It was quite late in the evening when all returned to camp, quite tired out, and after supper each crept quietly to bed without awakening the King, and soon the whole camp was fast asleep.

In the morning every one awoke in the best of spirits, and brimful of the many things they had to tell of the happy time they had spent the day before. The old monarch seemed much refreshed for his long rest, and before sitting down to breakfast every one in turn went up to him and shook the happy old boy by the hand, wishing him many happy returns, after which they all sat down and enjoyed a substantial breakfast. Before the repast was quite finished, and while the King was looking the other way, Bill walked round the ring formed by the army as they sat upon the grass, and collected birthday presents for the old monarch. Every one was delighted to give something to His Majesty to show how much they appreciated his greatness, and when the old chap received the many gifts, all done up in one brown paper parcel, he was so overcome that he could hardly stammer forth his thanks. And this is what he found in the parcel when, with trembling hands, he had succeeded in opening it:—

From Bill, A bone-handled, two-bladed pocket-knife, a little rusted, but with only one blade missing.
From Noah, Some string.
From Ratchett, 8 brace buttons (very bright).
From the Twins {Quentin, Wooden top of peg-top.
Hannibal, Iron peg of same.
From Randall, Ferrule of umbrella.
From Nero, More string.
From Biddulph, Dial of old watch (not cracked very much).
From Knut, Glass marble (beautifully coloured).
From Chad, 2 pear drops (old, but in good condition).
From the other children collectively, Twenty last year's horse chestnuts on string (very hard).
From the Ancient Mariner, Piece of wood skilfully cut into the form of a pebble.
From the Absent-Minded Indian, Nothing.
From the Triplets, 3 bunches of violets.
From the Respectable Gentleman, His visiting-card.
From the Boy Scout, One of the Killgruel town-keys he had swallowed.
From the Sicilian Char-woman, Small piece of soap.
From the Long Man, Wren's egg.
From Boadicea, A hat full of ripe blackberries.
From the Doctor, Half of cough lozenge.
From Ptolemy Jenkinson, A last year's ticket for a box.

Every one clamoured for a speech, but the old fellow was so affected by all this unexpected kindness, that he would not trust himself to open his mouth, so with tears of gratitude pouring from his eyes, he retired to his chair. These interesting proceedings thus coming to an end, he was wheeled into the forest by Boadicea until they came to the open space where the review was to take place.

Having dried his eyes and smartened himself up, with Boadicea standing sedately at his side holding the presents, the King now solemnly awaited the appearance of the troops. Soon there was a great noise in the direction of the camp, and then they could be heard approaching.

First came the nine brave sons of Crispin and Chloe, proudly marching three by three, and as they passed the King each gallantly saluted him. Now followed the stately Char-woman with the flag held aloft, and when she came opposite His Majesty she jumped magnificently three times into the air. She was followed by more of Bill's charges, and then, with great dignity, Bill, the King's general, marched past the Royal Old Boy and saluted him grandly.

Another detachment of Bill's charges followed the general, then the Ancient Mariner approached, and, after placing the Absent-minded Indian on the ground, he, with much dignity, saluted the King by touching his forelock, sailor fashion, and after a few steps of the hornpipe, once more resumed his burden and moved on. The Ancient Mariner was followed by the Long Man who winked knowingly at the King as he passed by. Ptolemy Jenkinson came next, then the Doctor, who, not knowing quite what was expected of him, proceeded to feel the King's pulse, but was quickly hustled off by the Scout, who now approached.