XVI. (Page

At more than a hundred leagues from the court war, an army aboutwhich 1 the king was much troubled. A battle had been fought,"^ the issue of which 1 was not known.^

" I will go," said Little Thumb, " and see the king, and I will tell him

that, if he wishes it, I will bring him news of his army this very day. The king will pay me well if I succeed.^"

Little Thumb did ail that^ he had promised. That made him well known. Afterwards the king ahvays charged him with his orders for the army, and paid him so well that he saved as much '^ money as he wanted.

In this service as courier he remained •"" [a] long time, and amassed (in-it) much wealth. Yet he never ceased to imagine the joy of returning home and seeing-again his father and mother.

1 dont. 2 Use on. 3 Use en. ^ (which). 5 autant de. 6 rester.