Where is King
William?" the other went on.
"Oh, he'll be along after awhile. Perhaps, prince, after you have
partaken of our simple fare and rested by our friendly fire a little
time, the king may join you."
Frank managed to keep a sober face while speaking in this lofty way, but
Bluff and Jerry, unable to stand it any longer, turned their backs on
the couple.
Evidently the lunatic was very hungry, in spite of his possession of an
"iron will." He kept turning a wistful eye toward the fire where the
frightened black cook was hustling coffee and ham and eggs for his
benefit. And indeed, there was such an appetizing odor in the air that
several times Mr. Smithson raised his head and looked longingly over the
bushes as though he wished things would move faster, so he could come
into camp and get his share.
When the food was placed before him the man ate ravenously. The boys
afterwards learned that he had not tasted a bite for two days, and they
wondered at his having shown even as much patience as he did.
Just as Mr. Smithson had said, the escaped lunatic became drowsy as soon
as he finished eating.
"Let me fix a nice cot for you here, prince. When the king arrives you
shall be awakened, all right," said Frank, soothingly.
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