“To Ralph?” asked the swineherd.
“Ralph! pray, who is he?”
“Master, chief, captain, all,” replied the young savage.
“I will go anywhere for shelter, as night is coming on; but I will reward you if you bring me to my father’s home.”
“Who is your father, my fine fellow?” inquired the swineherd, leaning on his stick.
“The king,” replied Eric.
“You lie! Ralph is king.”
“I speak the truth, swineherd.”
The swineherd by this time was examining Eric’s dress with an impudent look. “Pay me now,” said he; “give me this gold band, and I will guide you.”
“I cannot give you this gold band, for my father gave it to me, and I have lost enough to-day. By the bye, did you see a gold thread waving anywhere among the trees?”