"That is the governor of Luciennes. The chancellor sent me the appointment, and so he donned the uniform. Swear him in quickly, and let him begin guarding us."
Zamore marched up, wearing a showy lace dress, with a sword. His huge three-cocked hat was under his arm. He went down on his knees, laid one hand on his heart, the other one was placed in the king's, and he said:
"Me swear faith and homage to my massa and missee; me will defend the castle placed under my guard to the last gasp, and me will not surrender it till the last can of jelly is eaten."
The sovereign laughed, less at the comic oath than at the black boy's gravity in taking it.
"In return for this pledge," he said with due seriousness, "I confer on you, Sir Governor, the sovereign right of dealing out justice to the extent of capital punishment over all in your hold, in earth, air, fire and water."
"Thankee, massa," said Zamore, rising.
"Now, run away into the servants hall and show your fine trappings."
As Zamore went out by one door, Chon came in by another. The king took her on his knee and kissed her.
"Good-evening, Chon. I like you because you tell me the truth. I want to know what has made your sister so late in hunting me
up."