Chapter 4 Tom's Adventures with Edward Gone Left alone in the prince's room, Tom Canty found plenty to amuse him.
He spent a long time looking at himself in the mirror.
He turned first left and then right.
He walked away, imitating the prince's walk.
He looked behind him while he walked, so he could see himself in the mirror.
Tom pretended the room was filled with dukes and earls.
He spoke to each of them about very important matters.
When the imaginary dukes bowed before him, he told them to rise and waved his hand.
Tom did his best to copy the prince's wave.
Eventually, Tom realized that the prince had been gone for a long time.
He was losing interest in picking things up and looking at them.
He was also starting to feel very uncomfortable.
What if someone came in and caught him in the prince's clothes?
What was the punishment for imitating a prince?
Tom tiptoed to the door and opened it quietly.
He peered out into the hallway.
Six servants sitting in chairs sprang to their feet.
What can we do for you, sir? one of them asked.
Tom quickly stepped back into the room and shut the door.
They're making fun of me, he thought to himself.
They'll be rushing to get the guards right now.
He paced up and down the room.
Just then the door opened and one of the servants announced Lady Jane Grey.
A young girl in a beautiful dress bounded into the room.
She rushed toward Tom but stopped in her tracks when she saw the look on his face.
My lord, Lady Jane asked, are you feeling all right?
It was difficult for Tom to speak.
He struggled to get the words out.
Oh, please, you must help me.
I am no lord.
I am not a prince.
My name is Tom Cantian.
I am here by mistake.
The prince and I switched clothes.
It was only supposed to be for a few minutes, but I don't know where he went.
He should have been back a long time ago.
By this time Tom was on his knees before Lady Jane.
He clasped his hands and begged her to believe him.
Lady Jane cried out, My lord, on your knees, sir, this is not acceptable.
She turned from Tom and ran out of the room.
Tom was in despair.
He sank to the floor in tears.
There's no hope.
I will go to jail for sure now.
Meanwhile, the rest of the palace was starting to panic.
The word was quickly spreading that the prince had gone mad.
He believed he was someone else and did not know Lady Jane.
How could he not recognize a girl he had known all his life?
Her father was a close friend of the king, and the children spent a great deal of time together.
The king had been ill for some time and was resting in his room.
When the whispers about the prince's madness reached him, He sent for his son.
Poor Tom was led from the prince's room.
He walked down several long hallways surrounded by doctors, servants, and members of the court.
He was terrified.
He had no idea what to expect.
Surely the king would recognize him as a fake right away.
Soon Tom was standing in a warm and beautiful room.
A large, round man with a beard was lying on the couch near the fire.
He was a stern-looking man.
A great many people were frightened of him, but his voice was gentle when he spoke to the boy.
How are you, my son?
King Henry asked.
You gave Lady Jane quite a fright.
You are the king, Tom stuttered.
Then this must be my end.
The boy shook his head.
Ah, Edward, the king sighed.
My boy, I hope the stories were not true, but I can see that you are deeply troubled.
Come closer to me, my son.
Henry gently took the boy's face in his hands.
Do you not recognize your own dear father?
The king looked at him closely.
It breaks my heart that you might not know me.
I assume that you are my king, Tom answered.
The king could feel the boy tremble.
Please do not be afraid.
There is no one here who will hurt you.
Please, sir, you must believe me.
I speak the truth.
I am not Prince Edward.
My name is Tom Canty, and I am a beggar from Ophel Court.
It's a mistake that I am here.
I don't know where Prince Edward is right now.
Tom began to cry.
I don't want to go to jail.
Please, I just want to go home to my family and friends.
Jail?
King Henry asked.
My poor sweet.
Boy, of course you won't go to jail.
Why would you think such a thing?
Why would I want to punish you?
You are always free to go and do what you want.
Then I am free to go, Tom asked.
He was very excited.
You may leave whenever you like, although I wish you could stay a few minutes more, King Henry said.
He looked closely at Tom.
Where would you go?
I would go back to my home, of course.
My friends and family in Offal Court must be looking for me by now.
Tom was excited that this ordeal would soon be over.
The king dropped his head.
My son is mad, he said.
Heaven bless us, but the Prince of England is mad.
He does not know who he is.
The king looked at the doctors and court officials in the room.
They all looked worried.
I am telling you all right now that, sane or mad, my son will one day be the king of England.
The king's chief advisor stepped forward.
His name was Lord Hertford.
He helped the king with his work and was almost always at Henry's side.
The king's will is law, he said, and bowed before the king and Tom.
The king sighed again.
I must rest now.
He laid his head against his pillow.
Edward, my boy, go with your uncle here for now.
Come and see me later when I am refreshed.
Lord Hertford led Tom away.
He passed down the halls again and returned to the prince's room.
For so long Tom had dreamed of life in the palace, of living the life of a prince, but his dream was quickly turning into a nightmare.
