The Prince and the Pauper
in another moment or two he lounged into view again, looking
innocent and indifferent, and took up a position behind a post to watch
results.
The insulted King threw the bundle on the ground; and the
blanket fell away from it just as the woman arrived, with an augmenting crowd
at her heels; she seized the King's wrist with one hand, snatched up her bundle
with the other, and began to pour out a tirade of abuse upon the boy while he
struggled, without success, to free himself from her grip.
Hugo had seen enough—his enemy was captured and the law
would get him, now—so he slipped away, jubilant and chuckling, and wended
campwards, framing a judicious version of the matter to give to the Ruffler's
crew as he strode along.
The King continued to struggle in the woman's strong grasp,
and now and then cried out in vexation—
"Unhand me, thou foolish creature; it was not I that
bereaved thee of thy paltry goods."
The crowd closed around, threatening the King and calling
him names; a brawny blacksmith in leather apron, and sleeves rolled to his
elbows, made a reach for him, saying he would trounce him well, for a lesson;
but just then a long sword flashed in the air and fell with convincing force
upon the man's arm, flat side down, the fantastic owner of it remarking
pleasantly, at the same time—
"Marry, good souls, let us proceed gently, not with ill
blood and uncharitable words. This is matter for the law's consideration,
not private and unofficial handling. Loose thy hold from the boy,
goodwife."
The blacksmith averaged the stalwart soldier with a glance,
then went muttering away, rubbing his arm; the woman released the boy's wrist
reluctantly; the crowd eyed the stranger unlovingly, but prudently closed their
mouths. The King sprang to his deliverer's side, with flushed cheeks and
sparkling eyes, exclaiming—
"Thou hast lagged sorely, but thou comest in good
season, now, Sir Miles; carve me this rabble to rags!"