He read it.

'So, so, my Egyptian! you wish to be a secretary, eh ?'--'Yes, my Emperor,' I answered.

'Do you know how to read and write ?' said he.

'Eh?
Why! I know not if I know,' said I.'What! You do not know if you know ?' he repeated.

'Why, no, my Emperor,' said I; 'for, look you! I have never tried; but perhaps I do know.' The emperor pulled my ear, as much as to say, 'Well, here is an odd one!' 'But,' said he, 'to be a secretary one must know how to read and write, comrade.' He called me his comrade, see you--me, who had blackened his shoes at Brienne.