Beryl lived in an orphanage with other Jewish refugees. One day his teacher announced that King George VI would be visiting their town. The next morning all the children got up early and put on their finest clothes and scrubbed their faces clean. They eagerly waited for the royal coach to appear. The king, queen and the two princesses waved majestically out to the cheering crowd. Everyone strained against the barricades to catch a glimpse of the royalty.
Eleven-year-old Beryl pushed his way through the barricades and jumped over the barriers. He ran as fast as he could and jumped onto royal carriage, banging on the windows. The carriage halted to a stop, and immediately the royal guards removed him. Suddenly, the carriage door swung open, and Beryl found himself face to face with king.
“I see you want to say hello,” smiled the king. Beryl looked deep into the eyes of the king, and tried to speak but he was overcome with tears. “Don’t cry now,” said the king, “we are not going to put you in the tower of London.”
