CHAPTER IX
BUYING AN EXCUSE.
IT was the Wallypug running down the road at a furious pace. He had his big crown tucked under one arm and his royal cloak caught up under the other. Although he was evidently in a very great hurry, he politely tried to bow (without stopping) when he saw Girlie. The consequences, however, were most disastrous, for, completely losing his balance, he stumbled forward head over heels and then fell flat on his back, while his crown went rolling away into the ditch at the side of the road. His cloak had somehow become entangled with his legs, preventing him from getting up, so he lay there kicking and struggling in the most ridiculous manner imaginable.
Girlie kindly ran to his assistance, and, although bursting with laughter, somehow or other managed to keep a grave face while she tried to disentangle the cloak from his legs.
“I hope you have not hurt yourself much,” she said when the Wallypug at last struggled to his feet.
“Oh no, your Majesty, thank you,” he said breathlessly. Then, nervously looking around him, he said in a solemn voice, “I do hope, though, no one else saw me fall, for I am liable to a fine of three and sixpence for being undignified in public, and I am afraid that I must have looked rather undignified while I was lying on the ground. Oh dear! wherever is my crown?” he continued, looking about him anxiously.
Girlie kindly fetched it from the ditch, which was fortunately a dry one, and handed it back to him.
After examining it carefully, the Wallypug drew a small piece of wash-leather from his pocket and began to polish it up, remarking that he had always to keep the regalia bright himself.
“Where were you going to in such a hurry?” asked Girlie, while the polishing operations were going on.