Summary Chapter 9

The palace is lit up, as are the barges on the water. People evacuate the steps at the verbal command, waiting in suspense. Forty to fifty barges pull up to the steps, all elaborately carved and decorated.

 

The guard approaches the ships. A carpet is unfolded. A parade begins to descend.

 

The prince’s uncle emerges near the end of the procession. He turns, pulling off his cap, and bows low. Tom appears, quite a vision in his new clothes compared to his former rags.