The Long-Eared Hearer Learns by Listening During this time Ruggedo, the Metal Monarch and King of the Nomes, was trying to amuse himself in his splendid jeweled cavern.

It was hard work for Ruggedo to find amusement to-day, for all the nomes were behaving well and there was no one to scold or to punish.

The King had thrown his sceptre at Kaliko six times, without hitting him once.

Not that Kaliko had done anything wrong.

On the contrary, he had obeyed the King in every way but one: he would not stand still, when commanded to do so, and let the heavy sceptre strike him.
We can hardly blame Kaliko for this, and even the cruel Ruggedo forgave him; for he knew very well that if he mashed his Royal Chamberlain he could never find another so intelligent and obedient.