Page:The Children Who Followed the Piper.djvu/173

WHO FOLLOWED THE PIPER reproved him for slaying the horse that was to bear through the city the Emperor's son. Valentine's face was pale from his disappointment, for he was fain to ride upon that high roan horse, but he stood by John Ball's side and he said: "What has been done has been well done, for it has been done by my friend and my rescuer."

A black horse was brought and Valentine mounted it; Golden Hood was given a white jennet and she and Valentine rode together. John Ball went with the cavalcade, and they came at a good time to the Emperor's palace.

On the steps of the palace, with the golden diadem upon his head, and with his long beard falling down, the wise Emperor stood. He embraced his son; he welcomed Golden Hood by kissing her on the forehead, and he received John Ball by taking his hand and pressing it in his own two hands. They sat down at the Emperor's table and they ate the best of cakes.

Then the Emperor drew out his little golden