“Would to the Virgin Mary that it were even so!” said the king.
“How is it possible,” continued the officious old man, “that any thing relating to two dogs can give your majesty trouble? Pray tell us all about them—Who was it you got them from?”
“I do not know, and if I did——”
“Would you know him again if you saw him?”
The king looked at the old man, and held his peace.
“Did you buy them, or borrow them?” continued he.
“Neither!” was the answer.
“What then did you give in exchange for them?”
“Only a small token.”
“And pray, if your majesty pleases, what might that token be?”