invited to do so, the raven hopped gravely to the foot of the bed,
where he perched, eyeing the Prince with little round eyes and head
cocked knowingly.

Presently the bird gave a queer screech, and began to imitate John's
own laughter so exactly that the Prince shook with mirth. At this the
raven stood upon one leg gravely, and began to sidle along the
footboard of the bed. Presently he spied some fruit carved on the
wooden uprights, and making a dart began to peck at the pears and
peaches. Then, discovering his mistake, once more he began to chuckle,
this time so heartily that he seemed ready to have a fit. And as he
listened the Prince's mouth widened and he burst into roars of laughter.

"Hush, you foolish bird!" said John reprovingly. "Be not so noisy in a
Prince's chamber. It is not good manners!" and he threw his
handkerchief over the raven's head.

But the Prince protested. "Let him do his pleasure," he said,
laughing. "I have not seen anything so funny for many a day. I shall
teach him many tricks."

So the raven stayed with the Prince, and learned many tricks. And the
carrier pigeon stayed. And the others stayed,--all but the wolf, who
would never leave John,--making themselves quite at home on the
Prince's velvet couch. And the little Princess played with them,
enjoying the happiest hours of her life.

One only of the animals the Prince had not seen. The Hermit and John
agreed that until he was stronger he must not see the bear whom he had
once tried to kill. For they knew that now it would make the Prince