Page:St. Nicholas (serial) (IA stnicholasserial321dodg).pdf/302

196 to the poor and friendless boy of yesterday to be quite the most delightful fate that could possibly overtake one.

So lost did he become in thoughts of the marvelous existence opening before him that he paid scant attention to the droning speeches of the five aged counselors, who were endeavoring to acquaint him with the condition of affairs in his new kingdom, and to instruct him in his many and difficult duties as its future ruler.

For a full hour he sat quiet and motionless, and they thought he was listening to these dreary affairs of state; but suddenly he jumped up and astonished the dignitaries by exclaiming:

“See here; you just fix up things to suit yourselves. I ’m going to find Fluff.“ And with no heed to protests, the new king ran from the room and slammed the door behind him.



next clay the funeral of the old king took place, and the new king rode in the grand procession in a fine chariot, clothed in black velvet embroidered with silver. Not knowing how to act in his new position, Bud sat still and did nothing at all, which was just what was expected of him.

But when they returned from the funeral he was ushered into the great throne-room of the palace and seated on the golden throne; and then the chief counselor informed him that he must listen to the grievances of his people and receive the homage of the noblemen of Noland.

Fluff sat on a stool beside the king, and the five high counselors stood back of him in a circle; and then the doors were thrown open and all the noblemen of the country crowded in. One by one they kissed first the king’s hand and then the princess’s hand, and vowed they would always serve them faithfully.

Bud did not like this ceremony. He whispered to Fluff that it made him tired.

“I want to go upstairs and play,” he said to the lord high steward, “I don’t see why I can’t.”