118 THE LAND OF PLUCK

“So, ho!” said the Chief-Cook-and-Bottle-Washer, tell-
ing the Royal Rat-Catcher. “So, ho!” said the Royal Rat-

Catcher, passing on the news; and it traveled in that way

until, finally, the Prime Minister, bowing low to the King,
said :

“May it please your most tremendous Majesty, it ’s
Wondering Tom.”

”

“Tell him to come here!” said the King to the Prime
Minister. “His Majesty commands him to come here!”
was repeated to the next in rank; and again his words
traveled through the Lord of the Exchequer, the High
Chamberlain, the Master of the Horse, the Court Physician,
the Royal Rat-Catcher, and the Chief-Cook-and-Bottle-
Washer, until they reached little Wisk, who called out :

“Oh, Tom! the King wishes to speak with you.”

“With me!” exclaimed Tom, never budging. “Why?”

“TI don’t know,” returned little Wisk, “ but you must go
at once.”

“ Why?” cried Tom.

“Oh, Tom! Tom! they ’re going to kill you,” she eried,
in an agony.

“Wiy? What for?” shouted Tom, staring in the wild-
est astonishment.

Surely enough, the Master of Ceremonies had ordered
forth an executioner with a bowstring. In that city, any
man, woman, or child who disregarded the King’s slightest
wish was instantly put to death.

The man approached Tom. Another second, and the
howstring would have done its work ; but the King held
up his royal hand in token of pardon, and beckoned Tom
to draw near,