Tom stared at the tranquil boy, observing to himself, "Lo, it is a wonderful thing,—a most strange and curious trade; I marvel they have not hired a boy to take my combings and my dressings for me—would heaven they would!—an' they will do this thing, I will take my lashings in mine own person, giving God thanks for the change." Then he said aloud—
"And hast thou been beaten, poor friend, according to the promise?"
"'TIS I THAT TAKE THEM.""No, good your majesty, my punishment was appointed for this day, and peradventure it may be annulled, as unbefitting the season of mourning that is come upon us: I know not, and so have made bold to come hither and remind your grace about your gracious promise to intercede in my behalf"—
"With the master? To save thee thy whipping?"
"Ah, thou dost remember!"
"My memory mendeth, thou seest. Set thy mind at ease—thy back shall go unscathed—I will see to it."
"O, thanks, my good lord!" cried the boy, dropping upon his knee again. "Mayhap I have ventured far enow; and yet" . . .
Seeing Master Humphrey hesitate, Tom encouraged him to go on, saying he was "in the granting mood."
"Then will I speak it out, for it lieth near my heart. Sith thou art no more prince of Wales but King, thou canst order matters as thou wilt, with none to say thee nay; wherefore it is not in reason
