You may here remark that , since Dick took to his studies , he could speak , when he chose , like a printed book , which was by no means the case before . `` If you remember , sir , he polished off -- I mean , he slew -- the King of the Golden Mines and the beautiful , though frivolous , Princess Frutilla . All that the friendly Mermaid could do for them was to turn them into a pair of beautiful trees which intertwine their branches . Not much use in that , sir ! And nothing was done to the scoundrel . He may be going on still ; and , with your leave , I 'll go and try a sword-thrust with him . Francalanza says I 'm improving uncommon . '' `` You 'll take the usual Sword of Sharpness , '' said his Majesty . `` What , sir , to a dwarf ? Not I , indeed : a common small sword is good enough to settle him . '' `` They say he is very cunning of fence , '' said the king ; `` and besides , I have heard something of a diamond sword that he stole from the King of the Golden Mines . '' `` Very likely he has lost it or sold it , the shabby little miscreant ; however , I 'll risk it . And now I must make my preparations . '' The king did not ask what they were ; as a rule , they were simple . But , being in the shop of the optician that day , standing with his back to the door , he heard Dick come in and order a pair of rose-coloured spectacles , with which he was at once provided . The people of Pantouflia were accustomed to wear them , saying that they improved the complexions of ladies whom they met , and added cheerfulness to things in general . `` Just plain rose-coloured glass , Herr Spex , '' said Dick , `` I 'm not short - sighted . '' `` The boy is beginning to show some sense , '' said the king to himself , knowing the nature and the difficulties of the expedition . Ricardo did not disguise his intention of taking with him a Dandie Dinmont terrier , named Pepper , and the king , who understood the motive of this precaution , silently approved . `` The lad has come to some purpose and forethought , '' the king said , and he gladly advanced a considerable sum for the purchase of crocodiles ' eggs , which can rarely be got quite fresh .
When Jaqueline had made the crocodiles ' eggs , with millet-seed and sugar-candy , into a cake XXXXX the Dwarf 's lions , Ricardo announced that his preparations were complete .
If as at besides for from of on though with