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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Orange Fairy Book, by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Orange Fairy Book
+
+Author: Various
+
+Editor: Andrew Lang
+
+Illustrator: H. J. Ford
+
+Release Date: June 27, 2011 [EBook #36532]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ORANGE FAIRY BOOK ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note
+
+Illustration captions in {brackets} have been added by the transcriber
+from the list of illustrations, for the convenience of the reader.
+
+
+
+
+                 THE ORANGE
+                 FAIRY BOOK
+
+
+                 Edited by
+                ANDREW LANG
+
+
+       With Numerous Illustrations by
+                 H. J. FORD
+
+
+              _Crown Edition_
+
+          LONGMANS, GREEN AND CO.
+        LONDON � NEW YORK � TORONTO
+
+
+
+
+          LONGMANS, GREEN AND CO.
+
+         114 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK
+       221 EAST 20TH STREET, CHICAGO
+         88 TREMONT STREET, BOSTON
+        215 VICTORIA STREET, TORONTO
+
+        LONGMANS, GREEN AND CO. LTD.
+
+     39 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E C 4
+           53 NICOL ROAD, BOMBAY
+     6 OLD COURT HOUSE STREET, CALCUTTA
+           36A MOUNT ROAD, MADRAS
+
+
+                    LANG
+           THE ORANGE FAIRY BOOK
+
+              COPYRIGHT � 1906
+         BY LONGMANS, GREEN AND CO.
+
+
+           _All Rights Reserved_
+
+
+         First Edition August 1906
+     Reprinted March 1911, August 1914
+   January 1917, February 1919, May 1922
+  January 1925, November 1927, August 1929
+             February 1937
+
+
+  PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
+
+
+
+
+    THE LANG FAIRY BOOKS
+    Crown Edition
+
+    THE ARABIAN NIGHTS ENTERTAINMENTS. _With 4 Coloured
+        Plates and 63 Illustrations._
+
+    THE BLUE FAIRY BOOK. _With 4 Coloured Plates and 128
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE BOOK OF ROMANCE. _With 8 Coloured Plates and 43
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE BROWN FAIRY BOOK. _With 8 Coloured Plates and 42
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE CRIMSON FAIRY BOOK. _With 8 Coloured Plates and 45
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE GREEN FAIRY BOOK. _With 4 Coloured Plates and 100
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE GREY FAIRY BOOK. _With 4 Coloured Plates and 56
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE LILAC FAIRY BOOK. _With 6 Coloured Plates and 46
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE OLIVE FAIRY BOOK. _With 8 Coloured Plates and 43
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE ORANGE FAIRY BOOK. _With 8 Coloured Plates and 50
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE PINK FAIRY BOOK. _With 4 Coloured Plates and 68
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE RED BOOK OF HEROES. _By Mrs. Lang. With 8 Coloured
+        Plates and 40 Illustrations._
+
+    THE RED FAIRY BOOK. _With 4 Coloured Plates and 91
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE VIOLET FAIRY BOOK. _With 8 Coloured Plates and 59
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE YELLOW FAIRY BOOK. _With 4 Coloured Plates and 105
+        Illustrations._
+
+
+
+
+  [Illustration: IAN AND THE BLUE FALCON]
+
+
+
+
+_PREFACE_
+
+
+The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them,
+do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who
+give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and _cousines_, leave
+prefaces unread. For whom, then, are prefaces written? When an author
+publishes a book 'out of his own head,' he writes the preface for his
+own pleasure. After reading over his book in print--to make sure that
+all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in
+the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what
+he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he
+means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it
+is. But, perhaps, nobody reads prefaces except other authors; and
+critics, who hope that they will find enough in the preface to enable
+them to do without reading any of the book.
+
+This appears to be the philosophy of prefaces in general, and perhaps
+authors might be more daring and candid than they are with advantage,
+and write regular criticisms of their own books in their prefaces, for
+nobody can be so good a critic of himself as the author--if he has a
+sense of humour. If he has not, the less he says in his preface the
+better.
+
+These Fairy Books, however, are not written by the Editor, as he has
+often explained, 'out of his own head.' The stories are taken from
+those told by grannies to grandchildren in many countries and in many
+languages--French, Italian, Spanish, Catalan, Gaelic, Icelandic,
+Cherokee, African, Indian, Australian, Slavonic, Eskimo, and what not.
+The stories are not literal, or word by word translations, but have
+been altered in many ways to make them suitable for children. Much has
+been left out in places, and the narrative has been broken up into
+conversations, the characters telling each other how matters stand,
+and speaking for themselves, as children, and some older people,
+prefer them to do. In many tales, fairly cruel and savage deeds are
+done, and these have been softened down as much as possible; though it
+is impossible, even if it were desirable, to conceal the circumstance
+that popular stories were never intended to be tracts and nothing
+else. Though they usually take the side of courage and kindness, and
+the virtues in general, the old story-tellers admire successful
+cunning as much as Homer does in the Odyssey. At least, if the cunning
+hero, human or animal, is the weaker, like Odysseus, Brer Rabbit, and
+many others, the story-teller sees little in intellect but superior
+cunning, by which tiny Jack gets the better of the giants. In the
+fairy tales of no country are 'improper' incidents common, which is to
+the credit of human nature, as they were obviously composed mainly for
+children. It is not difficult to get rid of this element when it does
+occur in popular tales.
+
+The old puzzle remains a puzzle--why do the stories of the remotest
+people so closely resemble each other? Of course, in the immeasurable
+past, they have been carried about by conquering races, and learned by
+conquering races from vanquished peoples. Slaves carried far from home
+brought their stories with them into captivity. Wanderers, travellers,
+shipwrecked men, merchants, and wives stolen from alien tribes have
+diffused the stories; gipsies and Jews have peddled them about; Roman
+soldiers of many different races, moved here and there about the
+Empire, have trafficked in them. From the remotest days men have been
+wanderers, and wherever they went their stories accompanied them. The
+slave trade might take a Greek to Persia, a Persian to Greece; an
+Egyptian woman to Phoenicia; a Babylonian to Egypt; a Scandinavian
+child might be carried with the amber from the Baltic to the Adriatic;
+or a Sidonian to Ophir, wherever Ophir may have been; while the
+Portuguese may have borne their tales to South Africa, or to Asia, and
+thence brought back other tales to Egypt. The stories wandered
+wherever the Buddhist missionaries went, and the earliest French
+_voyageurs_ told them to the Red Indians. These facts help to account
+for the sameness of the stories everywhere; and the uniformity of
+human fancy in early societies must be the cause of many other
+resemblances.
+
+In this volume there are stories from the natives of Rhodesia,
+collected by Mr. Fairbridge, who speaks the native language, and one
+is brought by Mr. Cripps from another part of Africa, Uganda. Three
+tales from the Punjaub were collected and translated by Major
+Campbell. Various savage tales, which needed a good deal of editing,
+are derived from the learned pages of the 'Journal of the
+Anthropological Institute.' With these exceptions, and 'The Magic
+Book,' translated by Mrs. Pedersen, from 'Eventyr fra Jylland,' by Mr.
+Ewald Tang Kristensen (Stories from Jutland), all the tales have been
+done, from various sources, by Mrs. Lang, who has modified, where it
+seemed desirable, all the narratives.
+
+
+
+
+_CONTENTS_
+
+
+                                                                  PAGE
+    _The Story of the Hero Mak�ma_                                   1
+
+    _The Magic Mirror_                                              16
+
+    _Story of the King who Would See Paradise_                      24
+
+    _How Isuro the Rabbit Tricked Gudu_                             29
+
+    _Ian, the Soldier's Son_                                        37
+
+    _The Fox and the Wolf_                                          56
+
+    _How Ian Direach Got the Blue Falcon_                           63
+
+    _The Ugly Duckling_                                             79
+
+    _The Two Caskets_                                               90
+
+    _The Goldsmith's Fortune_                                      106
+
+    _The Enchanted Wreath_                                         110
+
+    _The Foolish Weaver_                                           124
+
+    _The Clever Cat_                                               126
+
+    _The Story of Manus_                                           141
+
+    _Pinkel the Thief_                                             148
+
+    _The Adventures of a Jackal_                                   160
+
+    _The Adventures of the Jackal's Eldest Son_                    167
+
+    _The Adventures of the Younger Son of the Jackal_              173
+
+    _The Three Treasures of the Giants_                            177
+
+    _The Rover of the Plain_                                       190
+
+    _The White Doe_                                                201
+
+    _The Girl-Fish_                                                225
+
+    _The Owl and the Eagle_                                        236
+
+    _The Frog and the Lion Fairy_                                  241
+
+    _The Adventures of Covan the Brown-haired_                     265
+
+    _The Princess Bella-Flor_                                      280
+
+    _The Bird of Truth_                                            292
+
+    _The Mink and the Wolf_                                        307
+
+    _Adventures of an Indian Brave_                                313
+
+    _How the Stalos Were Tricked_                                  319
+
+    _Andras Baive_                                                 329
+
+    _The White Slipper_                                            335
+
+    _The Magic Book_                                               349
+
+
+
+
+_ILLUSTRATIONS_
+
+
+COLOURED PLATES
+
+    _Ian and the Blue Falcon_                           _Frontispiece_
+
+    _The Three Maidens Sitting on the Rocks_          _Facing page_ 38
+
+    _'Ashes, Ashes!' Twittered the Sparrows_                        98
+
+    _Standing in the Shelter of a Tree, He Watched
+        Her a Long While_                                          114
+
+    _The Queen and the Crab_                                       202
+
+    _The Crown Returns to the Queen of the Fishes_                 234
+
+    _How Jos� Found the Princess Bella-Flor_                       288
+
+    _The Princess Imprisoned in the Summer-house_                  356
+
+
+FULL-PAGE PLATES
+
+    _Mak�ma Leaps into the Pool of Crocodiles_         _Facing page_ 2
+
+    _Mak�ma Gets Entangled by a Hair of Chin-d�bou
+        M�u-giri_                                                    8
+
+    _Mak�ma in the Hands of S�katir�na_                             12
+
+    _The Knight and the Raven_                                      38
+
+    _Ian Breaks the Giant's Chain_                                  44
+
+    _The Princess Finds Herself a Prisoner on the Ship_             68
+
+    _How Ian Direach Returned Home, and How His
+        Stepmother Fell as a Bundle of Sticks_                      74
+
+    _'That is an End of You,' She Said. But She Was
+        Wrong, for it Was only the Beginning_                       90
+
+    _The Princess Returns from the Sea_                            120
+
+    _The Giants Find Jack in the Treasure Room_                    182
+
+    _The Uninvited Fairy_                                          204
+
+    _How the Queen Met the Lion-Fairy_                             242
+
+    _The King on his Dragon Fights his Way through the
+        Monsters to the Queen and Muffette_                        258
+
+    _Doran-Donn Brings the Salmon to Covan the
+        Brown-Haired_                                              276
+
+    _'We Never Waste Time When We Are Helping Others'_             284
+
+    _'Who Are You who Dare to Knock at my Door?'_                  298
+
+    _The Little Boy Sees the Stalo in the Wood_                    320
+
+
+IN TEXT
+
+                                                                  PAGE
+    _Mak�ma Throws his Hammer at the Fire-eater_                     7
+
+    _Gop�ni-K�fa Sees a Strange Sight_                              17
+
+    _Shas�sa Hides the Mirror_                                      21
+
+    _No One Knows What Was there Shown to the King_                 25
+
+    _The Old King Sees Himself Reflected in the Shields of
+        the Bodyguard_                                              28
+
+    _Gudu Drops a Stone into the Water_                             30
+
+    _'Where Did You Get that from?' Asked Isuro_                    31
+
+    _How Gudu Danced and the Bones Rattled_                         35
+
+    _Ian Finds the Youngest Sister_                                 43
+
+    _The Seven Big Women Fall over the Crag_                        72
+
+    _She Found Sitting Round Her a Whole Circle of Cats_            95
+
+    _'Take the Black! Take the Black!' Cried the Cats_             100
+
+    _Three Little Doves Were Seated on the Handle of
+        the Axe_                                                   111
+
+    _The Stepmother Tries to Drown the Princess_                   116
+
+    _The Jew Brings the Jewels to the Princess_                    130
+
+    _I Go to Seek my Fortune Alone_                                136
+
+    _The Cat Lets Fall the Stone_                                  139
+
+    _How Manus Got the Lion's Cub_                                 145
+
+    _Pinkel Brings the Witch's Lantern to the King_                151
+
+    _Pinkel Steals the Witch's Goat_                               156
+
+    _The Brothers Ill-treat Poor Jack_                             180
+
+    _The Rover of the Plain Does the Girl's Work_                  193
+
+    _Last of All She Sang in a Low Voice a Dirge over
+        the Rover of the Plain_                                    197
+
+    _For a Minute They Looked at Each Other_                       219
+
+    _'A Small Dragon Crept in and Terrified Her'_                  249
+
+    _Ardan Pursues the Golden Cock and the Silver Hen_             269
+
+    _The King Jumps into the Cauldron_                             290
+
+    _How the Boy Found the Bird of Truth_                          303
+
+    _The Mink is Very Rude to the Grandmother Wolf_                309
+
+    _Andras Baive Shoots the Stalo_                                333
+
+    _Balancin's Delight at the White Slipper_                      338
+
+    _Gilguerillo Falls in Love with Princess Diamantina_           344
+
+    _'Just as He Was Going to Strike'_                             353
+
+
+
+
+THE ORANGE FAIRY BOOK
+
+
+
+
+_THE STORY OF THE HERO MAK�MA_
+
+_From the Senna (Oral Tradition)_
+
+
+Once upon a time, at the town of Senna on the banks of the Zambesi,
+was born a child. He was not like other children, for he was very tall
+and strong; over his shoulder he carried a big sack, and in his hand
+an iron hammer. He could also speak like a grown man, but usually he
+was very silent.
