Page:The Gypsy Lad of Roumania (1914).djvu/22

20 had him by the arm, and was hurrying him along at a great rate. He raised his eyes just once when he stood before the prince.

The prince told Peter how much he thanked him for the service he had done, and asked him if he had any wish that it was in his power to grant.

“I would like to be a soldier, highness,” said Peter. The daring words rose to his lips almost unbidden.

“In faith,” said Prince Stephen, “if you had an inch or two on your stature you would be fit. Be patient, lad, I will remember you, and send for you some day. Until then, do your duty faithfully where you are.”

“I will, your highness,” murmured Peter.

As they were riding away, the princess turned her horse toward Peter, and stooping over, she said, “You are a brave lad. I thank you with my heart. And I will not let the prince forget that he is to send for you.”

Peter walked home as if on air. The family treated him with a new respect. He had become an important person.

The next week the men rode away. The harvests were in, but there was still much to be done, and Peter was the only man of the house. Indeed the only men in the village were the very aged ones, and boys like Peter. How hard he tried to be faithful! He remembered every word of Fontanus’ parting charge. He cared for the flocks, and the cows and horses. The maidens in the house had to help with the men’s work now, but Peter considered himself responsible.

One day, hearing that the men were encamped near