The Prince and the Pauper: Chapter 18 Summary & Analysis

The next morning, the Ruffler puts Hugo in charge of Edward and orders John to stay away from the boy. After trudging through muddy lanes, the group arrives at a sizeable city. They split up to do their jobs (begging, pickpocketing, burglarizing houses, and so on) and Hugo brings Edward with him. Edward, however, refuses to steal or beg (Hugo finds this weird since John told them the boy had begged all his life), so Hugo tells him to be a decoy. The plan is for Hugo to pretend to collapse and for Edward to cry out that they are friendless and penniless. Before Edward can refuse, Hugo spots a target and begins his act. When the man stops, Edward tells him that Hugo is acting and has picked his pocket. Hugo takes off running and Edward runs in the opposite direction, happy to be free.

Once Edward is out of the city, he realizes he’s tired and hungry. He stops at a couple of farmhouses to ask for food, but the owners, noticing his clothes, turn him away. Edward gets colder as night falls and he becomes afraid of the noises in the forest and fields around him. He spots a barn and he darts in just as two men approach. The farmers work by lantern light while Edward hides behind a cask to wait until they leave. He  takes note of his surroundings, spotting a warm corner and pile of horse blankets. As soon as the men leave, Edward feels his way over and he makes a bed in the corner. As he falls asleep, he is startled to feel something touch him. Upon closer examination, Edward discovers a sleeping calf and cuddles up against it for warmth. He sleeps comfortably there for the rest of the night.