He started up from the seat, but forced himself back and opened the small bundle of dry bread and meat; for there was no knowing when he should eat again.  He took all that remained, and when he had swallowed the last crumbs, arose with a determined heart and hurried up the street.

He asked the first man he met if he could direct him to the palace.

The man shrugged his shoulders.  “Where is your yellow dog?” he asked.

“I have none,” returned Gabriel, “but I have business at the palace.”

The man laughed down at the shabby figure of the country lad.  “And don’t know where it is?  Well, Follow your nose.  You are on the right road.”

Gabriel sped along and he was indeed much nearer than he had supposed; for very soon he met a sorry-faced man with a yellow dog in his arm; then another; then another; and in fact he could trace his way to the palace by the procession of men, women, and children, all returning, and each one carrying a yellow dog and chattering or grumbling according to the height from which his hopes had been dashed.

When Gabriel reached the palace gates he saw that there were plenty more applicants waiting inside the grounds.  The boy had never realized how many varying sizes and shades of yellow dogs there were in the world.

The guard had received orders to deny entrance to no person who presented a gold-colored dog for examination, but Gabriel was empty-handed and the guard frowned upon him.

“I wish to see the princess,” said the boy.

“I dare say,” replied the guard.  “Be off.”

“But I wish to tell her about a golden dog.”

“Can’t you see that we are half buried in golden dogs?” returned the guard crossly.

“No, sir.  I have seen none but yellow dogs since I drew near this place.  I have a tale to tell the princess.”

The guard could not forbear laughing at this simplicity.  “Do you suppose ragamuffins like you approach her highness?” he returned.  “A dog’s tail is the only sort she is interested in to-day.  See the chamberlain yonder.  He is red with fatigue.  He is choosing such of the lot as are worthy to be looked at by the princess, and should he see you demanding audience and with no dog to show, it will go hard with you.  Be off!” and the guard’s gesture was one to be obeyed.

Gabriel withdrew quietly; but he was not daunted.  The princess would, perhaps, grow weary and drive out.  At any rate there was nothing to do except watch for her.  He looked at the splendid palace and gardens and wondered if Topaz had ever raced about there.  Then he wondered what the dog was doing now; but this thought must be put away, because it made Gabriel’s eyes misty, and he must watch, watch.

At last his patient vigil was rewarded.  A splendid coach drawn by milk-white horses appeared in the palace grounds.

Gabriel’s heart beat fast.  He knew he must act quickly and before any one could catch him; so he made his way cautiously to the shelter of a large, flowering shrub by the roadside.