The Prince and the Pauper Chapter 17 Summary

Foo-Foo the First

  • We hope you haven't forgotten about King Edward. Miles Hendon sure hasn't.
  • Miles has been searching for Edward day and night, but he can't find him. So he decides that the best course of action is to head straight for Hendon Hall, since that's probably where Edward was going.
  • Now, let's join Edward. Last we saw him, he was being stolen away by someone who was tricking him into leaving Hendon's apartment.
  • Edward's grumbling the whole time, thinking that Hendon should meet him, and not the other way around. Eventually, he even stops walking, because he thinks he shouldn't have to do anything. But when the trickster claims that Hendon has been wounded, the prince certainly picks up the pace. Aww, he likes him.
  • When Edward reaches the destination, he finally realizes that it's a trap. John Canty has found him again. He's changed his name to John Hobbs, and he's totally on the lam.
  • Edward has other things on his mind, though: his dad is dead, and even though everyone else was afraid of Henry, he was still Edward's dad.
  • After sitting in John Hobb's secret hideaway for a while, Edward realizes that he's not alone: there's a whole crew of ruffians, thieves, tinkerers, and other assorted miscreants. They're drinking and dancing.
  • It seems like John Hobbs is part of a secret underground society of thieves. They haven't been together in a long time, so they're catching up on news. Apparently, bunches of people have died in fights, at the stake, or by hanging.
  • All that violence they face actually makes you feel kind of sorry for this surly gang of beggars. One guy's wife, for example, was burned as a witch for trying to take care of some sick people.
  • Hearing all of this, Edward declares that these barbaric laws will be ended. That's all well and good, but to these guys, he's just a crazy little kid. They start laughing at him, and John Hobbs actually tries to attack him, but the other thieves have a better sense of humor.
  • The thieves make a new name for Edward: Foo-foo the First, King of the Mooncalves. After that, everyone starts making fun of him until he gives up and starts to cry. Poor Edward: no one believes him.