all my terrible deeds and untold wickedness, I have been captured by a
mere boy! Oh, boo-hoo! boo-hoo! boo-hoo! It is a terrible disgrace!"

"You will not have to bear it long," said the prince, soothingly. "I
am going to hang you in a few minutes."

"Thanks! Thank you very much!" answered the king, ceasing to weep.
"I have always expected to be hanged some day, and I am glad no one
but you two boys will witness me when my feet begin kicking about."

"I shall not kick," declared another of the thieves, who had also
regained his senses. "I shall sing while I am being hanged."

"But you can not, my good Gunder," protested the king; "for the rope
will cut off your breath, and no man can sing without breath."

"Then I shall whistle," said Gunder, composedly.

The king cast at him a look of reproach, and turning to Prince Marvel
he said:

"It will be a great task to string up so many thieves. You look
tired. Permit me to assist you to hang the others, and then I will
climb into a tree and hang myself from a strong branch, with as little
bother as possible."

"Oh, I won't think of troubling you," exclaimed Marvel, with a laugh.
"Having conquered you alone, I feel it my duty to hang you without
assistance--save that of my esquire."