“Yes, your highness, and tossed his head for glee till his curls waved merrily.”

“’Tis the same!” cried the princess, in a transport.  “His eyes are like topazes.  Your name is the best.  He shall have it.  Ah, he has slept in a shed and eaten cold scraps!  My Goldilocks!”

“Yes, your highness, and would be glad to do so still; for he fears his dark-browed master, and dances with such trembling you would not know him again.”

“Ah, cruel boy, cease!  Take me to him at once.  Show my men the spot where you left him.”

“Your highness must use great care, for if once the organ-grinder suspects that you are searching for him, no one will ever again see the golden dog; for the man will fear to be found with him.”

“You are right.  I can send out men with orders to examine every hand-organ in the city.”

“If they were quiet enough it might be done, but I have a better plan.”

“You may speak,” returned the princess.

“When we are alone, your highness,” said Gabriel; and the lady-in-waiting was so amazed at such effrontery that she forgot to use her salts.

“To the palace,” ordered the princess.

Lady Gertrude gave the order.

“Does your highness intend to take this—­this person to the palace?” she inquired.

“I do.  He loves my dog, and therefore I would give more for his advice at this time than for that of the Lord High Chamberlain.”

“Then I have nothing more to say,” returned the Lady Gertrude, leaning back among the cushions; and this was cheering news to her companions.

What was the astonishment of the guard to see the coach return, still carrying the rustic lad, who sat so composedly beside the princess, and dismounted with her at the palace steps.

Once within, nothing was too fine for Gabriel.  A gentleman-in-waiting was set to serve him in an apartment, which made the boy pinch himself to make sure he was not dreaming.

When he had taken a perfumed bath and obediently put on the fine clothing that was provided for him, he was summoned to a splendid room where the princess awaited him, surrounded by her ladies.  She was scarcely more than a child, herself, and the boy wondered how she liked to have so many critical personages about, to watch her every action.

As he entered the room, every eye was turned upon him, and the Lady Gertrude, especially, put up her glass in wonder that this handsome lad with the serious, fearless eyes, who seemed so at ease in the silks and satins he now wore, could be the peasant who had jumped on the step of the coach.

The princess looked upon him with favor and smiled.  “We are ready now,” she said, “to hear what plan you propose for the rescue of the golden dog.”

“Then will your highness kindly ask these ladies to leave us?” returned Gabriel.

“Ah, to be sure.  I forgot your wish that the communication should be private.”