The angry goat was quite mollified by the respectful
tone in which he was addressed, but he immediately
asked:

"Are you also going to consult that empty-headed King
over yonder?"

"I am sorry to hear you speak of your kind master in
such a way," said the boy gravely. "All men are
deserving of respect, being the highest of living
creatures, and Kings deserve respect more than others,
for they are set to rule over many people."

"Nevertheless," said Bilbil with conviction,
"Rinkitink's head is certainly empty of brains."

"That I am unwilling to believe," insisted Inga. "But
anyway his heart is kind and gentle and that is better
than being wise. He is merry in spite of misfortunes
that would cause others to weep and he never speaks
harsh words that wound the feelings of his friends."

"Still," growled Bilbil, "he is --"

"Let us forget everything but his good nature, which
puts new heart into us when we are sad," advised the
boy."

"But he is --"