Page:The Children Who Followed the Piper.djvu/156

THE CHILDREN dren. The never-emptied basket was there and the never-emptied pitcher, and Valentine, Golden Hood, and John Ball began to eat and drink for they were very hungry.

"Now," the Pied Piper was saying, "I'll take you out of the Wood of Daylight-Gone and I'll bring you into the country I was telling you about."

"What country is it, Piper?" said one of the children.

"It is the country that is ruled over by Prester John," said the Piper. "And there is abundance of everything in Prester John's country except children."

"And what will I be if I go there?" said Philomena, the countess's child.

"You will be the first lady in waiting, and you will wear a brocade gown, and walk before every one else into the queen's chamber and say, 'It is time. Your Majesty, to arise.

"Oh, I would love to do that," said Philomena.