“He went in and out among them, but presently decided to seek a quieter street, for in the crowded market folks constantly trod upon his big slippers and nearly threw him down, or else his long dagger stuck into the people and he then had some difficulty in avoiding the blows rained upon him. “Little Mouk now began to set his wits to work as to how he was to earn a piece of money. It is true that he had a staff which could discover hidden treasure, but where could he find a place all in a moment where gold and silver lay hidden? “He might have exhibited himself in a booth and received money for it, but was too proud to do so. Then it struck him his swift running might be the means of earning him a livelihood and decided to offer his services as a courier. “Thinking it likely that the king might pay the highest sum for such service, he enquired the way to the palace. “By the palace gateway stood a guard, who asked what he wanted. Upon replying that he wished for work he was sent to the overseer of the slaves. He repeated his request, adding that he wished for a post amongst the royal messengers. The overseer looked him all over from head to foot and said, ‘How is it possible that you with your tiny little limbs, scarcely a span long, could become a courier? Away with you, I am not here to waste my time with fools.’ “But little Mouk assured him he was not joking and offered to run a race for a wager with their swiftest runner. “The overseer was amused, and told him to hold himself in readiness to run a race that very evening, then, taking him into the kitchen, he ordered him to be supplied with plenty to eat and drink. [Illustration: _He found himself flying through the clouds._ (P. 67.)] “Then he went into the king’s presence and told him about the funny little man and the request he had made. “The king was a merry gentleman and was therefore well pleased that little Mouk had been kept to make a joke for him. “He ordered stands to be set up in a large meadow behind the palace, so that the racing could be viewed in comfort by all the royal household, and he also said that the greatest care was to be taken of the dwarf. “The king told the prince and princess of the spectacle that was to be provided for their entertainment, they told their servants, and so, as the evening approached, everyone was in a state of pleased expectancy and everyone that had a leg to stand upon was hurrying to the meadow to see the boastful dwarf run a race. “When the king and his sons and daughters had taken their seats, little Mouk appeared and made a deep obeisance to the distinguished company. “A shout of merriment greeted the uncouth little figure, for the people had never seen such a sight before.