The attention of
the people had been attracted to the king's presence by the royal
equipage which was slowly driving down the street, and one and all
hurried from their houses to see and greet their handsome young
monarch. Men and women, young and old, were running about
confusedly, each one inquiring of his neighbor why the king had
come, and where he might now be, as his carriage was apparently
awaiting him. And why was that fat man, who was seated on the
sidewalk, sketching this sandy place with its poor little houses?
Even the proud and self-satisfied Mr. Pricker had not considered it
beneath his dignity to descend to the street door, where he took his
stand surrounded by his assistants and apprentices.
"It is said the king has gone into the house of Schommer, the
grocer," said one of his assistants, returning from a reconnoissance
he had made among the noisy and gossiping multitude.
Mr. Pricker shook his head gravely. "He must have been misinformed,
for he undoubtedly intended coming to this house and paying me a
visit, an intention which would be neither novel nor surprising in
my family. None of the rulers of the house of Hohenzollern have as
yet neglected to pay a visit to the house of Pricker. The present
king will not fail to observe this noble custom, for--"
The worthy Mr.
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