swered the old woman, aghast at
the idea. 'Why cannot you marry someone in your own rank? That would be
far more fitting than to send a poor old woman like me a-wooing to the
King's Court for the hand of a Princess. Why, it is as much as our heads
are worth. Neither my life nor yours would be worth anything if I went
on such a fool's errand.'

'Never fear, little mother,' answered Martin. 'Trust me; all will be
well. But see that you do not come back without an answer of some kind.'

And so, obedient to her son's behest, the old woman hobbled off to the
palace, and, without being hindered, reached the courtyard, and began to
mount the flight of steps leading to the royal presence chamber. At
the head of the landing rows of courtiers were collected in magnificent
attire, who stared at the queer old figure, and called to her, and
explained to her, with every kind of sign, that it was strictly
forbidden to mount those steps. But their stern words and forbidding
gestures made no impression whatever on the old woman, and she
resolutely continued to climb the stairs, bent on carrying out her son's
orders. Upon this some of the courtiers seized her by the arms, and held
her back by sheer force, at which she set up such a yell that the King
himself heard it, and stepped out on to the balcony to see what was the
matter. When he beheld the old woman flinging her arms wildly about, and
heard her scream that she would not leave the place till she had laid
her case before the King, he ordered that she should be brought into
his presence. And forthwith she was conducted into the golden presence
chamber, where, leaning back amongst cushions of royal purple, the King
sat, surrounded by his counsellors and courtiers. Courtesying low, the
old woman stood silent before him. 'Well, my good old dame, what can I
do for you?' asked the King.

'I have come,' replied Martin's mother--'and your Majesty must not be
angry with me--I have come a-wooing.'

'Is the woman out of her mind?' said the King, with an angry frown.

But Martin's mother answered boldly: 'If the King will only listen
patiently to me, and give me a straightforward answer, he will see that
I am not out of my mind. You, O King, have a lovely daughter to give
in marriage. I have a son--a wooer--as clever a youth and as good a
son-in-law as you will find in your whole kingdom. There is nothing that
he cannot do. Now tell me, O King, plump and plain, will you give your
daughter