ularly when he remembers that his heavy head kept falling on
this side and on that.

The poor little fellow fell several times violently upon his nose;
nevertheless, that did not deter him from making the trial again, and
at last he succeeded. Like a wheel he went around upon his heel,
wishing himself in the nearest large city, and--the slippers mounted
into the air, ran with the speed of the wind through the clouds, and
before Little Muck knew what to make of it, he found himself in a
large market-place, where many stalls were erected, and innumerable
men were busily running to and fro. He moved among the people, but
considered it more prudent to retire into a less frequented street,
for near the market one of the slippers bore him along so rapidly,
that he almost fell down, or else ran against one and another with
his projecting dagger, so that it was with difficulty he avoided their
blows.

Little Muck now seriously reflected what he should set about, in order
to earn a piece of money. He had, it is true, a staff which would show
him concealed treasures, but how could he find a place where gold or
silver was buried. He could, indeed, in this emergency, have exhibited
himself for money, but for this he was too proud. At last the
quickness of his gait occurred to him. Perhaps, thought he, my
slippers can procure me support, and he determined to hire himself out
as a courier. He ventured to hope that the king of the city rewarded
such service well, so he inquired for the palace. Before the door of
the palace stood a guard, who asked him what he sought there. On
answering that he was in search of service, they led him to the
overseer of the slaves. Before this one he laid his request, and
entreated that he might be admitted among the royal couriers. The
overseer measured him with his eyes from head to foot, and said: "How!
with thy little feet, which are scarcely a span long, wishest thou to
become a royal messenger? Away with thee! I cannot play with every
fool."

Little Muck assured him, however, that his proposal was made in
perfect seriousness, and that he would let it come to a trial with the
swiftest, upon a wager. The matter seemed very ludicrous to the
overseer. He commanded him to hold himself in readiness for a race in
the afternoon, and leading him into the kitchen, saw that he was
furnished with proper meat and drink. He himself, however, repaired
unto the king, and told him of the little man and his prop