distress, for a moment; then he rallied,
+      and said with forced lightness&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "'Tis making a mighty matter, indeed, out of a jest; I but plagued the
+      woman for mine amusement."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Kept you the woman's pig for amusement?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The man answered sharply&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Nought else, good sir&mdash;I tell thee 'twas but a jest."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I do begin to believe thee," said Hendon, with a perplexing mixture of
+      mockery and half-conviction in his tone; "but tarry thou here a moment
+      whilst I run and ask his worship&mdash;for nathless, he being a man
+      experienced in law, in jests, in&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link24-290" id="link24-290"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link24-290.jpg (55K)" src="images/24-290.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He was moving away, still talking; the constable hesitated, fidgeted, spat
+      out an oath or two, then cried out&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Hold, hold, good sir&mdash;prithee wait a little&mdash;the judge! &nbsp;Why,
+      man, he hath no more sympathy with a jest than hath a dead corpse!&mdash;come,
+      and we will speak further. &nbsp;Ods body! &nbsp;I seem to be in evil case&mdash;and
+      all for an innocent and thoughtless pleasantry. I am a man of family; and
+      my wife and little ones&mdash;List to reason, good your worship: what
+      wouldst thou of me?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Only that thou be blind and dumb and paralytic whilst one may count a
+      hundred thousand&mdash;counting slowly," said Hendon, with the expression
+      of a man who asks but a reasonable favour, and that a very little one.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It is my destruction!" said the constable despairingly. &nbsp;"Ah, be
+      reasonable, good sir; only look at this matter, on all its sides, and see
+      how mere a jest it is&mdash;how manifestly and how plainly it is so.
+      &nbsp;And even if one granted it were not a jest, it is a fault so small
+      that e'en the grimmest penalty it could call forth would be but a rebuke
+      and warning from the judge's lips."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hendon replied with a solemnity which chilled the air about him&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "This jest of thine hath a name, in law,&mdash;wot you what it is?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I knew it not! &nbsp;Peradventure I have been unwise. &nbsp;I never
+      dreamed it had a name&mdash;ah, sweet heaven, I thought it was original."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Yes, it hath a name. &nbsp;In the law this crime is called Non compos
+      mentis lex talionis sic transit gloria mundi."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ah, my God!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "And the penalty is death!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "God be merciful to me a sinner!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "By advantage taken of one in fault, in dire peril, and at thy mercy, thou
+      hast seized goods worth above thirteenpence ha'penny, paying but a trifle
+      for the same; and this, in the eye of the law, is constructive barratry,
+      misprision of treason, malfeasance in office, ad hominem expurgatis in
+      statu quo&mdash;and the penalty is death by the halter, without ransom,
+      commutation, or benefit of clergy."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Bear me up, bear me up, sweet sir, my legs do fail me! &nbsp;Be thou
+      merciful&mdash;spare me this doom, and I will turn my back and see nought
+      that shall happen."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link24-292" id="link24-292"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link24-292.jpg (157K)" src="images/24-292.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Good! now thou'rt wise and reasonable. &nbsp;And thou'lt restore the
+      pig?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I will, I will indeed&mdash;nor ever touch another, though heaven send it
+      and an archangel fetch it. &nbsp;Go&mdash;I am blind for thy sake&mdash;I
+      see nothing. &nbsp;I will say thou didst break in and wrest the prisoner
+      from my hands by force. &nbsp;It is but a crazy, ancient door&mdash;I will
+      batter it down myself betwixt midnight and the morning."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Do it, good soul, no harm will come of it; the judge hath a loving
+      charity for this poor lad, and will shed no tears and break no jailer's
+      bones for his escape."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c25" id="c25"></a> <a name="link25-293"
+      id="link25-293"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link25-293.jpg (54K)" src="images/25-293.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XXV. Hendon Hall.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As soon as Hendon and the King were out of sight of the constable, his
+      Majesty was instructed to hurry to a certain place outside the town, and
+      wait there, whilst Hendon should go to the inn and settle his account.
+      Half an hour later the two friends were blithely jogging eastward on
+      Hendon's sorry steeds. &nbsp;The King was warm and comfortable, now, for
+      he had cast his rags and clothed himself in the second-hand suit which
+      Hendon had bought on London Bridge.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link25-296" id="link25-296"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link25-296.jpg (148K)" src="images/25-296.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hendon wished to guard against over-fatiguing the boy; he judged that hard
+      journeys, irregular meals, and illiberal measures of sleep would be bad
+      for his crazed mind; whilst rest, regularity, and moderate exercise would
+      be pretty sure to hasten its cure; he longed to see the stricken intellect
+      made well again and its diseased visions driven out of the tormented
+      little head; therefore he resolved to move by easy stages toward the home
+      whence he had so long been banished, instead of obeying the impulse of his
+      impatience and hurrying along night and day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When he and the King had journeyed about ten miles, they reached a
+      considerable village, and halted there for the night, at a good inn.
+      &nbsp;The former relations were resumed; Hendon stood behind the King's
+      chair, while he dined, and waited upon him; undressed him when he was
+      ready for bed; then took the floor for his own quarters, and slept athwart
+      the door, rolled up in a blanket.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The next day, and the day after, they jogged lazily along talking over the
+      adventures they had met since their separation, and mightily enjoying each
+      other's narratives. &nbsp;Hendon detailed all his wide wanderings in
+      search of the King, and described how the archangel had led him a fool's
+      journey all over the forest, and taken him back to the hut, finally, when
+      he found he could not get rid of him. &nbsp;Then&mdash;he said&mdash;the
+      old man went into the bedchamber and came staggering back looking
+      broken-hearted, and saying he had expected to find that the boy had
+      returned and laid down in there to rest, but it was not so. &nbsp;Hendon
+      had waited at the hut all day; hope of the King's return died out, then,
+      and he departed upon the quest again.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "And old Sanctum Sanctorum <i>was</i> truly sorry your highness came not back,"
+      said Hendon; "I saw it in his face."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Marry I will never doubt <i>that</i>!" said the King&mdash;and then told his own
+      story; after which, Hendon was sorry he had not destroyed the archangel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      During the last day of the trip, Hendon's spirits were soaring. His tongue
+      ran constantly. &nbsp;He talked about his old father, and his brother
+      Arthur, and told of many things which illustrated their high and generous
+      characters; he went into loving frenzies over his Edith, and was so
+      glad-hearted that he was even able to say some gentle and brotherly things
+      about Hugh. &nbsp;He dwelt a deal on the coming meeting at Hendon Hall;
+      what a surprise it would be to everybody, and what an outburst of
+      thanksgiving and delight there would be.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a fair region, dotted with cottages and orchards, and the road led
+      through broad pasture lands whose receding expanses, marked with gentle
+      elevations and depressions, suggested the swelling and subsiding
+      undulations of the sea. &nbsp;In the afternoon the returning prodigal made
+      constant deflections from his course to see if by ascending some hillock
+      he might not pierce the distance and catch a glimpse of his home. &nbsp;At
+      last he was successful, and cried out excitedly&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link25-297" id="link25-297"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link25-297.jpg (108K)" src="images/25-297.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "There is the village, my Prince, and there is the Hall close by! You may
+      see the towers from here; and that wood there&mdash;that is my father's
+      park. Ah, <i>now</i> thou'lt know what state and grandeur be! A house with
+      seventy rooms&mdash;think of that!&mdash;and seven and twenty servants!
+      &nbsp;A brave lodging for such as we, is it not so? &nbsp;Come, let us
+      speed&mdash;my impatience will not brook further delay."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All possible hurry was made; still, it was after three o'clock before the
+      village was reached. &nbsp;The travellers scampered through it, Hendon's
+      tongue going all the time. &nbsp;"Here is the church&mdash;covered with
+      the same ivy&mdash;none gone, none added." &nbsp;"Yonder is the inn, the
+      old Red Lion,&mdash;and yonder is the market-place." &nbsp;"Here is the
+      Maypole, and here the pump&mdash;nothing is altered; nothing but the
+      people, at any rate; ten years make a change in people; some of these I
+      seem to know, but none know me." &nbsp;So his chat ran on. The end of the
+      village was soon reached; then the travellers struck into a crooked,
+      narrow road, walled in with tall hedges, and hurried briskly along it for
+      half a mile, then passed into a vast flower garden through an imposing
+      gateway, whose huge stone pillars bore sculptured armorial devices. &nbsp;A
+      noble mansion was before them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Welcome to Hendon Hall, my King!" exclaimed Miles. &nbsp;"Ah, 'tis a
+      great day! &nbsp;My father and my brother, and the Lady Edith will be so
+      mad with joy that they will have eyes and tongue for none but me in the
+      first transports of the meeting, and so thou'lt seem but coldly welcomed&mdash;but
+      mind it not; 'twill soon seem otherwise; for when I say thou art my ward,
+      and tell them how costly is my love for thee, thou'lt see them take thee
+      to their breasts for Miles Hendon's sake, and make their house and hearts
+      thy home for ever after!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The next moment Hendon sprang to the ground before the great door, helped
+      the King down, then took him by the hand and rushed within. A few steps
+      brought him to a spacious apartment; he entered, seated the King with more
+      hurry than ceremony, then ran toward a young man who sat at a
+      writing-table in front of a generous fire of logs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link25-299" id="link25-299"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link25-299.jpg (107K)" src="images/25-299.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Embrace me, Hugh," he cried, "and say thou'rt glad I am come again! and
+      call our father, for home is not home till I shall touch his hand, and see
+      his face, and hear his voice once more!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But Hugh only drew back, after betraying a momentary surprise, and bent a
+      grave stare upon the intruder&mdash;a stare which indicated somewhat of
+      offended dignity, at first, then changed, in response to some inward
+      thought or purpose, to an expression of marvelling curiosity, mixed with a
+      real or assumed compassion. &nbsp;Presently he said, in a mild voice&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thy wits seem touched, poor stranger; doubtless thou hast suffered
+      privations and rude buffetings at the world's hands; thy looks and dress
+      betoken it. &nbsp;Whom dost thou take me to be?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Take thee? &nbsp;Prithee for whom else than whom thou art? &nbsp;I take
+      thee to be Hugh Hendon," said Miles, sharply.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The other continued, in the same soft tone&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "And whom dost thou imagine thyself to be?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Imagination hath nought to do with it! &nbsp;Dost thou pretend thou
+      knowest me not for thy brother Miles Hendon?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      An expression of pleased surprise flitted across Hugh's face, and he
+      exclaimed&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What! thou art not jesting? can the dead come to life? &nbsp;God be
+      praised if it be so! &nbsp;Our poor lost boy restored to our arms after
+      all these cruel years! &nbsp;Ah, it seems too good to be true, it <i>is</i> too
+      good to be true&mdash;I charge thee, have pity, do not trifle with me!
+      &nbsp;Quick&mdash;come to the light&mdash;let me scan thee well!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He seized Miles by the arm, dragged him to the window, and began to devour
+      him from head to foot with his eyes, turning him this way and that, and
+      stepping briskly around him and about him to prove him from all points of
+      view; whilst the returned prodigal, all aglow with gladness, smiled,
+      laughed, and kept nodding his head and saying&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Go on, brother, go on, and fear not; thou'lt find nor limb nor feature
+      that cannot bide the test. &nbsp;Scour and scan me to thy content, my good
+      old Hugh&mdash;I am indeed thy old Miles, thy same old Miles, thy lost
+      brother, is't not so? &nbsp;Ah, 'tis a great day&mdash;I <i>said</i> 'twas a
+      great day! &nbsp;Give me thy hand, give me thy cheek&mdash;lord, I am like
+      to die of very joy!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He was about to throw himself upon his brother; but Hugh put up his hand
+      in dissent, then dropped his chin mournfully upon his breast, saying with
+      emotion&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link25-301" id="link25-301"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link25-301.jpg (97K)" src="images/25-301.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ah, God of his mercy give me strength to bear this grievous
+      disappointment!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Miles, amazed, could not speak for a moment; then he found his tongue, and
+      cried out&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "<i>What</i> disappointment? &nbsp;Am I not thy brother?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hugh shook his head sadly, and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I pray heaven it may prove so, and that other eyes may find the
+      resemblances that are hid from mine. &nbsp;Alack, I fear me the letter
+      spoke but too truly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What letter?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "One that came from over sea, some six or seven years ago. &nbsp;It said
+      my brother died in battle."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It was a lie! &nbsp;Call thy father&mdash;he will know me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "One may not call the dead."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Dead?" Miles's voice was subdued, and his lips trembled. &nbsp;"My father
+      dead!&mdash;oh, this is heavy news. &nbsp;Half my new joy is withered now.
+      &nbsp;Prithee let me see my brother Arthur&mdash;he will know me; he will
+      know me and console me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "He, also, is dead."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "God be merciful to me, a stricken man! &nbsp;Gone,&mdash;both gone&mdash;the
+      worthy taken and the worthless spared, in me! &nbsp;Ah! I crave your
+      mercy!&mdash;do not say the Lady Edith&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Is dead? &nbsp;No, she lives."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Then, God be praised, my joy is whole again! &nbsp;Speed thee, brother&mdash;let
+      her come to me! &nbsp;An' <i>she</i> say I am not myself&mdash;but she will not;
+      no, no, <i>she</i> will know me, I were a fool to doubt it. Bring her&mdash;bring
+      the old servants; they, too, will know me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "All are gone but five&mdash;Peter, Halsey, David, Bernard, and Margaret."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So saying, Hugh left the room. &nbsp;Miles stood musing a while, then
+      began to walk the floor, muttering&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The five arch-villains have survived the two-and-twenty leal and honest&mdash;'tis
+      an odd thing."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He continued walking back and forth, muttering to himself; he had
+      forgotten the King entirely. &nbsp;By-and-by his Majesty said gravely, and
+      with a touch of genuine compassion, though the words themselves were
+      capable of being interpreted ironically&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Mind not thy mischance, good man; there be others in the world whose
+      identity is denied, and whose claims are derided. &nbsp;Thou hast
+      company."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ah, my King," cried Hendon, colouring slightly, "do not thou condemn me&mdash;wait,
+      and thou shalt see. &nbsp;I am no impostor&mdash;she will say it; you
+      shall hear it from the sweetest lips in England. &nbsp;I an impostor?
+      &nbsp;Why, I know this old hall, these pictures of my ancestors, and all
+      these things that are about us, as a child knoweth its own nursery. &nbsp;Here
+      was I born and bred, my lord; I speak the truth; I would not deceive thee;
+      and should none else believe, I pray thee do not <i>thou</i> doubt me&mdash;I
+      could not bear it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I do not doubt thee," said the King, with a childlike simplicity and
+      faith.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I thank thee out of my heart!" exclaimed Hendon with a fervency which
+      showed that he was touched. &nbsp;The King added, with the same gentle
+      simplicity&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Dost thou doubt <i>me</i>?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A guilty confusion seized upon Hendon, and he was grateful that the door
+      opened to admit Hugh, at that moment, and saved him the necessity of
+      replying.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link25-303" id="link25-303"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link25-303.jpg (113K)" src="images/25-303.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A beautiful lady, richly clothed, followed Hugh, and after her came
+      several liveried servants. &nbsp;The lady walked slowly, with her head
+      bowed and her eyes fixed upon the floor. &nbsp;The face was unspeakably
+      sad. &nbsp;Miles Hendon sprang forward, crying out&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, my Edith, my darling&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But Hugh waved him back, gravely, and said to the lady&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Look upon him. &nbsp;Do you know him?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At the sound of Miles's voice the woman had started slightly, and her
+      cheeks had flushed; she was trembling now. &nbsp;She stood still, during
+      an impressive pause of several moments; then slowly lifted up her head and
+      looked into Hendon's eyes with a stony and frightened gaze; the blood sank
+      out of her face, drop by drop, till nothing remained but the grey pallor
+      of death; then she said, in a voice as dead as the face, "I know him not!"
+      and turned, with a moan and a stifled sob, and tottered out of the room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Miles Hendon sank into a chair and covered his face with his hands. After
+      a pause, his brother said to the servants&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "You have observed him. &nbsp;Do you know him?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They shook their heads; then the master said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The servants know you not, sir. &nbsp;I fear there is some mistake. You
+      have seen that my wife knew you not."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link25-305" id="link25-305"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link25-305.jpg (121K)" src="images/25-305.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thy <i>wife</i>!" &nbsp;In an instant Hugh was pinned to the wall, with an iron
+      grip about his throat. &nbsp;"Oh, thou fox-hearted slave, I see it all!
