ces once more closed in around the city.

Seeing that the gates still remained open, Bill now marshalled his
gallant army, and in one grand procession led them into the city.

[Illustration: AND PACKED HIM OFF TO PERSIA]

In front of all solemnly marched the General; then the Real Soldier;
then the Merchant's Wife; then the Sicilian Char-woman, proudly waving
her flag; then followed a number of Bill's charges, the Ancient
Mariner, the Doctor, Camp-followers, the Musician playing triumphant
music on his concertina, more Camp-followers, the Respectable Gentleman,
the Scout, the Wild Man, yet more Camp-followers, the Merchant, and,
last of all, preceded by the graceful Triplets, came the proud and glad
old King himself, wheeled in great state by the faithful Boadicea, and
guarded by the principal policeman of Troutpeg. The nine stout sons of
Crispin, together with the remaining children, formed a guard of honour,
extending from the city gates as far as the front door of the Palace,
into which the excited and Royal old creature entered at last amid the
cheers of his gallant followers.

His first act was to release the King of Persia, and after accepting
very graciously his humble and sincere apologies for his unkindness, the
clement old fellow gave him a good breakfast and packed him off to
Persia. In a like kindly manner he treated the courtiers, after they had
all suitably begged his pardon; and the inhabitants, who came trooping
back as soon as they heard how graciously the rightful King was
behaving, one and all clamoured to shake the delighted old monarch by
the hand and pay their homage to him.

Thus, after all his trials and privations, this Royal and kindly
creature was restored to his throne. The crown was done up and
beautifully polished, and the old King once more crowned in great state.
To show his gratitude to his brave and faithful followers he appointed
them all (with the exception of the Triplets, who soon returned to
Blowdripping) to places of honour in his court. Thus:--

[Illustration: TROY BECAME THE HAPPIEST TOWN]

BILL, Commander-in-chief of the Army.
THE REAL SOLDIER, General under Bill.
THE SCOUT, Officer of the Army.
NINE SONS OF CRISPIN, Bodyguard to the King.
THE CAMP-FOLLOWERS
AND OTHERS, The Army.
BOADICEA, Royal Housekeeper.
ANCIENT MARINER, Admiral of the Fleet.
SICILIAN CHAR-WOMAN, Head Char-woman t