The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-27

maker, "claims to be our lost Jacob. He has told me all about how he was lured away by the old woman and everything else that happened seven years ago."
 "So?" cried the shoemaker angrily. ''Wait, my boyl I told him all about it a little while ago, and then he went to you to have his jest with you! So you have been enchanted, have you. my boy? We'll, I will dischant you at oncel" He snatched a strap and laid it so heavily over the dwarfs shoulders and legs that the poor wretch ran off screaming with agony.
 That night he wandered in the streets, homeless, hungry stunning human eyes. The next morning he considered earnestly what to do. His skill as cook came into his mind. He decided to try his fortune in the kitchen of the Grand Duke. The Grand Duke was famous epi- cure, who loved nothing well as things to eat and who sought for good cooks in all parts of the world. Jacob was re- ceived by the guards with loud cries of joy and amusement, and when he stated his errand they led him to the chief cook S domain with jeers and jests. while ser wants, soldiers, grooms and palace attend ants followed in growing train
 Gracious Sir" said the dwarf when he was ushered into the illustrious presence of the chief cook, do you need the ser vices of a perfect cook?'
 The chief cook measured him from head to toe and burst into roar of laughter. But the dwarf did not permit this recep- ton to disturb him. You will not notice the loss of an egg or two, little syrup and wine and some flour and spice in a house like rhs," said he "Name a par ticularly difficult dish. Give me the ma terials will prepare it before your eyes, and you shall say: This is a cook accord ing to rule and art
 Well" cried the chief cook, 1t will be good joke, at least Come to the kitchen and try
 They passed through the many apart ments and corridors and reached the great building that contained the kitch- ems Fires burned constantly there on twenty hearths. A clear brook that con tained fish flowed through the very cen- ter of the place Ten great storerooms held the supplies that had been gathered from the east as well as the west Kitch- en servants of all grades rushed around with kettles and pots and forks and la dies: but when the chief cook entered they all stood motionless and at atten- tion
 What has his highness designed to or der for breakfast?" asked he, turning to the chief breakfast cook,
 sir, he had gracously commanded the Danish soup and red Hamburg dump lings," was the reply.
 You hear?" said the chief cook to the dwarf "Wohd you dare try your hand at such difficult dishes? At any rate, you cannot produce the dumplings. We are the only ones who know the secret"
 Nothing easer' said the dwarf. He had prepared both dishes often as squir- rel. "Give me-" continued he, "the best ducks fat, some fat from wild boar, white Burgundy, and the following herbs' He whispered the remaining words to the chief cook.
 ''Ha! By Saint Rencdict!" cried the
 
 ed an herb of which we did not think! We will let you try it.'
 They set chairs before a hearth, so that he could reach to the top of it. ard brought him the materials that he or dered. Half the household of the palace stood around him in a ring and looked on. They marveled to see how swiftly and neatly he prepared everything. He ordered the attendants to put the pots over the fire and to remove them instant ly when he said enough As soon as he gave tie word the vessels were taken from the fire and carried to the chief cook.
 /, The assistant chief cook ordered the chief kitchen apprentice to bring him a golden spoon. After washing 1t in the