+      &nbsp;Thou'st writ the lying letter thyself, and my stolen bride and goods
+      are its fruit. &nbsp;There&mdash;now get thee gone, lest I shame mine
+      honourable soldiership with the slaying of so pitiful a mannikin!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hugh, red-faced, and almost suffocated, reeled to the nearest chair, and
+      commanded the servants to seize and bind the murderous stranger. &nbsp;They
+      hesitated, and one of them said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "He is armed, Sir Hugh, and we are weaponless."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Armed! &nbsp;What of it, and ye so many? &nbsp;Upon him, I say!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But Miles warned them to be careful what they did, and added&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ye know me of old&mdash;I have not changed; come on, an' it like you."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This reminder did not hearten the servants much; they still held back.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Then go, ye paltry cowards, and arm yourselves and guard the doors,
+      whilst I send one to fetch the watch!" said Hugh. &nbsp;He turned at the
+      threshold, and said to Miles, "You'll find it to your advantage to offend
+      not with useless endeavours at escape."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Escape? &nbsp;Spare thyself discomfort, an' that is all that troubles
+      thee. For Miles Hendon is master of Hendon Hall and all its belongings.
+      &nbsp;He will remain&mdash;doubt it not."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c26" id="c26"></a> <a name="link26-307"
+      id="link26-307"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link26-307.jpg (71K)" src="images/26-307.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XXVI. Disowned.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King sat musing a few moments, then looked up and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "'Tis strange&mdash;most strange. &nbsp;I cannot account for it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "No, it is not strange, my liege. &nbsp;I know him, and this conduct is
+      but natural. &nbsp;He was a rascal from his birth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, I spake not of <i>him</i>, Sir Miles."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Not of him? &nbsp;Then of what? &nbsp;What is it that is strange?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "That the King is not missed."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "How? &nbsp;Which? &nbsp;I doubt I do not understand."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Indeed? &nbsp;Doth it not strike you as being passing strange that the
+      land is not filled with couriers and proclamations describing my person
+      and making search for me? &nbsp;Is it no matter for commotion and distress
+      that the Head of the State is gone; that I am vanished away and lost?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Most true, my King, I had forgot." &nbsp;Then Hendon sighed, and muttered
+      to himself, "Poor ruined mind&mdash;still busy with its pathetic dream."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "But I have a plan that shall right us both&mdash;I will write a paper, in
+      three tongues&mdash;Latin, Greek and English&mdash;and thou shalt haste
+      away with it to London in the morning. &nbsp;Give it to none but my uncle,
+      the Lord Hertford; when he shall see it, he will know and say I wrote it.
+      &nbsp;Then he will send for me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Might it not be best, my Prince, that we wait here until I prove myself
+      and make my rights secure to my domains? &nbsp;I should be so much the
+      better able then to&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link26-310" id="link26-310"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link26-310.jpg (134K)" src="images/26-310.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King interrupted him imperiously&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Peace! &nbsp;What are thy paltry domains, thy trivial interests,
+      contrasted with matters which concern the weal of a nation and the
+      integrity of a throne?" &nbsp;Then, he added, in a gentle voice, as if he
+      were sorry for his severity, "Obey, and have no fear; I will right thee, I
+      will make thee whole&mdash;yes, more than whole. &nbsp;I shall remember,
+      and requite."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So saying, he took the pen, and set himself to work. &nbsp;Hendon
+      contemplated him lovingly a while, then said to himself&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "An' it were dark, I should think it <i>was</i> a king that spoke; there's no
+      denying it, when the humour's upon on him he doth thunder and lighten like
+      your true King; now where got he that trick? &nbsp;See him scribble and
+      scratch away contentedly at his meaningless pot-hooks, fancying them to be
+      Latin and Greek&mdash;and except my wit shall serve me with a lucky device
+      for diverting him from his purpose, I shall be forced to pretend to post
+      away to-morrow on this wild errand he hath invented for me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The next moment Sir Miles's thoughts had gone back to the recent episode.
+      So absorbed was he in his musings, that when the King presently handed him
+      the paper which he had been writing, he received it and pocketed it
+      without being conscious of the act. "How marvellous strange she acted," he
+      muttered. &nbsp;"I think she knew me&mdash;and I think she did <i>not</i> know
+      me. These opinions do conflict, I perceive it plainly; I cannot reconcile
+      them, neither can I, by argument, dismiss either of the two, or even
+      persuade one to outweigh the other. &nbsp;The matter standeth simply thus:
+      she <i>must</i> have known my face, my figure, my voice, for how could it be
+      otherwise? &nbsp;Yet she <i>said</i>she knew me not, and that is proof perfect,
+      for she cannot lie. &nbsp;But stop&mdash;I think I begin to see.
+      Peradventure he hath influenced her, commanded her, compelled her to lie.
+      &nbsp;That is the solution. &nbsp;The riddle is unriddled. &nbsp;She
+      seemed dead with fear&mdash;yes, she was under his compulsion. &nbsp;I
+      will seek her; I will find her; now that he is away, she will speak her
+      true mind. &nbsp;She will remember the old times when we were little
+      playfellows together, and this will soften her heart, and she will no more
+      betray me, but will confess me. &nbsp;There is no treacherous blood in her&mdash;no,
+      she was always honest and true. &nbsp;She has loved me, in those old days&mdash;this
+      is my security; for whom one has loved, one cannot betray."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He stepped eagerly toward the door; at that moment it opened, and the Lady
+      Edith entered. &nbsp;She was very pale, but she walked with a firm step,
+      and her carriage was full of grace and gentle dignity. Her face was as sad
+      as before.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Miles sprang forward, with a happy confidence, to meet her, but she
+      checked him with a hardly perceptible gesture, and he stopped where he
+      was. &nbsp;She seated herself, and asked him to do likewise. Thus simply
+      did she take the sense of old comradeship out of him, and transform him
+      into a stranger and a guest. &nbsp;The surprise of it, the bewildering
+      unexpectedness of it, made him begin to question, for a moment, if he <i>was</i>
+      the person he was pretending to be, after all. &nbsp;The Lady Edith said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Sir, I have come to warn you. &nbsp;The mad cannot be persuaded out of
+      their delusions, perchance; but doubtless they may be persuaded to avoid
+      perils. &nbsp;I think this dream of yours hath the seeming of honest truth
+      to you, and therefore is not criminal&mdash;but do not tarry here with it;
+      for here it is dangerous." &nbsp;She looked steadily into Miles's face a
+      moment, then added, impressively, "It is the more dangerous for that you
+      <i>are</i> much like what our lost lad must have grown to be if he had lived."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Heavens, madam, but I <i>am</i> he!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I truly think you think it, sir. &nbsp;I question not your honesty in
+      that; I but warn you, that is all. &nbsp;My husband is master in this
+      region; his power hath hardly any limit; the people prosper or starve, as
+      he wills. If you resembled not the man whom you profess to be, my husband
+      might bid you pleasure yourself with your dream in peace; but trust me, I
+      know him well; I know what he will do; he will say to all that you are but
+      a mad impostor, and straightway all will echo him." &nbsp;She bent upon
+      Miles that same steady look once more, and added: &nbsp;"If you <i>were</i> Miles
+      Hendon, and he knew it and all the region knew it&mdash;consider what I am
+      saying, weigh it well&mdash;you would stand in the same peril, your
+      punishment would be no less sure; he would deny you and denounce you, and
+      none would be bold enough to give you countenance."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Most truly I believe it," said Miles, bitterly. &nbsp;"The power that can
+      command one life-long friend to betray and disown another, and be obeyed,
+      may well look to be obeyed in quarters where bread and life are on the
+      stake and no cobweb ties of loyalty and honour are concerned."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link26-313" id="link26-313"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link26-313.jpg (133K)" src="images/26-313.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A faint tinge appeared for a moment in the lady's cheek, and she dropped
+      her eyes to the floor; but her voice betrayed no emotion when she
+      proceeded&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I have warned you&mdash;I must still warn you&mdash;to go hence. &nbsp;This
+      man will destroy you, else. &nbsp;He is a tyrant who knows no pity. &nbsp;I,
+      who am his fettered slave, know this. &nbsp;Poor Miles, and Arthur, and my
+      dear guardian, Sir Richard, are free of him, and at rest: &nbsp;better
+      that you were with them than that you bide here in the clutches of this
+      miscreant. &nbsp;Your pretensions are a menace to his title and
+      possessions; you have assaulted him in his own house: &nbsp;you are ruined
+      if you stay. &nbsp;Go&mdash;do not hesitate. If you lack money, take this
+      purse, I beg of you, and bribe the servants to let you pass. Oh, be
+      warned, poor soul, and escape while you may."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Miles declined the purse with a gesture, and rose up and stood before her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Grant me one thing," he said. &nbsp;"Let your eyes rest upon mine, so
+      that I may see if they be steady. &nbsp;There&mdash;now answer me. &nbsp;Am
+      I Miles Hendon?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "No. &nbsp;I know you not."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Swear it!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The answer was low, but distinct&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I swear."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, this passes belief!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Fly! &nbsp;Why will you waste the precious time? &nbsp;Fly, and save
+      yourself."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At that moment the officers burst into the room, and a violent struggle
+      began; but Hendon was soon overpowered and dragged away. The King was
+      taken also, and both were bound and led to prison.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c27" id="c27"></a> <a name="link27-315"
+      id="link27-315"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link27-315.jpg (58K)" src="images/27-315.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XXVII. In Prison.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The cells were all crowded; so the two friends were chained in a large
+      room where persons charged with trifling offences were commonly kept. They
+      had company, for there were some twenty manacled and fettered prisoners
+      here, of both sexes and of varying ages,&mdash;an obscene and noisy gang.
+      &nbsp;The King chafed bitterly over the stupendous indignity thus put upon
+      his royalty, but Hendon was moody and taciturn. &nbsp;He was pretty
+      thoroughly bewildered; he had come home, a jubilant prodigal, expecting to
+      find everybody wild with joy over his return; and instead had got the cold
+      shoulder and a jail. &nbsp;The promise and the fulfilment differed so
+      widely that the effect was stunning; he could not decide whether it was
+      most tragic or most grotesque. &nbsp;He felt much as a man might who had
+      danced blithely out to enjoy a rainbow, and got struck by lightning.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But gradually his confused and tormenting thoughts settled down into some
+      sort of order, and then his mind centred itself upon Edith. &nbsp;He
+      turned her conduct over, and examined it in all lights, but he could not
+      make anything satisfactory out of it. &nbsp;Did she know him&mdash;or
+      didn't she know him? &nbsp;It was a perplexing puzzle, and occupied him a
+      long time; but he ended, finally, with the conviction that she did know
+      him, and had repudiated him for interested reasons. &nbsp;He wanted to
+      load her name with curses now; but this name had so long been sacred to
+      him that he found he could not bring his tongue to profane it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link27-318" id="link27-318"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link27-318.jpg (125K)" src="images/27-318.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Wrapped in prison blankets of a soiled and tattered condition, Hendon and
+      the King passed a troubled night. &nbsp;For a bribe the jailer had
+      furnished liquor to some of the prisoners; singing of ribald songs,
+      fighting, shouting, and carousing was the natural consequence. &nbsp;At
+      last, a while after midnight, a man attacked a woman and nearly killed her
+      by beating her over the head with his manacles before the jailer could
+      come to the rescue. &nbsp;The jailer restored peace by giving the man a
+      sound clubbing about the head and shoulders&mdash;then the carousing
+      ceased; and after that, all had an opportunity to sleep who did not mind
+      the annoyance of the moanings and groanings of the two wounded people.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      During the ensuing week, the days and nights were of a monotonous sameness
+      as to events; men whose faces Hendon remembered more or less distinctly,
+      came, by day, to gaze at the 'impostor' and repudiate and insult him; and
+      by night the carousing and brawling went on with symmetrical regularity.
+      &nbsp;However, there was a change of incident at last. The jailer brought
+      in an old man, and said to him&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The villain is in this room&mdash;cast thy old eyes about and see if thou
+      canst say which is he."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hendon glanced up, and experienced a pleasant sensation for the first time
+      since he had been in the jail. &nbsp;He said to himself, "This is Blake
+      Andrews, a servant all his life in my father's family&mdash;a good honest
+      soul, with a right heart in his breast. That is, formerly. &nbsp;But none
+      are true now; all are liars. &nbsp;This man will know me&mdash;and will
+      deny me, too, like the rest."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The old man gazed around the room, glanced at each face in turn, and
+      finally said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I see none here but paltry knaves, scum o' the streets. &nbsp;Which is
+      he?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The jailer laughed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Here," he said; "scan this big animal, and grant me an opinion."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link27-320" id="link27-320"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link27-320.jpg (112K)" src="images/27-320.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The old man approached, and looked Hendon over, long and earnestly, then
+      shook his head and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Marry, <i>this</i> is no Hendon&mdash;nor ever was!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Right! &nbsp;Thy old eyes are sound yet. &nbsp;An' I were Sir Hugh, I
+      would take the shabby carle and&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The jailer finished by lifting himself a-tip-toe with an imaginary halter,
+      at the same time making a gurgling noise in his throat suggestive of
+      suffocation. &nbsp;The old man said, vindictively&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Let him bless God an' he fare no worse. &nbsp;An' <i>I</i> had the handling o'
+      the villain he should roast, or I am no true man!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The jailer laughed a pleasant hyena laugh, and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Give him a piece of thy mind, old man&mdash;they all do it. &nbsp;Thou'lt
+      find it good diversion."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then he sauntered toward his ante-room and disappeared. &nbsp;The old man
+      dropped upon his knees and whispered&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "God be thanked, thou'rt come again, my master! &nbsp;I believed thou wert
+      dead these seven years, and lo, here thou art alive! &nbsp;I knew thee the
+      moment I saw thee; and main hard work it was to keep a stony countenance
+      and seem to see none here but tuppenny knaves and rubbish o' the streets.
