"Don't talk to me," interrupted the King, "unless you can offer $6.00 to be set free."
"Alas! I haven't that much," said Billy.
"Too bad—too bad," said O'Fudge; "and now I suppose I'll have to off with your head."
"Oh! sir—please, please don't!" cried Billy, struggling with Swash Buckler.
"Don't lose your head," said the King, "because I want to have it chopped off."
"But, sir—" began Billy.
"Sire," and a gray-bearded man, wearing a tall pointed cap and a long, flowing gown covered with the signs of the Zodiac, walked to the King's side and whispered in his ear.
"Are ye sure?" whispered O'Fudge.
"Certain, your Majesty," answered the man.