Part 9 (1/2)
Jamie tried to discover the dwarf, but could not see him
He reached the market His mother was there, a sad old woman, in the same place She seemed altered; looked many years older than when he left her She leaned her head wearily on her hand
”What is the matter, mother dear?” he asked
She started up
”What do you want of me, you poor dwarf? Do not mock me I have had sorrow, and cannot endure jokes”
”But, mother, what has happened?”
He rushed towards her to embrace her, but she leaped into the air
The market-women came to her and drove him away
He went to his father's cobbler's shop His father was there, but he looked like an old racious! what is that?” said he wildly, as Ja on,old, and have no one to help o”
[Illustration: MOUNTAIN SCENE IN GERMANY]
”Where is he now?”
”Heaven only knows He was kidnapped one o!”
Jamie turned away The people on the street stared at him, and the ill-bred children followed hilass in theHe stopped and saw hiht filled him with terror He was a dwarf, _with a nose like that of the strange old woman_
What should he do?
He re of the ic cook
He went to the palace of the duke and inquired for the major domo
He was kindly received, as dwarfs are in such places, and he asked to be employed in the kitchen, and allowed to show his skill in preparing some of the rare dishes for the table
No one in the ducal palace was able to produce such food as he He was made chief cook in a little tirew fat, was honored at the great feasts, and becaest thing of his strange life
(Ye that have eyes, prepare to open them now)
[Illustration: JAMIE RUshi+NG TOWARDS HIS MOTHER]