158 PRINCE FILDERKIN

condemning an impious criminal to immedi-
ate destruction. The Prince felt a cold
shudder creep over him, and had almost
given himself up for lost, whilst the poor
Princess burst into tears which would have
melted the heart of any ordinary mortal, but
which appeared to have no effect upon her
cruel father.

Suddenly, however, and not until the very
last words-of the King’s sentence had been
pronounced, it darted through the mind of
Prince Filderkin that he had one more hope.
He had entirely forgotten the ring! No
sooner had he remembered it than the fear
crossed his mind that the magic of the hump-
backed King might prevent his making use
of it. However, it was at least worth while
to try. Agitated between hope and fear, he
hastily raised his hand to his face. Joy, oh,
joy! he found that he was just able to do so,
and, placing his little finger lengthways
‘against his nose, according to the directions
which he had received, he pronounced in a
bold tone the word ‘ Firminger !’