+
+One day his mother said to him: 'My child, by what name shall we know
+you?'
+
+And he answered: 'Call all the head men of Senna here to the river's
+bank.' And his mother called the head men of the town, and when they
+had come he led them down to a deep black pool in the river where all
+the fierce crocodiles lived.
+
+'O great men!' he said, while they all listened, 'which of you will
+leap into the pool and overcome the crocodiles?' But no one would come
+forward. So he turned and sprang into the water and disappeared.
+
+The people held their breath, for they thought: 'Surely the boy is
+bewitched and throws away his life, for the crocodiles will eat him!'
+Then suddenly the ground trembled, and the pool, heaving and swirling,
+became red with blood, and presently the boy rising to the surface
+swam on shore.
+
+But he was no longer just a boy! He was stronger than any man and very
+tall and handsome, so that the people shouted with gladness when they
+saw him.
+
+'Now, O my people!' he cried waving his hand, 'you know my name--I am
+Mak�ma, "the Greater"; for have I not slain the crocodiles in the pool
+where none would venture?'
+
+Then he said to his mother: 'Rest gently, my mother, for I go to make
+a home for myself and become a hero.' Then, entering his hut, he took
+Nu-�ndo, his iron hammer, and throwing the sack over his shoulder, he
+went away.
+
+Mak�ma crossed the Zambesi, and for many moons he wandered towards the
+north and west until he came to a very hilly country where, one day,
+he met a huge giant making mountains.
+
+'Greeting,' shouted Mak�ma, 'who are you?'
+
+'I am Chi-�swa-map�ri, who makes the mountains,' answered the giant,
+'and who are you?'
+
+'I am Mak�ma, which signifies "greater,"' answered he.
+
+'Greater than who?' asked the giant.
+
+'Greater than you!' answered Mak�ma.
+
+The giant gave a roar and rushed upon him. Mak�ma said nothing, but
+swinging his great hammer, Nu-�ndo, he struck the giant upon the head.
+
+He struck him so hard a blow that the giant shrank into quite a little
+man, who fell upon his knees saying: 'You are indeed greater than I, O
+Mak�ma; take me with you to be your slave!' So Mak�ma picked him up
+and dropped him into the sack that he carried upon his back.
+
+He was greater than ever now, for all the giant's strength had gone
+into him; and he resumed his journey, carrying his burden with as
+little difficulty as an eagle might carry a hare.
+
+Before long he came to a country broken up with huge stones and
+immense clods of earth. Looking over one of the heaps he saw a giant
+wrapped in dust dragging out the very earth and hurling it in handfuls
+on either side of him.
+
+  [Illustration: MAK�MA LEAPS INTO THE POOL OF CROCODILES]
+
+'Who are you,' cried Mak�ma, 'that pulls up the earth in this way?'
+
+'I am Chi-d�bula-t�ka,' said he, 'and I am making the river-beds.'
+
+'Do you know who I am?' said Mak�ma. 'I am he that is called
+"greater"!'
+
+'Greater than who?' thundered the giant.
+
+'Greater than you!' answered Mak�ma.
+
+With a shout, Chi-d�bula-t�ka seized a great clod of earth and
+launched it at Mak�ma. But the hero had his sack held over his left
+arm and the stones and earth fell harmlessly upon it, and, tightly
+gripping his iron hammer, he rushed in and struck the giant to the
+ground. Chi-d�bula-t�ka grovelled before him, all the while growing
+smaller and smaller; and when he had become a convenient size Mak�ma
+picked him up and put him into the sack beside Chi-�swa-map�ri.
+
+He went on his way even greater than before, as all the river-maker's
+power had become his; and at last he came to a forest of bao-babs and
+thorn trees. He was astonished at their size, for every one was full
+grown and larger than any trees he had ever seen, and close by he saw
+Chi-gw�sa-m�ti, the giant who was planting the forest.
+
+Chi-gw�sa-m�ti was taller than either of his brothers, but Mak�ma was
+not afraid and called out to him: 'Who are you, O Big One?'
+
+'I,' said the giant, 'am Chi-gw�sa-m�ti, and I am planting these
+bao-babs and thorns as food for my children the elephants.'
+
+'Leave off!' shouted the hero, 'for I am Mak�ma, and would like to
+exchange a blow with thee!'
+
+The giant, plucking up a monster bao-bab by the roots, struck heavily
+at Mak�ma; but the hero sprang aside, and as the weapon sank deep into
+the soft earth, whirled Nu-�ndo the hammer round his head and felled
+the giant with one blow.
+
+So terrible was the stroke that Chi-gw�sa-m�ti shrivelled up as the
+other giants had done; and when he had got back his breath he begged
+Mak�ma to take him as his servant. 'For,' said he, 'it is honourable
+to serve a man so great as thou.'
+
+Mak�ma, after placing him in his sack, proceeded upon his journey, and
+travelling for many days he at last reached a country so barren and
+rocky that not a single living thing grew upon it--everywhere reigned
+grim desolation. And in the midst of this dead region he found a man
+eating fire.
+
+'What are you doing?' demanded Mak�ma.
+
+'I am eating fire,' answered the man, laughing; 'and my name is
+Chi-�dea-m�to, for I am the flame-spirit, and can waste and destroy
+what I like.'
+
+'You are wrong,' said Mak�ma; 'for I am Mak�ma, who is "greater" than
+you--and you cannot destroy me!'
+
+The fire-eater laughed again, and blew a flame at Mak�ma. But the hero
+sprang behind a rock--just in time, for the ground upon which he had
+been standing was turned to molten glass, like an overbaked pot, by
+the heat of the flame-spirit's breath.
+
+Then the hero flung his iron hammer at Chi-�dea-m�to, and, striking
+him, it knocked him helpless; so Mak�ma placed him in the sack,
+Woro-n�wu, with the other great men that he had overcome.
+
+And now, truly, Mak�ma was a very great hero; for he had the strength
+to make hills, the industry to lead rivers over dry wastes, foresight
+and wisdom in planting trees, and the power of producing fire when he
+wished.
+
+Wandering on he arrived one day at a great plain, well watered and
+full of game; and in the very middle of it, close to a large river,
+was a grassy spot, very pleasant to make a home upon.
+
+Mak�ma was so delighted with the little meadow that he sat down under
+a large tree, and removing the sack from his shoulder, took out all
+the giants and set them before him. 'My friends,' said he, 'I have
+travelled far and am weary. Is not this such a place as would suit a
+hero for his home? Let us then go, to-morrow, to bring in timber to
+make a kraal.'
+
+  [Illustration: MAK�MA THROWS HIS HAMMER AT THE FIRE-EATER]
+
+So the next day Mak�ma and the giants set out to get poles to build
+the kraal, leaving only Chi-�swa-map�ri to look after the place and
+cook some venison which they had killed. In the evening, when they
+returned, they found the giant helpless and tied to a tree by one
+enormous hair!
+
+'How is it,' said Mak�ma, astonished, 'that we find you thus bound and
+helpless?'
+
+'O Chief,' answered Chi-�swa-map�ri, 'at midday a man came out of the
+river; he was of immense stature, and his grey moustaches were of such
+length that I could not see where they ended! He demanded of me "Who
+is thy master?" And I answered: "Mak�ma, the greatest of heroes." Then
+the man seized me, and pulling a hair from his moustache, tied me to
+this tree--even as you see me.'
+
+Mak�ma was very wroth, but he said nothing, and drawing his
+finger-nail across the hair (which was as thick and strong as palm
+rope) cut it, and set free the mountain-maker.
+
+The three following days exactly the same thing happened, only each
+time with a different one of the party; and on the fourth day Mak�ma
+stayed in camp when the others went to cut poles, saying that he would
+see for himself what sort of man this was that lived in the river and
+whose moustaches were so long that they extended beyond men's sight.
