entrust with something of consequence he wished to send to his father. The governor sent him immediately a very trusty messenger, and Fortuné desired him to come again, as his despatches were not yet ready.
He shut himself in his chamber; then, stamping with his foot, said, "Turkey-leather trunk, come to me filled with diamonds and pistoles!" It appeared that instant; but there was no key, and where was he to find it? What a pity to break a lock of enamelled gold of several colours; and moreover, was there not much to fear from the indiscretion of a locksmith? He would scarcely have spoken of the Chevalier's treasures before thieves would assemble to rob him, and perhaps they might kill him.
He then looked for the key everywhere, and the more he sought it the less he could find it. "How troublesome!" cried he; "I shall not be able to make use of the Fairy's bounty, nor send my father any of the property she has given me." While he was thus musing, it occurred to him, that the best thing to do would be to consult his horse; he went into the stable, and said in a whisper, "I entreat you, Comrade, tell me where I shall find the key of the Turkey-leather trunk." "In my ear," replied the horse. Fortuné looked in the horse's ear; he espied a green ribbon,—he drew it out, and saw the key he wished for; he opened the Turkey-leather trunk, wherein were more diamonds and pistoles than would fill a bushel. The Chevalier filled three caskets—one for his father, and two others for his sisters; he then gave them to the man the governor had sent to him, and begged him not to stop, either night or day, until he arrived at the Count's house.
This messenger made the greatest speed, and when he told the old man that he came from his son, the Chevalier, and that he had brought him a very heavy casket, he wondered what could be in it; for he had started with so little money, that he did not think he was in a condition to buy anything, nor even to pay the journey of the man who had charge of his present. He first of all opened his letter, and when he had read all that his dear daughter had written, he thought he should die with joy; the sight of the jewels and gold still further confirmed the truth of the story; the most extraordinary thing was, that when Belle-belle's two sisters opened
