`` I looked up the almanack at once . It is the most extraordinary thing I ever saw , and I 've seen a good many . '' `` The astronomers must be duffers , '' said Prince Ricardo . `` I never thought there was much in physical science of any sort ; most dreary stuff . Why , they say the earth goes round the sun , whereas any fool can see it is just the other way on . '' King Prigio was struck aghast by these sentiments in the mouth of his son and heir , the hope of Pantouflia . But what was the king to say in reply ? The astronomers of Pantouflia , who conceived that they knew a great deal , had certainly been taken by surprise this time . Indeed , they have not yet satisfactorily explained this eclipse of the moon , though they have written volumes about it . `` Why , it may be the sun next ! '' exclaimed his Majesty . `` Anything may happen . The very laws of gravitation themselves may go askew ! '' At this moment the butler , William , who had been in the queen 's family when she was a girl , entered , and announced : `` Some of the royal tradesmen , by appointment , to see your Majesty . '' So the king , who had scarcely eaten any breakfast , much to the annoyance of the queen , who was not agitated by eclipses , went out and joined the tailors and the rest of them . CHAPTER III . The Adventure of the Shopkeepers . -LCB- Man with sword : p48.jpg -RCB- Dick went on with his breakfast . He ate cold pastry , and poached eggs , and ham , and rolls , and raspberry jam , and hot cakes ; and he drank two cups of coffee . Meanwhile the king had joined the tradesmen who attended by his orders .
They were all met XXXXX the royal study , where the king made them a most splendid bow , and requested them to be seated .
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