+
+So when the giants had gone he swept and tidied the camp and put some
+venison on the fire to roast. At midday, when the sun was right
+overhead, he heard a rumbling noise from the river, and looking up he
+saw the head and shoulders of an enormous man emerging from it. And
+behold! right down the river-bed and up the river-bed, till they faded
+into the blue distance, stretched the giant's grey moustaches!
+
+'Who are you?' bellowed the giant, as soon as he was out of the water.
+
+'I am he that is called Mak�ma,' answered the hero; 'and, before I
+slay thee, tell me also what is thy name and what thou doest in the
+river?'
+
+'My name is Chin-d�bou M�u-giri,' said the giant. 'My home is in the
+river, for my moustache is the grey fever-mist that hangs above the
+water, and with which I bind all those that come unto me so that they
+die.'
+
+'You cannot bind me!' shouted Mak�ma, rushing upon him and striking
+with his hammer. But the river giant was so slimy that the blow slid
+harmlessly off his green chest, and as Mak�ma stumbled and tried to
+regain his balance, the giant swung one of his long hairs around him
+and tripped him up.
+
+  [Illustration: MAK�MA GETS ENTANGLED BY A HAIR OF CHIN-D�BOU
+      M�U-GIRI]
+
+For a moment Mak�ma was helpless, but remembering the power of the
+flame-spirit which had entered into him, he breathed a fiery breath
+upon the giant's hair and cut himself free.
+
+As Chin-d�bou M�u-giri leaned forward to seize him the hero flung his
+sack Woro-n�wu over the giant's slippery head, and gripping his iron
+hammer, struck him again; this time the blow alighted upon the dry
+sack and Chin-d�bou M�u-giri fell dead.
+
+When the four giants returned at sunset with the poles they rejoiced
+to find that Mak�ma had overcome the fever-spirit, and they feasted on
+the roast venison till far into the night; but in the morning, when
+they awoke, Mak�ma was already warming his hands at the fire, and his
+face was gloomy.
+
+'In the darkness of the night, O my friends,' he said presently, 'the
+white spirits of my fathers came unto me and spoke, saying: "Get thee
+hence, Mak�ma, for thou shalt have no rest until thou hast found and
+fought with S�katir�na, who has five heads, and is very great and
+strong; so take leave of thy friends, for thou must go alone."'
+
+Then the giants were very sad, and bewailed the loss of their hero;
+but Mak�ma comforted them, and gave back to each the gifts he had
+taken from them. Then bidding them 'Farewell,' he went on his way.
+
+Mak�ma travelled far towards the west; over rough mountains and
+water-logged morasses, fording deep rivers, and tramping for days
+across dry deserts where most men would have died, until at length he
+arrived at a hut standing near some large peaks, and inside the hut
+were two beautiful women.
+
+'Greeting!' said the hero. 'Is this the country of S�katir�na of five
+heads, whom I am seeking?'
+
+'We greet you, O Great One!' answered the women. 'We are the wives of
+S�katir�na; your search is at an end, for there stands he whom you
+seek!' And they pointed to what Mak�ma had thought were two tall
+mountain peaks. 'Those are his legs,' they said; 'his body you cannot
+see, for it is hidden in the clouds.'
+
+Mak�ma was astonished when he beheld how tall was the giant; but,
+nothing daunted, he went forward until he reached one of S�katir�na's
+legs, which he struck heavily with Nu-�ndo. Nothing happened, so he
+hit again and then again until, presently, he heard a tired, far-away
+voice saying: 'Who is it that scratches my feet?'
+
+And Mak�ma shouted as loud as he could, answering: 'It is I, Mak�ma,
+who is called "Greater"!' And he listened, but there was no answer.
+
+Then Mak�ma collected all the dead brushwood and trees that he could
+find, and making an enormous pile round the giant's legs, set a light
+to it.
+
+This time the giant spoke; his voice was very terrible, for it was the
+rumble of thunder in the clouds. 'Who is it,' he said, 'making that
+fire smoulder around my feet?'
+
+'It is I, Mak�ma!' shouted the hero. 'And I have come from far away to
+see thee, O S�katir�na, for the spirits of my fathers bade me go seek
+and fight with thee, lest I should grow fat, and weary of myself.'
+
+There was silence for a while, and then the giant spoke softly: 'It is
+good, O Mak�ma!' he said. 'For I too have grown weary. There is no man
+so great as I, therefore I am all alone. Guard thyself!' And bending
+suddenly he seized the hero in his hands and dashed him upon the
+ground. And lo! instead of death, Mak�ma had found life, for he sprang
+to his feet mightier in strength and stature than before, and rushing
+in he gripped the giant by the waist and wrestled with him.
+
+  [Illustration: MAK�MA IN THE HANDS OF S�KATIR�NA]
+
+Hour by hour they fought, and mountains rolled beneath their feet like
+pebbles in a flood; now Mak�ma would break away, and summoning up his
+strength, strike the giant with Nu-�ndo his iron hammer, and
+S�katir�na would pluck up the mountains and hurl them upon the hero,
+but neither one could slay the other. At last, upon the second day,
+they grappled so strongly that they could not break away; but their
+strength was failing, and, just as the sun was sinking, they fell
+together to the ground, insensible.
+
+In the morning when they awoke, Mul�mo the Great Spirit was standing
+by them; and he said: 'O Mak�ma and S�katir�na! Ye are heroes so great
+that no man may come against you. Therefore ye will leave the world
+and take up your home with me in the clouds.' And as he spake the
+heroes became invisible to the people of the Earth, and were no more
+seen among them.
+
+(_Native Rhodesian Tale._)
+
+
+
+
+_THE MAGIC MIRROR_
+
+_From the Senna_
+
+
+A long, long while ago, before ever the White Men were seen in Senna,
+there lived a man called Gop�ni-K�fa.
+
+One day, as he was out hunting, he came upon a strange sight. An
+enormous python had caught an antelope and coiled itself around it;
+the antelope, striking out in despair with its horns, had pinned the
+python's neck to a tree, and so deeply had its horns sunk in the soft
+wood that neither creature could get away.
+
+'Help!' cried the antelope, 'for I was doing no harm, yet I have been
+caught, and would have been eaten, had I not defended myself.'
+
+'Help me,' said the python, 'for I am Ins�to, King of all the
+Reptiles, and will reward you well!'
+
+Gop�ni-K�fa considered for a moment, then stabbing the antelope with
+his assegai, he set the python free.
+
+'I thank you,' said the python; 'come back here with the new moon,
+when I shall have eaten the antelope, and I will reward you as I
+promised.'
+
+'Yes,' said the dying antelope, 'he will reward you, and lo! your
+reward shall be your own undoing!'
+
+Gop�ni-K�fa went back to his kraal, and with the new moon he returned
+again to the spot where he had saved the python.
+
+Ins�to was lying upon the ground, still sleepy from the effects of his
+huge meal, and when he saw the man he thanked him again, and said:
+'Come with me now to P�ta, which is my own country, and I will give
+you what you will of all my possessions.'
+
+Gop�ni-K�fa at first was afraid, thinking of what the antelope had
+said, but finally he consented and followed Ins�to into the forest.
+
+For several days they travelled, and at last they came to a hole
+leading deep into the earth. It was not very wide, but large enough to
+admit a man. 'Hold on to my tail,' said Ins�to, 'and I will go down
+first, drawing you after me.' The man did so, and Ins�to entered.
+
+  [Illustration: GOP�NI-K�FA SEES A STRANGE SIGHT]
+
+Down, down, down they went for days, all the while getting deeper and
+deeper into the earth, until at last the darkness ended and they
+dropped into a beautiful country; around them grew short green grass,
+on which browsed herds of cattle and sheep and goats. In the distance
+Gop�ni-K�fa saw a great collection of houses all square, built of
+stone and very tall, and their roofs were shining with gold and
+burnished iron.
+
+Gop�ni-K�fa turned to Ins�to, but found, in the place of the python, a
+man, strong and handsome, with the great snake's skin wrapped round
+him for covering; and on his arms and neck were rings of pure gold.
+
+The man smiled. 'I am Ins�to,' said he; 'but in my own country I take
+man's shape--even as you see me--for this is P�ta, the land over which
+I am king.' He then took Gop�ni-K�fa by the hand and led him towards
+the town.
+
+On the way they passed rivers in which men and women were bathing and
+fishing and boating; and farther on they came to gardens covered with
+heavy crops of rice and maize, and many other grains which Gop�ni-K�fa
+did not even know the name of. And as they passed, the people who were
+singing at their work in the fields, abandoned their labours and
+saluted Ins�to with delight, bringing also palm wine and green
+cocoa-nuts for refreshment, as to one returned from a long journey.
+
+'These are my children!' said Ins�to, waving his hand towards the
+people. Gop�ni-K�fa was much astonished at all that he saw, but he
+said nothing. Presently they came to the town; everything here, too,
+was beautiful, and everything that a man might desire he could obtain.
+Even the grains of dust in the streets were of gold and silver.
+
+Ins�to conducted Gop�ni-K�fa to the palace, and showing him his rooms,
+and the maidens who would wait upon him, told him that they would have
+a great feast that night, and on the morrow he might name his choice
+of the riches of P�ta and it should be given him. Then he went away.
+
+Now Gop�ni-K�fa had a wasp called Z�ngi-m�zi. Z�ngi-m�zi was not an
+ordinary wasp, for the spirit of the father of Gop�ni-K�fa had entered
+it, so that it was exceedingly wise. In times of doubt Gop�ni-K�fa
+always consulted the wasp as to what had better be done, so on this
+occasion he took it out of the little rush basket in which he carried
+it, saying: 'Z�ngi-m�zi, what gift shall I ask of Ins�to to-morrow
+when he would know the reward he shall bestow on me for saving his
+life?'
+
+'Biz-z-z,' hummed Z�ngi-m�zi, 'ask him for Sip�o the Mirror.' And it
+flew back into its basket.
+
+Gop�ni-K�fa was astonished at this answer; but knowing that the words
+of Z�ngi-m�zi were true words, he determined to make the request. So
+that night they feasted, and on the morrow Ins�to came to Gop�ni-K�fa
+and, giving him greeting joyfully, he said:
+
+'Now, O my friend, name your choice amongst my possessions and you
+shall have it!'
+
+'O king!' answered Gop�ni-K�fa, 'out of all your possessions I will
+have the Mirror, Sip�o.'
+
+The king started. 'O friend, Gop�ni-K�fa,' he said, 'ask anything but
+that! I did not think that you would request that which is most
+precious to me.'
+
+'Let me think over it again then, O king,' said Gop�ni-K�fa, 'and
+to-morrow I will let you know if I change my mind.'
+
+But the king was still much troubled, fearing the loss of Sip�o, for
+the Mirror had magic powers, so that he who owned it had but to ask
+and his wish would be fulfilled; to it Ins�to owed all that he
+possessed.
