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86 at six o'clock that evening unless they could give a satisfactory explanation; and that any person who could assist in the matter would be well rewarded for his pains.

So saying the Herald retired, and the public audience began. When the three Thieves were admitted to the Emperor's presence, they went in together and made a simultaneous obeisance before the Emperor's throne.

"Who are you three men?" asked the Emperor, "and what do you want from me?"

"May it please Your Majesty," replied the first Thief, "I have ventured to bring a small gift for you."

And so saying he took from his wallet the pea-hen's eggs, and laid them on the throne.

When the Emperor heard that these were his pea-hen's eggs he was very much pleased, and gave orders that they should at once be taken back to the nest, and the hatching continued; and telling the first Thief to stand back, he enquired of the second what he wished to say.

"May it please Your Majesty," replied the second Thief, "I also have a small gift to make to you."

And so saying he took the soles of the Prime Minister's boots out of his wallet and laid them on the steps of the throne.

When the Emperor found that these were the soles of his Prime Minister's boots, and how they had been removed, he was very much amused, and laughed heartily. He at once sent orders for his Prime Minister to be released, and handed over to him the soles of