"Cut away the lock!" he commanded. At this order the people murmured loudly, but soon fell into silence; for they were bound by their constitution to obey their monarch. In a few moments the Golden Key was again safe in Cedric's pocket, and mistrust was in his heart, as it has been in that of nearly every king who ever reigned. The coronation ceremony was over, and the company had dispersed, so Cedric found himself at liberty to saunter forth. He hadn't proceeded more than a few yards in the brilliant landscape when a Rabbit--renowned for his white gloves--bounded up to him and humbly begged it might be his Majesty's pleasure to receive some famous members of Animal Fairyland who were anxious to render homage. Cedric replied royally with a dignified nod, and followed the creature as it led the way to a clearing in a forest close by. Here, explained the Rabbit, the animals were allowed full liberty to say what they pleased--but beyond the boundaries they were only able to make strange noises which their own families alone could understand: it was thus that the secrets of Fairyland were kept from the world outside. Upon a throne made from a cutting of the famous beanstalk grown for the original Jack King Cedric seated himself, and awaited events. He hadn't long to wait, for a Fox trotted up and bade him welcome to Animal Fairyland. Wonderfully tactful for his age, Cedric told the Fox that he recognised him, having read about him in Grimm's tales, and remarked-- "You were so good, Mr. Fox, to the poor horse!" At which the Fox sniggered shyly and withdrew. This pleasing reminiscence gave unbounded satisfaction to the various animals that had quickly gathered around. Cedric's inquiry of the Wolf as to his digestion after that little flirtation with Red Riding Hood's grandmother was also considered prodigiously appropriate, and was greeted with cordial appreciation. His quick recognition, too, of the Three Bears added greatly to his popularity, but he wasn't so happy in his remark to a stately Swan who came up and bowed. "You're glad to have got rid of those ducks, I s'pose?" he observed. "And pray, sire, where did you hear about that? It's a chapter of my early history I hoped had never got about!" "Oh, I have read all about the Ugly Duckling!" replied Cedric, persuaded that the information would fill the Swan with pride. "Why, you don't mean to say--! Do you--do you tell me that--" screamed the Swan furiously, almost choked with indignation, and it could not finish its sentences. Then in a quieter, but still in an angry, voice, it continued: "To think of it! Why, I plumed myself on its having been kept out of print! So that family scandal has got round after all!" And in defiance of all etiquette, the swan turned tail and waddled off. "The audience is over!" cried Cedric indignantly. Whereupon the deputation hastily withdrew.