168 PRINCE RICARDO.

 

Prince Charles, as briefly as possible, ex-
plained the unusual nature of the circumstances.

“A king must hear both sides,” said King
James. ‘‘ What reply have you, sir, to make
to his Royal Highness’s statements ?”’

‘“‘ The carpet would not work, sir,” said Dick.
‘Tt never happened before. Had I used my
own sword,” and he explained its properties,
‘‘the Prince of Wales would not be alive to
tell his story. I can say no more, beyond
offering my apology for a disappointment which
I could not have foreseen. A gentleman can
only say that he is sorry. But wait!” he
added; “‘I can at least prove that my confi-
dence in some of my resources is not misplaced.
Bid me bring you something—anything—from
the ends of the earth, and it shall be in your
hands. I can’t say fairer.”

King James reflected, while Prince Ricardo
was pulling on the Seven-league Boots, which
he had kicked off to fight more freely, and
while the Duke of York bandaged Dick’s hand
with a kerchief.

“ Bring me,” said his Majesty, ‘‘ Lord Lovat’s
snuff-mull.”

“« Where does he live?” said Dick.

“At Gortuleg, in Scotland,” answered King
James. :

Dick was out of sight before the words were
fairly spoken, and in ten minutes was back,
bearing a large ram’s-horn snuff-box, with a