strange to see how his little eyes sparkled, how his long nose moved to
and fro, and his fingers, which were like spider's legs, suited their
movements to his words.

"Well!" exclaimed the master cook, taking the steward by the arm,
"Well! be it so for the sake of the joke, let us go to the kitchen."

They walked through several large rooms and corridors till they came to
the kitchen. This was a large spacious building magnificently fitted
up; on twenty hearths fires were constantly burning, clear water was
flowing through the midst, serving also as a fishpond; in cupboards of
marble and choice wood, the stores were piled, which it was necessary
to have at hand for use, and on either side were ten rooms, in which
were kept all the delicious dainties for the palate which can be
obtained in all the countries of Europe or even the East. Servants of
all descriptions were running to and fro, handling and rattling kettles
and pans, with forks and ladles; but when the master cook entered, all
stood motionless, and the crackling of the fire, and the rippling of
the brook were alone to be heard.

"What has the duke ordered for breakfast this morning?" he asked an old
cook, who always prepared the breakfast.

"Sir, his highness has pleased to order the Danish soup, with the small
red Hamburg dumplings."

"Well," continued the master cook, "did you hear what the duke wishes
to eat? Are you bold enough to attempt this difficult dish? At all
events the dumplings you will not be able to make, that is quite a
secret."

"Nothing easier than that," replied the dwarf, to their astonishment;
for he had often made this dish when he was a squirrel. "Nothing
easier, only give me the herbs, the spices, fat of a wild boar, roots
and eggs for the soup; but for the dumplings," said he, in a low voice,
so that only the master cook and the breakfast-maker could hear, "for
the dumplings I want various meats, wine, duck's fat, ginger, and the
herb called the stomach comforter."

"Ah, by St. Benedict, to what enchanter have you been apprenticed?"
cried the cook in astonishment. "You have hit all to a hair, and as to
the noted herb, we did not know of that ourselves; yes! that must make
the dish still more delicious. Oh! you miracle of a cook!"

"I should never have thought this," said the master cook, "but let us
make the trial, give him all he asks and let him prepare the breakfast."

His orders were obeyed, and the necessary prep