len asleep.

CHAPTER XXII

THE END OF A HUNDRED YEARS

They all resumed their journey at sunrise, carrying with them a fair
supply of food which the townspeople had brought; and by noon they had
crossed the boundary into a different kingdom, where the cruelties of
the wicked King John were wholly unknown, and where Prince Arthur
became almost the gayest member of the band.

Late in the afternoon they came within sight of another castle; and as
they were now journeying through a very lonely region, they decided
that it would be a wise plan to apply at this place for accommodations
for the night.

Somewhat to their dismay, however, they discovered upon drawing nearer
that the castle was surrounded by a forest so dense that not even the
smallest member of the band could penetrate between the trunks and
branches. Nor did there seem to be a road for them to take, the only
thing resembling a road having been abandoned so long that it was quite
overgrown.

It was here that Will o'Dreams found opportunity to render a most
important service. Without the slightest spirit of boasting he stepped
forward, saying, "Follow me!"

To the amazement of all, the trees parted so that a way was opened and
the entire band now found it quite easy to follow in the footsteps of
the giant.

Together they all began to climb the hill in the direction of the
mysterious castle.

But while the children are wending their way up the hill, let us take
leave of them for a time, that we may have a peep at one of the rooms
of the castle.

The room has been described as "the finest room in a king's palace,"
and while this would seem a somewhat exaggerated statement, there were
at least many evidences of elegance to be noted.

Rich tapestries hung about the walls. They presented certain stories
from mythology in the form of pictures traced in golden threads. There
were golden candlesticks, and even the chairs and tables were of gold.

At the far side of the room, which was very large, there appeared to be
a sort of alcove before which a damask curtain was closely drawn.

Before this curtain sat a lady of honor. She seemed a very great
person indeed, her dress being inferior only to that of a queen in
richness and elegance. She had a double chin and a very large stomach,
which in her day were considered quite suitable to a person in her
position.

Somewhat out of keeping with the golden furniture and the rich
tapestries was th