osal. The
king was a merry lord, and therefore it pleased him well that the
overseer had kept the little man for their amusement. He directed him
to make preparations in a large meadow behind the castle, that the
race might be conveniently beheld by his whole court, and once more
commanded him to take great care of the dwarf. The king told his
princes, and princesses, what a pastime they were to enjoy that
afternoon; these told it again to their attendants, and when the time
arrived all were in great expectation; and as many as had feet poured
into the meadow, where a scaffolding had been erected, in order to
see the boastful dwarf run.

As soon as the king and his sons and daughters had taken their places
upon the platform, the Little Muck walked forth upon the meadow, and
made before the noble sovereign a very elegant bow. A universal cry of
joy arose, the moment they beheld the little fellow; such a figure had
they never seen. The small body with the mighty head, the little
cloak, and the wide pantaloons, the long dagger in the broad girdle,
the tiny feet in the immense slippers--no! it was so droll a sight
they could not keep from laughing aloud. Little Muck, however, was not
disconcerted by their laughter. He proudly walked forward, supported
by his cane, and awaited his opponent. At Muck's own desire, the
overseer of the slaves had selected the best runner. Walking in, he
placed himself near the dwarf, and both looked for the signal.
Thereupon the Princess Amarza made a sign with her veil as had been
preconcerted, and, like two arrows shot from the same bow, the racers
flew over the meadow.

At first the courier took a tremendous bound, but Muck pursued him in
his slipper carriage, overtook him, passed him, and had been standing
for some time at the goal, when his opponent, gasping for breath, ran
up. Amazement for a few moments enchained the spectators: the king was
the first to clap his hands; then shouted the crowd for joy, all
exclaiming, "Long live the Little Muck, the victor in the race!"

Meanwhile they had brought up the little man; he prostrated himself
before the king, saying, "Most mighty King, I have here given thee but
a small proof of my powers; allow them, I pray thee, to give me a
place among thy couriers." The king answered:--

"Nay, dear Muck, thou shalt be my favorite messenger, and shalt remain
about my person; every year shalt thou have a hundred gold pieces as
thy wages, and thou shalt s