But after tugging away until he grew red in the face, Harry managed to wriggle loose and stand up.
“No, no,” he cried; “you must have a Pin Elf for your King. I have been here a long time, and want to go home; my folks will be very anxious about me. I nominate Wamby as king,—all who are in favor of the nomination say ‘aye.’”
The elves saw that Harry meant it, and all shouted “aye” lustily.
“Sit down, Wamby,” said Harry. For little Wamby was standing in open-mouthed wonder, and seemed hardly to understand what was being done. Harry handed him the hat-pin, and put on him the crown and royal mantle.
“Do you all promise to be faithful to Wamby, and obey him as long as he is a good king?” cried Harry.
“We do,” was the unanimous response.
“Now, Wamby, stand up,” said Harry. “Do you promise to be a good, kind king, and to rule according to the laws?”
“I do,” replied Wamby.
“Everything is settled, then,” said Harry, stepping down from the dais; “so, wishing you all good luck and good-by, I’ll go. Good-by, Wamby. Here’s your hat.”
“Wait a moment,” said Wamby; and turning to the crowd of elves, he addressed them as follows: “Fellow Pin Elves, although Harry refuses to remain king over us, a position he well deserves, I feel sure he will not decline election as a prince of the royal family of Hat-Pins.” This suggestion met with great approval, and Harry was unanimously elected a Prince of the Hat-Pins, with all the rights and privileges of the order.