nearer

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WONDERING TOM 133

how the high chimney had stood there for years and

 

years,—all that was left of a burned-down factory,—
and how the shed had been built up around it as if to
keep it from tumbling. For months past it had been a
quiet, well-behaved chimney ; but now to see smoke rush-
ing out of it at such a rate, bound straight for that irri-
tating moon, was really too much to stand. So Beppo
barked and barked; and Tom hammered and hammered ;
and old Katy, warm at last, curled herself up in the
straw, saying over and over again, “How nice it will be!

1?

How nice it will be

YEARS passed on. One day, the King and his court
came riding down that same city again. Suddenly his
Majesty, grown older now, halted before a boat-builder’s
shop, and asked:

“Who is that busy fellow, yonder ?”

“Where, your most prodigal Majesty?” asked the Prime
Minister in return.

“Tn the shop. Yesterday this same young fellow and
his man were busy out on the docks. He works with
a will, that fellow. I must set him at the royal ships.”

“The royal ships!” echoed the Prime Minister, “your
most overwhelming Majesty; why, that is a fortune for
any man!”

“T know it. Why not?” said the King. “What is his
name ?”

The Prime Minister could not say. And again, as on
that day lone before, the question traveled through the

o*