64 PRINCE PRIGIO.

 

was, though the prince had said nothing about
it at dinner.

“Lead the way, your royal highness!” cried
the ambassador; and the prince offering Lady
Rosalind his arm, went out into the hall, where
he saw neither his carpet nor the horns and
tail of the Firedrake!

He turned quite pale, and said:

“Will you kindly ask the servants where the
little Persian prayer-rug and the parcel which I
brought with me have been placed ?”’

_Lord Kelso rang the bell, and in came all
the servants, with William, the under-butler,
at their head.

“William,” said his lordship, ‘“‘ where have
you put his royal highness’s parcel and his
carpet?”

‘Please, your lordenips > said William, “we
think Benson have took them away with him.”

‘‘And where is Benson ?”

**We don’t know, your lordship. We think
he have been come for!”

“Come for—by whom?”

William stammered, and seemed at a loss for
a reply.

“Quick! answer! what do you know about
it? ? od

William said at last, rather as if he were
making a speech:

- “Your royaliness, and my lords and taaies,
it was like this. . His royaliness comed in with