Page:The Children Who Followed the Piper.djvu/160

THE CHILDREN "And you will be given a horse to match that sword of yours," he continued.

That seemed good to Valentine. He looked at Golden Hood, and she smiled on him.

"And what will they let me be?" said John Ball.

"You will become the King's faithful councillor," said the Piper.

Golden Hood did not ask what they would give her to do. She just whispered to Valentine that she hoped that the King's Bodyguard would not be far away from where she would be.

"What will Golden Hood be?" said Valentine.

"Prester John has a son and his son wants a wife. Golden Hood will be his wife."

"No, no, no," said Valentine.

"Do not go into that country even though they make you Captain of the King's Bodyguard," said Golden Hood. "We will stay here, Valentine."

"We will not go," said Valentine.

"We will not go," said John Ball.