72 THE ADVENTURES OF PRINCE HEMPSEED.

to defy them, and to display the finery that he owed to the
money stolen from their parents.

Olympia was therefore obliged to hold her peace, and
not attempt to utter a word to save her brother.

Poor little Prince Hempseed! how did he eupport his
misfortunes, and his harsh im-
prisonment,—with no one near to
pity him, nor to console him, nor
to whisper hope in his ear ?

Two months—three months “
passed; and he was not set free! 4

In those times the courts were
very slow in trying prisoners—al- {i
most as slow as now-a-days.

Olympia went often and often
to the foot of the tower where her
brother was confined: but the
window of his cell was so high,
and so strongly barred, that she could scarcely perceive his
pale and altered countenance through those thick bars.
They kissed their hands to each other ; and poor Olympia
went home with a heart almost broken.

We must observe that Rol was no longer in danger of
his life; but his eyes were in a dreadful state.

Six months passed; and still there were no signs of
Prince Hempseed’s trial coming on.

Heavens! how long it seemed!

One day the king was out hunting in Senart forest.
Vexation was shown by his countenance, because he had
not killed a single thing—not a wild boar, nor a stag, nor
even ahare. His courtiers maintained a respectful silence
around him.

He was on the point of giving up the chase and return-
ing to his palace, when a white pigeon suddenly flew
through the air.

e ‘That bird at least shall not escape me!” cried the king.