“With all my heart,” said I; whereupon, without further preamble, he commenced
THE STORY OF THE BLACK PRINCE
“Know, most excellent Solario,” he began, “that my father the King of Wen called me to him one day, and sitting down with me addressed me as follows. ‘My son,’ said he—”
“Is it a long story?” asked the King, yawning behind his hand.
“It is very interesting,” said the old tailor.
“Not what I asked,” said the King. “Is it long?”
“Well,—well—” said the old man.
“Then we will hear it another time,” said the King. “Pray let us hear what happened to you.”
The old man bowed, quite crestfallen, and proceeded with his story.
“Oh, shucks,” said Bojohn to Bodkin.