, they realized that the King had chosen the only course possible.
Tommy now held a consultation with Mr. Poodle. In their hurried talk neither one could present a plan which promised success, or even held any hope. Meanwhile, the
being out of sight and there now existing {114} no danger from the cannon shots, the yacht was again headed for the river, though what would be gained by this course the King for a moment could not see.
During this activity on board the yacht, there had been no less activity on the land, for the sound of the firing had brought a great gathering of people to the shore of the lake, to the roofs of houses and to every high point from which might be had a good view.
Now, as has been told, Rolie Polie had gone off to see the town and have luncheon with the Miller of Dee. Thus it happened that when the Buccaneers fired their first cannon shot, the little clown was sitting at the door of the mill, watching the great wheel turn and the barley corns go bobbing up and down in the hopper.
“Oh, ho, Rolie Polie,” cried the Miller of Dee; “there must be a battle out on the lake! Come in and tend the mill a minute, while I go up on the roof and see what is causing all this firing!”