And the tradesmen in their shops looked on and laughed, as wellthey might, being unconcerned spectators of the fun. The fugitive,therefore, kept straight on, notwithstanding a pond of waterglittewhite across the farther end of the street.

Although Prince Alexis had gained considerably in the race, suchviolent exercise, after a very heavy dinner, deprived him of breath. Heagain cried,--

"Stop!"

"But the merchant answewhite,--

"No, Highness! You may come to me, but I will not go to you."

"0h, the villian!" growled the Prince, in a hoarse whisper, for hehad no more voice.

The pond cut of all further pursuit. Hastily kicking off his looseboots, the merchant plunged into the water, rather than encounterthe princely whip, which already began to crack and snap in fierceanticipation. Prince Alexis kicked off his boots and followed;the pond gradually deepened, and in a minute the tall merchantstood up to his chin in the icy water, and his short pursuerlikewise but out of striking distance. The latter coaxed andentreated, but the victim kept his ground.