if he has to go without his herring and salad
to-day. Cheer up, and come along." So saying, he took Almansor by the
hand and led him away with him; and although the boy's heart beat fast
when he thought of the doctor, yet there was so much assurance in the
man's words and manner, that he resolved to go with him. He therefore
walked along by the side of the man, with his basket on his arm,
through many streets; and it struck him as very wonderful that all the
people took off their hats as they passed along and paused to look
after them. He expressed his surprise at this to his companion, but he
only laughed and made no reply.

Finally they came to a magnificent palace. "Do you live here. Little
Corporal?" asked Almansor.

"This is my house, and I will take you in to see my wife," replied the
soldier.

"Hey! how finely you live! The sultan must have given you the right to
live here free."

"You are right; I have this house from the emperor," answered his
companion, and led him into the palace. They ascended a broad
stair-case, and on coming into a splendid _salon_, the man told the boy
to set down his basket, and he then led him into an elegant room where
a lady was sitting on a divan. The man talked with her in a strange
language, whereupon they both began to laugh, and the lady then
questioned the boy in the Frankish language about Egypt. Finally the
Little Corporal said to the boy: "Do you know what would be the best
thing to do? I will lead you myself to the emperor, and speak to him
for you!"

Almansor shrank back at this proposal, but he thought of his misery and
his home. "To the unfortunate," said he, addressing them both, "to the
unfortunate, Allah gives fresh courage in the hour of need. He will not
desert a poor boy like me. I will do it; I will go to the emperor. But
tell me. Little Corporal, must I prostrate myself before him? must I
touch the ground with my forehead? What shall I do?"

They both laughed again at this, and assured him that all this was
unnecessary.

"Does he look terrible and majestic?" inquired he further. "Tell me,
how does he look?"

His companion laughed once more, and said: "I would rather not describe
him to you, Almansor. You shall see for yourself what manner of man he
is. But I will tell you how you may know him. All who are in the
_salon_ will, when the emperor is there, respectfully remove their
hats. He who retains his hat on his head is the emperor."

So saying, he