“The story of Montesango’s Cave!” cried both boys, together.
“Or the Roving Griffin!” cried Bojohn.
“Or the Blind Giant!” cried Bodkin.
“If you will pardon me,” said Solario, “I think that it would please Prince Bilbo and the Princess better, perhaps, to hear the story told me by the Black Prince on the memorable night when—”
“Don’t forget,” said Bodkin, “we want to hear about the old man with the shaggy eyebrows, who got the golden chain away from the goldsmith’s son.”
“I will tell you,” said Solario, “about the old man and about the Black Prince at the same time.”
“We know nothing,” said Prince Bilbo, “about any old man with shaggy eyebrows.”
“I’ll tell you, father!” said Bojohn; and he told what he knew. “Now then!” he said to Solario. “Please go on!”
Solario the tailor seated himself cross-legged on his table, and the others drew up their chairs before him in a row.
“Has the old man with the shaggy eyebrows,” said Prince Bilbo, “something to do with the Black Prince?”