the Prince, John began to caper at his merriest. He
danced high, leaping like a grasshopper, and seeming to bound like
thistledown. All the while his eyes twinkled, and the people laughed
with delight.

"Bravo! John, bravo!" shouted the Prince, clapping his hands. "Come
here and let me decorate you, my friend." And as John bowed before him
the Prince placed upon his bosom a beautiful star of diamonds that
gleamed and sparkled like a cobweb full of dew.

"Hurrah! Hurrah! Long life to John! John! John!" shouted the
people, as if they loved the name.

And the Hermit saw that the King turned pale and shook with wrath at
the sound. The next moment he grasped the arms of his chair and stared
into the crowd eagerly.

Suddenly he arose, and, waving his sceptre, commanded silence. John
bowed and turned to the King, waiting to hear his pleasure. But
instead of the speech which every one expected, they saw the King
gazing down into the crowd before him, and on his lips was a malicious
smile. But he looked very old and sick, and he tottered as he held to
the arm of his throne.

XXVI

THE TALISMAN

John turned his head to see at what the King was staring. There was a
movement in the crowd. Men were being elbowed forward. A noise of
harsh voices arose, and to the platform crowded three figures in rags
and tatters.

They forced their way directly in front of the platform, and stood
staring up. John stepped forward to see what it meant, and in a moment
fell back with a cry of dismay. He was looking into the eyes of Cecco,
Tonio and the Giant!

"Hi! Master Gigi!" cried Tonio's hateful voice; "so here we find you
setting up as a tumbler on your own account. Your Majesty," he cried,
appealing to the King, who was listening with a wicked grin on his
face, "this is our boy. We own him. He ran away, but he belongs to
us. Give him to us again!"

The little Princess screamed and clung to the Hermit's arm; but he sat
motionless, watching. The people began to murmur and jostle the three
strangers. But the King raised his hand, and they listened to him.

"We will hear these men," he said. Then, turning to John, he added
smoothly, "And after that, sirrah, you shall answer for yourself."

The Hermit rose and took a step forward, still holding the little
Princess by the hand. Brutus broke away from the page who held him,
and crouched growling at John's side.

Then Tonio raised his voice, and cried