"Perhaps it is too soon. You will not be able to settle your affairs?" "I guess I can settle my affairs all right. I've only got to pack a grip and tip the bell hops. And as Scobell seems to be financing this show, perhaps it's up to me to step lively if he wants it. But it's a pity. I was just beginning to like this place. There is generally something doing along the White Way after twilight, Crump." The gravity of Mr. Scobell's secretary broke up unexpectedly into a slow, wide smile. His eyes behind their glasses gleamed with a wistful light. "Gee!" he murmured. John looked at him, amazed. "Crump," he cried. "Crump, I believe you're a sport!" Mr. Crump seemed completely to have forgotten his responsible position as secretary to a millionaire and special messenger to a prince. He smirked. "I'd have liked a day or two in the old burg," he said softly. "I haven't been to Rector's since Ponto was a pup." John reached across the table and seized the secretary's hand. "Crump," he said, "you _are_ a sport. This is no time for delay. If we are to liven up this great city, we must get busy right away. Grab your hat, and come along. One doesn't become a prince every day. The occasion wants celebrating. Are you with me, Crump, old scout?" "Sure thing," said the envoy ecstatically. * * * * * At eight o'clock on the following morning, two young men, hatless and a little rumpled, but obviously cheerful, entered the Astor Hotel, demanding breakfast. A bell boy who met them was addressed by the larger of the two, and asked his name. "Desmond Ryan," he replied. The young man patted him on his shoulder. "I appoint you, Desmond Ryan," he said, "Grand Hereditary Bell Hop to the Court of Mervo." Thus did Prince John formally enter into his kingdom. CHAPTER V MR. SCOBELL HAS ANOTHER IDEA Owing to collaboration between Fate and Mr. Scobell, John's state entry into Mervo was an interesting blend between a pageant and a vaudeville sketch. The pageant idea was Mr. Scobell's. Fate supplied the vaudeville. The reception at the quay, when the little steamer that plied between Marseilles and the island principality gave up its precious freight, was not on quite so impressive a scale as might have been given to the monarch of a more powerful kingdom; but John was not disappointed. During the voyage from New York, in the intervals of seasickness--for he was a poor sailor--Mr. Crump had supplied him with certain facts about Mervo, one of which was that its adult population numbered just under thirteen thousand, and this had prepared him for any shortcomings in the way of popular demonstration.