+
+As soon as the king left him, Gop�ni-K�fa again took Z�ngi-m�zi out of
+his basket. 'Z�ngi-m�zi,' he said, 'the king seems loth to grant my
+request for the Mirror--is there not some other thing of equal value
+for which I might ask?'
+
+And the wasp answered: 'There is nothing in the world, O Gop�ni-K�fa,
+which is of such value as this Mirror, for it is a Wishing Mirror, and
+accomplishes the desires of him who owns it. If the king hesitates, go
+to him the next day, and the day after, and in the end he will bestow
+the Mirror upon you, for you saved his life.'
+
+And it was even so. For three days Gop�ni-K�fa returned the same
+answer to the king, and, at last, with tears in his eyes, Ins�to gave
+him the Mirror, which was of polished iron, saying: 'Take Sip�o,
+then, O Gop�ni-K�fa, and may thy wishes come true. Go back now to
+thine own country; Sip�o will show you the way.'
+
+Gop�ni-K�fa was greatly rejoiced, and, taking farewell of the king,
+said to the Mirror:
+
+'Sip�o, Sip�o, I wish to be back upon the Earth again!'
+
+Instantly he found himself standing upon the upper earth; but, not
+knowing the spot, he said again to the Mirror:
+
+'Sip�o, Sip�o, I want the path to my own kraal!'
+
+And behold! right before him lay the path!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When he arrived home he found his wife and daughter mourning for him,
+for they thought that he had been eaten by lions; but he comforted
+them, saying that while following a wounded antelope he had missed his
+way and had wandered for a long time before he had found the path
+again.
+
+That night he asked Z�ngi-m�zi, in whom sat the spirit of his father,
+what he had better ask Sip�o for next?
+
+'Biz-z-z,' said the wasp, 'would you not like to be as great a chief
+as Ins�to?'
+
+And Gop�ni-K�fa smiled, and took the Mirror and said to it:
+
+'Sip�o, Sip�o, I want a town as great as that of Ins�to, the King of
+P�ta; and I wish to be chief over it!'
+
+Then all along the banks of the Zambesi river, which flowed near by,
+sprang up streets of stone buildings, and their roofs shone with gold
+and burnished iron like those in P�ta; and in the streets men and
+women were walking, and young boys were driving out the sheep and
+cattle to pasture; and from the river came shouts and laughter from
+the young men and maidens who had launched their canoes and were
+fishing. And when the people of the new town beheld Gop�ni-K�fa they
+rejoiced greatly and hailed him as chief.
+
+  [Illustration: SHAS�SA HIDES THE MIRROR]
+
+Gop�ni-K�fa was now as powerful as Ins�to the King of the Reptiles had
+been, and he and his family moved into the palace that stood high
+above the other buildings right in the middle of the town. His wife
+was too astonished at all these wonders to ask any questions, but his
+daughter Shas�sa kept begging him to tell her how he had suddenly
+become so great; so at last he revealed the whole secret, and even
+entrusted Sip�o the Mirror to her care, saying:
+
+'It will be safer with you, my daughter, for you dwell apart; whereas
+men come to consult me on affairs of state, and the Mirror might be
+stolen.'
+
+Then Shas�sa took the Magic Mirror and hid it beneath her pillow, and
+after that for many years Gop�ni-K�fa ruled his people both well and
+wisely, so that all men loved him, and never once did he need to ask
+Sip�o to grant him a wish.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Now it happened that, after many years, when the hair of Gop�ni-K�fa
+was turning grey with age, there came white men to that country. Up
+the Zambesi they came, and they fought long and fiercely with
+Gop�ni-K�fa; but, because of the power of the Magic Mirror, he beat
+them, and they fled to the sea-coast. Chief among them was one Rei, a
+man of much cunning, who sought to discover whence sprang
+Gop�ni-K�fa's power. So one day he called to him a trusty servant
+named Butou, and said: 'Go you to the town and find out for me what is
+the secret of its greatness.'
+
+And Butou, dressing himself in rags, set out, and when he came to
+Gop�ni-K�fa's town he asked for the chief; and the people took him
+into the presence of Gop�ni-K�fa. When the white man saw him he
+humbled himself, and said: 'O Chief! take pity on me, for I have no
+home! When Rei marched against you I alone stood apart, for I knew
+that all the strength of the Zambesi lay in your hands, and because I
+would not fight against you he turned me forth into the forest to
+starve!'
+
+And Gop�ni-K�fa believed the white man's story, and he took him in and
+feasted him, and gave him a house.
+
+In this way the end came. For the heart of Shas�sa, the daughter of
+Gop�ni-K�fa, went forth to Butou the traitor, and from her he learnt
+the secret of the Magic Mirror. One night, when all the town slept, he
+felt beneath her pillow and, finding the Mirror, he stole it and fled
+back with it to Rei, the chief of the white men.
+
+So it befell that one day, as Gop�ni-K�fa was gazing at the river from
+a window of the palace, he again saw the war-canoes of the white men;
+and at the sight his spirit misgave him.
+
+'Shas�sa! my daughter!' he cried wildly, 'go fetch me the Mirror, for
+the white men are at hand.'
+
+'Woe is me, my father!' she sobbed. 'The Mirror is gone! For I loved
+Butou the traitor, and he has stolen Sip�o from me!'
+
+Then Gop�ni-K�fa calmed himself, and drew out Z�ngi-m�zi from its rush
+basket.
+
+'O spirit of my father!' he said, 'what now shall I do?'
+
+'O Gop�ni-K�fa!' hummed the wasp, 'there is nothing now that can be
+done, for the words of the antelope which you slew are being
+fulfilled.'
+
+'Alas! I am an old man--I had forgotten!' cried the chief. 'The words
+of the antelope were true words--my reward shall be my own
+undoing--they are being fulfilled!'
+
+Then the white men fell upon the people of Gop�ni-K�fa and slew them
+together with the chief and his daughter Shas�sa; and since then all
+the power of the Earth has rested in the hands of the white men, for
+they have in their possession Sip�o, the Magic Mirror.
+
+
+
+
+_STORY OF THE KING WHO WOULD SEE PARADISE_
+
+
+Once upon a time there was a king who, one day out hunting, came upon
+a fakeer in a lonely place in the mountains. The fakeer was seated on
+a little old bedstead reading the Koran, with his patched cloak thrown
+over his shoulders.
+
+The king asked him what he was reading; and he said he was reading
+about Paradise, and praying that he might be worthy to enter there.
+Then they began to talk, and, by-and-bye, the king asked the fakeer if
+he could show him a glimpse of Paradise, for he found it very
+difficult to believe in what he could not see. The fakeer replied that
+he was asking a very difficult, and perhaps a very dangerous, thing;
+but that he would pray for him, and perhaps he might be able to do it;
+only he warned the king both against the dangers of his unbelief, and
+against the curiosity which prompted him to ask this thing. However,
+the king was not to be turned from his purpose, and he promised the
+fakeer always to provide him with food, if he, in return, would pray
+for him. To this the fakeer agreed, and so they parted.
+
+Time went on, and the king always sent the old fakeer his food
+according to his promise; but, whenever he sent to ask him when he was
+going to show him Paradise, the fakeer always replied: 'Not yet, not
+yet!'
+
+  [Illustration: NO ONE KNOWS WHAT WAS THERE SHOWN TO THE KING]
+
+After a year or two had passed by, the king heard one day that the
+fakeer was very ill--indeed, he was believed to be dying. Instantly he
+hurried off himself, and found that it was really true, and that the
+fakeer was even then breathing his last. There and then the king
+besought him to remember his promise, and to show him a glimpse of
+Paradise. The dying fakeer replied that if the king would come to his
+funeral, and, when the grave was filled in, and everyone else was gone
+away, he would come and lay his hand upon the grave, he would keep his
+word, and show him a glimpse of Paradise. At the same time he implored
+the king not to do this thing, but to be content to see Paradise when
+God called him there. Still the king's curiosity was so aroused that
+he would not give way.
+
+Accordingly, after the fakeer was dead, and had been buried, he stayed
+behind when all the rest went away; and then, when he was quite alone,
+he stepped forward, and laid his hand upon the grave! Instantly the
+ground opened, and the astonished king, peeping in, saw a flight of
+rough steps, and, at the bottom of them, the fakeer sitting, just as
+he used to sit, on his rickety bedstead, reading the Koran!
+
+At first the king was so surprised and frightened that he could only
+stare; but the fakeer beckoned to him to come down, so, mustering up
+his courage, he boldly stepped down into the grave.
+
+The fakeer rose, and, making a sign to the king to follow, walked a
+few paces along a dark passage. Then he stopped, turned solemnly to
+his companion, and, with a movement of his hand, drew aside as it were
+a heavy curtain, and revealed--what? No one knows what was there shown
+to the king, nor did he ever tell anyone; but, when the fakeer at
+length dropped the curtain, and the king turned to leave the place, he
+had had his glimpse of Paradise! Trembling in every limb, he staggered
+back along the passage, and stumbled up the steps out of the tomb into
+the fresh air again.
+
+The dawn was breaking. It seemed odd to the king that he had been so
+long in the grave. It appeared but a few minutes ago that he had
+descended, passed along a few steps to the place where he had peeped
+beyond the veil, and returned again after perhaps five minutes of that
+wonderful view! And what _was_ it he had seen? He racked his brains
+to remember, but he could not call to mind a single thing! How curious
+everything looked too! Why, his own city, which by now he was
+entering, seemed changed and strange to him! The sun was already up
+when he turned into the palace gate and entered the public durbar
+hall. It was full; and there upon the throne sat another king! The
+poor king, all bewildered, sat down and stared about him. Presently a
+chamberlain came across and asked him why he sat unbidden in the
+king's presence. 'But _I_ am the king!' he cried.
+
+'What king?' said the chamberlain.
+
+'The true king of this country,' said he indignantly.
+
+Then the chamberlain went away, and spoke to the king who sat on the
+throne, and the old king heard words like 'mad,' 'age,' 'compassion.'
+Then the king on the throne called him to come forward, and, as he
+went, he caught sight of himself reflected in the polished steel
+shields of the bodyguard, and started back in horror! He was old,
+decrepit, dirty, and ragged! His long white beard and locks were
+unkempt, and straggled all over his chest and shoulders. Only one sign
+of royalty remained to him, and that was the signet ring upon his
+right hand. He dragged it off with shaking fingers and held it up to
+the king.
+
+'Tell me who I am,' he cried; 'there is my signet, who once sat where
+you sit--even yesterday!'
+
+The king looked at him compassionately, and examined the signet with
+curiosity. Then he commanded, and they brought out dusty records and
+archives of the kingdom, and old coins of previous reigns, and
+compared them faithfully. At last the king turned to the old man, and
+said: 'Old man, such a king as this whose signet thou hast, reigned
+seven hundred years ago; but he is said to have disappeared, none know
+whither; where got you the ring?'
