` Indeed ! ' interrupted the cobbler angrily . ` Did he tell you this ? Wait a minute , you rascal ! Why I told him all about it myself only an hour ago , and then he goes off to humbug you . So you were bewitched , my son were you ? Wait a bit , and I 'll bewitch you ! ' So saying , he caught up a bundle of straps , and hit out at Jem so hard that he ran off crying . The poor little dwarf roamed about all the rest of the day without food or drink , and at night was glad to lie down and sleep on the steps of a church . He woke next morning with the first rays of light , and began to think what he could do to earn a living . Suddenly he remembered that he was an excellent cook , and he determined to look out for a place . As soon as it was quite daylight he set out for the palace , for he knew that the grand duke who reigned over the country was fond of good things . When he reached the palace all the servants crowded about him , and made fun of him , and at last their shouts and laughter grew so loud that the head steward rushed out , crying , ` For goodness sake , be quiet , ca n't you . Do n't you know his highness is still asleep ? ' Some of the servants ran off at once , and others pointed out Jem . Indeed , the steward found it hard to keep himself from laughing at the comic sight , but he ordered the servants off and led the dwarf into his own room . 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 , XXXXX you will ; but believe me , you would have an easier place as the grand ducal dwarf . '
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