The Child's World Part 27

BOY: Why, who would be so foolish as to give me a gold piece just for running half a mile for a book? No, no, you are joking. You couldn't make me believe that.

KING: Well, you know "seeing is believing." Look! here is the gold piece for you.

BOY: But it is in _your_ hand. If I saw it in my own hand, that would be a different matter.

KING (_laughing_): You are certainly not stupid, my boy; but you may have it in your own hand. Here it is.

(Boy stands still, looking worried,)

KING: Well, why don't you go?

BOY: I only wish I could. But what would become of the geese while I am away? If they strayed into the meadow over yonder, I should have to pay trespa.s.s-money--more than the gold piece--and lose my place besides.

KING: I'll tell you what we'll do. You go for the book, and I'll herd the geese.

BOY (_laughing_): You herd the geese--a pretty gooseherd you would make!

You are too fat and too old.

KING (_to himself, shaking with laughter_): Well, Well, "fat and old."

What next, I wonder!

BOY: Why, you couldn't mind the geese. Just look at the "court gander"

there--the one with the black head and wings. He is the ringleader whenever there is any mischief. He would lead you a pretty dance.

KING: Never mind the geese. I'll answer for them, and I promise to pay all damages if they get away.

BOY (_handing the king his whip_): Well, then, be careful. Watch the "court gander."

(Boy walks on a few feet, then hurries back.)

KING: What's the matter now?

BOY: Crack the whip!

(King tries but fails.)

BOY: Just as I thought. Here, this way! Can't you see? You are stupid!

KING: Just let me try once more.

(King tries.)

BOY: Well, that did pretty well.

(Moves off muttering.)

He is as big a goose as any in the flock.

ACT II

KING (_lying on the ground and laughing so that the tears run down his cheeks_): Oh, but this is fine! First I was fat and old. Now I am as big a goose as any in the flock. What would my courtiers say?

(Springing up suddenly.)

Look at that "court gander"! There he goes with the whole flock.

(He dashes wildly after the geese and tries to crack the whip, but cannot.)

Now they are in the meadow; what will the boy say?

(Boy returns and sees the geese in the meadow; the king looks ashamed.)

BOY: Just as I expected. I have found the book, but you have lost the geese. What a time I shall have trying to find them!

KING: Never mind; I will help you get them together again.

[Ill.u.s.tration: The king and the boy look for the geese]

BOY: Humph! Much help you'll be. But go there by that stump and don't let the geese pa.s.s you. Wave your arms at them and shout at them. Surely you can do that!

KING: I'll try.

ACT III

Boy: Well, they are back again! Thanks to goodness, but none to you.

What can you do?

KING: Pray excuse me for not doing any better, but you see, I am not used to work. I am the king.

BOY: I was a simpleton to trust you with the geese; but I am not such a simpleton as to believe that you are the king.

KING: Just as you will. You are a good lad. Here is another gold coin as a peace offering. Good-day.

BOY (_as king walks away_): He is a kind gentleman, whoever he may be; but take my word for it, he will never make a gooseherd.

--OLD TALE.

DONAL AND CONAL

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