commodity as lying for nought. But come; sith it is thy humour to give over begging, wherewithal shall we busy ourselves? With robbing kitchens?”

The King said, impatiently —

“Have done with this folly — you weary me!”

Hugo replied, with temper —

“Now harkee, mate; you will not beg, you will not rob; so be it.

But I will tell you what you will do. You will play decoy whilst I beg. Refuse, an’ you think you may venture!”

The King was about to reply contemptuously, when Hugo said, interrupting —

“Peace! Here comes one with a kindly face. Now will I fall down in a fit. When the stranger runs to me, set you up a wail, and fall upon your knees, seeming to weep; then cry out as all the devils of misery were in your belly, and say,