He simply inquired if the emperor's offer was still in force.

The emperor said it was--but charitably advised him to go and hunt hares and not endanger so precious a life as his in an attempt which had brought death to so many of the world's most illustrious heroes.
But this tramp only asked--"Were any of these heroes men of science ?" This raised a laugh, of course, for science was despised in those days.
But the tramp was not in the least ruffled.

He said he might be a little in advance of his age, but no matter--science would come to be honored, some time or other.

He said he would march against the dragon in the morning.

Out of compassion, then, a decent spear was offered him, but he declined, and said, "spears were useless to men of science." They allowed him to sup in the servants' hall, and gave him a bed in the stables.
When he started forth in the morning, thousands were gathered to see.
The emperor said: "Do not be rash, take a spear, and leave off your knapsack." But the tramp said: "It is not a knapsack," and moved straight on.
The dragon was waiting and ready.