es, so
he again built a kiln, and experienced the same gratifying result.
Delighted with his good fortune, he concealed his treasure in an
appropriate hiding-place and proceeded to repeat the process till he had
obtained and hidden a large fortune, of whose existence none but himself
was aware.

One night, as he lay awake listening to the wind in the trees--for his
great wealth had this drawback, that it robbed him of his sleep--he
fancied he heard a knock at the door. At first he thought he must have
been mistaken, but as he hesitated whether to rise or not the knock was
repeated. Boldly he undid the door--a feat requiring no small courage
in that remote part of the forest, where robbers and freebooters
abounded--and there, without, stood a poor wayfarer, who humbly begged
admittance. He was being pursued, he declared; would the charcoal-burner
shelter him for a few days? Touched by the suppliant's plight, and moved
by feelings worthy of his chivalrous ideals, the youth readily extended
the hospitality of his poor home, and for some time the stranger
sojourned there in peace. He did not offer to reveal his identity,
nor was he questioned on that point. But one morning he declared his
intention of taking his departure.

"My friend," he said warmly, "I know not how I may thank you for your
brave loyalty. The time has come when you must know whom you have served
so faithfully. Behold your unfortunate Emperor, overcome in battle,
deprived of friends and followers and fortune!"

At these astounding words the young charcoal-burner sank on his knees
before the Emperor.

"Sire," he said, "you have yet one humble subject who will never forsake
you while life remains to him."

"I know," replied the Emperor gently, raising him to his feet, "and
therefore I ask of you one last service. It is that you may lead me by
some secret path to the place where the remnant of my followers await
me. Alas, that I, once so powerful, should be unable to offer you any
token of a sovereign's gratitude!"

"Sire," ventured the youth, "methinks I may be privileged to render yet
one more service to your Majesty." Straightway he told the story of his
hidden treasure and with simple dignity placed it at the disposal of
his sovereign, asking for nothing in return but the right to spend his
strength in the Emperor's service--a right which was readily accorded
him.

The gold, now withdrawn from its place of concealment, proved to be
a goodly stor