# XIII: The Disappearance of the Prince explained — The Prince and the Pauper

> Chapter companion for The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain.

## What happens

Miles Hendon cares for the sleeping king, takes his measurements, and buys him a secondhand suit of clothes. While Hendon is sewing and planning their journey to Hendon Hall, the king is tricked into leaving with a youth who claims Hendon sent for him. Hendon discovers the boy missing, learns from a servant that a ruffian joined them on the bridge, and vows to search the land until he finds his 'poor little mad master.'

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Appearance

Hendon buys the king a new suit of clothes, symbolizing the ongoing confusion of identities and the king's hidden royalty.

### Compassion and Empathy

Hendon's tender care for the sleeping king and his grief at the boy's disappearance highlight his deep compassion.

## Character check-ins

### Miles Hendon

Sews a new suit for the king, discovers the boy missing, and resolves to find him.

### Edward VI

Sleeps deeply, is tricked into leaving with a youth, and goes willingly because he thinks Miles Hendon asked it.

### John Canty

Implied as the 'ruffian-looking man' who joins the youth and the king on the bridge.

## Key lines

> He threw back the covers—the boy was gone!

Miles Hendon pulled back the bedcovers and discovered the king had vanished.

_Key moment of discovery that drives the rest of the chapter._

> He grumbled, but he went—he went, yes, because he thought Miles Hendon asked it, sweet lad—he would ne'er have done it for another, I know it well.

The king complained about being woken early, but he left because he believed Miles Hendon had sent for him, showing his trust in Hendon.

_Hendon reflects on the king's loyalty, underscoring their bond._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/chapters/xiii-the-disappearance-of-the-prince
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/chapters