have you hanged, for thus finding me against my will."

"You think so now, Your Majesty, but you will never
do it," returned Pinkerbloo, rising and kissing the
King's hand.

"Why won't I?" asked Rinkitink.

"Because you are much too tender-hearted, Your
Majesty."

"It may be -- it may be," agreed Rinkitink, sadly.
"It is one of my greatest failings. But what chance
brought you here, my Lord Pinkerbloo?"

"We have searched for you everywhere, sire, and all
the people of Gilgad have been in despair since you so
mysteriously disappeared. We could not appoint a new
King, because we did not know but that you still lived;
so we set out to find you, dead or alive. After
visiting many islands of the Nonestic Ocean we at last
thought of Pingaree, from where come the precious
pearls; and now our faithful quest has been rewarded."

"And what now?" asked Rinkitink.

"Now, Your Majesty, you must come home with us, like
a good and dutiful King, and rule over your people,"
declared the man in a firm voice.