power of reading character, and he felt convinced that the beggar boy whom he had come across so strangely would either succeed in getting into the castle, or would never be heard of again. He had firm faith in him. There were a good many matters, as we have seen,[Pg 43] requiring his attention in Hungary just then, and therefore, though he was extremely angry with Samson for his contemptuous behaviour, he decided to put off punishing him for a time. He felt that, after General Zokoli's discomfiture, it would be wisest not to take any further steps against the clever robber until he could be certain of success; and he resolved on all accounts therefore to wait until Miska made his appearance, or at least until the six months had expired. [Pg 43] Of course there were some who believed that Miska would never be seen again. The king had taken a fancy to him, that was all; but he was only a beggar boy, when all was said and done, and most likely he had sold his new clothes to the first Jew he came across, and was in rags again by this time! When three months, four months, five months, passed away without bringing any news, those who knew anything about the matter shrugged their shoulders and shook their heads more than ever. But one fine morning, just six months after Miska had left Visegrád, and when every one but the king had given him up, it was announced that a stranger had arrived in Buda, giving no name, but saying that he had been entrusted with special business by the[Pg 44] king, and could not give account of it to any one else. The king's whims were so well known at the court that the stranger was admitted without difficulty, and was ushered into the king's presence forthwith. Matthias was alone, and at once recognized his man, who stepped into the room, looking very spruce, and as sound as an acorn. [Pg 44] "It's you, Miska! You have brought good news; I can see it in your eye. You're a man—speak!" Miska bowed, and when he had a little recovered himself—for there was something about the king which was rather awe-inspiring in spite of his good nature—he drew a deep breath and said,— "I have been there, Mr. King—in the castle with Mr. Samson—and I know all about it!" "Let us hear," said the king, with delighted and eager curiosity. "But, little brother, try and tell your tale in an orderly way. First
Prev.
Back
Top