“You speak but the sober truth,” returned the boy, still smiling; “for well assured am I that it would have cost me my life if they had caught me. But, believe me, I am not only pleased to see such villains get a little of what they deserve, but am exceedingly grateful to you for so kindly and effectually coming to my aid.”
“As to that, I would aid any one in distress—especially if pursued by robbers. But, come, sit down and tell me how you fell into their power. This bout has winded me a little. I will sit down on this bank; do you sit on the bank opposite to me.”
“The explanation is simple and short,” replied the boy; “I wanted to have my own way, like most other boys, so I left home without leave, or saying farewell.”
“That was bad,” said the prince, shaking his head. He was on the point of advancing some profitable reflections on this head, but the memory of his own boyhood checked him.
“I know it was bad, and assuredly I have been well punished,” returned the boy, “for these robbers caught me and have kept me with them for a long time, so long that I have quite lost count of the days now.”
“Does your father live far from here?”
“Yes, very, very far, and I know not where to go or what to do,” answered the boy, with a pitiful look.
“Never mind, you are safe at present, and no doubt I shall find means of having you sent safe home—though I see not the way just yet.”
“Is that blood on your coat?” asked the lad anxiously, as he pointed to the prince’s breast.
“It is. The arrow-heads must have gone through the breastplate and scratched the skin. I will look to it.”