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 * 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 can not be more the true heir than I am at present ; now can I ? Ask the Lord Chief Justice , if you do n't believe me . '' * Subjunctive mood ! He was a great grammarian ! 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 passions . -LSB- Illustration : Chapter Four -RSB- CHAPTER IV . -- How Prince Prigio was deserted by Everybody MEANWHILE , Prince Prigio had to suffer many unpleasant things . Though he was the crown prince -LRB- and though his arguments were unanswerable -RRB- , everybody shunned him for a coward . The queen , who did not believe in Firedrakes , alone took his side . He was not only avoided by all , but he had most disagreeable scenes with his own cousins , Lady Molinda and Lady Kathleena . In the garden Lady Molinda met him walking alone , and did not bow to him . `` Dear Molly , '' said the prince , who liked her , `` how have I been so unfortunate as to offend you ? '' `` My name , sir , is Lady Molinda , '' she said , very proudly ; `` and you have sent your own brother to his grave ! '' -LSB- Illustration : Page 24 -RSB- `` Oh , excuse me , '' said the prince , `` I am certain he has merely gone off on his travels . He 'll come back when he 's tired : there are no Firedrakes ; a French writer says they are ` purement fabuleux , purely fabulous , you know . '' `` Prince Alphonso has gone on his travels , and will come back when he is tired !
And was he then -- tired -- XXXXX me ? ''
Though about after at because for into of than that