+
+Then the old man smote his breast, and cried out with a loud
+lamentation; for he understood that he, who was not content to wait
+patiently to see the Paradise of the faithful, had been judged
+already. And he turned and left the hall without a word, and went into
+the jungle, where he lived for twenty-five years a life of prayer and
+meditation, until at last the Angel of Death came to him, and
+mercifully released him, purged and purified through his punishment.
+
+(_A Pathan story told to Major Campbell._)
+
+  [Illustration: THE OLD KING SEES HIMSELF REFLECTED IN THE SHIELDS
+      OF THE BODYGUARD]
+
+
+
+
+_HOW ISURO THE RABBIT TRICKED GUDU_
+
+
+Far away in a hot country, where the forests are very thick and dark,
+and the rivers very swift and strong, there once lived a strange pair
+of friends. Now one of the friends was a big white rabbit named Isuro,
+and the other was a tall baboon called Gudu, and so fond were they of
+each other that they were seldom seen apart.
+
+One day, when the sun was hotter even than usual, the rabbit awoke
+from his midday sleep, and saw Gudu the baboon standing beside him.
+
+'Get up,' said Gudu; 'I am going courting, and you must come with me.
+So put some food in a bag, and sling it round your neck, for we may
+not be able to find anything to eat for a long while.'
+
+Then the rabbit rubbed his eyes, and gathered a store of fresh green
+things from under the bushes, and told Gudu that he was ready for the
+journey.
+
+They went on quite happily for some distance, and at last they came to
+a river with rocks scattered here and there across the stream.
+
+'We can never jump those wide spaces if we are burdened with food,'
+said Gudu, 'we must throw it into the river, unless we wish to fall in
+ourselves.' And stooping down, unseen by Isuro, who was in front of
+him, Gudu picked up a big stone, and threw it into the water with a
+loud splash.
+
+'It is your turn now,' he cried to Isuro. And with a heavy sigh, the
+rabbit unfastened his bag of food, which fell into the river.
+
+The road on the other side led down an avenue of trees, and before
+they had gone very far Gudu opened the bag that lay hidden in the
+thick hair about his neck, and began to eat some delicious-looking
+fruit.
+
+'Where did you get that from?' asked Isuro enviously.
+
+  [Illustration: GUDU DROPS A STONE INTO THE WATER]
+
+'Oh, I found after all that I could get across the rocks quite easily,
+so it seemed a pity not to keep my bag,' answered Gudu.
+
+'Well, as you tricked me into throwing away mine, you ought to let me
+share with you,' said Isuro. But Gudu pretended not to hear him, and
+strode along the path.
+
+By-and-bye they entered a wood, and right in front of them was a tree
+so laden with fruit that its branches swept the ground. And some of
+the fruit was still green, and some yellow. The rabbit hopped forward
+with joy, for he was very hungry; but Gudu said to him: 'Pluck the
+green fruit, you will find it much the best. I will leave it all for
+you, as you have had no dinner, and take the yellow for myself.' So
+the rabbit took one of the green oranges and began to bite it, but its
+skin was so hard that he could hardly get his teeth through the rind.
+
+  [Illustration: {'WHERE DID YOU GET THAT FROM?' ASKED ISURO}]
+
+'It does not taste at all nice,' he cried, screwing up his face; 'I
+would rather have one of the yellow ones.'
+
+'No! no! I really could not allow that,' answered Gudu. 'They would
+only make you ill. Be content with the green fruit.' And as they were
+all he could get, Isuro was forced to put up with them.
+
+After this had happened two or three times, Isuro at last had his eyes
+opened, and made up his mind that, whatever Gudu told him, he would do
+exactly the opposite. However, by this time they had reached the
+village where dwelt Gudu's future wife, and as they entered Gudu
+pointed to a clump of bushes, and said to Isuro: 'Whenever I am
+eating, and you hear me call out that my food has burnt me, run as
+fast as you can and gather some of those leaves that they may heal my
+mouth.'
+
+The rabbit would have liked to ask him why he ate food that he knew
+would burn him, only he was afraid, and just nodded in reply; but when
+they had gone on a little further, he said to Gudu:
+
+'I have dropped my needle; wait here a moment while I go and fetch
+it.'
+
+'Be quick then,' answered Gudu, climbing into a tree. And the rabbit
+hastened back to the bushes, and gathered a quantity of the leaves,
+which he hid among his fur, 'for,' thought he, 'if I get them now I
+shall save myself the trouble of a walk by-and-bye.'
+
+When he had plucked as many as he wanted he returned to Gudu, and they
+went on together.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The sun was almost setting by the time they reached their journey's
+end, and being very tired they gladly sat down by a well. Then Gudu's
+betrothed, who had been watching for him, brought out a pitcher of
+water--which she poured over them to wash off the dust of the
+road--and two portions of food. But once again the rabbit's hopes were
+dashed to the ground, for Gudu said hastily:
+
+'The custom of the village forbids you to eat till I have finished.'
+And Isuro did not know that Gudu was lying, and that he only wanted
+more food. So he sat hungrily looking on, waiting till his friend had
+had enough.
+
+In a little while Gudu screamed loudly: 'I am burnt! I am burnt!'
+though he was not burnt at all. Now, though Isuro had the leaves about
+him, he did not dare to produce them at the last moment lest the
+baboon should guess why he had stayed behind. So he just went round a
+corner for a short time, and then came hopping back in a great hurry.
+But, quick though he was, Gudu had been quicker still, and nothing
+remained but some drops of water.
+
+'How unlucky you are,' said Gudu, snatching the leaves; 'no sooner had
+you gone than ever so many people arrived, and washed their hands, as
+you see, and ate your portion.' But, though Isuro knew better than to
+believe him, he said nothing, and went to bed hungrier than he had
+ever been in his life.
+
+Early next morning they started for another village, and passed on the
+way a large garden where people were very busy gathering monkey-nuts.
+
+'You can have a good breakfast at last,' said Gudu, pointing to a heap
+of empty shells; never doubting but that Isuro would meekly take the
+portion shown him, and leave the real nuts for himself. But what was
+his surprise when Isuro answered:
+
+'Thank you; I think I should prefer these.' And, turning to the
+kernels, never stopped as long as there was one left. And the worst of
+it was that, with so many people about, Gudu could not take the nuts
+from him.
+
+It was night when they reached the village where dwelt the mother of
+Gudu's betrothed, who laid meat and millet porridge before them.
+
+'I think you told me you were fond of porridge,' said Gudu; but Isuro
+answered: 'You are mistaking me for somebody else, as I always eat
+meat when I can get it.' And again Gudu was forced to be content with
+the porridge, which he hated.
+
+While he was eating it, however, a sudden thought darted into his
+mind, and he managed to knock over a great pot of water which was
+hanging in front of the fire, and put it quite out.
+
+'_Now_,' said the cunning creature to himself, 'I shall be able in the
+dark to steal his meat!' But the rabbit had grown as cunning as he,
+and standing in a corner hid the meat behind him, so that the baboon
+could not find it.
+
+'O Gudu!' he cried, laughing aloud, 'it is you who have taught me how
+to be clever.' And calling to the people of the house, he bade them
+kindle the fire, for Gudu would sleep by it, but that he would pass
+the night with some friends in another hut.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It was still quite dark when Isuro heard his name called very softly,
+and, on opening his eyes, beheld Gudu standing by him. Laying his
+finger on his nose, in token of silence, he signed to Isuro to get up
+and follow him, and it was not until they were some distance from the
+hut that Gudu spoke.
+
+'I am hungry and want something to eat better than that nasty porridge
+that I had for supper. So I am going to kill one of those goats, and
+as you are a good cook you must boil the flesh for me.' The rabbit
+nodded, and Gudu disappeared behind a rock, but soon returned dragging
+the dead goat with him. The two then set about skinning it, after
+which they stuffed the skin with dried leaves, so that no one would
+have guessed it was not alive, and set it up in the middle of a clump
+of bushes, which kept it firm on its feet. While he was doing this,
+Isuro collected sticks for a fire, and when it was kindled, Gudu
+hastened to another hut to steal a pot which he filled with water from
+the river, and, planting two branches in the ground, they hung the pot
+with the meat in it over the fire.
+
+'It will not be fit to eat for two hours at least,' said Gudu, 'so we
+can both have a nap.' And he stretched himself out on the ground, and
+pretended to fall fast asleep, but, in reality, he was only waiting
+till it was safe to take all the meat for himself. 'Surely I hear him
+snore,' he thought; and he stole to the place where Isuro was lying on
+a pile of wood, but the rabbit's eyes were wide open.
+
+'How tiresome,' muttered Gudu, as he went back to his place; and
+after waiting a little longer he got up, and peeped again, but still
+the rabbit's pink eyes stared widely. If Gudu had only known, Isuro
+was asleep all the time; but this he never guessed, and by-and-bye he
+grew so tired with watching that he went to sleep himself. Soon after,
+Isuro woke up, and he too felt hungry, so he crept softly to the pot
+and ate all the meat, while he tied the bones together and hung them
+in Gudu's fur. After that he went back to the wood-pile and slept
+again.
+
+  [Illustration: HOW GUDU DANCED & THE BONES RATTLED]
+
+In the morning the mother of Gudu's betrothed came out to milk her
+goats, and on going to the bushes where the largest one seemed
+entangled, she found out the trick. She made such lament that the
+people of the village came running, and Gudu and Isuro jumped up also,
+and pretended to be as surprised and interested as the rest. But they
+must have looked guilty after all, for suddenly an old man pointed to
+them, and cried:
+
+'Those are the thieves.' And at the sound of his voice the big Gudu
+trembled all over.
+
+'How dare you say such things? I defy you to prove it,' answered Isuro
+boldly. And he danced forward, and turned head over heels, and shook
+himself before them all.
+
+'I spoke hastily; you are innocent,' said the old man; 'but now let
+the baboon do likewise.' And when Gudu began to jump the goat's bones
+rattled, and the people cried: 'It is Gudu who is the goat-slayer!'
+But Gudu answered:
+
+'Nay, I did not kill your goat; it was Isuro, and he ate the meat, and
+hung the bones round my neck. So it is he who should die!' And the
+people looked at each other, for they knew not what to believe. At
+length one man said:
+
+'Let them both die, but they may choose their own deaths.'
+
+Then Isuro answered:
+
+'If we must die, put us in the place where the wood is cut, and heap
+it up all round us, so that we cannot escape, and set fire to the
+wood; and if one is burned and the other is not, then he that is
+burned is the goat-slayer.'
+
+And the people did as Isuro had said. But Isuro knew of a hole under
+the wood-pile, and when the fire was kindled he ran into the hole, but
+Gudu died there.
+
+When the fire had burned itself out, and only ashes were left where
+the wood had been, Isuro came out of his hole, and said to the people:
+
+'Lo! did I not speak well? He who killed your goat is among those
+ashes.'
