"I will tell you," he said. "I had carried some charcoal to the queen's
kitchen and was just starting home. I took the shortest way through
the little park behind the palace. You know where the fountain is?"
"Yes, yes!" said Blondel. "It is quite near the park gate."
"Well, as I was hurrying along, I heard a great splash, as though
something had fallen into the pool by the fountain. I looked and saw
this little fellow struggling in the water. I ran and pulled him out.
He was almost drowned."
"Did he say anything, father?" asked Charlot.
"Oh, no! He was senseless; but I knew he wasn't drowned. I thought of
the big fire in the queen's kitchen, and knew that the cook would never
allow a half-drowned child to be carried into that fine place. Then
I thought of our own warm little house, and how snug we could make him
until he came to his senses again. So I took him in my arms and ran
home as fast as I could."
"The poor, dear child!" said Mrs. Jacquot. "I wonder who he is."
"He shall be our little brother," said Blondel; and both the boys
clapped their hands very softly.
In a little while the child awoke. He seemed to feel quite well and
strong.
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