“But these are real — verily these are real — surely it is not a dream.”

He stared at the King again — and thought, “Is it a dream .

. . or is he the veritable Sovereign of England, and not the friendless poor Tom o’ Bedlam I took him for — who shall solve me this riddle?”

A sudden idea flashed in his eye, and he strode to the wall, gathered up a chair, brought it back, planted it on the floor, and sat down in it!

A buzz of indignation broke out, a rough hand was laid upon him and a voice exclaimed —

“Up, thou mannerless clown! would’st sit in the presence of the King?”

The disturbance attracted his Majesty’s