+      I am old and poor, Sir Miles; but say the word and I will go forth and
+      proclaim the truth though I be strangled for it."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "No," said Hendon; "thou shalt not. &nbsp;It would ruin thee, and yet help
+      but little in my cause. &nbsp;But I thank thee, for thou hast given me
+      back somewhat of my lost faith in my kind."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The old servant became very valuable to Hendon and the King; for he
+      dropped in several times a day to 'abuse' the former, and always smuggled
+      in a few delicacies to help out the prison bill of fare; he also furnished
+      the current news. &nbsp;Hendon reserved the dainties for the King; without
+      them his Majesty might not have survived, for he was not able to eat the
+      coarse and wretched food provided by the jailer. &nbsp;Andrews was obliged
+      to confine himself to brief visits, in order to avoid suspicion; but he
+      managed to impart a fair degree of information each time&mdash;information
+      delivered in a low voice, for Hendon's benefit, and interlarded with
+      insulting epithets delivered in a louder voice for the benefit of other
+      hearers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link27-321" id="link27-321"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link27-321.jpg (102K)" src="images/27-321.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So, little by little, the story of the family came out. &nbsp;Arthur had
+      been dead six years. &nbsp;This loss, with the absence of news from
+      Hendon, impaired the father's health; he believed he was going to die, and
+      he wished to see Hugh and Edith settled in life before he passed away; but
+      Edith begged hard for delay, hoping for Miles's return; then the letter
+      came which brought the news of Miles's death; the shock prostrated Sir
+      Richard; he believed his end was very near, and he and Hugh insisted upon
+      the marriage; Edith begged for and obtained a month's respite, then
+      another, and finally a third; the marriage then took place by the
+      death-bed of Sir Richard. &nbsp;It had not proved a happy one. &nbsp;It
+      was whispered about the country that shortly after the nuptials the bride
+      found among her husband's papers several rough and incomplete drafts of
+      the fatal letter, and had accused him of precipitating the marriage&mdash;and
+      Sir Richard's death, too&mdash;by a wicked forgery. Tales of cruelty to
+      the Lady Edith and the servants were to be heard on all hands; and since
+      the father's death Sir Hugh had thrown off all soft disguises and become a
+      pitiless master toward all who in any way depended upon him and his
+      domains for bread.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a bit of Andrew's gossip which the King listened to with a
+      lively interest&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "There is rumour that the King is mad. &nbsp;But in charity forbear to say
+      <i>I</i> mentioned it, for 'tis death to speak of it, they say."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His Majesty glared at the old man and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The King is <i>not</i> mad, good man&mdash;and thou'lt find it to thy advantage
+      to busy thyself with matters that nearer concern thee than this seditious
+      prattle."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What doth the lad mean?" said Andrews, surprised at this brisk assault
+      from such an unexpected quarter. &nbsp;Hendon gave him a sign, and he did
+      not pursue his question, but went on with his budget&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "The late King is to be buried at Windsor in a day or two&mdash;the 16th
+      of the month&mdash;and the new King will be crowned at Westminster the
+      20th."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Methinks they must needs find him first," muttered his Majesty; then
+      added, confidently, "but they will look to that&mdash;and so also shall
+      I."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "In the name of&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But the old man got no further&mdash;a warning sign from Hendon checked
+      his remark. &nbsp;He resumed the thread of his gossip&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Sir Hugh goeth to the coronation&mdash;and with grand hopes. &nbsp;He
+      confidently looketh to come back a peer, for he is high in favour with the
+      Lord Protector."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What Lord Protector?" asked his Majesty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "His Grace the Duke of Somerset."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What Duke of Somerset?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Marry, there is but one&mdash;Seymour, Earl of Hertford."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King asked sharply&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Since when is <i>he</i> a duke, and Lord Protector?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Since the last day of January."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "And prithee who made him so?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Himself and the Great Council&mdash;with help of the King."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His Majesty started violently. &nbsp;"The <i>King</i>!" he cried. &nbsp;"<i>What</i>
+      king, good sir?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link27-323" id="link27-323"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link27-323.jpg (114K)" src="images/27-323.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What king, indeed! (God-a-mercy, what aileth the boy?) &nbsp;Sith we have
+      but one, 'tis not difficult to answer&mdash;his most sacred Majesty King
+      Edward the Sixth&mdash;whom God preserve! &nbsp;Yea, and a dear and
+      gracious little urchin is he, too; and whether he be mad or no&mdash;and
+      they say he mendeth daily&mdash;his praises are on all men's lips; and all
+      bless him, likewise, and offer prayers that he may be spared to reign long
+      in England; for he began humanely with saving the old Duke of Norfolk's
+      life, and now is he bent on destroying the cruellest of the laws that
+      harry and oppress the people."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This news struck his Majesty dumb with amazement, and plunged him into so
+      deep and dismal a reverie that he heard no more of the old man's gossip.
+      He wondered if the 'little urchin' was the beggar-boy whom he left dressed
+      in his own garments in the palace. &nbsp;It did not seem possible that
+      this could be, for surely his manners and speech would betray him if he
+      pretended to be the Prince of Wales&mdash;then he would be driven out, and
+      search made for the true prince. &nbsp;Could it be that the Court had set
+      up some sprig of the nobility in his place? &nbsp;No, for his uncle would
+      not allow that&mdash;he was all-powerful and could and would crush such a
+      movement, of course. &nbsp;The boy's musings profited him nothing; the
+      more he tried to unriddle the mystery the more perplexed he became, the
+      more his head ached, and the worse he slept. &nbsp;His impatience to get
+      to London grew hourly, and his captivity became almost unendurable.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hendon's arts all failed with the King&mdash;he could not be comforted;
+      but a couple of women who were chained near him succeeded better. Under
+      their gentle ministrations he found peace and learned a degree of
+      patience. &nbsp;He was very grateful, and came to love them dearly and to
+      delight in the sweet and soothing influence of their presence. &nbsp;He
+      asked them why they were in prison, and when they said they were Baptists,
+      he smiled, and inquired&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Is that a crime to be shut up for in a prison? &nbsp;Now I grieve, for I
+      shall lose ye&mdash;they will not keep ye long for such a little thing."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They did not answer; and something in their faces made him uneasy. He
+      said, eagerly&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "You do not speak; be good to me, and tell me&mdash;there will be no other
+      punishment? &nbsp;Prithee tell me there is no fear of that."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They tried to change the topic, but his fears were aroused, and he pursued
+      it&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Will they scourge thee? &nbsp;No, no, they would not be so cruel! &nbsp;Say
+      they would not. &nbsp;Come, they <i>will</i> not, will they?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The women betrayed confusion and distress, but there was no avoiding an
+      answer, so one of them said, in a voice choked with emotion&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, thou'lt break our hearts, thou gentle spirit!&mdash;God will help us
+      to bear our&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It is a confession!" the King broke in. &nbsp;"Then they <i>will</i> scourge
+      thee, the stony-hearted wretches! &nbsp;But oh, thou must not weep, I
+      cannot bear it. &nbsp;Keep up thy courage&mdash;I shall come to my own in
+      time to save thee from this bitter thing, and I will do it!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the King awoke in the morning, the women were gone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "They are saved!" he said, joyfully; then added, despondently, "but woe is
+      me!&mdash;for they were my comforters."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Each of them had left a shred of ribbon pinned to his clothing, in token
+      of remembrance. &nbsp;He said he would keep these things always; and that
+      soon he would seek out these dear good friends of his and take them under
+      his protection.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Just then the jailer came in with some subordinates, and commanded that
+      the prisoners be conducted to the jail-yard. &nbsp;The King was overjoyed&mdash;it
+      would be a blessed thing to see the blue sky and breathe the fresh air
+      once more. &nbsp;He fretted and chafed at the slowness of the officers,
+      but his turn came at last, and he was released from his staple and ordered
+      to follow the other prisoners with Hendon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The court or quadrangle was stone-paved, and open to the sky. &nbsp;The
+      prisoners entered it through a massive archway of masonry, and were placed
+      in file, standing, with their backs against the wall. A rope was stretched
+      in front of them, and they were also guarded by their officers. It was a
+      chill and lowering morning, and a light snow which had fallen during the
+      night whitened the great empty space and added to the general dismalness
+      of its aspect. Now and then a wintry wind shivered through the place and
+      sent the snow eddying hither and thither.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link27-326" id="link27-326"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link27-326.jpg (53K)" src="images/27-326.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the centre of the court stood two women, chained to posts. &nbsp;A
+      glance showed the King that these were his good friends. &nbsp;He
+      shuddered, and said to himself, "Alack, they are not gone free, as I had
+      thought. &nbsp;To think that such as these should know the lash!&mdash;in
+      England! &nbsp;Ay, there's the shame of it&mdash;not in Heathennesse,
+      Christian England! &nbsp;They will be scourged; and I, whom they have
+      comforted and kindly entreated, must look on and see the great wrong done;
+      it is strange, so strange, that I, the very source of power in this broad
+      realm, am helpless to protect them. But let these miscreants look well to
+      themselves, for there is a day coming when I will require of them a heavy
+      reckoning for this work. &nbsp;For every blow they strike now, they shall
+      feel a hundred then."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A great gate swung open, and a crowd of citizens poured in. &nbsp;They
+      flocked around the two women, and hid them from the King's view. A
+      clergyman entered and passed through the crowd, and he also was hidden.
+      &nbsp;The King now heard talking, back and forth, as if questions were
+      being asked and answered, but he could not make out what was said. &nbsp;Next
+      there was a deal of bustle and preparation, and much passing and repassing
+      of officials through that part of the crowd that stood on the further side
+      of the women; and whilst this proceeded a deep hush gradually fell upon
+      the people.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now, by command, the masses parted and fell aside, and the King saw a
+      spectacle that froze the marrow in his bones. &nbsp;Faggots had been piled
+      about the two women, and a kneeling man was lighting them!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The women bowed their heads, and covered their faces with their hands; the
+      yellow flames began to climb upward among the snapping and crackling
+      faggots, and wreaths of blue smoke to stream away on the wind; the
+      clergyman lifted his hands and began a prayer&mdash;just then two young
+      girls came flying through the great gate, uttering piercing screams, and
+      threw themselves upon the women at the stake. &nbsp;Instantly they were
+      torn away by the officers, and one of them was kept in a tight grip, but
+      the other broke loose, saying she would die with her mother; and before
+      she could be stopped she had flung her arms about her mother's neck again.
+      &nbsp;She was torn away once more, and with her gown on fire. &nbsp;Two or
+      three men held her, and the burning portion of her gown was snatched off
+      and thrown flaming aside, she struggling all the while to free herself,
+      and saying she would be alone in the world, now; and begging to be allowed
+      to die with her mother. &nbsp;Both the girls screamed continually, and
+      fought for freedom; but suddenly this tumult was drowned under a volley of
+      heart-piercing shrieks of mortal agony&mdash;the King glanced from the
+      frantic girls to the stake, then turned away and leaned his ashen face
+      against the wall, and looked no more. &nbsp;He said, "That which I have
+      seen, in that one little moment, will never go out from my memory, but
+      will abide there; and I shall see it all the days, and dream of it all the
+      nights, till I die. &nbsp;Would God I had been blind!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link27-328" id="link27-328"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link27-328.jpg (118K)" src="images/27-328.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hendon was watching the King. &nbsp;He said to himself, with satisfaction,
+      "His disorder mendeth; he hath changed, and groweth gentler. &nbsp;If he
+      had followed his wont, he would have stormed at these varlets, and said he
+      was King, and commanded that the women be turned loose unscathed. &nbsp;Soon
+      his delusion will pass away and be forgotten, and his poor mind will be
+      whole again. &nbsp;God speed the day!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      That same day several prisoners were brought in to remain over night, who
+      were being conveyed, under guard, to various places in the kingdom, to
+      undergo punishment for crimes committed. &nbsp;The King conversed with
+      these&mdash;he had made it a point, from the beginning, to instruct
+      himself for the kingly office by questioning prisoners whenever the
+      opportunity offered&mdash;and the tale of their woes wrung his heart.
+      &nbsp;One of them was a poor half-witted woman who had stolen a yard or
+      two of cloth from a weaver&mdash;she was to be hanged for it. &nbsp;Another
+      was a man who had been accused of stealing a horse; he said the proof had
+      failed, and he had imagined that he was safe from the halter; but no&mdash;he
+      was hardly free before he was arraigned for killing a deer in the King's
+      park; this was proved against him, and now he was on his way to the
+      gallows. &nbsp;There was a tradesman's apprentice whose case particularly
+      distressed the King; this youth said he found a hawk, one evening, that
+      had escaped from its owner, and he took it home with him, imagining
+      himself entitled to it; but the court convicted him of stealing it, and
+      sentenced him to death.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link27-329" id="link27-329"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link27-329.jpg (60K)" src="images/27-329.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King was furious over these inhumanities, and wanted Hendon to break
+      jail and fly with him to Westminster, so that he could mount his throne
+      and hold out his sceptre in mercy over these unfortunate people and save
+      their lives. &nbsp;"Poor child," sighed Hendon, "these woeful tales have
+      brought his malady upon him again; alack, but for this evil hap, he would
+      have been well in a little time."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Among these prisoners was an old lawyer&mdash;a man with a strong face and
+      a dauntless mien. &nbsp;Three years past, he had written a pamphlet
+      against the Lord Chancellor, accusing him of injustice, and had been
+      punished for it by the loss of his ears in the pillory, and degradation
+      from the bar, and in addition had been fined 3,000 pounds and sentenced to
+      imprisonment for life. &nbsp;Lately he had repeated his offence; and in
+      consequence was now under sentence to lose <i>what remained of his ears</i>, pay
+      a fine of 5,000 pounds, be branded on both cheeks, and remain in prison
+      for life.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "These be honourable scars," he said, and turned back his grey hair and
+      showed the mutilated stubs of what had once been his ears.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King's eye burned with passion. &nbsp;He said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "None believe in me&mdash;neither wilt thou. &nbsp;But no matter&mdash;within
+      the compass of a month thou shalt be free; and more, the laws that have
+      dishonoured thee, and shamed the English name, shall be swept from the
+      statute books. &nbsp;The world is made wrong; kings should go to school to
+      their own laws, at times, and so learn mercy." {1}
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c28" id="c28"></a> <a name="link28-331"
+      id="link28-331"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link28-331.jpg (48K)" src="images/28-331.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XXVIII. The sacrifice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Meantime Miles was growing sufficiently tired of confinement and inaction.
+      &nbsp;But now his trial came on, to his great gratification, and he
+      thought he could welcome any sentence provided a further imprisonment
+      should not be a part of it. &nbsp;But he was mistaken about that. &nbsp;He
+      was in a fine fury when he found himself described as a 'sturdy vagabond'
+      and sentenced to sit two hours in the stocks for bearing that character
+      and for assaulting the master of Hendon Hall. &nbsp;His pretensions as to
+      brothership with his prosecutor, and rightful heirship to the Hendon
+      honours and estates, were left contemptuously unnoticed, as being not even
+      worth examination.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He raged and threatened on his way to punishment, but it did no good; he
+      was snatched roughly along by the officers, and got an occasional cuff,
+      besides, for his irreverent conduct.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King could not pierce through the rabble that swarmed behind; so he
+      was obliged to follow in the rear, remote from his good friend and
+      servant. &nbsp;The King had been nearly condemned to the stocks himself
+      for being in such bad company, but had been let off with a lecture and a
+      warning, in consideration of his youth. &nbsp;When the crowd at last
+      halted, he flitted feverishly from point to point around its outer rim,
+      hunting a place to get through; and at last, after a deal of difficulty
+      and delay, succeeded. &nbsp;There sat his poor henchman in the degrading
+      stocks, the sport and butt of a dirty mob&mdash;he, the body servant of
+      the King of England! &nbsp;Edward had heard the sentence pronounced, but
+      he had not realised the half that it meant. &nbsp;His anger began to rise
+      as the sense of this new indignity which had been put upon him sank home;
+      it jumped to summer heat, the next moment, when he saw an egg sail through
+      the air and crush itself against Hendon's cheek, and heard the crowd roar
+      its enjoyment of the episode. &nbsp;He sprang across the open circle and
+      confronted the officer in charge, crying&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link28-334" id="link28-334"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link28-334.jpg (119K)" src="images/28-334.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "For shame! &nbsp;This is my servant&mdash;set him free! &nbsp;I am the&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, peace!" exclaimed Hendon, in a panic, "thou'lt destroy thyself. Mind
+      him not, officer, he is mad."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Give thyself no trouble as to the matter of minding him, good man, I have
+      small mind to mind him; but as to teaching him somewhat, to that I am well
+      inclined." &nbsp;He turned to a subordinate and said, "Give the little
+      fool a taste or two of the lash, to mend his manners."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Half a dozen will better serve his turn," suggested Sir Hugh, who had
+      ridden up, a moment before, to take a passing glance at the proceedings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King was seized. &nbsp;He did not even struggle, so paralysed was he
+      with the mere thought of the monstrous outrage that was proposed to be
+      inflicted upon his sacred person. &nbsp;History was already defiled with
+      the record of the scourging of an English king with whips&mdash;it was an
+      intolerable reflection that he must furnish a duplicate of that shameful
+      page. &nbsp;He was in the toils, there was no help for him; he must either
+      take this punishment or beg for its remission. &nbsp;Hard conditions; he
+      would take the stripes&mdash;a king might do that, but a king could not
+      beg.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But meantime, Miles Hendon was resolving the difficulty. &nbsp;"Let the
+      child go," said he; "ye heartless dogs, do ye not see how young and frail
+      he is? &nbsp;Let him go&mdash;I will take his lashes."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Marry, a good thought&mdash;and thanks for it," said Sir Hugh, his face
+      lighting with a sardonic satisfaction. &nbsp;"Let the little beggar go,
+      and give this fellow a dozen in his place&mdash;an honest dozen, well laid
+      on." The King was in the act of entering a fierce protest, but Sir Hugh
+      silenced him with the potent remark, "Yes, speak up, do, and free thy mind&mdash;only,
+      mark ye, that for each word you utter he shall get six strokes the more."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link28-336" id="link28-336"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link28-336.jpg (85K)" src="images/28-336.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hendon was removed from the stocks, and his back laid bare; and whilst the
+      lash was applied the poor little King turned away his face and allowed
+      unroyal tears to channel his cheeks unchecked. "Ah, brave good heart," he
+      said to himself, "this loyal deed shall never perish out of my memory.
