"I positively must refuse, but I thank you for the petition; me crown is a bit too large for comfort," and folding the paper into a strip he placed it in his crown, which he put on with much satisfaction.
"So that's over with—bring the bye before me."
"He is here, sire," said Private Swash Buckler, leading Billy before the throne. "Kneel, boy."
"What's your name?" said the King.
"Billy Bounce," said Billy.
And what a shout and roar went up from the company—even the King jumped to his feet in his excitement and threw his crown into the air.
"Billy Bounce!" they cried, "Billy Bounce—we've caught Billy Bounce!"
"What a good day's work!" cried the King—"$3.75 from the Herald and $5.99 from Bumbus for catching Billy Bounce."
"But, your Majesty—" began Billy.