Can not the whole proclamation be annulled , and will you consider the bargain void if I tear up this flimsy scroll ? '' And here the prince fluttered the cheque for 1,000,000 pounds in the air . For a moment the king was tempted ; but then he said to himself : `` Never mind , it 's only an extra penny on the income-tax . '' Then , `` Keep your dross , '' he shouted , meaning the million ; `` but let me keep my promise . To chapel at once , or -- '' and he pointed to the executioner . `` The word of a king of Pantouflia is sacred . '' `` And so is that of a crown prince , '' answered Prigio ; `` and mine is pledged to a lady . '' `` She shall be a mourning bride , '' cried the king savagely , `` unless '' -- here he paused for a moment -- `` unless you bring me back Alphonso and Enrico , safe and well ! '' The prince thought for the space of a flash of lightning . `` I accept the alternative , '' he said , `` if your majesty will grant me my conditions . '' `` Name them ! '' said the king . `` Let me be transported to Gluckstein , left there unguarded , and if , in three days , I do not return with my brothers safe and well , your majesty shall be spared a cruel duty . Prigio of Pantouflia will perish by his own hand . '' The king , whose mind did not work very quickly , took some minutes to think over it . Then he saw that by granting the prince 's conditions , he would either recover his dear sons , or , at least , get rid of Prigio , without the unpleasantness of having him executed . For , though some kings have put their eldest sons to death , and most have wished to do so , they have never been better loved by the people for their Roman virtue . `` Honour bright ? '' said the king at last . `` Honour bright ! ''
answered the prince , and , for the first time XXXXX many months , the royal father and son shook hands .
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