+      &nbsp;I will not forget it&mdash;and neither shall <i>they</i>!" he added, with
+      passion. &nbsp;Whilst he mused, his appreciation of Hendon's magnanimous
+      conduct grew to greater and still greater dimensions in his mind, and so
+      also did his gratefulness for it. &nbsp;Presently he said to himself, "Who
+      saves his prince from wounds and possible death&mdash;and this he did for
+      me&mdash;performs high service; but it is little&mdash;it is nothing&mdash;oh,
+      less than nothing!&mdash;when 'tis weighed against the act of him who
+      saves his prince from <i>shame</i>!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hendon made no outcry under the scourge, but bore the heavy blows with
+      soldierly fortitude. &nbsp;This, together with his redeeming the boy by
+      taking his stripes for him, compelled the respect of even that forlorn and
+      degraded mob that was gathered there; and its gibes and hootings died
+      away, and no sound remained but the sound of the falling blows. &nbsp;The
+      stillness that pervaded the place, when Hendon found himself once more in
+      the stocks, was in strong contrast with the insulting clamour which had
+      prevailed there so little a while before. &nbsp;The King came softly to
+      Hendon's side, and whispered in his ear&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Kings cannot ennoble thee, thou good, great soul, for One who is higher
+      than kings hath done that for thee; but a king can confirm thy nobility to
+      men." &nbsp;He picked up the scourge from the ground, touched Hendon's
+      bleeding shoulders lightly with it, and whispered, "Edward of England dubs
+      thee Earl!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hendon was touched. &nbsp;The water welled to his eyes, yet at the same
+      time the grisly humour of the situation and circumstances so undermined
+      his gravity that it was all he could do to keep some sign of his inward
+      mirth from showing outside. &nbsp;To be suddenly hoisted, naked and gory,
+      from the common stocks to the Alpine altitude and splendour of an Earldom,
+      seemed to him the last possibility in the line of the grotesque. &nbsp;He
+      said to himself, "Now am I finely tinselled, indeed! &nbsp;The
+      spectre-knight of the Kingdom of Dreams and Shadows is become a
+      spectre-earl&mdash;a dizzy flight for a callow wing! &nbsp;An' this go on,
+      I shall presently be hung like a very maypole with fantastic gauds and
+      make-believe honours. &nbsp;But I shall value them, all valueless as they
+      are, for the love that doth bestow them. Better these poor mock dignities
+      of mine, that come unasked, from a clean hand and a right spirit, than
+      real ones bought by servility from grudging and interested power."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link28-337" id="link28-337"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link28-337.jpg (124K)" src="images/28-337.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The dreaded Sir Hugh wheeled his horse about, and as he spurred away, the
+      living wall divided silently to let him pass, and as silently closed
+      together again. &nbsp;And so remained; nobody went so far as to venture a
+      remark in favour of the prisoner, or in compliment to him; but no matter&mdash;the
+      absence of abuse was a sufficient homage in itself. &nbsp;A late comer who
+      was not posted as to the present circumstances, and who delivered a sneer
+      at the 'impostor,' and was in the act of following it with a dead cat, was
+      promptly knocked down and kicked out, without any words, and then the deep
+      quiet resumed sway once more.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c29" id="c29"></a> <a name="link29-339"
+      id="link29-339"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link29-339.jpg (53K)" src="images/29-339.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XXIX. To London.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Hendon's term of service in the stocks was finished, he was released
+      and ordered to quit the region and come back no more. His sword was
+      restored to him, and also his mule and his donkey. He mounted and rode
+      off, followed by the King, the crowd opening with quiet respectfulness to
+      let them pass, and then dispersing when they were gone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link29-342" id="link29-342"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link29-342.jpg (142K)" src="images/29-342.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hendon was soon absorbed in thought. &nbsp;There were questions of high
+      import to be answered. &nbsp;What should he do? &nbsp;Whither should he
+      go? Powerful help must be found somewhere, or he must relinquish his
+      inheritance and remain under the imputation of being an impostor besides.
+      &nbsp;Where could he hope to find this powerful help? &nbsp;Where, indeed!
+      &nbsp;It was a knotty question. By-and-by a thought occurred to him which
+      pointed to a possibility&mdash;the slenderest of slender possibilities,
+      certainly, but still worth considering, for lack of any other that
+      promised anything at all. &nbsp;He remembered what old Andrews had said
+      about the young King's goodness and his generous championship of the
+      wronged and unfortunate. &nbsp;Why not go and try to get speech of him and
+      beg for justice? &nbsp;Ah, yes, but could so fantastic a pauper get
+      admission to the august presence of a monarch? Never mind&mdash;let that
+      matter take care of itself; it was a bridge that would not need to be
+      crossed till he should come to it. &nbsp;He was an old campaigner, and
+      used to inventing shifts and expedients: &nbsp;no doubt he would be able
+      to find a way. &nbsp;Yes, he would strike for the capital. Maybe his
+      father's old friend Sir Humphrey Marlow would help him&mdash;'good old Sir
+      Humphrey, Head Lieutenant of the late King's kitchen, or stables, or
+      something'&mdash;Miles could not remember just what or which. &nbsp;Now
+      that he had something to turn his energies to, a distinctly defined object
+      to accomplish, the fog of humiliation and depression which had settled
+      down upon his spirits lifted and blew away, and he raised his head and
+      looked about him. &nbsp;He was surprised to see how far he had come; the
+      village was away behind him. &nbsp;The King was jogging along in his wake,
+      with his head bowed; for he, too, was deep in plans and thinkings. &nbsp;A
+      sorrowful misgiving clouded Hendon's new-born cheerfulness: &nbsp;would
+      the boy be willing to go again to a city where, during all his brief life,
+      he had never known anything but ill-usage and pinching want? &nbsp;But the
+      question must be asked; it could not be avoided; so Hendon reined up, and
+      called out&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I had forgotten to inquire whither we are bound. &nbsp;Thy commands, my
+      liege!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "To London!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hendon moved on again, mightily contented with the answer&mdash;but
+      astounded at it too.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link29-343" id="link29-343"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link29-343.jpg (131K)" src="images/29-343.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The whole journey was made without an adventure of importance. But it
+      ended with one. &nbsp;About ten o'clock on the night of the 19th of
+      February they stepped upon London Bridge, in the midst of a writhing,
+      struggling jam of howling and hurrahing people, whose beer-jolly faces
+      stood out strongly in the glare from manifold torches&mdash;and at that
+      instant the decaying head of some former duke or other grandee tumbled
+      down between them, striking Hendon on the elbow and then bounding off
+      among the hurrying confusion of feet. So evanescent and unstable are men's
+      works in this world!&mdash;the late good King is but three weeks dead and
+      three days in his grave, and already the adornments which he took such
+      pains to select from prominent people for his noble bridge are falling.
+      &nbsp;A citizen stumbled over that head, and drove his own head into the
+      back of somebody in front of him, who turned and knocked down the first
+      person that came handy, and was promptly laid out himself by that person's
+      friend. &nbsp;It was the right ripe time for a free fight, for the
+      festivities of the morrow&mdash;Coronation Day&mdash;were already
+      beginning; everybody was full of strong drink and patriotism; within five
+      minutes the free fight was occupying a good deal of ground; within ten or
+      twelve it covered an acre of so, and was become a riot. &nbsp;By this time
+      Hendon and the King were hopelessly separated from each other and lost in
+      the rush and turmoil of the roaring masses of humanity. &nbsp;And so we
+      leave them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c30" id="c30"></a> <a name="link30-345"
+      id="link30-345"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link30-345.jpg (47K)" src="images/30-345.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XXX. Tom's progress.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Whilst the true King wandered about the land poorly clad, poorly fed,
+      cuffed and derided by tramps one while, herding with thieves and murderers
+      in a jail another, and called idiot and impostor by all impartially, the
+      mock King Tom Canty enjoyed quite a different experience.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When we saw him last, royalty was just beginning to have a bright side for
+      him. &nbsp;This bright side went on brightening more and more every day:
+      in a very little while it was become almost all sunshine and
+      delightfulness. &nbsp;He lost his fears; his misgivings faded out and
+      died; his embarrassments departed, and gave place to an easy and confident
+      bearing. &nbsp;He worked the whipping-boy mine to ever-increasing profit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He ordered my Lady Elizabeth and my Lady Jane Grey into his presence when
+      he wanted to play or talk, and dismissed them when he was done with them,
+      with the air of one familiarly accustomed to such performances. &nbsp;It
+      no longer confused him to have these lofty personages kiss his hand at
+      parting.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link30-348" id="link30-348"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link30-348.jpg (92K)" src="images/30-348.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He came to enjoy being conducted to bed in state at night, and dressed
+      with intricate and solemn ceremony in the morning. &nbsp;It came to be a
+      proud pleasure to march to dinner attended by a glittering procession of
+      officers of state and gentlemen-at-arms; insomuch, indeed, that he doubled
+      his guard of gentlemen-at-arms, and made them a hundred. &nbsp;He liked to
+      hear the bugles sounding down the long corridors, and the distant voices
+      responding, "Way for the King!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He even learned to enjoy sitting in throned state in council, and seeming
+      to be something more than the Lord Protector's mouthpiece. He liked to
+      receive great ambassadors and their gorgeous trains, and listen to the
+      affectionate messages they brought from illustrious monarchs who called
+      him brother. &nbsp;O happy Tom Canty, late of Offal Court!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He enjoyed his splendid clothes, and ordered more: &nbsp;he found his four
+      hundred servants too few for his proper grandeur, and trebled them. &nbsp;The
+      adulation of salaaming courtiers came to be sweet music to his ears.
+      &nbsp;He remained kind and gentle, and a sturdy and determined champion of
+      all that were oppressed, and he made tireless war upon unjust laws: &nbsp;yet
+      upon occasion, being offended, he could turn upon an earl, or even a duke,
+      and give him a look that would make him tremble. &nbsp;Once, when his
+      royal 'sister,' the grimly holy Lady Mary, set herself to reason with him
+      against the wisdom of his course in pardoning so many people who would
+      otherwise be jailed, or hanged, or burned, and reminded him that their
+      august late father's prisons had sometimes contained as high as sixty
+      thousand convicts at one time, and that during his admirable reign he had
+      delivered seventy-two thousand thieves and robbers over to death by the
+      executioner, {9} the boy was filled with generous indignation, and
+      commanded her to go to her closet, and beseech God to take away the stone
+      that was in her breast, and give her a human heart.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link30-349" id="link30-349"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link30-349.jpg (94K)" src="images/30-349.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Did Tom Canty never feel troubled about the poor little rightful prince
+      who had treated him so kindly, and flown out with such hot zeal to avenge
+      him upon the insolent sentinel at the palace-gate? Yes; his first royal
+      days and nights were pretty well sprinkled with painful thoughts about the
+      lost prince, and with sincere longings for his return, and happy
+      restoration to his native rights and splendours. &nbsp;But as time wore
+      on, and the prince did not come, Tom's mind became more and more occupied
+      with his new and enchanting experiences, and by little and little the
+      vanished monarch faded almost out of his thoughts; and finally, when he
+      did intrude upon them at intervals, he was become an unwelcome spectre,
+      for he made Tom feel guilty and ashamed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom's poor mother and sisters travelled the same road out of his mind. At
+      first he pined for them, sorrowed for them, longed to see them, but later,
+      the thought of their coming some day in their rags and dirt, and betraying
+      him with their kisses, and pulling him down from his lofty place, and
+      dragging him back to penury and degradation and the slums, made him
+      shudder. &nbsp;At last they ceased to trouble his thoughts almost wholly.
+      &nbsp;And he was content, even glad: &nbsp;for, whenever their mournful
+      and accusing faces did rise before him now, they made him feel more
+      despicable than the worms that crawl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At midnight of the 19th of February, Tom Canty was sinking to sleep in his
+      rich bed in the palace, guarded by his loyal vassals, and surrounded by
+      the pomps of royalty, a happy boy; for tomorrow was the day appointed for
+      his solemn crowning as King of England. At that same hour, Edward, the
+      true king, hungry and thirsty, soiled and draggled, worn with travel, and
+      clothed in rags and shreds&mdash;his share of the results of the riot&mdash;was
+      wedged in among a crowd of people who were watching with deep interest
+      certain hurrying gangs of workmen who streamed in and out of Westminster
+      Abbey, busy as ants: &nbsp;they were making the last preparation for the
+      royal coronation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c31" id="c31"></a> <a name="link31-351"
+      id="link31-351"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link31-351.jpg (68K)" src="images/31-351.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /> <a name="link31-353" id="link31-353"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link31-353.jpg (134K)" src="images/31-353.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XXXI. The Recognition procession.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Tom Canty awoke the next morning, the air was heavy with a thunderous
+      murmur: &nbsp;all the distances were charged with it. &nbsp;It was music
+      to him; for it meant that the English world was out in its strength to
+      give loyal welcome to the great day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Presently Tom found himself once more the chief figure in a wonderful
+      floating pageant on the Thames; for by ancient custom the 'recognition
+      procession' through London must start from the Tower, and he was bound
+      thither.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When he arrived there, the sides of the venerable fortress seemed suddenly
+      rent in a thousand places, and from every rent leaped a red tongue of
+      flame and a white gush of smoke; a deafening explosion followed, which
+      drowned the shoutings of the multitude, and made the ground tremble; the
+      flame-jets, the smoke, and the explosions, were repeated over and over
+      again with marvellous celerity, so that in a few moments the old Tower
+      disappeared in the vast fog of its own smoke, all but the very top of the
+      tall pile called the White Tower; this, with its banners, stood out above
+      the dense bank of vapour as a mountain-peak projects above a cloud-rack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom Canty, splendidly arrayed, mounted a prancing war-steed, whose rich
+      trappings almost reached to the ground; his 'uncle,' the Lord Protector
+      Somerset, similarly mounted, took place in his rear; the King's Guard
+      formed in single ranks on either side, clad in burnished armour; after the
+      Protector followed a seemingly interminable procession of resplendent
+      nobles attended by their vassals; after these came the lord mayor and the
+      aldermanic body, in crimson velvet robes, and with their gold chains
+      across their breasts; and after these the officers and members of all the
+      guilds of London, in rich raiment, and bearing the showy banners of the
+      several corporations. &nbsp;Also in the procession, as a special guard of
+      honour through the city, was the Ancient and Honourable Artillery Company&mdash;an
+      organisation already three hundred years old at that time, and the only
+      military body in England possessing the privilege (which it still
+      possesses in our day) of holding itself independent of the commands of
+      Parliament. &nbsp;It was a brilliant spectacle, and was hailed with
+      acclamations all along the line, as it took its stately way through the
+      packed multitudes of citizens. The chronicler says, 'The King, as he
+      entered the city, was received by the people with prayers, welcomings,
+      cries, and tender words, and all signs which argue an earnest love of
+      subjects toward their sovereign; and the King, by holding up his glad
+      countenance to such as stood afar off, and most tender language to those
+      that stood nigh his Grace, showed himself no less thankful to receive the
+      people's goodwill than they to offer it. &nbsp;To all that wished him
+      well, he gave thanks. &nbsp;To such as bade "God save his Grace," he said
+      in return, "God save you all!" and added that "he thanked them with all
+      his heart." Wonderfully transported were the people with the loving
+      answers and gestures of their King.'
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link31-355" id="link31-355"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link31-355.jpg (40K)" src="images/31-355.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In Fenchurch Street a 'fair child, in costly apparel,' stood on a stage to
+      welcome his Majesty to the city. &nbsp;The last verse of his greeting was
+      in these words&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <blockquote>
+      <p>
+        'Welcome, O King! as much as hearts can think;<br /> Welcome, again, as
+        much as tongue can tell,&mdash;<br /> Welcome to joyous tongues, and
+        hearts that will not shrink: <br /> God thee preserve, we pray, and wish
+        thee ever well.'
+      </p>
+    </blockquote>
+    <p>
+      The people burst forth in a glad shout, repeating with one voice what the
+      child had said. &nbsp;Tom Canty gazed abroad over the surging sea of eager
+      faces, and his heart swelled with exultation; and he felt that the one
+      thing worth living for in this world was to be a king, and a nation's
+      idol. &nbsp;Presently he caught sight, at a distance, of a couple of his
+      ragged Offal Court comrades&mdash;one of them the lord high admiral in his
+      late mimic court, the other the first lord of the bedchamber in the same
+      pretentious fiction; and his pride swelled higher than ever. &nbsp;Oh, if
+      they could only recognise him now! &nbsp;What unspeakable glory it would
+      be, if they could recognise him, and realise that the derided mock king of
+      the slums and back alleys was become a real King, with illustrious dukes
+      and princes for his humble menials, and the English world at his feet!
