At first he thought they were too busy, but presently another explanation occurred to him.
{The waiters: p38.jpg} "The king," he said to himself, "has threatened to execute anybody who speaks to me, or helps me in any way.

Well, I don't mean to starve in the midst of plenty, anyhow; here goes!" The prince rose, and went to the table in the midst of the room, where a huge roast turkey had just been placed.

He helped himself to half the breast, some sausages, chestnut stuffing, bread sauce, potatoes, and a bottle of red wine--Burgundy.

He then went back to a table in a corner, where he dined very well, nobody taking any notice of him.

When he had finished, he sat watching the other people dining, and smoking his cigarette.