He went. The baron followed him gloomily. Now he knew the cosmic all to be a mere time-honored cheat.
In this order they came down on to the beach and approached a group of children in which Pollyooly reigned. The prince entered it with the air of an uninvited guest, very doubtful of his welcome, and said to Pollyooly in a tone half assertive, half beseeching:
"I've coom to blay."
Pollyooly looked at him with very stern eyes and said: "Well, you quite understand you've got to behave yourself."
The baron groaned.
Pollyooly turned to him and said with polite interest:
"Has he kicked you again?"
"Ach Himmel!" said the baron; and he thrust his hands into his pockets, clenched his fingers very tightly, and walked away with bowed head.