"There's no doubt about it!" his eyes said. "This child is Mike III."

The old lady made hot corn bread and brewed a pot of mountain tea.
The boys were not at all hungry, but managed to eat and drink
moderately. Then Ned arose.

"We've got to be on our way," he said. "It will be morning before we
get back to camp if we don't start pretty soon!"

When the boys, after a cordial good night from Mrs. Brady and Buck,
left the cabin the visitor followed them out. Ned stopped breathing,
almost, as he took him by the arm.

"There's one thing I want you to explain to the old lady after a
time," the man said. "I suppose I might do it myself, but I prefer to
let her know from personal observation something of the case first.
That boy is not exactly right."

"Not mentally sound, you mean?" asked Ned. "He appeared to be all
right just now."

"Oh, he's bright enough," answered the other, "but he's been ill and
has been in a hospital at Washington, and has been cuddled and
humored so long that he likes to boss! Not good people to boss, the
attendants in a hospital, you will say, but I guess they let this kid
have his way. When he was delirious they told him all sorts of fairy
tales about kings and princes, and he actually thinks some of them
are true. If he breaks out in any of his tantrums before you leave,
kindly tell the old lady what I am telling you, will you?"