+      &nbsp;But he had to deny himself, and choke down his desire, for such a
+      recognition might cost more than it would come to: &nbsp;so he turned away
+      his head, and left the two soiled lads to go on with their shoutings and
+      glad adulations, unsuspicious of whom it was they were lavishing them
+      upon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link31-356" id="link31-356"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link31-356.jpg (195K)" src="images/31-356.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Every now and then rose the cry, "A largess! a largess!" and Tom responded
+      by scattering a handful of bright new coins abroad for the multitude to
+      scramble for.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The chronicler says, 'At the upper end of Gracechurch Street, before the
+      sign of the Eagle, the city had erected a gorgeous arch, beneath which was
+      a stage, which stretched from one side of the street to the other. This
+      was an historical pageant, representing the King's immediate progenitors.
+      &nbsp;There sat Elizabeth of York in the midst of an immense white rose,
+      whose petals formed elaborate furbelows around her; by her side was Henry
+      VII., issuing out of a vast red rose, disposed in the same manner: &nbsp;the
+      hands of the royal pair were locked together, and the wedding-ring
+      ostentatiously displayed. &nbsp;From the red and white roses proceeded a
+      stem, which reached up to a second stage, occupied by Henry VIII., issuing
+      from a red and white rose, with the effigy of the new King's mother, Jane
+      Seymour, represented by his side. &nbsp;One branch sprang from this pair,
+      which mounted to a third stage, where sat the effigy of Edward VI.
+      himself, enthroned in royal majesty; and the whole pageant was framed with
+      wreaths of roses, red and white.'
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This quaint and gaudy spectacle so wrought upon the rejoicing people, that
+      their acclamations utterly smothered the small voice of the child whose
+      business it was to explain the thing in eulogistic rhymes. &nbsp;But Tom
+      Canty was not sorry; for this loyal uproar was sweeter music to him than
+      any poetry, no matter what its quality might be. &nbsp;Whithersoever Tom
+      turned his happy young face, the people recognised the exactness of his
+      effigy's likeness to himself, the flesh and blood counterpart; and new
+      whirlwinds of applause burst forth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The great pageant moved on, and still on, under one triumphal arch after
+      another, and past a bewildering succession of spectacular and symbolical
+      tableaux, each of which typified and exalted some virtue, or talent, or
+      merit, of the little King's. &nbsp;'Throughout the whole of Cheapside,
+      from every penthouse and window, hung banners and streamers; and the
+      richest carpets, stuffs, and cloth-of-gold tapestried the streets&mdash;specimens
+      of the great wealth of the stores within; and the splendour of this
+      thoroughfare was equalled in the other streets, and in some even
+      surpassed.'
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "And all these wonders and these marvels are to welcome me&mdash;me!"
+      murmured Tom Canty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The mock King's cheeks were flushed with excitement, his eyes were
+      flashing, his senses swam in a delirium of pleasure. &nbsp;At this point,
+      just as he was raising his hand to fling another rich largess, he caught
+      sight of a pale, astounded face, which was strained forward out of the
+      second rank of the crowd, its intense eyes riveted upon him. &nbsp;A
+      sickening consternation struck through him; he recognised his mother! and
+      up flew his hand, palm outward, before his eyes&mdash;that old involuntary
+      gesture, born of a forgotten episode, and perpetuated by habit. &nbsp;In
+      an instant more she had torn her way out of the press, and past the
+      guards, and was at his side. &nbsp;She embraced his leg, she covered it
+      with kisses, she cried, "O my child, my darling!" lifting toward him a
+      face that was transfigured with joy and love. &nbsp;The same instant an
+      officer of the King's Guard snatched her away with a curse, and sent her
+      reeling back whence she came with a vigorous impulse from his strong arm.
+      &nbsp;The words "I do not know you, woman!" were falling from Tom Canty's
+      lips when this piteous thing occurred; but it smote him to the heart to
+      see her treated so; and as she turned for a last glimpse of him, whilst
+      the crowd was swallowing her from his sight, she seemed so wounded, so
+      broken-hearted, that a shame fell upon him which consumed his pride to
+      ashes, and withered his stolen royalty. &nbsp;His grandeurs were stricken
+      valueless: they seemed to fall away from him like rotten rags.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link31-359" id="link31-359"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link31-359.jpg (164K)" src="images/31-359.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The procession moved on, and still on, through ever augmenting splendours
+      and ever augmenting tempests of welcome; but to Tom Canty they were as if
+      they had not been. &nbsp;He neither saw nor heard. &nbsp;Royalty had lost
+      its grace and sweetness; its pomps were become a reproach. &nbsp;Remorse
+      was eating his heart out. &nbsp;He said, "Would God I were free of my
+      captivity!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had unconsciously dropped back into the phraseology of the first days
+      of his compulsory greatness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The shining pageant still went winding like a radiant and interminable
+      serpent down the crooked lanes of the quaint old city, and through the
+      huzzaing hosts; but still the King rode with bowed head and vacant eyes,
+      seeing only his mother's face and that wounded look in it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Largess, largess!" &nbsp;The cry fell upon an unheeding ear.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Long live Edward of England!" &nbsp;It seemed as if the earth shook with
+      the explosion; but there was no response from the King. &nbsp;He heard it
+      only as one hears the thunder of the surf when it is blown to the ear out
+      of a great distance, for it was smothered under another sound which was
+      still nearer, in his own breast, in his accusing conscience&mdash;a voice
+      which kept repeating those shameful words, "I do not know you, woman!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The words smote upon the King's soul as the strokes of a funeral bell
+      smite upon the soul of a surviving friend when they remind him of secret
+      treacheries suffered at his hands by him that is gone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      New glories were unfolded at every turning; new wonders, new marvels,
+      sprang into view; the pent clamours of waiting batteries were released;
+      new raptures poured from the throats of the waiting multitudes: &nbsp;but
+      the King gave no sign, and the accusing voice that went moaning through
+      his comfortless breast was all the sound he heard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      By-and-by the gladness in the faces of the populace changed a little, and
+      became touched with a something like solicitude or anxiety: &nbsp;an
+      abatement in the volume of the applause was observable too. &nbsp;The Lord
+      Protector was quick to notice these things: &nbsp;he was as quick to
+      detect the cause. &nbsp;He spurred to the King's side, bent low in his
+      saddle, uncovered, and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "My liege, it is an ill time for dreaming. &nbsp;The people observe thy
+      downcast head, thy clouded mien, and they take it for an omen. &nbsp;Be
+      advised: &nbsp;unveil the sun of royalty, and let it shine upon these
+      boding vapours, and disperse them. &nbsp;Lift up thy face, and smile upon
+      the people."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link31-361" id="link31-361"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link31-361.jpg (78K)" src="images/31-361.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So saying, the Duke scattered a handful of coins to right and left, then
+      retired to his place. &nbsp;The mock King did mechanically as he had been
+      bidden. &nbsp;His smile had no heart in it, but few eyes were near enough
+      or sharp enough to detect that. &nbsp;The noddings of his plumed head as
+      he saluted his subjects were full of grace and graciousness; the largess
+      which he delivered from his hand was royally liberal: &nbsp;so the
+      people's anxiety vanished, and the acclamations burst forth again in as
+      mighty a volume as before.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Still once more, a little before the progress was ended, the Duke was
+      obliged to ride forward, and make remonstrance. &nbsp;He whispered&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "O dread sovereign! shake off these fatal humours; the eyes of the world
+      are upon thee." &nbsp;Then he added with sharp annoyance, "Perdition catch
+      that crazy pauper! 'twas she that hath disturbed your Highness."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link31-362" id="link31-362"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link31-362.jpg (119K)" src="images/31-362.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The gorgeous figure turned a lustreless eye upon the Duke, and said in a
+      dead voice&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "She was my mother!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "My God!" groaned the Protector as he reined his horse backward to his
+      post, "the omen was pregnant with prophecy. &nbsp;He is gone mad again!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c32" id="c32"></a> <a name="link32-363"
+      id="link32-363"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link32-363.jpg (51K)" src="images/32-363.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XXXII. Coronation Day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Let us go backward a few hours, and place ourselves in Westminster Abbey,
+      at four o'clock in the morning of this memorable Coronation Day. &nbsp;We
+      are not without company; for although it is still night, we find the
+      torch-lighted galleries already filling up with people who are well
+      content to sit still and wait seven or eight hours till the time shall
+      come for them to see what they may not hope to see twice in their lives&mdash;the
+      coronation of a King. &nbsp;Yes, London and Westminster have been astir
+      ever since the warning guns boomed at three o'clock, and already crowds of
+      untitled rich folk who have bought the privilege of trying to find
+      sitting-room in the galleries are flocking in at the entrances reserved
+      for their sort.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The hours drag along tediously enough. &nbsp;All stir has ceased for some
+      time, for every gallery has long ago been packed. &nbsp;We may sit, now,
+      and look and think at our leisure. &nbsp;We have glimpses, here and there
+      and yonder, through the dim cathedral twilight, of portions of many
+      galleries and balconies, wedged full with other people, the other portions
+      of these galleries and balconies being cut off from sight by intervening
+      pillars and architectural projections. &nbsp;We have in view the whole of
+      the great north transept&mdash;empty, and waiting for England's privileged
+      ones. &nbsp;We see also the ample area or platform, carpeted with rich
+      stuffs, whereon the throne stands. &nbsp;The throne occupies the centre of
+      the platform, and is raised above it upon an elevation of four steps.
+      Within the seat of the throne is enclosed a rough flat rock&mdash;the
+      stone of Scone&mdash;which many generations of Scottish kings sat on to be
+      crowned, and so it in time became holy enough to answer a like purpose for
+      English monarchs. &nbsp;Both the throne and its footstool are covered with
+      cloth of gold.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Stillness reigns, the torches blink dully, the time drags heavily. But at
+      last the lagging daylight asserts itself, the torches are extinguished,
+      and a mellow radiance suffuses the great spaces. All features of the noble
+      building are distinct now, but soft and dreamy, for the sun is lightly
+      veiled with clouds.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At seven o'clock the first break in the drowsy monotony occurs; for on the
+      stroke of this hour the first peeress enters the transept, clothed like
+      Solomon for splendour, and is conducted to her appointed place by an
+      official clad in satins and velvets, whilst a duplicate of him gathers up
+      the lady's long train, follows after, and, when the lady is seated,
+      arranges the train across her lap for her. &nbsp;He then places her
+      footstool according to her desire, after which he puts her coronet where
+      it will be convenient to her hand when the time for the simultaneous
+      coroneting of the nobles shall arrive.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link32-366" id="link32-366"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link32-366.jpg (53K)" src="images/32-366.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      By this time the peeresses are flowing in in a glittering stream, and the
+      satin-clad officials are flitting and glinting everywhere, seating them
+      and making them comfortable. &nbsp;The scene is animated enough now.
+      &nbsp;There is stir and life, and shifting colour everywhere. &nbsp;After
+      a time, quiet reigns again; for the peeresses are all come and are all in
+      their places, a solid acre or such a matter, of human flowers, resplendent
+      in variegated colours, and frosted like a Milky Way with diamonds. &nbsp;There
+      are all ages here: brown, wrinkled, white-haired dowagers who are able to
+      go back, and still back, down the stream of time, and recall the crowning
+      of Richard III. and the troublous days of that old forgotten age; and
+      there are handsome middle-aged dames; and lovely and gracious young
+      matrons; and gentle and beautiful young girls, with beaming eyes and fresh
+      complexions, who may possibly put on their jewelled coronets awkwardly
+      when the great time comes; for the matter will be new to them, and their
+      excitement will be a sore hindrance. Still, this may not happen, for the
+      hair of all these ladies has been arranged with a special view to the
+      swift and successful lodging of the crown in its place when the signal
+      comes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We have seen that this massed array of peeresses is sown thick with
+      diamonds, and we also see that it is a marvellous spectacle&mdash;but now
+      we are about to be astonished in earnest. &nbsp;About nine, the clouds
+      suddenly break away and a shaft of sunshine cleaves the mellow atmosphere,
+      and drifts slowly along the ranks of ladies; and every rank it touches
+      flames into a dazzling splendour of many-coloured fires, and we tingle to
+      our finger-tips with the electric thrill that is shot through us by the
+      surprise and the beauty of the spectacle! &nbsp;Presently a special envoy
+      from some distant corner of the Orient, marching with the general body of
+      foreign ambassadors, crosses this bar of sunshine, and we catch our
+      breath, the glory that streams and flashes and palpitates about him is so
+      overpowering; for he is crusted from head to heel with gems, and his
+      slightest movement showers a dancing radiance all around him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link32-368" id="link32-368"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link32-368.jpg (158K)" src="images/32-368.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Let us change the tense for convenience. &nbsp;The time drifted along&mdash;one
+      hour&mdash;two hours&mdash;two hours and a half; then the deep booming of
+      artillery told that the King and his grand procession had arrived at last;
+      so the waiting multitude rejoiced. &nbsp;All knew that a further delay
+      must follow, for the King must be prepared and robed for the solemn
+      ceremony; but this delay would be pleasantly occupied by the assembling of
+      the peers of the realm in their stately robes. &nbsp;These were conducted
+      ceremoniously to their seats, and their coronets placed conveniently at
+      hand; and meanwhile the multitude in the galleries were alive with
+      interest, for most of them were beholding for the first time, dukes,
+      earls, and barons, whose names had been historical for five hundred years.