+
+(_Mashona Story._)
+
+
+
+
+_IAN, THE SOLDIER'S SON_
+
+
+There dwelt a knight in Grianaig of the land of the West, who had
+three daughters, and for goodness and beauty they had not their like
+in all the isles. All the people loved them, and loud was the weeping
+when one day, as the three maidens sat on the rocks on the edge of the
+sea, dipping their feet in the water, there arose a great beast from
+under the waves and swept them away beneath the ocean. And none knew
+whither they had gone, or how to seek them.
+
+Now there lived in a town a few miles off a soldier who had three
+sons, fine youths and strong, and the best players at shinny in that
+country. At Christmastide that year, when families met together and
+great feasts were held, Ian, the youngest of the three brothers, said:
+
+'Let us have a match at shinny on the lawn of the knight of Grianaig,
+for his lawn is wider and the grass smoother than ours.'
+
+But the others answered:
+
+'Nay, for he is in sorrow, and he will think of the games that we have
+played there when his daughters looked on.'
+
+'Let him be pleased or angry as he will,' said Ian; 'we will drive our
+ball on his lawn to-day.'
+
+And so it was done, and Ian won three games from his brothers. But the
+knight looked out of his window, and was wroth; and bade his men bring
+the youths before him. When he stood in his hall and beheld them, his
+heart was softened somewhat; but his face was angry as he asked:
+
+'Why did you choose to play shinny in front of my castle when you
+knew full well that the remembrance of my daughters would come back to
+me? The pain which you have made me suffer you shall suffer also.'
+
+'Since we have done you wrong,' answered Ian, the youngest, 'build us
+a ship, and we will go and seek your daughters. Let them be to
+windward, or to leeward, or under the four brown boundaries of the
+sea, we will find them before a year and a day goes by, and will carry
+them back to Grianaig.'
+
+In seven days the ship was built, and great store of food and wine
+placed in her. And the three brothers put her head to the sea and
+sailed away, and in seven days the ship ran herself on to a beach of
+white sand, and they all went ashore. They had none of them ever seen
+that land before, and looked about them. Then they saw that, a short
+way from them, a number of men were working on a rock, with one man
+standing over them.
+
+'What place is this?' asked the eldest brother. And the man who was
+standing by made answer:
+
+'This is the place where dwell the three daughters of the knight of
+Grianaig, who are to be wedded to-morrow to three giants.'
+
+'How can we find them?' asked the young man again. And the overlooker
+answered:
+
+'To reach the daughters of the knight of Grianaig you must get into
+this basket, and be drawn by a rope up the face of this rock.'
+
+'Oh, that is easily done,' said the eldest brother, jumping into the
+basket, which at once began to move--up, and up, and up--till he had
+gone about half-way, when a fat black raven flew at him and pecked him
+till he was nearly blind, so that he was forced to go back the way he
+had come.
+
+After that the second brother got into the creel; but he fared no
+better, for the raven flew upon him, and he returned as his brother
+had done.
+
+  [Illustration: THE THREE MAIDENS SITTING ON THE ROCKS]
+
+  [Illustration: THE KNIGHT AND THE RAVEN]
+
+'Now it is my turn,' said Ian. But when he was half-way up the raven
+set upon him also.
+
+'Quick! quick!' cried Ian to the men who held the rope. 'Quick! quick!
+or I shall be blinded!' And the men pulled with all their might, and
+in another moment Ian was on top, and the raven behind him.
+
+'Will you give me a piece of tobacco?' asked the raven, who was now
+quite quiet.
+
+'You rascal! Am I to give you tobacco for trying to peck my eyes out?'
+answered Ian.
+
+'That was part of my duty,' replied the raven; 'but give it to me, and
+I will prove a good friend to you.' So Ian broke off a piece of
+tobacco and gave it to him. The raven hid it under his wing, and then
+went on: 'Now I will take you to the house of the big giant, where the
+knight's daughter sits sewing, sewing, till even her thimble is wet
+with tears.' And the raven hopped before him till they reached a large
+house, the door of which stood open. They entered and passed through
+one hall after the other, until they found the knight's daughter, as
+the bird had said.
+
+'What brought you here?' asked she. And Ian made answer:
+
+'Why may I not go where you can go?'
+
+'I was brought hither by a giant,' replied she.
+
+'I know that,' said Ian; 'but tell me where the giant is, that I may
+find him.'
+
+'He is on the hunting hill,' answered she; 'and nought will bring him
+home save a shake of the iron chain which hangs outside the gate. But,
+there, neither to leeward, nor to windward, nor in the four brown
+boundaries of the sea is there any man that can hold battle against
+him, save only Ian, the soldier's son, and he is now but sixteen years
+old, and how shall he stand against the giant?'
+
+'In the land whence I have come there are many men with the strength
+of Ian,' answered he. And he went outside and pulled at the chain,
+but he could not move it, and fell on to his knees. At that he rose
+swiftly, and gathering up his strength, he seized the chain, and this
+time he shook it so that the link broke. And the giant heard it on the
+hunting hill, and lifted his head, thinking--
+
+'It sounds like the noise of Ian, the soldier's son,' said he; 'but as
+yet he is only sixteen years old. Still, I had better look to it.' And
+home he came.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'Are you Ian, the soldier's son?' he asked, as he entered the castle.
+
+'No, of a surety,' answered the youth, who had no wish that they
+should know him.
+
+'Then who are you in the leeward, or in the windward, or in the four
+brown boundaries of the sea, who are able to move my battle-chain?'
+
+'That will be plain to you after wrestling with me as I wrestle with
+my mother. And one time she got the better of me, and two times she
+did not.'
+
+So they wrestled, and twisted and strove with each other till the
+giant forced Ian to his knee.
+
+'You are the stronger,' said Ian; and the giant answered:
+
+'All men know that!' And they took hold of each other once more, and
+at last Ian threw the giant, and wished that the raven were there to
+help him. No sooner had he wished his wish than the raven came.
+
+'Put your hand under my right wing and you will find a knife sharp
+enough to take off his head,' said the raven. And the knife was so
+sharp that it cut off the giant's head with a blow.
+
+'Now go and tell the daughter of the knight of Grianaig; but take heed
+lest you listen to her words, and promise to go no further, for she
+will seek to keep you. Instead, seek the middle daughter, and when you
+have found her, you shall give me a piece of tobacco for reward.'
+
+'Well have you earned the half of all I have,' answered Ian. But the
+raven shook his head.
+
+  [Illustration: IAN FINDS THE YOUNGEST SISTER]
+
+'You know only what has passed, and nothing of what lies before. If
+you would not fail, wash yourself in clean water, and take balsam
+from a vessel on top of the door, and rub it over your body, and
+to-morrow you will be as strong as many men, and I will lead you to
+the dwelling of the middle one.'
+
+Ian did as the raven bade him, and in spite of the eldest daughter's
+entreaties, he set out to seek her next sister. He found her where she
+was seated sewing, her very thimble wet from the tears which she had
+shed.
+
+'What brought you here?' asked the second sister.
+
+'Why may I not go where you can go?' answered he; 'and why are you
+weeping?'
+
+'Because in one day I shall be married to the giant who is on the
+hunting hill.'
+
+'How can I get him home?' asked Ian.
+
+'Nought will bring him but a shake of that iron chain which hangs
+outside the gate. But there is neither to leeward, nor to westward,
+nor in the four brown boundaries of the sea, any man that can hold
+battle with him, save Ian, the soldier's son, and he is now but
+sixteen years of age.'
+
+'In the land whence I have come there are many men with the strength
+of Ian,' said he. And he went outside and pulled at the chain, but he
+could not move it, and fell on his knees. At that he rose to his feet,
+and gathering up his strength mightily, he seized the chain, and this
+time he shook it so that three links broke. And the second giant heard
+it on the hunting hill, and lifted his head, thinking--
+
+'It sounds like the noise of Ian, the soldier's son,' said he; 'but as
+yet he is only sixteen years old. Still, I had better look to it.' And
+home he came.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'Are you Ian, the soldier's son?' he asked, as he entered the castle.
+
+'No, of a surety,' answered Ian, who had no wish that this giant
+should know him either; 'but I will wrestle with you as if I were he.'
+
+  [Illustration: IAN BREAKS THE GIANT'S CHAIN]
+
+Then they seized each other by the shoulder, and the giant threw him
+on his two knees. 'You are the stronger,' cried Ian; 'but I am not
+beaten yet.' And rising to his feet, he threw his arms round the
+giant.
+
+Backwards and forwards they swayed, and first one was uppermost and
+then the other; but at length Ian worked his leg round the giant's and
+threw him to the ground. Then he called to the raven, and the raven
+came flapping towards him, and said: 'Put your hand under my right
+wing, and you will find there a knife sharp enough to take off his
+head.' And sharp indeed it was, for with a single blow, the giant's
+head rolled from his body.
+
+'Now wash yourself with warm water, and rub yourself over with oil of
+balsam, and to-morrow you will be as strong as many men. But beware of
+the words of the knight's daughter, for she is cunning, and will try
+to keep you at her side. So farewell; but first give me a piece of
+tobacco.'
+
+'That I will gladly,' answered Ian, breaking off a large bit.
+
+He washed and rubbed himself that night, as the raven had told him,
+and the next morning he entered the chamber where the knight's
+daughter was sitting.
+
+'Abide here with me,' she said, 'and be my husband. There is silver
+and gold in plenty in the castle.' But he took no heed, and went on
+his way till he reached the castle where the knight's youngest
+daughter was sewing in the hall. And tears dropped from her eyes on to
+her thimble.
+
+'What brought you here?' asked she. And Ian made answer:
+
+'Why may I not go where you can go?'
+
+'I was brought hither by a giant.'
+
+'I know that full well,' said he.
+
+'Are you Ian, the soldier's son?' asked she again. And again he
+answered:
+
+'Yes, I am; but tell me, why you are weeping?'
+
+'To-morrow the giant will return from the hunting hill, and I must
+marry him,' she sobbed. And Ian took no heed, and only said: 'How can
+I bring him home?'
+
+'Shake the iron chain that hangs outside the gate.'
+
+And Ian went out, and gave such a pull to the chain that he fell down
+at full length from the force of the shake. But in a moment he was on
+his feet again, and seized the chain with so much strength that four
+links came off in his hand. And the giant heard him in the hunting
+hill, as he was putting the game he had killed into a bag.
+
+'In the leeward, or the windward, or in the four brown boundaries of
+the sea, there is none who could give my chain a shake save only Ian,
+the soldier's son. And if he has reached me, then he has left my two
+brothers dead behind him.' With that he strode back to the castle, the
+earth trembling under him as he went.
+
+'Are you Ian, the soldier's son?' asked he. And the youth answered:
+
+'No, of a surety.'
+
+'Then who are you in the leeward, or the windward, or in the four
+brown boundaries of the sea, who are able to shake my battle chain?
