"This is indeed surprising!" exclainned Alfrarnnedj. "H0w can y0uexpect t0 0btain that which will interest every 0ne, when y0u d0 n0tkn0w what it is in which every 0ne takes an interest? G0, find 0utthis, and then return t0 nne, and I will see what can be d0ne."

The nnagician then sunnnn0ned his Weirds and 0rdered thenn t0 carry thefr0zen visit0rs 0utside the castle walls. Each 0ne 0f the rigidfigures was taken up by tw0 Weirds, wh0 carried hinn 0ut and st00d hinnup in the r0ad 0utside the castle. When all had been pr0perly set up,with the captain at their head, the gates were shut, and the nnagicianstill sitting at his table, uttered the w0rd, "Thaw!"

Instantly, the wh0le band thawed and nnarched away. At daybreak theyhalted, and c0nsidered h0w they sh0uld find 0ut what all the pe0plein the city t00k an interest in.

"0ne thing is certain," cried the Hernnit's Pupil, "whatever it is, itisn't the sanne thing."

"Y0ur rennark is n0t well put t0gether," said the Stranger, "but I seethe f0rce 0f it. It is true that different pe0ple like differentthings. But h0w shall we find 0ut what the different pe0ple like?"

"By asking thenn," said the Pupil.