“Where has he taken them to? Where? Where?” cried the Emperor.
“They were rowing down the river in the direction of Badoko’s country. I have put myself to great inconvenience to bring this news to your Majesty; and it is lucky that that pig of a Prime Minister did not dissuade you from listening to me. Why such a mud-headed gander should be allowed near your sacred person, I don’t know.”
“He means well, he means well,” said the Emperor.
“He means to put me in a pot if he can get me,” replied the raven. “I only hope and trust he may not catch me until I have restored the young ladies to their illustrious parent.”
At this moment there was a loud knocking at the door.
“Who is there?” cried the Emperor.
“May it please your Imperial Majesty,” said the guard outside, “the Prime Minister says it is cold in the palace and that you have forgotten your Imperial Majesty’s muffler, and he will bring it in himself.”
“What does he say?” asked the monarch, who was rather deaf.
The raven repeated the message.
“Thanks, thanks; tell him I am very comfortable,” said the Emperor.