When Hans saw the old man he forgot all about himself and his sore bare feet.
“Let me help you, sir,” said Hans, and the old man was very thankful. Hans carried the basket for the feeble man until they reached a great castle.
The old man stopped at its gate and said:
“Thank you, boy, and here is a piece of gold for your trouble.”
Hans touched his faded cap and thanked the old man. Full of joy, he put the piece of gold in his pocket. It was more than he could earn in a whole year selling his mats.
“You see Hans had the little box of good manners very near his heart, and it brought him good fortune.
“Here is another story of the wonderful little box.”—
Once upon a time in a magnificent castle lived a princess. She was so beautiful that many kings and rich lords had sought her hand in marriage, but she had refused them all.
One day the Princess had a grand birthday party, and everybody, rich and poor, was invited. Many kings and rich lords came to do honor to the beautiful Princess.
There was beautiful music in the castle garden, and after a while the people took hands and began a merry dance.