meadow outside London, he went alone into the
great town. Those who met him asked him who
he was, but he answered only ‘Don’t know.’ They
inquired of what country he was. He replied only
‘Don’t know.’ They further asked his occupation.
He said only ‘Don’t know.’

Now after a day or two it was told the king
that there was a handsome lad going about
London, who could say no other words but ‘Don’t
know.’

So he sent for him and asked him his name, and
received the answer ‘Don’t know.’ ‘Very well,’
said the king, ‘be itso. You shall becalled Don’t-
know.’ Then he sent him into the kitchen to be
scullion there, but gave strict orders to the cook
not to maltreat him in any way.

Now it was usual for the servants to go to church
on Sundays, and one only to remain at home and
prepare dinner.

When it came to Prince Dan’s turn to be alone in
the kitchen, then he took ashes and strewed it
over all the meat.
When the cook came home he was angry to see
the good meat all spoiled. He said: ‘Why, what
have you done this for?’

Dan replied : ‘Don’t know.’

‘Do you know that you deserve a good hiding.’
‘Don’t know.’

But as the king had ordered that the lad was not
to be maltreated, the cook did not dare to beat him ;
but he went to the king and begged that he might
be taken out of the kitchen and put elsewhere.

So the king placed him with the gardener.

Now it was the custom in the garden for the gar-
deners to go to church on Sunday, and one to
remain behind to guard the garden.

When it came to Dan’s turn to be at home, then
his little horse came trotting up to him, and he
brought him a bridle, and said: ‘Shake the bridle

137

DON’T-
KNOW