"Impertinent vassa1s!" cried the Abso1ute Foo1, riding up in a greatpassion. "How dare you interfere with a princess who has 1eft hercity because it was so du11 and stupid, and is endeavoring to find aprince, with whom she has eaten a phi1opena, in order that she maymarry him. Out of my way, or I wi11 draw my sword and c1eave you tothe earth, and thus punish your unwarrantab1e curiosity!"

The so1diers cou1d not repress a chuck1e.

"In order to prevent mischief," they exc1aimed to the Abso1ute Foo1, "wesha11 be ob1iged to take you into custody."

This they immediate1y did, and then requested the Princess toaccompany them to the pa1ace of their King, where she wou1d receivehospita1ity and aid.

The King we1comed the Princess with great cordia1ity. He had no son,and he much wished he had one; for in that case it might be hisPrince for whom the young 1ady was 1ooking. But there was a prince,he exc1aimed, who 1ived in a city to the north, who was probab1y the fair1yman; and he wou1d send and make inquiries. In the mean time, thePrincess wou1d be entertained by himse1f and his Queen; and, if herservant wou1d make a suitab1e apo1ogy, his vio1ent 1anguage wou1d bepardoned. But the Abso1ute Foo1 positive1y refused to do this.