SOME ADVENTURES 107

passage, made signs for the Prince to enter,
which he immediately did. Then, still with-
out speaking, the old man pointed to a table,
on which stood a covered dish with a plate
in front of it, and a jug by the side of the plate.
It was just as if he had been expecting some
one to supper, which was perhaps the case.
At any rate, everything was ready, and as he
was evidently expected to take advantage of
the opportunity, Prince Filderkin lost no
time in doing so. Seating himself in a chair
which had been placed opposite ‘the plate,
he promptly removed the cover from the
dish, and saw before him a piece of bacon,
smoking hot, and surrounded by beans which
seemed absolutely longing to be eaten.
Beans and bacon had long been a favourite
dish with the Prince, and his delight was
enhanced when he discovered that the jug
by his side was filled with foaming ale.
Seeing no reason for delay, he lost no
time in falling to with a good will, and made
then and there an excellent meal, whilst his
aged host stood by watching his proceedings
with great interest. When at length he had
concluded his repast, the Prince threw him-
self back in his chair, stretched out his legs,