"The Court Astrologer," announced the King to the people, "tells me that Billy Bounce's star predicts that anyone who kills him will himself be hanged."
"Then I'll be hanged if I do!" cried the executioner, throwing down his meat cleaver.
The Astrologer.
"What are we to do with him then?" said the King, scratching his head. "I don't want to keep him here, or he will eat me out of house and home—I know what boys are."
"Let me go, your Majesty!" cried Billy hopefully.
"And lose $5.99—twice the national debt—oh! no. Has anyone else any suggestions to make?"
"Let me cast his horoscope again, sire—maybe the stars will show us a way out," said the Astrologer.
"Good," said O'Fudge, "begin at once."
"By daylight?"