HUMPLESS 161

contained the hump by means of which he
hoped to be relieved of his own.

His first impulse was to rush forward and
seize it then and there, but on second thoughts
he decided to go somewhat more cautiously
to work. Accordingly, with his finger still
upon his nose, he took a step in the direction
of the King. No sooner had he done so than
the latter, with the ink still trickling down
his face, extended his hands as if to keep
him off, and at the same time exclaimed in
piteous tones :

“Now don’t you goand say itagain! Pray
don’t! Nobody wants to hurt you—but
we can’t stand ¢kat—you know we
can’t !?

These words, and the tone in which they
were spoken, so clearly showed the terror of
the speaker, that Prince Filderkin felt more
than ever certain that he had now found the
talisman which would ensure his success.
Stepping, therefore, past the King, he strode
boldly up to the table, and placing his hand
upon the crystal case, exclaimed in a loud
and firm voice:

‘This is the reward I claim if I forbear
to utter again the word of power!’

M