“Yes,” said our hero without quaking for he knew he had done no rong, “what of it, eh?”
“A messej has just come from the Palace that his dear Magesty the King would like you to slip in to tea and see him, as he wants to see what sort of a new poet he has got.”
“Oh, all right,” said Mr. Withersq, “will it do if we go as we are, and do you think I can take Selia too?”
“I expect it will be all right” said the [65] ]poleeceman. “His Magesty is very kind and nice, I dont think he would mind much.”
So they rode on their horses down to the Palace, and tied the reins on to those twisty rails in front of it, and the guards in the hairy hats nodded to them, and they went into the front yard and up to the door and then in, as they knew they were expected.
Oh what an hour for Mr. Withersq and his Selia to step at last on that envied spot.
“Littel did I think when we set out that we should go so far nor do so well” uttered Mr. Withersq in a low tone from respect as they went inside. Just then a junior admiral came stepping smartly to meet them.
“Ha good day dear Mr. Withersq” said he with a grin.
“Goodday indeed,” responded he. “Let me interduce Selia. Shake hands Selia!” which she did.
“Pleased to meet you” said the admiral who [66] ]was garbed in serge and brade of purest gold. He then went on “Perhaps you’d like to tidy up a bit before you go in to tea?”