“In the sand at the bottom of the river,” answered Nibbles, and he told the Prince how nearly drowned he had been, and about Mr. Scratchetty-Claw.
“My old friend, the Alligator,” laughed the Prince. “Oh, I know him well, the lazy scamp, for he eats up all my best trout.”
Then he took the ring carefully from Nibbles’s neck, and put it on his own finger.
“You have given me back what I prize most in the world,” he said, “and your reward shall be in proportion. Every year, as long as you live, you shall receive a bag of gold.”
Nibbles was almost too happy to speak, but he thanked the Prince and kissed his hand. A page was sent to bring the gold, and a few minutes later, Nibbles and Teenie Weenie, carrying the precious bag between them, were hurrying back to the raft.
They found Mr. Scratchetty-Claw fast asleep, but Nibbles, dancing with joy, woke him up to hear the great news.
“Good enough!” said the Alligator. “It’s a lucky thing for you that I tipped you into the river.”
“It certainly was,” said Nibbles, “for now my mother will never have to work any more. Let us hurry home to her as fast as we can, Teenie Weenie.”
“I’ll take you part of the way,” yawned Mr. Scratchetty-Claw, “although I am fearfully sleepy.”
