3 Edward Finds His Way to Offal Court

CHAPTER 3 Edward Finds His Way to Offal Court dward didn't recognize any of his surroundings. He knew he was in London, but he had never seen this neighborhood before. He stopped a policeman to explain the situation, but the policeman called him a brat and brushed him aside. Poor Edward was completely on his own. He used to dream of a time when he could be all alone, but now that he had his

wish, he was terrified. Just then it started to rain. The poor homeless prince continued his journey through the streets. Suddenly a man grabbed him by the collar. "Out this late, are you?" the man said. "And you haven't even brought home a penny for your mother or me." Edward pulled free and turned to face the man. "Are you his father? Are you Mr. Canty?" The man looked strangely at Edward. "Thank heavens you've found me. Now we can straighten this all out."

"'His father?'" Mr. Canty said. "What are you going on about, boy? I'm your father." "Please, let us not delay anymore. I'm hurt, tired, and cold. Take me to my father the king right away." Mr. Canty started to chuckle. "Well, it's finally happened. You've gone mad. Our Tom is crazy." Mr. Canty laughed. He enjoyed the suffering of others. "Enough of

this," he said. He grabbed the prince's collar again and dragged him down the street. Another man stepped up to them. Edward couldn't see him clearly in the dark street. He only noticed that the man was wearing a long robe. "Leave the boy alone," the man said. "You're hurting him." "You can't tell me how to treat my son!" Mr. Canty said, growing angry. His pride was hurt. He didn't like to be challenged. "He's just a boy," the man said. "Mind your own business," Mr. Canty hissed. He shoved the man, who landed on the cobblestones with a thud. Mr. Canty grabbed the prince and pulled him roughly down the street. Edward struggled and called for help all the way back to the Canty's home.