"What! even at the emperor's palace?"
"Oh, there are more there than anywhere else; you don't know what short memories great nobles have."
"But you should complain, and denounce the thieves, and have them taken up," said Alexander.
"I have a nobleman taken up! Your excellency surely knows that we poor devils have no power to do anything of the kind. If it were one of ourselves, it would be another matter and easy enough," added the driver, pointing to his long beard, "for they know how to get hold of us; but all you great nobles have your chins too smoothly shaven for that.... Good-night, there is nothing more to be said, unless your excellency will please search your pockets once more, in case there is a trifle with which to pay me."
"No," said the emperor, "it would be useless ... but I have an idea."
"What is it?"
"You see this cloak—it is worth more than your fare, is it not?"
"Certainly! And if you excellency wishes to give it me without expecting the change ...?"
"No! keep it as a pledge and do not give it up till I send someone for it with your fare."