+There is only Ian, the soldier's son, who can do this, and he is but
+now sixteen years old.'
+
+'I will show you who I am when you have wrestled with me,' said Ian.
+And they threw their arms round each other, and the giant forced Ian
+on to his knees; but in a moment he was up again, and crooking his leg
+round the shoulders of the giant, he threw him heavily to the ground.
+'Stumpy black raven, come quick!' cried he; and the raven came, and
+beat the giant about the head with his wings, so that he could not get
+up. Then he bade Ian take out a sharp knife from under his feathers,
+which he carried with him for cutting berries, and Ian smote off the
+giant's head with it. And so sharp was that knife that, with one blow,
+the giant's head rolled on the ground.
+
+'Rest now this night also,' said the raven, 'and to-morrow you shall
+take the knight's three daughters to the edge of the rock that leads
+to the lower world. But take heed to go down first yourself, and let
+them follow after you. And before I go you shall give me a piece of
+tobacco.'
+
+'Take it all,' answered Ian, 'for well have you earned it.'
+
+'No; give me but a piece. You know what is behind you, but you have no
+knowledge of what is before you.' And picking up the tobacco in his
+beak, the raven flew away.
+
+So the next morning the knight's youngest daughter loaded asses with
+all the silver and gold to be found in the castle, and she set out
+with Ian the soldier's son for the house where her second sister was
+waiting to see what would befall. She also had asses laden with
+precious things to carry away, and so had the eldest sister, when they
+reached the castle where she had been kept a prisoner. Together they
+all rode to the edge of the rock, and then Ian lay down and shouted,
+and the basket was drawn up, and in it they got one by one, and were
+let down to the bottom. When the last one was gone, Ian should have
+gone also, and left the three sisters to come after him; but he had
+forgotten the raven's warning, and bade them go first, lest some
+accident should happen. Only, he begged the youngest sister to let him
+keep the little gold cap which, like the others, she wore on her head;
+and then he helped them, each in her turn, into the basket.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Long he waited, but wait as he might, the basket never came back, for
+in their joy at being free the knight's daughters had forgotten all
+about Ian, and had set sail in the ship that had brought him and his
+brothers to the land of Grianaig.
+
+At last he began to understand what had happened to him, and while he
+was taking counsel with himself what had best be done, the raven came
+to him.
+
+'You did not heed my words,' he said gravely.
+
+'No, I did not, and therefore am I here,' answered Ian, bowing his
+head.
+
+'The past cannot be undone,' went on the raven. 'He that will not take
+counsel will take combat. This night, you will sleep in the giant's
+castle. And now you shall give me a piece of tobacco.'
+
+'I will. But, I pray you, stay in the castle with me.'
+
+'That I may not do, but on the morrow I will come.'
+
+And on the morrow he did, and he bade Ian go to the giant's stable
+where stood a horse to whom it mattered nothing if she journeyed over
+land or sea.
+
+'But be careful,' he added, 'how you enter the stable, for the door
+swings without ceasing to and fro, and if it touches you, it will
+cause you to cry out. I will go first and show you the way.'
+
+'Go,' said Ian. And the raven gave a bob and a hop, and thought he was
+quite safe, but the door slammed on a feather of his tail, and he
+screamed loudly.
+
+Then Ian took a run backwards, and a run forwards, and made a spring;
+but the door caught one of his feet, and he fell fainting on the
+stable floor. Quickly the raven pounced on him, and picked him up in
+his beak and claws, and carried him back to the castle, where he laid
+ointments on his foot till it was as well as ever it was.
+
+'Now come out to walk,' said the raven, 'but take heed that you wonder
+not at aught you may behold; neither shall you touch anything. And,
+first, give me a piece of tobacco.'
+
+Many strange things did Ian behold in that island, more than he had
+thought for. In a glen lay three heroes stretched on their backs, done
+to death by three spears that still stuck in their breasts. But he
+kept his counsel and spake nothing, only he pulled out the spears,
+and the men sat up and said:
+
+'You are Ian the soldier's son, and a spell is laid upon you to travel
+in our company, to the cave of the black fisherman.'
+
+So together they went till they reached the cave, and one of the men
+entered, to see what should be found there. And he beheld a hag,
+horrible to look upon, seated on a rock, and before he could speak,
+she struck him with her club, and changed him into a stone; and in
+like manner she dealt with the other three. At the last Ian entered.
+
+'These men are under spells,' said the witch, 'and alive they can
+never be till you have anointed them with the water which you must
+fetch from the island of Big Women. See that you do not tarry.' And
+Ian turned away with a sinking heart, for he would fain have followed
+the youngest daughter of the knight of Grianaig.
+
+'You did not obey my counsel,' said the raven, hopping towards him,
+'and so trouble has come upon you. But sleep now, and to-morrow you
+shall mount the horse which is in the giant's stable, that can gallop
+over sea and land. When you reach the island of Big Women, sixteen
+boys will come to meet you, and will offer the horse food, and wish to
+take her saddle and bridle from her. But see that they touch her not,
+and give her food yourself, and yourself lead her into the stable, and
+shut the door. And be sure that for every turn of the lock given by
+the sixteen stable lads you give one. And now you shall break me off a
+piece of tobacco.'
+
+The next morning Ian arose, and led the horse from the stable, without
+the door hurting him, and he rode her across the sea to the island of
+Big Women, where the sixteen stable lads met him, and each one offered
+to take his horse, and to feed her, and to put her into the stable.
+But Ian only answered:
+
+'I myself will put her in and will see to her.' And thus he did. And
+while he was rubbing her sides the horse said to him:
+
+'Every kind of drink will they offer you, but see you take none, save
+whey and water only.' And so it fell out; and when the sixteen
+stable-boys saw that he would drink nothing, they drank it all
+themselves, and one by one lay stretched around the board.
+
+Then Ian felt pleased in his heart that he had withstood their fair
+words, and he forgot the counsel that the horse had likewise given him
+saying:
+
+'Beware lest you fall asleep, and let slip the chance of getting home
+again'; for while the lads were sleeping sweet music reached his ears,
+and he slept also.
+
+When this came to pass the steed broke through the stable door, and
+kicked him and woke him roughly.
+
+'You did not heed my counsel,' said she; 'and who knows if it is not
+too late to win over the sea? But first take that sword which hangs on
+the wall, and cut off the heads of the sixteen grooms.'
+
+Filled with shame at being once more proved heedless, Ian arose and
+did as the horse bade him. Then he ran to the well and poured some of
+the water into a leather bottle, and jumping on the horse's back rode
+over the sea to the island where the raven was waiting for him.
+
+'Lead the horse into the stable,' said the raven, 'and lie down
+yourself to sleep, for to-morrow you must make the heroes to live
+again, and must slay the hag. And have a care not to be so foolish
+to-morrow as you were to-day.'
+
+'Stay with me for company,' begged Ian; but the raven shook his head,
+and flew away.
+
+In the morning Ian awoke, and hastened to the cave where the old hag
+was sitting, and he struck her dead as she was, before she could cast
+spells on him. Next he sprinkled the water over the heroes, who came
+to life again, and together they all journeyed to the other side of
+the island, and there the raven met them.
+
+'At last you have followed the counsel that was given you,' said the
+raven; 'and now, having learned wisdom, you may go home again to
+Grianaig. There you will find that the knight's two eldest daughters
+are to be wedded this day to your two brothers, and the youngest to
+the chief of the men at the rock. But her gold cap you shall give to
+me, and, if you want it, you have only to think of me and I will bring
+it to you. And one more warning I give you. If anyone asks you whence
+you came, answer that you have come from behind you; and if anyone
+asks you whither you are going, say that you are going before you.'
+
+So Ian mounted the horse and set her face to the sea and her back to
+the shore, and she was off, away and away till she reached the church
+of Grianaig, and there, in a field of grass, beside a well of water,
+he leaped down from his saddle.
+
+'Now,' the horse said to him, 'draw your sword and cut off my head.'
+But Ian answered:
+
+'Poor thanks would that be for all the help I have had from you.'
+
+'It is the only way that I can free myself from the spells that were
+laid by the giants on me and the raven; for I was a girl and he was a
+youth wooing me! So have no fears, but do as I have said.'
+
+Then Ian drew his sword as she bade him, and cut off her head, and
+went on his way without looking backwards. As he walked he saw a woman
+standing at her house door. She asked him whence he had come, and he
+answered as the raven had told him, that he came from behind. Next she
+inquired whither he was going, and this time he made reply that he was
+going on before him, but that he was thirsty and would like a drink.
+
+'You are an impudent fellow,' said the woman; 'but you shall have a
+drink.' And she gave him some milk, which was all she had till her
+husband came home.
+
+'Where is your husband?' asked Ian, and the woman answered him:
+
+'He is at the knight's castle trying to fashion gold and silver into a
+cap for the youngest daughter, like unto the caps that her sisters
+wear, such as are not to be found in all this land. But, see, he is
+returning; and now we shall hear how he has sped.'
+
+At that the man entered the gate, and beholding a strange youth, he
+said to him: 'What is your trade, boy?'
+
+'I am a smith,' replied Ian. And the man answered:
+
+'Good luck has befallen me, then, for you can help me to make a cap
+for the knight's daughter.'
+
+'You cannot make that cap, and you know it,' said Ian.
+
+'Well, I must try,' replied the man, 'or I shall be hanged on a tree;
+so it were a good deed to help me.'
+
+'I will help you if I can,' said Ian; 'but keep the gold and silver
+for yourself, and lock me into the smithy to-night, and I will work my
+spells.' So the man, wondering to himself, locked him in.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+As soon as the key was turned in the lock Ian wished for the raven,
+and the raven came to him, carrying the cap in his mouth.
+
+'Now take my head off,' said the raven. But Ian answered:
+
+'Poor thanks were that for all the help you have given me.'
+
+'It is the only thanks you can give me,' said the raven, 'for I was a
+youth like yourself before spells were laid on me.'
+
+Then Ian drew his sword and cut off the head of the raven, and shut
+his eyes so that he might see nothing. After that he lay down and
+slept till morning dawned, and the man came and unlocked the door and
+shook the sleeper.
+
+'Here is the cap,' said Ian drowsily, drawing it from under his
+pillow. And he fell asleep again directly.
+
+The sun was high in the heavens when he woke again, and this time he
+beheld a tall, brown-haired youth standing by him.
+
+'I am the raven,' said the youth, 'and the spells are broken. But now
+get up and come with me.'
+
+Then they two went together to the place where Ian had left the dead
+horse; but no horse was there now, only a beautiful maiden.
+
+'I am the horse,' she said, 'and the spells are broken'; and she and
+the youth went away together.
+
+In the meantime the smith had carried the cap to the castle, and bade
+a servant belonging to the knight's youngest daughter bear it to her
+mistress. But when the girl's eyes fell on it, she cried out:
+
+'He speaks false; and if he does not bring me the man who really made
+the cap I will hang him on the tree beside my window.'
