princes, but the ears grew out again.

From the place of concealment into which he had withdrawn, Muck had
heard the whole story, and perceived that it was now time for him to
commence operations. He had already, with the money obtained by the
sale of his figs, procured a dress which would represent him as a
learned man; a long beard of goat's hair completed the illusion. With
a small sack full of figs he repaired to the royal palace, and offered
his assistance as a foreign physician. At first they were quite
incredulous; but when Little Muck gave a fig to one of the princes,
and thereby restored ears and nose to their original shape, then were
all eager to be cured by the stranger. But the king took him silently
by the hand, and led him to his apartment; then, opening a door that
led into the treasure-chamber, he made signs to Muck to follow.

"Here are my treasures," said the king; "choose for thyself: whatever
it may be, it shall be thine, if thou wilt free me from this shameful
evil." This was sweet music in the ears of Little Muck: at the moment
of entering he had seen his slippers standing upon the floor, and hard
by lay his little staff. He moved around the room, as if in wonder at
the royal treasures; but no sooner had he reached his beloved shoes,
than he hastily slipped into them, and seizing the little cane, tore
off his false beard, and displayed to the astonished king the
well-known countenance of his exiled Muck.

[Illustration]

"False king!" said he, "who rewardest faithful service with
ingratitude, take, as well-deserved punishment, the deformity which
thou now hast. The ears I leave thee, that, each day they may remind
thee of Little Muck." Having thus spoken, he turned quickly around
upon his heel, wished himself far away, and before the king could call
for help Little Muck had vanished. Ever since, he has lived here in
great affluence, but alone, for men he despises. Experience has made
him a wise man--one who, though there is something offensive in his
exterior, deserves rather your admiration than your ridicule.

* * * * *

Such was my father's story. I assured him that I sincerely repented of
my behavior towards the good little man, and he remitted the other
half of the punishment which he had intended for me. To my comrades I
told the wonderful history of the dwarf, and we conceived such an
affection for him, that no one insulted him any more. On the contrary