"
"Well," said the soldier, "about two hours ago I was on guard at the
gate of the queen's park. This charcoal man, whom I know very well,
ran past me with a child in his arms. I did not--"
"That will do, sir," said the man in red. "Now, you charcoal man, where
is that child?"
"Here!" cried the child himself, darting out from his hiding place.
[Illustration]
"O your Majesty!" said the man in red. "All your court has been looking
for you for the past two hours."
"I am glad to hear it, Cardinal Mazarin," [Footnote: Maz a reen'.]
said the boy.
"Your mother is very anxious."
"I am sorry if I have given her trouble. But really, I fell into the
pool at the fountain, and this kind man brought me here to get me dry."
"Indeed!" said the cardinal. "But I hope you are now ready to come
home with us."
"I shall go when I please."
"Your mother--"
"Oh, yes, I know she is anxious, and I will go. But first I must thank
these poor people."
"Please do so, your Majesty."
The boy turned toward the charcoal man and said:--"My friend, I am
the king of France. My name is Louis the Fourteenth. I thank you for
what you have done for me.
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