“Your Highness,” said Mr. Poodle, after Rolie Polie had thanked the King and departed, “I think the Miller of Dee also deserves a reward, for, from what I hear, he has acted most nobly; taking blame when he thought that it would save Rolie Polie, and as graciously according credit when {124} he found the opening of the gates had brought honor and the praise of his fellow Toy people.”
“That is true,” said the King. “I will make the Miller of Dee my first assistant Prime Minister.”
The little Miller thanked the King, then laughed and said: “I think the place for me is in the mill, simply grinding my barley corns.”
Mr. Poodle then told King Tommy that a good Miller was a very handy fellow to have in the Kingdom, especially one who had something more beneath his cap than the dust upon his hair, as without doubt this one had. {125}
Tommy felt that there might be some truth in what the toymaker said, but he told Mr. Poodle he thought that such a noble deed certainly deserved a reward.
“That is true,” replied Mr. Poodle; “and now I would suggest that, as a reward to the Miller, you make this a holiday, to be observed every year and to be called the Miller’s Holiday.”
Tommy said that would be fine, and immediately issuing the order, Heralds were soon proclaiming it throughout the city.
The Toy people shouted and cheered at these words of the Heralds, as they were all fond of holidays, and so thought the King had found a fine way to reward their friend, the good Miller of Dee.
As for the Miller, he felt very much embarrassed, but at last found words to thank the King, and then started off home to talk it all over with his neighbors. A big man the Miller was in his neighbors’ eyes now, you may be sure; all were glad enough to rub shoulders with him, and no one minded the white barley dust on his clothes, I can tell you, which was very nice for the little Miller.