ubjects
were full of pets. And the palace itself was a perfect menagerie, so
that John called it "The Ark." There were hundreds of new four-footed
friends in the park and palace; and hundreds of two-footed friends in
the trees and dovecotes. To and fro they went between the city and the
forest. For all ways were safe now to wandering creatures. A highroad
was made connecting the King's city with the Hermit's wood. And the
path to the door of the hut was worn smooth. For this soon became a
favorite place of pilgrimage.

There in the Forest Kingdom lived the good Hermit and John his nephew,
with their circle of pets. And these also went back and forth between
the forest and the city. For John was the Prince's dear friend and
companion, and spent many weeks of the year in the palace with the two
whom he loved. His pets were as eagerly welcomed there as he. Brutus
had his own rug by the young King's fireplace. The wolf made a
faithful guardian of the palace gate, while John was inside. Bruin
wandered about the halls at his pleasure. The cat purred contentedly
on the brocade furniture, with ever-new kittens frisking about her.
The raven often perched on the back of King Hugh's chair and made wise
sounds. And while waiting to carry a message to the Hermit in the
forest, the carrier pigeon loved to nestle in the arms of the young
Princess, who grew prettier and prettier every day.

To the Kingdom in the Forest came folk from everywhere. The quiet of
the Hermit's retreat was often broken. But nevertheless the old man
was happy. For he saw his boy fast growing into the man he had hoped
him to be, the copy of his father, beloved John. With the silver Cross
on his bosom, the strange, merry smile ever on his face, and a kind
word always on his lips, John ministered to all who needed him; and he
went far and wide to find them. He was always happy, whatever he might
be doing; alone with the Hermit and his animal friends; helping the
troubled and the ailing; wandering with Brutus and the wolf through the
still lonely parts of the wood; studying the never-failing wonders of
the Kingdom in the Forest. But he was happiest of all, perhaps, when
the King and Princess came to visit him, as they loved to do,--without
servants or followers, with only an animal or two. For this country
was the safest and most peaceful in the world.

[Illustration: King and Princess came to visit him.]

Then they would all dress in si