"Precisely," says Hedzoff, "that affair of Prince Giglio."
"Is it to be pistols, or swords, Captain?" asks Bulbo. "I'm a pretty good hand with both, and I'll do for Prince Giglio as sure as my name is my Royal Highness Prince Bulbo."
"There's some mistake, my lord," says the Captain. "The business is done with axes among us."
"Axes? That's sharp work," says Bulbo. "Call my Chamberlain, he'll be my second, and in ten minutes I flatter myself you'll see Master Giglio's head off his impertinent shoulders. I'm hungry for his blood. Hoo-oo-aw!" and he looked as savage as an ogre.
"I beg your pardon, sir, but by this warrant I am to take you prisoner, and hand you over to—to the executioner."
"Pooh, pooh, my good man!—Stop, I say,—ho!—hulloa!" was all that this luckless Prince was enabled to say: for Hedzoff's guards seizing him tied a handkerchief over his mouth and face, and carried him to the place of execution.
The King, who happened to be talking to Glumboso, saw him pass, and took a pinch of snuff, and said, "So much for Giglio. Now let's go to breakfast."
The Captain of the Guard handed over his prisoner to the Sheriff, with the fatal order,
"At Sight Cut Off The Bearer's Head.
"Valoroso XXIV."
"It's a mistake," says Bulbo, who did not seem to understand the business in the least.