Chapter 13 Back Among the Thieves King Fufu was traveling with a group of thieves again.
Mr. Canty picked on Edward whenever the boss turned his back.
Hugo stepped on his toes.
He bumped into Edward and pretended it was an accident.
He even tried to trip Edward.
Edward refused to take any of Hugo's taunts.
He would not sink to Hugo's level.
He also refused to participate in any of the group's illegal activities.
Edward would not steal with them.
He would not beg in the streets.
He walked with them and waited for a chance to escape.
Hugo was working on a plan of his own.
He realized that the only way to get rid of Edward was to have him arrested.
If Edward escaped, then Mr. Canty would search for him, but if he was in jail, they could go on without him.
Hugo was tired of this boy taking up everyone's attention.
He had come to think of Mr. Canty as his own father and did not want the competition.
Hugo offered to take Edward into the next village to look for money.
He looked for the right target very carefully.
He knew he only had one chance.
Then he spotted a woman carrying a basket of food.
Hugo moved very quickly.
He grabbed the basket from the woman and ran off.
Edward could not believe his luck.
He was alone.
He was just about to turn and run the other way when Hugo appeared again.
He thrust the basket into Edward's arms.
Before Edward had a chance to realize what had happened, Hugo shouted, Stop!
Thief!
Then he ran around a corner so he could watch the action from afar.
Edward dropped the basket.
The woman rushed up to him and grabbed her food.
Several people came with her.
They took a hold of Edward.
Let me go, Edward called.
I have done nothing wrong.
The crowd grew and more people closed in around Edward.
The boy was close to giving up when he heard a familiar voice.
Step away from the boy.
Edward watched as a long sword parted the crowd.
Everyone stepped aside and Miles walked toward the future king.
Sir Miles, Edward said, I've been wondering when you would arrive.
Miles leaned in to whisper in Edward's ear.
We must be careful, sir.
There are still many more of them than us.
He smiled.
He had forgotten that he was now Sir Miles.
The boy's memory was still very strong despite his madness.
Miles was impressed.
Just then a policeman arrived.
Before the policeman had a chance to speak, Miles said-
Thank goodness you've arrived.
Please lead the way and we'll follow you.
Miles put his hand on Edward's shoulder and told him to stay quiet.
The future king obeyed.
As they followed the policeman, Miles and Edward spoke quietly to each other.
Laws are made by the king, correct?
Miles asked.
Edward nodded.
How can we respect and resist them at the same time?
We must have faith that these laws will protect the innocent just as they punish the guilty.
Edward hoped that Miles was right.
He had seen an awful lot over the past few days that caused him to wonder.
Edward went before the judge, and the woman with the basket entered the court.
The judge asked the woman to reveal the contents of the basket.
It was a plump pig ready for cooking.
What do you guess this pig is worth? the judge asked.
Three shillings and eight pence, sir, she replied.
The judge looked around his crowded courtroom.
He asked the guards to remove everyone but Miles, Edward, and the woman.
The judge said, "'Please consider this matter fully.
This boy was quite likely hungry and tired when he stole your basket.
Having no food will make us do strange things.
Now madam, do you realize that anyone who steals something worth more than two shillings and four pence will be sent to the workhouse'?
Edward gasped.
He had no idea such a thing was possible.
He knew this was a serious matter, but was it possible that he could go to a workhouse?'
Oh, heavens no, the woman cried.
What have I done?
This boy cannot go to a workhouse because of me.
What should I do?
My advice is to lower the value of the pig, the judge said calmly.
Then call the pig eight pence, she said.
Miles was so excited that he hugged Edward in front of everyone.
The boy was embarrassed, but he said nothing.
The woman picked up her basket and quickly left the courtroom.
One of the guards held the door for her, then followed her out.
Miles, curious to know why the guard left, followed them outside.
That's a fat pig, the guard said to the woman.
I'll buy it from you.
Here's your eight pence.
Eight pence?
The woman laughed.
Don't be ridiculous.
That pig is worth much more than that.
Ah, madam, but you swore under oath that this pig was worth eight pence.
Were you lying?
The guard smiled.
He considered himself very clever.
Seeing no way out of her situation, the woman gave her pig to the guard.
He took the pig and hid it in a secret spot before returning to the court.
Miles went back to Edward just in time to hear him sentenced to a short time in jail.
The boy was furious.
He was about to rant and yell when Miles once again put his hand on his shoulder.
I ask you to be patient for only a bit longer, sir.
I promise that you won't suffer any time in jail.
Edward decided to trust Miles and stay quiet.
After all, what other choice did he have?
Miles and Edward followed the guard through a public square.
The sun was setting and the air was getting cooler.
People were heading back to their homes to stay warm.
Miles tapped the guard on the shoulder.
I would like to speak with you for a moment, Miles said.
We have no time for that, the guard replied.
The boy is expected at the jail.
I'll say this to you once, and I hope you understand.
Miles said.
He leaned close to the guard.
Let the boy escape.
What?
That's ridiculous.
I heard every word you said to that woman.
Would you like me to report it to the judge?
Miles spoke quietly.
You will certainly lose your job if the judge learns you cheated that honest woman.
He paused for a moment.
Or perhaps the judge will decide that you deserve time in jail.
The guard stared at Miles in disbelief.
He couldn't speak.
Very well, then, Miles said.
I will run back to the court to have a word with the judge.
He turned to leave, but the guard grabbed his arm.
No, wait.
The judge will have no sympathy for me.
The guard took a deep breath.
Very well, then.
It seems I have no choice.
Be quick about it, though.
The guard took another deep breath and turned his back.
I'll count to ten, he said.
If you're still there when I turn back around, I'll take you both to jail.
Miles and Edward were far away and down many streets before the guard even counted to eight.
