soul to be satisfied at last? Here, indeed, was a king’s palace. Might he not hope to see a prince now — a prince of flesh and blood, if Heaven were willing?

At each side of the gilded gate stood a living statue — that is to say, an erect and stately and motionless man-at-arms, clad from head to heel in shining steel armour. At a respectful distance were many country folk, and people from the city, waiting for any chance glimpse of royalty that might offer.

Splendid carriages, with splendid people in them and splendid servants outside, were arriving and departing by several other noble gateways that pierced the royal enclosure.

Poor little Tom, in his rags, approached, and was moving slowly and timidly past the sentinels, with a