"No Ruler has condemned us yet," said Betsy.

"Of course not," added Shaggy. "We haven't
even seen the Ruler of the Rose Kingdom."

"Well, to tell the truth," said the Gardener, in
a perplexed tone of voice, "we haven't any real
Ruler, just now. You see, all our Rulers grow on
bushes in the Royal Gardens, and the last one we
had got mildewed and withered before his time. So
we had to plant him, and at this time there is no
one growing on the Royal Bushes who is ripe enough
to pick."

"How do you know?" asked Betsy.

"Why, I'm the Royal Gardener. Plenty of
royalties are growing, I admit; but just now they
are all green. Until one ripens, I am supposed to
rule the Rose Kingdom myself, and see that its
Laws are obeyed. Therefore, much as I love you,
Shaggy, I must put you to death."

"Wait a minute," pleaded Betsy. "I'd like to
see those Royal Gardens before I die."

"So would I," added Shaggy Man. "Take us there,
Gardener."

"Oh, I can't do that," objected the Gardener.