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THE CHARCOAL MAN AND THE KING There once lived in Paris a poor charcoal man whose name was Jacquot . [ Footnote : pro . zhak ko ' ] His house was small , with only one room in it ; but it was large enough for Jacquot and his wife and their two little boys . At one end of the room there was a big fireplace , where the mother did the cooking . At the other end were the beds . And in the middle was a rough table with benches around it instead of chairs . Jacquot's business was to sell charcoal to the rich people in the city . He might be seen every day with a bag of charcoal on his back , carrying it to some of his customers . Sometimes he carried three or four bags to the palace where the little king of France lived with his mother . One evening he was very late coming home . The table was spread and supper was ready . The children were hungry and could hardly wait for their father to come . " The supper will get cold , " said Charlot , [ Footnote : pro . shar lo ' ] the eldest . " I wonder why he is so late , " said his little brother , Blondel . [ Footnote : Blon del ' . ] " There is to be a great feast at the queen's palace to - night , " said the mother . " There will be music and dancing , and many fine people will be there . Perhaps your father is waiting to help in the kitchen . " The next minute they heard his voice at the door : " Be quick , boys , and stir the fire . Throw on some chips and make a blaze . " They did so , and as the flames lighted up the room , they saw their father enter with a child in his arms . " What's the matter ? " cried the mother . " Who is that child ? " Then she saw that the child's face was very pale and that he neither opened his eyes nor moved . " Oh , what has happened ? Where did you find him ? " " I'll tell you all about it , " answered Jacquot . " But first get a blanket and warm it , quick . That on the children's bed is best . " " What a beautiful child ! " said the mother , as she hurried to do his bidding . The two boys , Charlot and Blondel , with wondering eyes watched their father and mother undress the little stranger . His beautiful clothes were soaked with water , and his fine white collar and ruffles were soiled and dripping . " He must have some dry clothes . Bring me your Sunday suit , Charlot . " " Here it is , mother . " said Charlot . Soon the little stranger was clad in the warm clothes ; the dry soft blanket was wrapped around him ; and he was laid on the children's bed . Then , being very comfortable , he began to grow stronger . The color came back to his cheeks . He opened his eyes and looked around at the small , plain room and at the poor people standing near him . " Where am I ? Where am I ? " he asked . " In my house , my little friend , " answered Jacquot . " My little friend ! " said the child with a sneer . He looked at the fire on the hearth , and at the rough table and benches . Then he said , " Your house is a very poor place , I think . "
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