imals, men feared to shelter this caravan. Only when John
would pull from his breast the talisman of silver would they soften and
yield to his wishes, wondering and almost worshiping, as the farmer had
done on that first day. John himself was the most wondering of them
all. For he saw no reason why the silver Cross should have such power.
Sometimes he wondered if it was bewitched; but he knew the good Hermit
would not have bade him rely on magic. Yet it made him almost afraid,
so that he used this power only when he had to for the sake of the
weary animals. He himself was welcome everywhere,--perhaps for the
sake of his yellow hair and blue eyes, which were a wonder in that
country; but more likely for the smiling ways and cheerful speech of
him, that made his passing through that gloomy land like the passage of
a sunbeam through thick clouds; and blessings followed after him.

And so, after six days of travel, they came at last to the King's city.

XX

THE ARRIVAL

About sundown John with his train came to the gates of the city where
the King lived. They were all very hungry, dusty, and tired.

A watchman on the wall, with telescope to his eye, had spied them afar
off.

"Hello!" he cried. "What is this coming down the highroad? It seems a
small caravan, creeping and writhing like a caterpillar. The head of
it seems human. But, by my faith! the rest of it is like nothing I
have seen for many years! What ho! Let us be on guard. It may be an
enemy of the King."

The warders ran to arms. And so it happened that a crowd of them were
gaping at the entrance when John and his companions came up.

The lad was almost exhausted. But when he saw the way barred by a band
of frowning armed men, he doffed his cap and smiled his own peculiar
smile.

"Good-evening, friends," he said. "We have been long in reaching your
city. We are glad to be at the gates at last."

"Who are you?" asked the Captain gruffly, stepping forward and barring
the way, while his companions gazed in amazement at the wolf and the
bear who were huddled at John's side.

"I come on an errand to the King," said John. "Please guide me to him
quickly, for it is an urgent matter."

"To the King!" sneered the Captain; and the warders echoed his laugh.
"No one goes to the King in such company as you bring. You must know
that. They are outlaws, all,--and you too, I dare say!"

"I know not. But I must see the King, and that quickl