“Of course it is,” said the Queen, “and although I think that there is not the slightest reason why every one should not feel the keenest interest in what the museum already contains, I am willing to add to it whatever may make it of greater value.”

“In that case,” said the Stranger, “no time should be lost in securing what I wish to present.”

“Go at once,” said the Queen.  “But how soon can you return?”

“It will take some days, at least,” said the Stranger.

“Give me your parole to return in a week,” said the Queen, “and start immediately.”

The Stranger gave his parole and left the palace.  Having filled a leathern bag with provisions from a cook’s shop, he went out of the city gates.  As he walked into the open country, he said to himself: 

“I have certainly undertaken a very difficult enterprise.  Where I am to find any thing that will interest all the people in that city, I am sure I do not know; but my heart is so filled with pity for the great number of unfortunate persons who are torn from their homes and shut up in prison, that I am determined to do something for them, if I possibly can.  There must be some objects to be found in this vast country that will interest every one.”

About noon he came to a great mountain-side covered with a forest.  Thinking that he was as likely to find what he sought in one place as another, and preferring the shade to the sun, he entered the forest, and walked for some distance along a path which gradually led up the mountain.  Having crossed a brook with its edges lined with water-cresses, he soon perceived a large cave, at the entrance of which sat an aged hermit.  “Ah,” said the Stranger to himself, “this is indeed fortunate!  This good and venerable man, who passes his life amid the secrets of nature, can surely tell me what I wish to know.”  Saluting the Hermit, he sat down and told the old man the object of his quest.

“I am afraid you are looking for what you will not find,” said the Hermit.  “Most people are too silly to be truly interested in any thing.  They herd together like cattle, and do not know what is good for them.  There are now on this mountain-side many commodious and comfortable caves, all of which would be tenanted if people only knew how improving and interesting it is to live apart from their fellow-men.  But, so far as it can be done, I will help you in your quest, which I think is a worthy one.  I can do nothing for you myself, but I have a pupil who is very much given to wandering about, and looking for curious things.  He may tell you where you will be able to find something that will interest everybody, though I doubt it.  You may go and see him, if you like, and I will excuse him from his studies for a time, so that he may aid you in your search.”

The Hermit then wrote an excuse upon a piece of parchment, and, giving it to the Stranger, he directed him to the cave of his pupil.