"They were called before the king to receive their prize."
“Of course you have,” said Dick, who had purposely been holding back to give the other two a chance.
“Shall I get a prize?” whispered the little boy, anxiously.
“Perhaps,” answered Dick; “wait and see.”
Their little friend, the thin fish, had gone up to the King, and was talking very earnestly to him, and presently returning said that His Majesty had decided to give them all a prize.
“Oh, I wonder what it will be!” said Marjorie, excitedly. “Fancy, having a prize from a real King!”
“He’s only a fish,” said Dick.
“Hush, dear, you’ll hurt his feelings,” whispered Marjorie, warningly.
Just then the thin fish put on his top hat—he was the only one allowed to wear one in the King’s presence—and began a long speech. He spoke so very softly, though, that no one could hear a word that he said; but, at regular intervals, all the other fishes clapped their fins, and called out, “Hear, hear!” most enthusiastically.
“Whatever do you do that for?” inquired Dick, of one of them; “I’m sure you cannot hear a word of what he is saying.”