cried the king , peering down to look at them ; ` and , pray , who is your master ? ' ` The Count Piro , ' answered the fox . ` But how does he manage to get pears in midwinter ? ' asked the king . ` Oh , he has everything he wants , ' replied the fox ; ` he is richer even than you are , your Majesty . ' ` Then what can I send him in return for his pears ? ' said the king . ` Nothing , your Majesty , or you would hurt his feelings , ' answered the fox . ` Well , tell him how heartily I thank him , and how much I shall enjoy them . ' And the fox went away . He trotted back to the cottage with his empty basket and told his tale , but the youth did not seem as pleased to hear as the fox was to tell . ` But , my dear little fox , ' said he , ` you have brought me nothing in return , and I am so hungry ! ' ` Let me alone , ' replied the fox ; ' I know what I am doing . You will see , it will bring you luck . ' A few days after this the fox came back again . ' I must have another basket of pears , ' said he . ` Ah , little fox , what shall I eat if you take away all my pears ? ' answered the youth . ` Be quiet , it will be all right , ' said the fox ; and taking a bigger basket than before , he filled it quite full of pears . Then he picked it up in his mouth , and trotted off to the palace .
` Your Majesty , as you seemed to like the first basket of pears , I have brought you some more , ' said he , ` XXXXX my master , the Count Piro 's humble respects . '
after as if in midwinter of right than to with