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“ How stupid you are ! said the other “ How can a man be hanged in two places at the same time ? It is another thief, that 1s all.”

“ T tell vou it is the same,” replied the first shepherd @ 1 recognise his coat and his erin.’ ’

“1 bet you,” answered the scecond, who was of an inde- pendent turn of mind, *that it 1s a different man.”

T"he wager was accepted. The twomen fastened the King’s bull to a tree, and ran back to the first oak. DBut while they were running the little creyman jumped down from his cibbet, and quictly led the i bull to the pea- \\g{(\&fl\\\\\\&_ sant’s house. [ There was great rejoicing, and the animal was put

into the stable AN VAR Llnt'll it should /A N he sold.

When the two herdsmen re- turned to the palace in the cvening, they hung their heads and looked so dejected that the King saw at once he had been duped. He sent for the hittle grey man, who ap- peared with all the screnity of A ereat mind.

“You have

stolen my bull ' saad

\ the King. “Vour Majesty,” replicd the httle man,

)

1 have only obeved your orders.” “Very well)” said the King @ “here are ten vold crowns to pay for my bull ; but if withim two days you do not manage to steal the sheets off my bed while T am in it, you shall be hanged.” “Your Majesty,” said the little man, = pray

STRAND

do not ask me to do any such thing. You are so well guarded that a poor man like me could never even approach the palace.”

“Unless you do it,” answered the King, 1 shall have the pleasure of secing you hanged.”

That night the little grey man, who had returned to the cottage, provided himself with a long rope and a basket. In this basket, ined with moss, he placed a cat and her kittens, and then he went out. Gliding noisclessly through the darkness he reached the palace, and climbed upon the roof without being perceived by anyone. To enter a garret, where with the help of a saw he quickly made a neat opening in the floor, was for our clever little fellow the work of a few moments.

On reaching . the King’s bed- y/ room, he pro- o ceeded to care- fully uncover the Royal bed, and after placing the

V! cat and her RTER kittens 1n the J centre, he ar- ranged 1t ncatly | again, and then, L by the aid of . his rope, climbed upon the canopy, where he sat down to await the result.

The palace clock - struck

cleven as the King and Queen entered therr chamber. The light having been extinguished, the (Quecn was about to step into bed, when she uttered a shrill sercam and ran to the further end of the room.

“What is the matter? Are you mad ? 7 said the King. “VYou will rouse the whole palace.”

“Do not get into bed,” answered the Queen ; *my foot touched something warm and soft.”

“ Why not say at once that there is a hob-

TO UNCOVEL THE ROYVAL BED.”