Now, there can be no further question about the matter.

I, unworthy as I am, represent the sole hope of the royal family.

Therefore to send me after the Firedrake were {25} both dangerous and unnecessary.

Dangerous, because, if he treats me as you say he did my brothers--my unhappy brothers,--the throne of Pantouflia will want an heir.

But, if I do come back alive--why, I cannot be more the true heir than I am at present; now _can_ I?
Ask the Lord Chief Justice, if you don't believe _me_." These arguments were so clearly and undeniably correct that the king, unable to answer them, withdrew into a solitary place where he could express himself with freedom, and give rein to his expression..