Within an hour or two after the fight with Sir Lamorak, the Professor and his companions drew near to Callion, the town in which King Brandegore held his court.
Just before entering it they encountered Prince Sagramor coming out with a retinue of knights in pursuit of Sir Lamorak and his daughter. Naturally he was filled with joy at finding that she had been rescued and brought back to him.
After embracing her, he greeted Sir Bleoberis and the Professor warmly, thanking them for the service they had done to him. Bragwaine insisted upon the Professor’s especial title to gratitude, and when she had told with eloquence of his wisdom and his valor, and had added to her story Sir Bleoberis’s explanation of the Professor’s adventures, the Prince saluted the latter, and said:
“There is only one way in which I can honor you, Sir Baffin. I perceive that already you have won the heart of this damsel. I had intended her for another. But she is fairly yours. Take her, gallant sir, and with her a loving father’s blessing!”
Bragwaine wept for happiness.
“But, your highness, if I might be permitted to explain—” stammered the Professor.
“I know!” replied the Prince. “You will perhaps say you are poor. It is nothing. I will make you rich. It is enough for me that she loves you, and that you return it.”
“I cannot sufficiently thank you for your kindness,” said the Professor, “but really there is a—”
“If you are not noble, the King will cure that. He wants such brave men as you are in his service,” said the Prince.
“I am a free-born American citizen, and the equal of any man on earth,” said the Professor proudly, “but to tell you the honest truth, I—”