` Everyone in the town calls me Gilguerillo , because , when I was little , I went singing through the world in spite of my misfortunes . Luckily for me I was born to be happy . ' ` And you really think you can cure me ? ' asked the king . ` Completely , my lord , ' answered Gilguerillo . ` And how long do you think it will take ? ' ` It is not an easy task ; but I will try to finish it in a fortnight , ' replied the youth . A fortnight seemed to the king a long time to make one slipper . But he only said : ` Do you need anything to help you ? ' ` Only a good horse , if your majesty will be kind enough to give me one , ' answered Gilguerillo . And the reply was so unexpected that the courtiers could hardly restrain their smiles , while the king stared silently . ` You shall have the horse , ' he said at last , ` and I shall expect you back in a fortnight . If you fulfil your promise you know your reward ; if not , I will have you flogged for your impudence . ' Gilguerillo bowed , and turned to leave the palace , followed by the jeers and scoffs of everyone he met . But he paid no heed , for he had got what he wanted . He waited in front of the gates till a magnificent horse was led up to him , and vaulting into the saddle with an ease which rather surprised the attendant , rode quickly out of the town amidst the jests of the assembled crowd , who had heard of his audacious proposal . And while he is on his way let us pause for a moment and tell who he is . Both father and mother had died before the boy was six years old ; and he had lived for many years with his uncle , whose life had been passed in the study of chemistry . He could leave no money to his nephew , as he had a son of his own ; but he taught him all he knew , and at his dead Gilguerillo entered an office , where he worked for many hours daily . In his spare time , instead of playing with the other boys , he passed hours poring over books , and because he was timid and liked to be alone he was held by everyone to be a little mad .
Therefore , when it became known that he had promised to cure the king 's foot , and had ridden away -- no one knew where -- a roar XXXXX laughter and mockery rang through the town , and jeers and scoffing words were sent after him .
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