"I don't think such precautions are at all necessary, my dear," said King Sidney. "Marshal Federhelm seems to have put by a good deal while he was Regent. And besides, there's plenty more where _this_ comes from, you know!" "And where _does_ it come from?" inquired the Queen. "Why, the Treasurer tells me, we've a mine of our own in the Golden Mountains a few miles from here--a mine that is practically--ah--inexhaustible. I rather thought of driving over to see it some day." "Let's all go!" said the Crown Prince. "Why not this afternoon? It'll be something to do!" Queen Selina was pleased to approve the suggestion. "We certainly ought to show that we are interested in industrial concerns," she said. "All the _best_ Sovereigns do. I can't help wishing, though, that poor dear Papa could have come with us. He knew so much about gold mines." "Just as well for us he can't," said Clarence, "because _he'd_ be the Boss, then! I say, I've got an idea. Why not take one of those sacks in the coach with us and chuck money out of the window to the crowd, what?" "Look too much as if we were out for a beanfeast, my boy," objected his father. "And what's the matter with a beanfeast? Believe me, it will make us jolly popular and be a lot better fun than just bowing to the blighters." "And far less fatiguing," said Edna. "There's something in what Clarence says," said the Queen. "It _would_ increase our popularity--and that is so important. Of course we shouldn't make a _practice_ of it, but we can quite afford it, just for once--what do you think, Mr. Marshal?" The Marshal thought it was an excellent notion. The Golden Mountains were not much more than a couple of leagues from Eswareinmal, and the roads being tolerably good, a lighter vehicle than the State Coach and six sturdy horses accomplished the journey in very good time. In the streets they passed through and at various villages along the valley, crowds had collected, and the enthusiasm with which they scrambled for the coins that were showered from the carriage windows proved how fully they appreciated the benefits of an established Monarchy. "Don't throw any more now, children," counselled Queen Selina as they neared the mine. "We must keep some for the dear miners. Sidney, be sure to ask some questions about the machinery, and whether they're all happy and comfortable. And do it tactfully, because I've always heard miners are such a very independent and intelligent class."