+      &nbsp;When all were finally seated, the spectacle from the galleries and
+      all coigns of vantage was complete; a gorgeous one to look upon and to
+      remember.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now the robed and mitred great heads of the church, and their attendants,
+      filed in upon the platform and took their appointed places; these were
+      followed by the Lord Protector and other great officials, and these again
+      by a steel-clad detachment of the Guard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a waiting pause; then, at a signal, a triumphant peal of music
+      burst forth, and Tom Canty, clothed in a long robe of cloth of gold,
+      appeared at a door, and stepped upon the platform. &nbsp;The entire
+      multitude rose, and the ceremony of the Recognition ensued.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then a noble anthem swept the Abbey with its rich waves of sound; and thus
+      heralded and welcomed, Tom Canty was conducted to the throne. &nbsp;The
+      ancient ceremonies went on, with impressive solemnity, whilst the audience
+      gazed; and as they drew nearer and nearer to completion, Tom Canty grew
+      pale, and still paler, and a deep and steadily deepening woe and
+      despondency settled down upon his spirits and upon his remorseful heart.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At last the final act was at hand. &nbsp;The Archbishop of Canterbury
+      lifted up the crown of England from its cushion and held it out over the
+      trembling mock-King's head. &nbsp;In the same instant a rainbow-radiance
+      flashed along the spacious transept; for with one impulse every individual
+      in the great concourse of nobles lifted a coronet and poised it over his
+      or her head&mdash;and paused in that attitude.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A deep hush pervaded the Abbey. &nbsp;At this impressive moment, a
+      startling apparition intruded upon the scene&mdash;an apparition observed
+      by none in the absorbed multitude, until it suddenly appeared, moving up
+      the great central aisle. &nbsp;It was a boy, bareheaded, ill shod, and
+      clothed in coarse plebeian garments that were falling to rags. &nbsp;He
+      raised his hand with a solemnity which ill comported with his soiled and
+      sorry aspect, and delivered this note of warning&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I forbid you to set the crown of England upon that forfeited head. &nbsp;I
+      am the King!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In an instant several indignant hands were laid upon the boy; but in the
+      same instant Tom Canty, in his regal vestments, made a swift step forward,
+      and cried out in a ringing voice&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Loose him and forbear! &nbsp;He <i>is</i> the King!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A sort of panic of astonishment swept the assemblage, and they partly rose
+      in their places and stared in a bewildered way at one another and at the
+      chief figures in this scene, like persons who wondered whether they were
+      awake and in their senses, or asleep and dreaming. &nbsp;The Lord
+      Protector was as amazed as the rest, but quickly recovered himself, and
+      exclaimed in a voice of authority&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Mind not his Majesty, his malady is upon him again&mdash;seize the
+      vagabond!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He would have been obeyed, but the mock-King stamped his foot and cried
+      out&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "On your peril! &nbsp;Touch him not, he is the King!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The hands were withheld; a paralysis fell upon the house; no one moved, no
+      one spoke; indeed, no one knew how to act or what to say, in so strange
+      and surprising an emergency. &nbsp;While all minds were struggling to
+      right themselves, the boy still moved steadily forward, with high port and
+      confident mien; he had never halted from the beginning; and while the
+      tangled minds still floundered helplessly, he stepped upon the platform,
+      and the mock-King ran with a glad face to meet him; and fell on his knees
+      before him and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, my lord the King, let poor Tom Canty be first to swear fealty to
+      thee, and say, 'Put on thy crown and enter into thine own again!'"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link32-370" id="link32-370"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link32-370.jpg (121K)" src="images/32-370.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Lord Protector's eye fell sternly upon the new-comer's face; but
+      straightway the sternness vanished away, and gave place to an expression
+      of wondering surprise. &nbsp;This thing happened also to the other great
+      officers. &nbsp;They glanced at each other, and retreated a step by a
+      common and unconscious impulse. &nbsp;The thought in each mind was the
+      same: &nbsp;"What a strange resemblance!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Lord Protector reflected a moment or two in perplexity, then he said,
+      with grave respectfulness&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "By your favour, sir, I desire to ask certain questions which&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I will answer them, my lord."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Duke asked him many questions about the Court, the late King, the
+      prince, the princesses&mdash;the boy answered them correctly and without
+      hesitating. &nbsp;He described the rooms of state in the palace, the late
+      King's apartments, and those of the Prince of Wales.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was strange; it was wonderful; yes, it was unaccountable&mdash;so all
+      said that heard it. &nbsp;The tide was beginning to turn, and Tom Canty's
+      hopes to run high, when the Lord Protector shook his head and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "It is true it is most wonderful&mdash;but it is no more than our lord the
+      King likewise can do." &nbsp;This remark, and this reference to himself as
+      still the King, saddened Tom Canty, and he felt his hopes crumbling from
+      under him. &nbsp;"These are not <i>proofs</i>," added the Protector.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The tide was turning very fast now, very fast indeed&mdash;but in the
+      wrong direction; it was leaving poor Tom Canty stranded on the throne, and
+      sweeping the other out to sea. &nbsp;The Lord Protector communed with
+      himself&mdash;shook his head&mdash;the thought forced itself upon him, "It
+      is perilous to the State and to us all, to entertain so fateful a riddle
+      as this; it could divide the nation and undermine the throne." &nbsp;He
+      turned and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Sir Thomas, arrest this&mdash;No, hold!" &nbsp;His face lighted, and he
+      confronted the ragged candidate with this question&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Where lieth the Great Seal? &nbsp;Answer me this truly, and the riddle is
+      unriddled; for only he that was Prince of Wales <i>can</i> so answer! On so
+      trivial a thing hang a throne and a dynasty!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a lucky thought, a happy thought. &nbsp;That it was so considered
+      by the great officials was manifested by the silent applause that shot
+      from eye to eye around their circle in the form of bright approving
+      glances. Yes, none but the true prince could dissolve the stubborn mystery
+      of the vanished Great Seal&mdash;this forlorn little impostor had been
+      taught his lesson well, but here his teachings must fail, for his teacher
+      himself could not answer <i>that</i> question&mdash;ah, very good, very good
+      indeed; now we shall be rid of this troublesome and perilous business in
+      short order! And so they nodded invisibly and smiled inwardly with
+      satisfaction, and looked to see this foolish lad stricken with a palsy of
+      guilty confusion. How surprised they were, then, to see nothing of the
+      sort happen&mdash;how they marvelled to hear him answer up promptly, in a
+      confident and untroubled voice, and say&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link32-373" id="link32-373"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link32-373.jpg (201K)" src="images/32-373.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "There is nought in this riddle that is difficult." &nbsp;Then, without so
+      much as a by-your-leave to anybody, he turned and gave this command, with
+      the easy manner of one accustomed to doing such things: "My Lord St. John,
+      go you to my private cabinet in the palace&mdash;for none knoweth the
+      place better than you&mdash;and, close down to the floor, in the left
+      corner remotest from the door that opens from the ante-chamber, you shall
+      find in the wall a brazen nail-head; press upon it and a little
+      jewel-closet will fly open which not even you do know of&mdash;no, nor any
+      soul else in all the world but me and the trusty artisan that did contrive
+      it for me. The first thing that falleth under your eye will be the Great
+      Seal&mdash;fetch it hither."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All the company wondered at this speech, and wondered still more to see
+      the little mendicant pick out this peer without hesitancy or apparent fear
+      of mistake, and call him by name with such a placidly convincing air of
+      having known him all his life. &nbsp;The peer was almost surprised into
+      obeying. &nbsp;He even made a movement as if to go, but quickly recovered
+      his tranquil attitude and confessed his blunder with a blush. &nbsp;Tom
+      Canty turned upon him and said, sharply&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Why dost thou hesitate? &nbsp;Hast not heard the King's command? &nbsp;Go!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Lord St. John made a deep obeisance&mdash;and it was observed that it
+      was a significantly cautious and non-committal one, it not being delivered
+      at either of the kings, but at the neutral ground about half-way between
+      the two&mdash;and took his leave.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now began a movement of the gorgeous particles of that official group
+      which was slow, scarcely perceptible, and yet steady and persistent&mdash;a
+      movement such as is observed in a kaleidoscope that is turned slowly,
+      whereby the components of one splendid cluster fall away and join
+      themselves to another&mdash;a movement which, little by little, in the
+      present case, dissolved the glittering crowd that stood about Tom Canty
+      and clustered it together again in the neighbourhood of the new-comer.
+      &nbsp;Tom Canty stood almost alone. Now ensued a brief season of deep
+      suspense and waiting&mdash;during which even the few faint hearts still
+      remaining near Tom Canty gradually scraped together courage enough to
+      glide, one by one, over to the majority. &nbsp;So at last Tom Canty, in
+      his royal robes and jewels, stood wholly alone and isolated from the
+      world, a conspicuous figure, occupying an eloquent vacancy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now the Lord St. John was seen returning. &nbsp;As he advanced up the
+      mid-aisle the interest was so intense that the low murmur of conversation
+      in the great assemblage died out and was succeeded by a profound hush, a
+      breathless stillness, through which his footfalls pulsed with a dull and
+      distant sound. &nbsp;Every eye was fastened upon him as he moved along.
+      &nbsp;He reached the platform, paused a moment, then moved toward Tom
+      Canty with a deep obeisance, and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Sire, the Seal is not there!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link32-375" id="link32-375"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link32-375.jpg (77K)" src="images/32-375.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A mob does not melt away from the presence of a plague-patient with more
+      haste than the band of pallid and terrified courtiers melted away from the
+      presence of the shabby little claimant of the Crown. &nbsp;In a moment he
+      stood all alone, without friend or supporter, a target upon which was
+      concentrated a bitter fire of scornful and angry looks. &nbsp;The Lord
+      Protector called out fiercely&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Cast the beggar into the street, and scourge him through the town&mdash;the
+      paltry knave is worth no more consideration!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Officers of the guard sprang forward to obey, but Tom Canty waved them off
+      and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Back! &nbsp;Whoso touches him perils his life!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Lord Protector was perplexed in the last degree. &nbsp;He said to the
+      Lord St. John&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Searched you well?&mdash;but it boots not to ask that. &nbsp;It doth seem
+      passing strange. &nbsp;Little things, trifles, slip out of one's ken, and
+      one does not think it matter for surprise; but how so bulky a thing as the
+      Seal of England can vanish away and no man be able to get track of it
+      again&mdash;a massy golden disk&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom Canty, with beaming eyes, sprang forward and shouted&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Hold, that is enough! &nbsp;Was it round?&mdash;and thick?&mdash;and had
+      it letters and devices graved upon it?&mdash;yes? &nbsp;Oh, <i>now</i> I know
+      what this Great Seal is that there's been such worry and pother about. An'
+      ye had described it to me, ye could have had it three weeks ago. &nbsp;Right
+      well I know where it lies; but it was not I that put it there&mdash;first."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Who, then, my liege?" asked the Lord Protector.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "He that stands there&mdash;the rightful King of England. &nbsp;And he
+      shall tell you himself where it lies&mdash;then you will believe he knew
+      it of his own knowledge. &nbsp;Bethink thee, my King&mdash;spur thy memory&mdash;it
+      was the last, the very <i>last</i> thing thou didst that day before thou didst
+      rush forth from the palace, clothed in my rags, to punish the soldier that
+      insulted me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link32-377" id="link32-377"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link32-377.jpg (85K)" src="images/32-377.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A silence ensued, undisturbed by a movement or a whisper, and all eyes
+      were fixed upon the new-comer, who stood, with bent head and corrugated
+      brow, groping in his memory among a thronging multitude of valueless
+      recollections for one single little elusive fact, which, found, would seat
+      him upon a throne&mdash;unfound, would leave him as he was, for good and
+      all&mdash;a pauper and an outcast. &nbsp;Moment after moment passed&mdash;the
+      moments built themselves into minutes&mdash;still the boy struggled
+      silently on, and gave no sign. &nbsp;But at last he heaved a sigh, shook
+      his head slowly, and said, with a trembling lip and in a despondent voice&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I call the scene back&mdash;all of it&mdash;but the Seal hath no place in
+      it." &nbsp;He paused, then looked up, and said with gentle dignity, "My
+      lords and gentlemen, if ye will rob your rightful sovereign of his own for
+      lack of this evidence which he is not able to furnish, I may not stay ye,
+      being powerless. &nbsp;But&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, folly, oh, madness, my King!" cried Tom Canty, in a panic, "wait!&mdash;think!
+      &nbsp;Do not give up!&mdash;the cause is not lost! &nbsp;Nor <i>shall</i> be,
+      neither! List to what I say&mdash;follow every word&mdash;I am going to
+      bring that morning back again, every hap just as it happened. &nbsp;We
+      talked&mdash;I told you of my sisters, Nan and Bet&mdash;ah, yes, you
+      remember that; and about mine old grandam&mdash;and the rough games of the
+      lads of Offal Court&mdash;yes, you remember these things also; very well,
+      follow me still, you shall recall everything. &nbsp;You gave me food and
+      drink, and did with princely courtesy send away the servants, so that my
+      low breeding might not shame me before them&mdash;ah, yes, this also you
+      remember."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As Tom checked off his details, and the other boy nodded his head in
+      recognition of them, the great audience and the officials stared in
+      puzzled wonderment; the tale sounded like true history, yet how could this
+      impossible conjunction between a prince and a beggar-boy have come about?
+      &nbsp;Never was a company of people so perplexed, so interested, and so
+      stupefied, before.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "For a jest, my prince, we did exchange garments. &nbsp;Then we stood
+      before a mirror; and so alike were we that both said it seemed as if there
+      had been no change made&mdash;yes, you remember that. &nbsp;Then you
+      noticed that the soldier had hurt my hand&mdash;look! here it is, I cannot
+      yet even write with it, the fingers are so stiff. &nbsp;At this your
+      Highness sprang up, vowing vengeance upon that soldier, and ran towards
+      the door&mdash;you passed a table&mdash;that thing you call the Seal lay
+      on that table&mdash;you snatched it up and looked eagerly about, as if for
+      a place to hide it&mdash;your eye caught sight of&mdash;"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "There, 'tis sufficient!&mdash;and the good God be thanked!" exclaimed the
+      ragged claimant, in a mighty excitement. &nbsp;"Go, my good St. John&mdash;in
+      an arm-piece of the Milanese armour that hangs on the wall, thou'lt find
+      the Seal!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Right, my King! right!" cried Tom Canty; "<i>Now</i> the sceptre of England is
+      thine own; and it were better for him that would dispute it that he had
+      been born dumb! &nbsp;Go, my Lord St. John, give thy feet wings!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The whole assemblage was on its feet now, and well-nigh out of its mind
+      with uneasiness, apprehension, and consuming excitement. &nbsp;On the
+      floor and on the platform a deafening buzz of frantic conversation burst
+      forth, and for some time nobody knew anything or heard anything or was
+      interested in anything but what his neighbour was shouting into his ear,
+      or he was shouting into his neighbour's ear. &nbsp;Time&mdash;nobody knew
+      how much of it&mdash;swept by unheeded and unnoted. &nbsp;At last a sudden
+      hush fell upon the house, and in the same moment St. John appeared upon
+      the platform, and held the Great Seal aloft in his hand. &nbsp;Then such a
+      shout went up&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Long live the true King!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link32-379" id="link32-379"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link32-379.jpg (169K)" src="images/32-379.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      For five minutes the air quaked with shouts and the crash of musical
+      instruments, and was white with a storm of waving handkerchiefs; and
+      through it all a ragged lad, the most conspicuous figure in England,
+      stood, flushed and happy and proud, in the centre of the spacious
+      platform, with the great vassals of the kingdom kneeling around him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then all rose, and Tom Canty cried out&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now, O my King, take these regal garments back, and give poor Tom, thy
+      servant, his shreds and remnants again."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Lord Protector spoke up&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Let the small varlet be stripped and flung into the Tower."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But the new King, the true King, said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I will not have it so. &nbsp;But for him I had not got my crown again&mdash;none
+      shall lay a hand upon him to harm him. &nbsp;And as for thee, my good
+      uncle, my Lord Protector, this conduct of thine is not grateful toward
+      this poor lad, for I hear he hath made thee a duke"&mdash;the Protector
+      blushed&mdash;"yet he was not a king; wherefore what is thy fine title
+      worth now? &nbsp;To-morrow you shall sue to me, <i>through him</i>, for its
+      confirmation, else no duke, but a simple earl, shalt thou remain."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Under this rebuke, his Grace the Duke of Somerset retired a little from
+      the front for the moment. &nbsp;The King turned to Tom, and said kindly&mdash;"My
+      poor boy, how was it that you could remember where I hid the Seal when I
+      could not remember it myself?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Ah, my King, that was easy, since I used it divers days."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Used it&mdash;yet could not explain where it was?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I did not know it was <i>that</i> they wanted. &nbsp;They did not describe it,
+      your Majesty."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Then how used you it?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The red blood began to steal up into Tom's cheeks, and he dropped his eyes
+      and was silent.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Speak up, good lad, and fear nothing," said the King. &nbsp;"How used you
+      the Great Seal of England?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom stammered a moment, in a pathetic confusion, then got it out&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "To crack nuts with!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link32-381" id="link32-381"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link32-381.jpg (59K)" src="images/32-381.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Poor child, the avalanche of laughter that greeted this nearly swept him
+      off his feet. &nbsp;But if a doubt remained in any mind that Tom Canty was
+      not the King of England and familiar with the august appurtenances of
+      royalty, this reply disposed of it utterly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Meantime the sumptuous robe of state had been removed from Tom's shoulders
+      to the King's, whose rags were effectually hidden from sight under it.
