‘Why don’t you answer?’ roared the King. But the guards made no reply, and the King came running down to see what was the matter. He was holding a candlestick above his head, and the light that fell on his face showed that he was in a very great rage indeed. When he saw the Prince in the hall he stopped, and said:
‘What do you want making this unearthly row at this time of night? Every one’s in bed, and I shall catch my death of cold coming down in my dressing-gown into this cold hall. Now, just go off—do, and leave me alone.’
‘I shall not,’ answered the Prince.
‘Why not? What do you want at this time of night?’
‘I want the throne!’
‘Then you can’t have it; it’s a reserved seat, and I’ve taken it already.’
‘But what right have you to it?’
‘I’m the sovereign,’ said Mumkie.
‘You’re a false coin then—you’re not half a sovereign!’
‘I’m quite as good as the last sovereign. He’s lost the crown, so he’s only worth fifteen shillings.’