CHAPTER V
THE CHALLENGE
“Well what do you think of that?” asked Ned. “Talk about queer coincidences, here’s one! Now if only the crazy man would appear we—”
“Some one is coming,” exclaimed Frank, as a noise was heard near the hut.
The next instant a short stout man, with black hair and a blacker moustache, came around the corner of the hut. On his head he wore a little gilt crown.
“There’s the King of Paprica!” whispered Bart, but not so low as to prevent the man hearing him.
“At your service,” replied the man, with a bow.
For a few seconds the boys did not know whether to laugh or run. It was certainly a very strange affair, coupled with what the old man had said to them.
“Are you really—” began Fenn, when the man held up a warning hand.