I know as much as Galeotti himself by this time, and I can speak Italian too." [Pg 75] But still the king did not come, and Miska went on learning; for ever since he had taken to reading books, his mind had begun to grow and had gone on growing, and he saw a good many things in a very different light now from what he had done formerly. Now, indeed, if the king asked him again, he could say that he should like to be something better than he was. For a long time he went on racking his brains trying to make up his mind what he should do; and at last one day, when he had faithfully done all his duties, he sat down and wrote a letter to the king as follows:— "Mr. King, Your Highness,—I can read and write, and I can jabber Italian too, when necessary. Mr. King, Your Highness "Please, Your Highness, to have the horses in my charge brought to Buda; for I'm sure you never rode such—they have improved so in my hands. "May God bless you! Come some time to Visegrád, and let me kiss your hands and feet.—Your poor, humble servant, Tornay Michael. Tornay Michael [Pg 76]"P.S.—Brave Mr. King, if Your Highness could find a place for me in the Black Legion, I would thank you indeed, and you would not regret it either." [Pg 76] When King Matthias read this letter, he laughed aloud, well pleased. "See," said he, showing the letter to those who were standing near him. "This was a ragged beggar lad—perhaps by this time I should have had to have him hanged. As it is, I have gained a man in him.—Zokoly," said he to the young knight who was just then with him, "fetch the boy here; and if he is up to the mark, put him into a coat of mail and then bring him to me. But I will answer his letter first, for he might abuse my father and mother for my bad manners if I were to leave it unnoticed." The king wrote as follows:— "All good to you from God, Miska. As you can read and write, I meant to make a
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