"Who is that?" exclaimed the King. "Who talks in that language?"
"It is my little companion, the rooster," said Jack. "He is preparing to go into the country in search of Day."
The King lay quiet. At four o'clock he heard again the sonorous voice of the strange creature with the golden feathers.
"Hey, my friend!" the King cried, "what is that?"
"It is the rooster who has returned," said Jack. "His expedition has been a prosperous one, as you can see. He has brought Day with him, and already the light of it is shining on the mountain-tops and filling the valleys. Rise, your Majesty, and see for yourself."
At these words the King arose and ran to the window. The stranger had spoken the truth. Day—clear, joyous, and resplendent—shone over the land. Bewildered and confused, the King could hardly recover from his astonishment. What would he not give to possess such an enchanted rooster! And if he possessed him, how jealous and envious of his good fortune the neighboring kings would be! Without loss of time the King said to Jack:
"My friend, your companion pleases me much, and he can be of great service to me. Will you sell him?"
"Sell him!" exclaimed Jack. "By no means! I would not sell him for gold and silver."
"Let us see," said the King, "for a hundred crown pieces?"
"No," said Jack, sturdily, "not for a thousand."