Rinkitink Makes a Great Mistake
The fat King rode his goat through the streets of the conquered city and the boy Prince
walked proudly beside him, while all the people bent their heads humbly to their new
masters, whom they were prepared to serve in the same manner they had King Gos.
Not a warrior remained in all Regos to oppose the triumphant three; the bridge of boats
had been destroyed; Inga and his companions were free from danger -- for a time, at least.
The jolly little King appreciated this fact and rejoiced that he had escaped all injury
during the battle. How it had all happened he could not tell, nor even guess, but he was
content in being safe and free to take possession of the enemy's city. So, as they passed
through the lines of respectful civilians on their way to the palace, the King tipped his
crown back on his bald head and folded his arms and sang in his best voice the following
lines:
"Oh, here comes the army of King Rinkitink! It isn't a big one, perhaps you may think,
But it scattered the warriors quicker than wink --
Rink-i-tink, tink-i-tink, tink! Our Bilbil's a hero and so is his King; Our foemen have
vanished like birds on the wing; I guess that as fighters we're quite the real thing --
Rink-i-tink, tink-i-tink, tink!"
"Why don't you give a little credit to Inga?" inquired the goat. "If I remember aright, he
did a little of the conquering himself."
"So he did," responded the King, "and that's the reason I'm sounding our own praise,
Bilbil. Those who do the least, often shout the loudest and so get the most glory. Inga did
so much that there is danger of his becoming more important than we are, and so we'd
best say nothing about him."
When they reached the palace, which was an immense building, furnished throughout in
regal splendor, Inga took formal possession and ordered the majordomo to show them the
finest rooms the building contained. There were many pleasant apartments, but Rinkitink
proposed to Inga that they share one of the largest bedrooms together.
"For," said he, "we are not sure that old Gos will not return and try to recapture his city,
and you must remember that I have no magic to protect me. In any danger, were I alone, I
might be easily killed or captured, while if you are by my side you can save me from
injury."
The boy realized the wisdom of this plan, and selected a fine big bedroom on the second
floor of the palace, in which he ordered two golden beds placed and prepared for King
Rinkitink and himself. Bilbil was given a suite of rooms on the other side of the palace,
where servants brought the goat fresh-cut grass to eat and made him a soft bed to lie
upon.
