Then the people burst into the prison and brought out Michael, all torn and gray as he was, and Princess Joan kissed him before them all, and begged that he would marry her at once, that every one might see how well she loved him and how grateful she was. So they brought a fine white horse with a grand gold saddle, and jewelled bridle, and placed Michael upon it, and he rode to church beside the Princess, and married her, and the people threw flowers before them, and bells rang and trumpets sounded, and all were glad. And when it was done Michael was dressed in purple and gold, and messengers were sent to his father and mother and the old wizard, that they might come and see how he had come home victorious, and rejoicings filled the whole country. "For now we are sure of a good King," the people said. "See, he has already shown what he can do. Surely no one else could ever have found the heart of Princess Joan." [Illustration] [Illustration: "Good-day, friend," said he. "If you have nothing to do, perhaps you would not mind carrying my load for me for a little."--P. 131.] THE PEDLAR'S PACK [Illustration] A pedlar was toiling along a dusty road carrying his pack on his back, when he saw a donkey grazing by the wayside. "Good-day, friend," said he. "If you have nothing to do, perhaps you would not mind carrying my load for me for a little." "If I do so, what will you give me?" said the donkey. "I will give you two pieces of gold," said the pedlar, but he did not speak the truth, for he knew he had no gold to give. "Agreed," said the donkey. So they journeyed on together in a very friendly manner, the donkey carrying the pedlar's pack, and the pedlar walking by his side. After a time they met a raven, who was looking for worms in the roadside, and the donkey called out to him, "Good-morrow, black friend. If you are going our way, you would do well to sit upon my back and drive away the flies, which worry me sadly." "And what will you pay me to do this?" asked the raven. "Money is no object to me," said the donkey, "so I will give you three pieces of gold." And he too knew he was making a false promise, for he had no gold at all to give. "Agreed," said the raven. So they went on in high good humour, the donkey carrying the pedlar's wares, and the raven sitting on the donkey's back driving away the flies. After a time they met a hedge-sparrow, and the raven called out to it, "Good-day, little cousin. Do you want to earn a little money? If so, bring me some worms from the bank as we go along, for I had no breakfast, and am very hungry." "What will you give me for it?" asked the hedge-sparrow. "Let us say four pieces of gold," said the raven grandly; "for I have saved more during my long life than I know how to spend." But he knew this was not true, for he had not saved any gold at all.