Suddenly he remembered that he was an excellent cook , and he determined to look out for a place . As soon as it was quite daylight he set out for the palace , for he knew that the grand duke who reigned over the country was fond of good things . When he reached the palace all the servants crowded about him , and made fun of him , and at last their shouts and laughter grew so loud that the head steward rushed out , crying , ` For goodness sake , be quiet , ca n't you . Do n't you know his highness is still asleep ? ' Some of the servants ran off at once , and others pointed out Jem . Indeed , the steward found it hard to keep himself from laughing at the comic sight , but he ordered the servants off and led the dwarf into his own room . When he heard him ask for a place as cook , he said : ` You make some mistake , my lad . I think you want to be the grand duke 's dwarf , do n't you ? ' ` No , sir , ' replied Jem . ' I am an experienced cook , and if you will kindly take me to the head cook he may find me of some use . ' ` Well , as you will ; but believe me , you would have an easier place as the grand ducal dwarf . ' So saying , the head steward led him to the head cook 's room . ` Sir , ' asked Jem , as he bowed till his nose nearly touched the floor , ` do you want an experienced cook ? ' The head cook looked him over from head to foot , and burst out laughing . ` You a cook ! Do you suppose our cooking stoves are so low that you can look into any saucepan on them ? Oh , my dear little fellow , whoever sent you to me wanted to make fun of you . ' But the dwarf was not to be put off . ` What matters an extra egg or two , or a little butter or flour and spice more or less , in such a house as this ? ' said he .
` Name any dish you wish XXXXX have cooked , and give me the materials I ask for , and you shall see . '
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