'
As Tom checked off his details, and the other boy nodded his
head in recognition of them, the great audience and the officials
stared in puzzled wonderment; the tale sounded like true history,
yet how could this impossible conjunction between a prince and a
beggar boy have come about? Never was a company of people so
perplexed, so interested, and so stupefied, before.
'For a jest, my prince, we did exchange garments. Then we stood
before a mirror; and so alike were we that both said it seemed as if
there had been no change made- yes, you remember that. Then you
noticed that the soldier had hurt my hand- look! here it is, I
cannot yet even write with it, the fingers are so stiff. At this
your Highness sprang up, vowing vengeance upon that soldier, and ran
toward the door- you passed a table- that thing you call the Seal
lay on that table- you snatched it up and looked eagerly about, as
if for a place to hide it- your eye caught sight of-'
'There, 'tis sufficient!- and the dear God be thanked!'
exclaimed the ragged claimant, in a mighty excitement. 'Go, my good
St. John- in an arm-piece of the Milanese armor that hangs on the
wall, thou'lt find the Seal!'
'Right, my king! right!' cried Tom Canty; 'now the scepter of
England is thine own; and it were better for him that would dispute it
that he had been born dumb! Go, my Lord St. John, give thy feet
wings!'
The whole assemblage was on its feet now, and well-nigh out of its
mind with uneasiness, apprehension, and consuming excitement.
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