“‘And if I do, what then?’ replied the man.
“‘I want you to say a good word for me, Little Corporal, and get the Emperor to grant me my liberty. It would not cost very much money to send me home across the sea; but whatever you do, you must promise to keep this a secret from the doctor and the Arabian professor.’
“‘Who may the Arabian professor be?’ the soldier asked.
“‘A most extraordinary man, but I will tell you of him some other time.’ replied Almansor. ‘But if these two were to hear of it they would most certainly prevent my leaving France. And will you promise then to find some one to speak for me to the Emperor?’
“Is it possible, you here, Almansor?” (P. [171].)
“‘Come with me and I may perhaps be able to help you now,’ said his friend.
“‘Now?’ cried the youth, ‘that I cannot do, for I shall get a good beating from the doctor if I do not hurry home.’
“‘What have you in that basket?’ asked the man, laying his hand upon Almansor’s shoulder.
“The boy blushed with shame and hesitated, but said finally: ‘Little Corporal, it is not here with me as it was in my own home. I am forced now to perform the duties assigned to the lowest of my father’s slaves. The doctor is a miserly man, and every day he sends me to a market which is at some distance from our house, because I can get things cheaper there than they are in our part of the town. Look at these few herrings, this handful of salad, and this little pat of butter: every day I have to tramp miles in order to buy such things. Oh! if only my father knew it.’