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 to have cooked , and give me the materials I ask for , and you shall see . ' He said much more , and at last persuaded the head cook to give him a trial . They went into the kitchen -- a huge place with at least twenty fireplaces , always alight . A little stream of clear water ran through the room , and live fish were kept at one end of it . Everything in the kitchen was of the best and most beautiful kind , and swarms of cooks and scullions were busy preparing dishes . When the head cook came in with Jem everyone stood quite still . ` What has his highness ordered for luncheon ? ' asked the head cook . ` Sir , his highness has graciously ordered a Danish soup and red Hamburg dumplings . ' ` Good , ' said the head cook . ` Have you heard , and do you feel equal to making these dishes ?
Not that you will be able XXXXX make the dumplings , for they are a secret receipt . '
as at for into of on that through till to