8 THE ADVENTURES OF PRINCE HEMPSEED.

 

their way from Bergami and Milan to seek their fortunes in
France. Those tawny but lively gipsies did not always
meet with a pleasant reception on the part of the servants;
but if they were lucky enough to be perceived by little
Prince Hempseed, they were sure to escape the blows of
‘the broomstick, and the sharp prongs of the pitch-fork.
He allowed them to enter the castle, and was greatly
pleased with their exhibitions. Healso loved to witness
the tricks which they taught the animals by whose sagacity
they earned their living. He inquired of them how they
made a dog play at cards or dominoes, a monkey waltz to
the proper tune, or a bird to pretend to be dead. For a
few small coins, he learnt of them all their secrets, which
are nothing after all than the art of turning to advantage
the instinct of animals—that instinct which is capable of
the utmost perfection. The sight of those tricks and ex-
hibitions, so full of useful instruction, increased in his heart