+      &nbsp;Then the coronation ceremonies were resumed; the true King was
+      anointed and the crown set upon his head, whilst cannon thundered the news
+      to the city, and all London seemed to rock with applause.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c33" id="c33"></a> <a name="link33-383"
+      id="link33-383"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link33-383.jpg (86K)" src="images/33-383.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chapter XXXIII. Edward as King.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Miles Hendon was picturesque enough before he got into the riot on London
+      Bridge&mdash;he was more so when he got out of it. &nbsp;He had but little
+      money when he got in, none at all when he got out. &nbsp;The pickpockets
+      had stripped him of his last farthing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But no matter, so he found his boy. &nbsp;Being a soldier, he did not go
+      at his task in a random way, but set to work, first of all, to arrange his
+      campaign.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What would the boy naturally do? &nbsp;Where would he naturally go? Well&mdash;argued
+      Miles&mdash;he would naturally go to his former haunts, for that is the
+      instinct of unsound minds, when homeless and forsaken, as well as of sound
+      ones. &nbsp;Whereabouts were his former haunts? &nbsp;His rags, taken
+      together with the low villain who seemed to know him and who even claimed
+      to be his father, indicated that his home was in one or another of the
+      poorest and meanest districts of London. &nbsp;Would the search for him be
+      difficult, or long? &nbsp;No, it was likely to be easy and brief. &nbsp;He
+      would not hunt for the boy, he would hunt for a crowd; in the centre of a
+      big crowd or a little one, sooner or later, he should find his poor little
+      friend, sure; and the mangy mob would be entertaining itself with
+      pestering and aggravating the boy, who would be proclaiming himself King,
+      as usual. &nbsp;Then Miles Hendon would cripple some of those people, and
+      carry off his little ward, and comfort and cheer him with loving words,
+      and the two would never be separated any more.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So Miles started on his quest. &nbsp;Hour after hour he tramped through
+      back alleys and squalid streets, seeking groups and crowds, and finding no
+      end of them, but never any sign of the boy. &nbsp;This greatly surprised
+      him, but did not discourage him. &nbsp;To his notion, there was nothing
+      the matter with his plan of campaign; the only miscalculation about it was
+      that the campaign was becoming a lengthy one, whereas he had expected it
+      to be short.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When daylight arrived, at last, he had made many a mile, and canvassed
+      many a crowd, but the only result was that he was tolerably tired, rather
+      hungry and very sleepy. &nbsp;He wanted some breakfast, but there was no
+      way to get it. &nbsp;To beg for it did not occur to him; as to pawning his
+      sword, he would as soon have thought of parting with his honour; he could
+      spare some of his clothes&mdash;yes, but one could as easily find a
+      customer for a disease as for such clothes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At noon he was still tramping&mdash;among the rabble which followed after
+      the royal procession, now; for he argued that this regal display would
+      attract his little lunatic powerfully. &nbsp;He followed the pageant
+      through all its devious windings about London, and all the way to
+      Westminster and the Abbey. &nbsp;He drifted here and there amongst the
+      multitudes that were massed in the vicinity for a weary long time, baffled
+      and perplexed, and finally wandered off, thinking, and trying to contrive
+      some way to better his plan of campaign. &nbsp;By-and-by, when he came to
+      himself out of his musings, he discovered that the town was far behind him
+      and that the day was growing old. &nbsp;He was near the river, and in the
+      country; it was a region of fine rural seats&mdash;not the sort of
+      district to welcome clothes like his.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link33-386" id="link33-386"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link33-386.jpg (94K)" src="images/33-386.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was not at all cold; so he stretched himself on the ground in the lee
+      of a hedge to rest and think. &nbsp;Drowsiness presently began to settle
+      upon his senses; the faint and far-off boom of cannon was wafted to his
+      ear, and he said to himself, "The new King is crowned," and straightway
+      fell asleep. &nbsp;He had not slept or rested, before, for more than
+      thirty hours. He did not wake again until near the middle of the next
+      morning.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He got up, lame, stiff, and half famished, washed himself in the river,
+      stayed his stomach with a pint or two of water, and trudged off toward
+      Westminster, grumbling at himself for having wasted so much time. &nbsp;Hunger
+      helped him to a new plan, now; he would try to get speech with old Sir
+      Humphrey Marlow and borrow a few marks, and&mdash;but that was enough of a
+      plan for the present; it would be time enough to enlarge it when this
+      first stage should be accomplished.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Toward eleven o'clock he approached the palace; and although a host of
+      showy people were about him, moving in the same direction, he was not
+      inconspicuous&mdash;his costume took care of that. &nbsp;He watched these
+      people's faces narrowly, hoping to find a charitable one whose possessor
+      might be willing to carry his name to the old lieutenant&mdash;as to
+      trying to get into the palace himself, that was simply out of the
+      question.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Presently our whipping-boy passed him, then wheeled about and scanned his
+      figure well, saying to himself, "An' that is not the very vagabond his
+      Majesty is in such a worry about, then am I an ass&mdash;though belike I
+      was that before. &nbsp;He answereth the description to a rag&mdash;that
+      God should make two such would be to cheapen miracles by wasteful
+      repetition. &nbsp;I would I could contrive an excuse to speak with him."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Miles Hendon saved him the trouble; for he turned about, then, as a man
+      generally will when somebody mesmerises him by gazing hard at him from
+      behind; and observing a strong interest in the boy's eyes, he stepped
+      toward him and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "You have just come out from the palace; do you belong there?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Yes, your worship."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Know you Sir Humphrey Marlow?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The boy started, and said to himself, "Lord! mine old departed father!"
+      Then he answered aloud, "Right well, your worship."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Good&mdash;is he within?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Yes," said the boy; and added, to himself, "within his grave."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Might I crave your favour to carry my name to him, and say I beg to say a
+      word in his ear?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I will despatch the business right willingly, fair sir."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Then say Miles Hendon, son of Sir Richard, is here without&mdash;I shall
+      be greatly bounden to you, my good lad."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The boy looked disappointed. &nbsp;"The King did not name him so," he said
+      to himself; "but it mattereth not, this is his twin brother, and can give
+      his Majesty news of t'other Sir-Odds-and-Ends, I warrant." &nbsp;So he
+      said to Miles, "Step in there a moment, good sir, and wait till I bring
+      you word."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hendon retired to the place indicated&mdash;it was a recess sunk in the
+      palace wall, with a stone bench in it&mdash;a shelter for sentinels in bad
+      weather. He had hardly seated himself when some halberdiers, in charge of
+      an officer, passed by. &nbsp;The officer saw him, halted his men, and
+      commanded Hendon to come forth. &nbsp;He obeyed, and was promptly arrested
+      as a suspicious character prowling within the precincts of the palace.
+      &nbsp;Things began to look ugly. &nbsp;Poor Miles was going to explain,
+      but the officer roughly silenced him, and ordered his men to disarm him
+      and search him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link33-389" id="link33-389"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link33-389.jpg (117K)" src="images/33-389.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "God of his mercy grant that they find somewhat," said poor Miles; "I have
+      searched enow, and failed, yet is my need greater than theirs."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nothing was found but a document. &nbsp;The officer tore it open, and
+      Hendon smiled when he recognised the 'pot-hooks' made by his lost little
+      friend that black day at Hendon Hall. &nbsp;The officer's face grew dark
+      as he read the English paragraph, and Miles blenched to the opposite
+      colour as he listened.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Another new claimant of the Crown!" cried the officer. &nbsp;"Verily they
+      breed like rabbits, to-day. &nbsp;Seize the rascal, men, and see ye keep
+      him fast whilst I convey this precious paper within and send it to the
+      King."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He hurried away, leaving the prisoner in the grip of the halberdiers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Now is my evil luck ended at last," muttered Hendon, "for I shall dangle
+      at a rope's end for a certainty, by reason of that bit of writing. &nbsp;And
+      what will become of my poor lad!&mdash;ah, only the good God knoweth."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      By-and-by he saw the officer coming again, in a great hurry; so he plucked
+      his courage together, purposing to meet his trouble as became a man.
+      &nbsp;The officer ordered the men to loose the prisoner and return his
+      sword to him; then bowed respectfully, and said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Please you, sir, to follow me."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hendon followed, saying to himself, "An' I were not travelling to death
+      and judgment, and so must needs economise in sin, I would throttle this
+      knave for his mock courtesy."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The two traversed a populous court, and arrived at the grand entrance of
+      the palace, where the officer, with another bow, delivered Hendon into the
+      hands of a gorgeous official, who received him with profound respect and
+      led him forward through a great hall, lined on both sides with rows of
+      splendid flunkeys (who made reverential obeisance as the two passed along,
+      but fell into death-throes of silent laughter at our stately scarecrow the
+      moment his back was turned), and up a broad staircase, among flocks of
+      fine folk, and finally conducted him into a vast room, clove a passage for
+      him through the assembled nobility of England, then made a bow, reminded
+      him to take his hat off, and left him standing in the middle of the room,
+      a mark for all eyes, for plenty of indignant frowns, and for a sufficiency
+      of amused and derisive smiles.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Miles Hendon was entirely bewildered. &nbsp;There sat the young King,
+      under a canopy of state, five steps away, with his head bent down and
+      aside, speaking with a sort of human bird of paradise&mdash;a duke, maybe.
+      &nbsp;Hendon observed to himself that it was hard enough to be sentenced
+      to death in the full vigour of life, without having this peculiarly public
+      humiliation added. &nbsp;He wished the King would hurry about it&mdash;some
+      of the gaudy people near by were becoming pretty offensive. &nbsp;At this
+      moment the King raised his head slightly, and Hendon caught a good view of
+      his face. The sight nearly took his breath away!&mdash;He stood gazing at
+      the fair young face like one transfixed; then presently ejaculated&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Lo, the Lord of the Kingdom of Dreams and Shadows on his throne!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He muttered some broken sentences, still gazing and marvelling; then
+      turned his eyes around and about, scanning the gorgeous throng and the
+      splendid saloon, murmuring, "But these are <i>real</i>&mdash;verily these are
+      <i>real</i>&mdash;surely it is not a dream."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He stared at the King again&mdash;and thought, "<i>Is</i> it a dream . . . or <i>is</i>
+      he the veritable Sovereign of England, and not the friendless poor Tom o'
+      Bedlam I took him for&mdash;who shall solve me this riddle?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A sudden idea flashed in his eye, and he strode to the wall, gathered up a
+      chair, brought it back, planted it on the floor, and sat down in it!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link33-392" id="link33-392"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link33-392.jpg (184K)" src="images/33-392.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A buzz of indignation broke out, a rough hand was laid upon him and a
+      voice exclaimed&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Up, thou mannerless clown! would'st sit in the presence of the King?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The disturbance attracted his Majesty's attention, who stretched forth his
+      hand and cried out&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Touch him not, it is his right!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The throng fell back, stupefied. &nbsp;The King went on&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Learn ye all, ladies, lords, and gentlemen, that this is my trusty and
+      well-beloved servant, Miles Hendon, who interposed his good sword and
+      saved his prince from bodily harm and possible death&mdash;and for this he
+      is a knight, by the King's voice. &nbsp;Also learn, that for a higher
+      service, in that he saved his sovereign stripes and shame, taking these
+      upon himself, he is a peer of England, Earl of Kent, and shall have gold
+      and lands meet for the dignity. &nbsp;More&mdash;the privilege which he
+      hath just exercised is his by royal grant; for we have ordained that the
+      chiefs of his line shall have and hold the right to sit in the presence of
+      the Majesty of England henceforth, age after age, so long as the crown
+      shall endure. &nbsp;Molest him not."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Two persons, who, through delay, had only arrived from the country during
+      this morning, and had now been in this room only five minutes, stood
+      listening to these words and looking at the King, then at the scarecrow,
+      then at the King again, in a sort of torpid bewilderment. &nbsp;These were
+      Sir Hugh and the Lady Edith. &nbsp;But the new Earl did not see them.
+      &nbsp;He was still staring at the monarch, in a dazed way, and muttering&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Oh, body o' me! &nbsp;<i>this</i> my pauper! &nbsp;This my lunatic! &nbsp;This
+      is he whom <i>I</i> would show what grandeur was, in my house of seventy rooms
+      and seven-and-twenty servants! &nbsp;This is he who had never known aught
+      but rags for raiment, kicks for comfort, and offal for diet! &nbsp;This is
+      he whom <i>I</i> adopted and would make respectable! Would God I had a bag to
+      hide my head in!"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then his manners suddenly came back to him, and he dropped upon his knees,
+      with his hands between the King's, and swore allegiance and did homage for
+      his lands and titles. &nbsp;Then he rose and stood respectfully aside, a
+      mark still for all eyes&mdash;and much envy, too.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now the King discovered Sir Hugh, and spoke out with wrathful voice and
+      kindling eye&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Strip this robber of his false show and stolen estates, and put him under
+      lock and key till I have need of him."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The late Sir Hugh was led away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link33-394" id="link33-394"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link33-394.jpg (165K)" src="images/33-394.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a stir at the other end of the room, now; the assemblage fell
+      apart, and Tom Canty, quaintly but richly clothed, marched down, between
+      these living walls, preceded by an usher. &nbsp;He knelt before the King,
+      who said&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I have learned the story of these past few weeks, and am well pleased
+      with thee. &nbsp;Thou hast governed the realm with right royal gentleness
+      and mercy. &nbsp;Thou hast found thy mother and thy sisters again? &nbsp;Good;
+      they shall be cared for&mdash;and thy father shall hang, if thou desire it
+      and the law consent. &nbsp;Know, all ye that hear my voice, that from this
+      day, they that abide in the shelter of Christ's Hospital and share the
+      King's bounty shall have their minds and hearts fed, as well as their
+      baser parts; and this boy shall dwell there, and hold the chief place in
+      its honourable body of governors, during life. &nbsp;And for that he hath
+      been a king, it is meet that other than common observance shall be his
+      due; wherefore note this his dress of state, for by it he shall be known,
+      and none shall copy it; and wheresoever he shall come, it shall remind the
+      people that he hath been royal, in his time, and none shall deny him his
+      due of reverence or fail to give him salutation. &nbsp;He hath the
+      throne's protection, he hath the crown's support, he shall be known and
+      called by the honourable title of the King's Ward."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /> <a name="link33-395" id="link33-395"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link33-395.jpg (145K)" src="images/33-395.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The proud and happy Tom Canty rose and kissed the King's hand, and was
+      conducted from the presence. &nbsp;He did not waste any time, but flew to
+      his mother, to tell her and Nan and Bet all about it and get them to help
+      him enjoy the great news. {1}
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c34" id="c34"></a> <a name="link34-397"
+      id="link34-397"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link34-397.jpg (58K)" src="images/34-397.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Conclusion. Justice and retribution.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the mysteries were all cleared up, it came out, by confession of Hugh
+      Hendon, that his wife had repudiated Miles by his command, that day at
+      Hendon Hall&mdash;a command assisted and supported by the perfectly
+      trustworthy promise that if she did not deny that he was Miles Hendon, and
+      stand firmly to it, he would have her life; whereupon she said, "Take it!"&mdash;she
+      did not value it&mdash;and she would not repudiate Miles; then the husband
+      said he would spare her life but have Miles assassinated! &nbsp;This was a
+      different matter; so she gave her word and kept it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hugh was not prosecuted for his threats or for stealing his brother's
+      estates and title, because the wife and brother would not testify against
+      him&mdash;and the former would not have been allowed to do it, even if she
+      had wanted to. &nbsp;Hugh deserted his wife and went over to the
+      continent, where he presently died; and by-and-by the Earl of Kent married
+      his relict. There were grand times and rejoicings at Hendon village when
+      the couple paid their first visit to the Hall.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom Canty's father was never heard of again.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King sought out the farmer who had been branded and sold as a slave,
+      and reclaimed him from his evil life with the Ruffler's gang, and put him
+      in the way of a comfortable livelihood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He also took that old lawyer out of prison and remitted his fine. He
+      provided good homes for the daughters of the two Baptist women whom he saw
+      burned at the stake, and roundly punished the official who laid the
+      undeserved stripes upon Miles Hendon's back.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He saved from the gallows the boy who had captured the stray falcon, and
+      also the woman who had stolen a remnant of cloth from a weaver; but he was
+      too late to save the man who had been convicted of killing a deer in the
+      royal forest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He showed favour to the justice who had pitied him when he was supposed to
