HUMPLES. 169

the auspicious occasion, shouts of joy rent
the air on all sides, whilst the blasts of
penny trumpets, the twang of Jew’s-harps,
and the melodious jingle of the hurdy-gurdy,
were heard throughout the whole neighbour-
hood of the palace. It was an occasion of
national rejoicing and thanksgiving. The
heart of a great nation was poured out in
joyful gratitude, and universal merriment
prevailed. The King himself gave away his
daughter, and Prince Filderkin, having no
personal friend among the mountebanks, was
about to rely upon one of the officials of the
court for his ‘best man,’ when at the criti-
cal moment a figure suddenly appeared
among the bridal procession which occupied
the ‘best man’s’ place as of undoubted
right.

It was a venerable figure, clad in a sky-
blue robe with stripes of black, orange, and
crimson, and with a skull-cap fitting closely
to its head, and in an instant Prince Filder-
kin recognised the figure of the mighty
magician Feeble John. The latter, however,
was evidently present with the kindest
possible intentions. He performed his part
in the ceremony in such a manner as to win