“I won’t,” said Bud. “I just won’t.”
“But you must, your Majesty!” declared old Tullydub.
“Am I not the king?” demanded Bud, looking up from where he was arranging an army of wooden soldiers.
“Certainly, your Majesty,” was the reply.
“And isn’t the king’s will the law?” continued Bud.
“Certainly, your Majesty!”
“Well, if that is so, just understand that I won’t come. Go away and let me alone!”
“But the people expect your Majesty to attend the royal reception,” protested old Tullydub, greatly astonished. “It is the usual custom, you know; and they would be greatly disappointed if your Majesty did not appear.”
“I don’t care,” said Bud. “You get out of here and let me alone!”
“But, your Majesty—”