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 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 XXXXX luncheon ? '
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