+      have stolen a pig, and he had the gratification of seeing him grow in the
+      public esteem and become a great and honoured man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As long as the King lived he was fond of telling the story of his
+      adventures, all through, from the hour that the sentinel cuffed him away
+      from the palace gate till the final midnight when he deftly mixed himself
+      into a gang of hurrying workmen and so slipped into the Abbey and climbed
+      up and hid himself in the Confessor's tomb, and then slept so long, next
+      day, that he came within one of missing the Coronation altogether. &nbsp;He
+      said that the frequent rehearsing of the precious lesson kept him strong
+      in his purpose to make its teachings yield benefits to his people; and so,
+      whilst his life was spared he should continue to tell the story, and thus
+      keep its sorrowful spectacles fresh in his memory and the springs of pity
+      replenished in his heart.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Miles Hendon and Tom Canty were favourites of the King, all through his
+      brief reign, and his sincere mourners when he died. The good Earl of Kent
+      had too much sense to abuse his peculiar privilege; but he exercised it
+      twice after the instance we have seen of it before he was called from this
+      world&mdash;once at the accession of Queen Mary, and once at the accession
+      of Queen Elizabeth. &nbsp;A descendant of his exercised it at the
+      accession of James I. &nbsp;Before this one's son chose to use the
+      privilege, near a quarter of a century had elapsed, and the 'privilege of
+      the Kents' had faded out of most people's memories; so, when the Kent of
+      that day appeared before Charles I. and his court and sat down in the
+      sovereign's presence to assert and perpetuate the right of his house,
+      there was a fine stir indeed! &nbsp;But the matter was soon explained, and
+      the right confirmed. &nbsp;The last Earl of the line fell in the wars of
+      the Commonwealth fighting for the King, and the odd privilege ended with
+      him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Tom Canty lived to be a very old man, a handsome, white-haired old fellow,
+      of grave and benignant aspect. &nbsp;As long as he lasted he was honoured;
+      and he was also reverenced, for his striking and peculiar costume kept the
+      people reminded that 'in his time he had been royal;' so, wherever he
+      appeared the crowd fell apart, making way for him, and whispering, one to
+      another, "Doff thy hat, it is the King's Ward!"&mdash;and so they saluted,
+      and got his kindly smile in return&mdash;and they valued it, too, for his
+      was an honourable history.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Yes, King Edward VI. lived only a few years, poor boy, but he lived them
+      worthily. &nbsp;More than once, when some great dignitary, some gilded
+      vassal of the crown, made argument against his leniency, and urged that
+      some law which he was bent upon amending was gentle enough for its
+      purpose, and wrought no suffering or oppression which any one need
+      mightily mind, the young King turned the mournful eloquence of his great
+      compassionate eyes upon him and answered&mdash;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What dost <i>thou</i> know of suffering and oppression? &nbsp;I and my people
+      know, but not thou."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The reign of Edward VI. was a singularly merciful one for those harsh
+      times. &nbsp;Now that we are taking leave of him, let us try to keep this
+      in our minds, to his credit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /> <a name="c35" id="c35"></a> <a name="link35-403"
+      id="link35-403"></a> <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+      <img alt="link35-403.jpg (46K)" src="images/35-403.jpg" width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      FOOTNOTES AND TWAIN'S NOTES
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      {1} &nbsp;For Mark Twain's note see below under the relevant chapter
+      heading.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      {2} &nbsp;He refers to the order of baronets, or baronettes; the barones
+      minores, as distinct from the parliamentary barons&mdash;not, it need
+      hardly be said, to the baronets of later creation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      {3} &nbsp;The lords of Kingsale, descendants of De Courcy, still enjoy
+      this curious privilege.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      {4} &nbsp;Hume.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      {5} &nbsp;Ib.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      {6} &nbsp;Leigh Hunt's 'The Town,' p.408, quotation from an early tourist.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      {7} &nbsp;Canting terms for various kinds of thieves, beggars and
+      vagabonds, and their female companions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      {8} &nbsp;From 'The English Rogue.' &nbsp;London, 1665.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      {9} &nbsp;Hume's England.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      {10} &nbsp;See Dr. J. Hammond Trumbull's Blue Laws, True and False, p. 11.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br />NOTE 1, Chapter IV. Christ's Hospital Costume.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It is most reasonable to regard the dress as copied from the costume of
+      the citizens of London of that period, when long blue coats were the
+      common habit of apprentices and serving-men, and yellow stockings were
+      generally worn; the coat fits closely to the body, but has loose sleeves,
+      and beneath is worn a sleeveless yellow under-coat; around the waist is a
+      red leathern girdle; a clerical band around the neck, and a small flat
+      black cap, about the size of a saucer, completes the costume.&mdash;Timbs'
+      Curiosities of London.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br />NOTE 2, Chapter IV.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It appears that Christ's Hospital was not originally founded as a <i>school</i>;
+      its object was to rescue children from the streets, to shelter, feed,
+      clothe them.&mdash;Timbs' Curiosities of London.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br />NOTE 3, Chapter V. The Duke of Norfolk's Condemnation
+      commanded.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The King was now approaching fast towards his end; and fearing lest
+      Norfolk should escape him, he sent a message to the Commons, by which he
+      desired them to hasten the Bill, on pretence that Norfolk enjoyed the
+      dignity of Earl Marshal, and it was necessary to appoint another, who
+      might officiate at the ensuing ceremony of installing his son Prince of
+      Wales.&mdash;Hume's History of England, vol. iii. p. 307.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br />NOTE 4, Chapter VII.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was not till the end of this reign (Henry VIII.) that any salads,
+      carrots, turnips, or other edible roots were produced in England. &nbsp;The
+      little of these vegetables that was used was formerly imported from
+      Holland and Flanders. &nbsp;Queen Catherine, when she wanted a salad, was
+      obliged to despatch a messenger thither on purpose.&mdash;Hume's History
+      of England, vol. iii. p. 314.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br />NOTE 5, Chapter VIII. Attainder of Norfolk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The House of Peers, without examining the prisoner, without trial or
+      evidence, passed a Bill of Attainder against him and sent it down to the
+      Commons . . . The obsequious Commons obeyed his (the King's) directions;
+      and the King, having affixed the Royal assent to the Bill by
+      commissioners, issued orders for the execution of Norfolk on the morning
+      of January 29 (the next day).&mdash;Hume's History of England, vol iii. p
+      306.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br />NOTE 6, Chapter X. The Loving-cup.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The loving-cup, and the peculiar ceremonies observed in drinking from it,
+      are older than English history. &nbsp;It is thought that both are Danish
+      importations. &nbsp;As far back as knowledge goes, the loving-cup has
+      always been drunk at English banquets. &nbsp;Tradition explains the
+      ceremonies in this way. &nbsp;In the rude ancient times it was deemed a
+      wise precaution to have both hands of both drinkers employed, lest while
+      the pledger pledged his love and fidelity to the pledgee, the pledgee take
+      that opportunity to slip a dirk into him!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br />NOTE 7, Chapter XI. The Duke of Norfolk's narrow Escape.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Had Henry VIII. survived a few hours longer, his order for the duke's
+      execution would have been carried into effect. 'But news being carried to
+      the Tower that the King himself had expired that night, the lieutenant
+      deferred obeying the warrant; and it was not thought advisable by the
+      Council to begin a new reign by the death of the greatest nobleman in the
+      kingdom, who had been condemned by a sentence so unjust and tyrannical.'&mdash;Hume's
+      History of England, vol. iii, p. 307.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br />NOTE 8, Chapter XIV. The Whipping-boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      James I. and Charles II. had whipping-boys, when they were little fellows,
+      to take their punishment for them when they fell short in their lessons;
+      so I have ventured to furnish my small prince with one, for my own
+      purposes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br />NOTES to Chapter XV.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Character of Hertford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The young King discovered an extreme attachment to his uncle, who was, in
+      the main, a man of moderation and probity.&mdash;Hume's History of
+      England, vol. iii, p324.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But if he (the Protector) gave offence by assuming too much state, he
+      deserves great praise on account of the laws passed this session, by which
+      the rigour of former statutes was much mitigated, and some security given
+      to the freedom of the constitution. &nbsp;All laws were repealed which
+      extended the crime of treason beyond the statute of the twenty-fifth of
+      Edward III.; all laws enacted during the late reign extending the crime of
+      felony; all the former laws against Lollardy or heresy, together with the
+      statute of the Six Articles. &nbsp;None were to be accused for words, but
+      within a month after they were spoken. &nbsp;By these repeals several of
+      the most rigorous laws that ever had passed in England were annulled; and
+      some dawn, both of civil and religious liberty, began to appear to the
+      people. &nbsp;A repeal also passed of that law, the destruction of all
+      laws, by which the King's proclamation was made of equal force with a
+      statute.&mdash;Ibid. vol. iii. p. 339.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Boiling to Death.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the reign of Henry VIII. poisoners were, by Act of Parliament,
+      condemned to be <i>boiled to death</i>. &nbsp;This Act was repealed in the
+      following reign.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In Germany, even in the seventeenth century, this horrible punishment was
+      inflicted on coiners and counterfeiters. &nbsp;Taylor, the Water Poet,
+      describes an execution he witnessed in Hamburg in 1616. &nbsp;The judgment
+      pronounced against a coiner of false money was that he should '<i>be boiled
+            to death in oil</i>; not thrown into the vessel at once, but with a pulley or
+      rope to be hanged under the armpits, and then let down into the oil <i>by
+            degrees</i>; first the feet, and next the legs, and so to boil his flesh from
+      his bones alive.'&mdash;Dr. J. Hammond Trumbull's Blue Laws, True and
+      False, p. 13.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Famous Stocking Case.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A woman and her daughter, <i>nine years old</i>, were hanged in Huntingdon for
+      selling their souls to the devil, and raising a storm by pulling off their
+      stockings!&mdash;Dr. J. Hammond Trumbull's Blue Laws, True and False, p.
+      20.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br />NOTE 10, Chapter XVII. Enslaving.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So young a King and so ignorant a peasant were likely to make mistakes;
+      and this is an instance in point. &nbsp;This peasant was suffering from
+      this law <i>by anticipation</i>; the King was venting his indignation against a
+      law which was not yet in existence; for this hideous statute was to have
+      birth in this little King's <i>own reign</i>. However, we know, from the humanity
+      of his character, that it could never have been suggested by him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br />NOTES to Chapter XXIII. Death for Trifling Larcenies.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Connecticut and New Haven were framing their first codes, larceny
+      above the value of twelve pence was a capital crime in England&mdash;as it
+      had been since the time of Henry I.&mdash;Dr. J. Hammond Trumbull's Blue
+      Laws, True and False, p. 17.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The curious old book called The English Rogue makes the limit thirteen
+      pence ha'penny: &nbsp;death being the portion of any who steal a thing
+      'above the value of thirteen pence ha'penny.'
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br />NOTES to Chapter XXVII.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From many descriptions of larceny the law expressly took away the benefit
+      of clergy: &nbsp;to steal a horse, or a <i>hawk</i>, or woollen cloth from the
+      weaver, was a hanging matter. &nbsp;So it was to kill a deer from the
+      King's forest, or to export sheep from the kingdom.&mdash;Dr. J. Hammond
+      Trumbull's Blue Laws, True and False, p.13.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      William Prynne, a learned barrister, was sentenced (long after Edward
+      VI.'s time) to lose both his ears in the pillory, to degradation from the
+      bar, a fine of 3,000 pounds, and imprisonment for life. &nbsp;Three years
+      afterwards he gave new offence to Laud by publishing a pamphlet against
+      the hierarchy. &nbsp;He was again prosecuted, and was sentenced to lose
+      <i>what remained of his ears</i>, to pay a fine of 5,000 pounds, to be <i>branded on
+            both his cheeks</i> with the letters S. L. (for Seditious Libeller), and to
+      remain in prison for life. &nbsp;The severity of this sentence was
+      equalled by the savage rigour of its execution.&mdash;Ibid. p. 12.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br />NOTES to Chapter XXXIII.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Christ's Hospital, or Bluecoat School, 'the noblest institution in the
+      world.'
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The ground on which the Priory of the Grey Friars stood was conferred by
+      Henry VIII. on the Corporation of London (who caused the institution there
+      of a home for poor boys and girls). Subsequently, Edward VI. caused the
+      old Priory to be properly repaired, and founded within it that noble
+      establishment called the Bluecoat School, or Christ's Hospital, for the
+      <i>education</i> and maintenance of orphans and the children of indigent persons
+      . . . Edward would not let him (Bishop Ridley) depart till the letter was
+      written (to the Lord Mayor), and then charged him to deliver it himself,
+      and signify his special request and commandment that no time might be lost
+      in proposing what was convenient, and apprising him of the proceedings.
+      &nbsp;The work was zealously undertaken, Ridley himself engaging in it;
+      and the result was the founding of Christ's Hospital for the education of
+      poor children. (The King endowed several other charities at the same
+      time.) "Lord God," said he, "I yield Thee most hearty thanks that Thou
+      hast given me life thus long to finish this work to the glory of Thy
+      name!" &nbsp;That innocent and most exemplary life was drawing rapidly to
+      its close, and in a few days he rendered up his spirit to his Creator,
+      praying God to defend the realm from Papistry.&mdash;J. Heneage Jesse's
+      London: &nbsp;its Celebrated Characters and Places.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the Great Hall hangs a large picture of King Edward VI. seated on his
+      throne, in a scarlet and ermined robe, holding the sceptre in his left
+      hand, and presenting with the other the Charter to the kneeling Lord
+      Mayor. &nbsp;By his side stands the Chancellor, holding the seals, and
+      next to him are other officers of state. &nbsp;Bishop Ridley kneels before
+      him with uplifted hands, as if supplicating a blessing on the event;
+      whilst the Aldermen, etc., with the Lord Mayor, kneel on both sides,
+      occupying the middle ground of the picture; and lastly, in front, are a
+      double row of boys on one side and girls on the other, from the master and
+      matron down to the boy and girl who have stepped forward from their
+      respective rows, and kneel with raised hands before the King.&mdash;Timbs'
+      Curiosities of London, p. 98.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Christ's Hospital, by ancient custom, possesses the privilege of
+      addressing the Sovereign on the occasion of his or her coming into the
+      City to partake of the hospitality of the Corporation of London.&mdash;Ibid.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Dining Hall, with its lobby and organ-gallery, occupies the entire
+      storey, which is 187 feet long, 51 feet wide, and 47 feet high; it is lit
+      by nine large windows, filled with stained glass on the south side; and
+      is, next to Westminster Hall, the noblest room in the metropolis. &nbsp;Here
+      the boys, now about 800 in number, dine; and here are held the 'Suppings
+      in Public,' to which visitors are admitted by tickets issued by the
+      Treasurer and by the Governors of Christ's Hospital. &nbsp;The tables are
+      laid with cheese in wooden bowls, beer in wooden piggins, poured from
+      leathern jacks, and bread brought in large baskets. &nbsp;The official
+      company enter; the Lord Mayor, or President, takes his seat in a state
+      chair made of oak from St. Catherine's Church, by the Tower; a hymn is
+      sung, accompanied by the organ; a 'Grecian,' or head boy, reads the
+      prayers from the pulpit, silence being enforced by three drops of a wooden
+      hammer. &nbsp;After prayer the supper commences, and the visitors walk
+      between the tables. &nbsp;At its close the 'trade-boys' take up the
+      baskets, bowls, jacks, piggins, and candlesticks, and pass in procession,
+      the bowing to the Governors being curiously formal. &nbsp;This spectacle
+      was witnessed by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1845.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Among the more eminent Bluecoat boys are Joshua Barnes, editor of Anacreon
+      and Euripides; Jeremiah Markland, the eminent critic, particularly in
+      Greek Literature; Camden, the antiquary; Bishop Stillingfleet; Samuel
+      Richardson, the novelist; Thomas Mitchell, the translator of Aristophanes;
+      Thomas Barnes, many years editor of the London Times; Coleridge, Charles
+      Lamb, and Leigh Hunt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      No boy is admitted before he is seven years old, or after he is nine; and
+      no boy can remain in the school after he is fifteen, King's boys and
+      'Grecians' alone excepted. &nbsp;There are about 500 Governors, at the
+      head of whom are the Sovereign and the Prince of Wales. &nbsp;The
+      qualification for a Governor is payment of 500 pounds.&mdash;Ibid.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      GENERAL NOTE.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One hears much about the 'hideous Blue Laws of Connecticut,' and is
+      accustomed to shudder piously when they are mentioned. &nbsp;There are
+      people in America&mdash;and even in England!&mdash;who imagine that they
+      were a very monument of malignity, pitilessness, and inhumanity; whereas
+      in reality they were about the first <i>sweeping departure from judicial
+            atrocity</i> which the 'civilised' world had seen. &nbsp;This humane and
+      kindly Blue Law Code, of two hundred and forty years ago, stands all by
+      itself, with ages of bloody law on the further side of it, and a century
+      and three-quarters of bloody English law on <i>this</i> side of it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There has never been a time&mdash;under the Blue Laws or any other&mdash;when
+      above <i>fourteen</i> crimes were punishable by death in Connecticut. &nbsp;But
+      in England, within the memory of men who are still hale in body and mind,
+      <i>two hundred and twenty-three</i> crimes were punishable by death! {10} &nbsp;These
+      facts are worth knowing&mdash;and worth thinking about, too.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+
+
+
+
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