He carefully brushed his wedding suit before putting it on, and thus in his Sunday best, with shining boots and chimney-pot hat, he set out for the Flemish town, carrying the parrot.
On his arrival at Ghent, he boldly entered the palace. Suddenly a loud voice cried, “Stop, peasant, do not approach a step nearer.”
It was the captain of the guard who tried to prevent our hero from entering.
He gave him back the Parrot as gallantly as he could
The peasant was not to be so easily deterred and said determinedly, “I demand an audience with the Emperor.”
“What have you to say to him?” asked the captain.
“I am bringing back the Emperor’s parrot,” the peasant replied, and proudly drawing his coat-tails on one side he showed the cage containing the bird.
“Oh, that somewhat alters the case,” replied the captain, who knew that the Emperor was searching for the bird and would reward the finder handsomely. “Nevertheless,” he continued, “I shall not permit you to pass unless you promise to give me half the reward.”
“I agree,” said the peasant, and he went in.