The king commanded that Alfin should be admitted to his presence , and a silver dish to be brought on which to lay the figs . When the basket was uncovered some beautiful purple figs lay on the top , but underneath there was nothing but horns . Then the king was beside himself with passion , and screamed out , ` Is this a plot to mock me ? Take him away , and give him a hundred and fifty lashes ! ' So Alfin went sadly home , but would not tell anything about his adventures , only saying grimly , ` Now it is Ciccu 's turn . ' Ciccu had to wait a little before he gathered the last figs on the tree , and these were not nearly so good as the first set . However , he plucked them , as they had agreed , and set out for the king 's palace . The old man was still on the road , and he came up and said to Ciccu , ` What have you got in that basket ? ' ` Figs for the king , ' answered he . ` Let me have a peep , ' and Ciccu lifted the lid . ` Oh , do give me one , I am so fond of figs , ' begged the little man . ' I am afraid if I do that the hole will show , ' replied Ciccu , but as he was very good-natured he gave him one . The old man ate it greedily and kept the stalk in his hand , and then asked for another and another and another till he had eaten half the basketful . ` But there are not enough left to take to the king , ' murmured Ciccu . ` Do n't be anxious , ' said the old man , throwing the stalks back into the basket ; ` just go on and carry the basket to the castle , and it will bring you luck . ' Ciccu did not much like it ; however he went on his way , and with a trembling heart rang the castle bell . ` Here are some lovely figs for the king , ' said he , ` if his majesty will graciously accept them with my humble duty . ' When the king was told that there was another man with a basket of figs he cried out , ` Oh , have him in , have him in ! I suppose it is a wager ! ' But Ciccu uncovered the basket , and there lay a pile of beautiful ripe figs .
And the king was delighted , and emptied them himself XXXXX the silver dish , and gave five florins to Ciccu , and offered besides to take him into his service .
as before for into on that till to underneath with