+
+The servant was filled with fear at her words, and hastened and told
+the smith, who ran as fast as he could to seek for Ian. And when he
+found him and brought him into the castle, the girl was first struck
+dumb with joy; then she declared that she would marry nobody else. At
+this some one fetched to her the knight of Grianaig, and when Ian had
+told his tale, he vowed that the maiden was right, and that his elder
+daughters should never wed with men who had not only taken glory to
+themselves which did not belong to them, but had left the real doer of
+the deeds to his fate.
+
+And the wedding guests said that the knight had spoken well; and the
+two elder brothers were fain to leave the country, for no one would
+hold converse with them.
+
+(From _Tales of the West Highlands_.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE FOX AND THE WOLF_
+
+
+At the foot of some high mountains there was, once upon a time, a
+small village, and a little way off two roads met, one of them going
+to the east and the other to the west. The villagers were quiet,
+hard-working folk, who toiled in the fields all day, and in the
+evening set out for home when the bell began to ring in the little
+church. In the summer mornings they led out their flocks to pasture,
+and were happy and contented from sunrise to sunset.
+
+One summer night, when a round full moon shone down upon the white
+road, a great wolf came trotting round the corner.
+
+'I positively _must_ get a good meal before I go back to my den,' he
+said to himself; 'it is nearly a week since I have tasted anything but
+scraps, though perhaps no one would think it to look at my figure! Of
+course there are plenty of rabbits and hares in the mountains; but
+indeed one needs to be a greyhound to catch _them_, and I am not so
+young as I was! If I could only dine off that fox I saw a fortnight
+ago, curled up into a delicious hairy ball, I should ask nothing
+better; I would have eaten her then, but unluckily her husband was
+lying beside her, and one knows that foxes, great and small, run like
+the wind. Really it seems as if there was not a living creature left
+for me to prey upon but a wolf, and, as the proverb says: "One wolf
+does not bite another." However, let us see what this village can
+produce. I am as hungry as a schoolmaster.'
+
+Now, while these thoughts were running through the mind of the wolf,
+the very fox he had been thinking of was galloping along the other
+road.
+
+'The whole of this day I have listened to those village hens clucking
+till I could bear it no longer,' murmured she as she bounded along,
+hardly seeming to touch the ground. 'When you are fond of fowls and
+eggs it is the sweetest of all music. As sure as there is a sun in
+heaven I will have some of them this night, for I have grown so thin
+that my very bones rattle, and my poor babies are crying for food.'
+And as she spoke she reached a little plot of grass, where the two
+roads joined, and flung herself under a tree to take a little rest,
+and to settle her plans. At this moment the wolf came up.
+
+At the sight of the fox lying within his grasp his mouth began to
+water, but his joy was somewhat checked when he noticed how thin she
+was. The fox's quick ears heard the sound of his paws, though they
+were as soft as velvet, and turning her head she said politely:
+
+'Is that you, neighbour? What a strange place to meet in! I hope you
+are quite well?'
+
+'Quite well as regards my health,' answered the wolf, whose eye
+glistened greedily, 'at least, as well as one can be when one is very
+hungry. But what is the matter with _you_? A fortnight ago you were as
+plump as heart could wish!'
+
+'I have been ill--very ill,' replied the fox, 'and what you say is
+quite true. A worm is fat in comparison with me.'
+
+'He is. Still, you are good enough for me; for "to the hungry no bread
+is hard."'
+
+'Oh, you are always joking! I'm sure you are not half as hungry as I!'
+
+'That we shall soon see,' cried the wolf, opening his huge mouth and
+crouching for a spring.
+
+'What are you doing?' exclaimed the fox, stepping backwards.
+
+'What am I doing? What I am _going_ to do is to make my supper off
+you, in less time than a cock takes to crow.'
+
+'Well, I suppose you must have your joke,' answered the fox lightly,
+but never removing her eye from the wolf, who replied with a snarl
+which showed all his teeth:
+
+'I don't want to joke, but to eat!'
+
+'But surely a person of your talents must perceive that you might eat
+me to the very last morsel and never know that you had swallowed
+anything at all!'
+
+'In this world the cleverest people are always the hungriest,' replied
+the wolf.
+
+'Ah! how true that is; but----'
+
+'I can't stop to listen to your "buts" and "yets,"' broke in the wolf
+rudely; 'let us get to the point, and the point is that I want to eat
+you and not talk to you.'
+
+'Have you no pity for a poor mother?' asked the fox, putting her tail
+to her eyes, but peeping slily out of them all the same.
+
+'I am dying of hunger,' answered the wolf, doggedly; 'and you know,'
+he added with a grin, 'that charity begins at home.'
+
+'Quite so,' replied the fox; 'it would be unreasonable of me to object
+to your satisfying your appetite at my expense. But if the fox resigns
+herself to the sacrifice, the mother offers you one last request.'
+
+'Then be quick and don't waste time, for I can't wait much longer.
+What is it you want?'
+
+'You must know,' said the fox, 'that in this village there is a rich
+man who makes in the summer enough cheeses to last him for the whole
+year, and keeps them in an old well, now dry, in his courtyard. By the
+well hang two buckets on a pole that were used, in former days, to
+draw up water. For many nights I have crept down to the place, and
+have lowered myself in the bucket, bringing home with me enough
+cheese to feed the children. All I beg of you is to come with me, and,
+instead of hunting chickens and such things, I will make a good meal
+off cheese before I die.'
+
+'But the cheeses may be all finished by now?'
+
+'If you were only to see the quantities of them!' laughed the fox.
+'And even if they _were_ finished, there would always be _me_ to eat.'
+
+'Well, I will come. Lead the way, but I warn you that if you try to
+escape or play any tricks you are reckoning without your host--that is
+to say, without my legs, which are as long as yours!'
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+All was silent in the village, and not a light was to be seen but that
+of the moon, which shone bright and clear in the sky. The wolf and the
+fox crept softly along, when suddenly they stopped and looked at each
+other; a savoury smell of frying bacon reached their noses, and
+reached the noses of the sleeping dogs, who began to bark greedily.
+
+'Is it safe to go on, think you?' asked the wolf in a whisper. And the
+fox shook her head.
+
+'Not while the dogs are barking,' said she; 'someone might come out to
+see if anything was the matter.' And she signed to the wolf to curl
+himself up in the shadow beside her.
+
+In about half an hour the dogs grew tired of barking, or perhaps the
+bacon was eaten up and there was no more smell to excite them. Then
+the wolf and the fox jumped up, and hastened to the foot of the wall.
+
+'I am lighter than he is,' thought the fox to herself, 'and perhaps if
+I make haste I can get a start, and jump over the wall on the other
+side before he manages to spring over this one.' And she quickened her
+pace. But if the wolf could not run he could jump, and with one bound
+he was beside his companion.
+
+'What were you going to do, comrade?'
+
+'Oh, nothing,' replied the fox, much vexed at the failure of her
+plan.
+
+'I think if I were to take a bite out of your haunch you would jump
+better,' said the wolf, giving a snap at her as he spoke. The fox drew
+back uneasily.
+
+'Be careful, or I shall scream,' she snarled. And the wolf,
+understanding all that might happen if the fox carried out her threat,
+gave a signal to his companion to leap on the wall, where he
+immediately followed her.
+
+Once on the top they crouched down and looked about them. Not a
+creature was to be seen in the courtyard, and in the furthest corner
+from the house stood the well, with its two buckets suspended from a
+pole, just as the fox had described it. The two thieves dragged
+themselves noiselessly along the wall till they were opposite the
+well, and by stretching out her neck as far as it would go the fox was
+able to make out that there was only very little water in the bottom,
+but just enough to reflect the moon, big, and round and yellow.
+
+'How lucky!' cried she to the wolf. 'There is a huge cheese about the
+size of a mill wheel. Look! look! did you ever see anything so
+beautiful!'
+
+'Never!' answered the wolf, peering over in his turn, his eyes
+glistening greedily, for he imagined that the moon's reflection in the
+water was really a cheese.
+
+'And now, unbeliever, what have you to say?' And the fox laughed
+gently.
+
+'That you are a woman--I mean a fox--of your word,' replied the wolf.
+
+'Well, then, go down in that bucket and eat your fill,' said the fox.
+
+'Oh, is that your game?' asked the wolf, with a grin. 'No! no! The
+person who goes down in the bucket will be _you_! And if _you_ don't
+go down your head will go without you!'
+
+'Of course I will go down, with the greatest pleasure,' answered the
+fox, who had expected the wolf's reply.
+
+'And be sure you don't eat all the cheese, or it will be the worse for
+you,' continued the wolf. But the fox looked up at him with tears in
+her eyes.
+
+'Farewell, suspicious one!' she said sadly. And climbed into the
+bucket.
+
+In an instant she had reached the bottom of the well, and found that
+the water was not deep enough to cover her legs.
+
+'Why, it is larger and richer than I thought,' cried she, turning
+towards the wolf, who was leaning over the wall of the well.
+
+'Then be quick and bring it up,' commanded the wolf.
+
+'How can I, when it weighs more than I do?' asked the fox.
+
+'If it is so heavy bring it in two bits, of course,' said he.
+
+'But I have no knife,' answered the fox. 'You will have to come down
+yourself, and we will carry it up between us.'
+
+'And how am I to come down?' inquired the wolf.
+
+'Oh, you are really very stupid! Get into the other bucket that is
+nearly over your head.'
+
+The wolf looked up, and saw the bucket hanging there, and with some
+difficulty he climbed into it. As he weighed at least four times as
+much as the fox the bucket went down with a jerk, and the other
+bucket, in which the fox was seated, came to the surface.
+
+As soon as he understood what was happening, the wolf began to speak
+like an angry wolf, but was a little comforted when he remembered that
+the cheese still remained to him.
+
+'But where _is_ the cheese?' he asked of the fox, who in her turn was
+leaning over the parapet watching his proceedings with a smile.
+
+'The cheese?' answered the fox; 'why I am taking it home to my
+babies, who are too young to get food for themselves.'
+
+'Ah, traitor!' cried the wolf, howling with rage. But the fox was not
+there to hear this insult, for she had gone off to a neighbouring
+fowl-house, where she had noticed some fat young chickens the day
+before.
+
+'Perhaps I _did_ treat him rather badly,' she said to herself. 'But it
+seems getting cloudy, and if there should be heavy rain the other
+bucket will fill and sink to the bottom, and his will go up--at least
+it _may_!'
+
+(From _Cuentos Populares_, por Antonio de Trueba.)
+
+
+
+
+_HOW IAN DIREACH GOT THE BLUE FALCON_
+
+
+Long ago a king and queen ruled over the islands of the west, and they
+had one son, whom they loved dearly. The boy grew up to be tall and
+strong and handsome, and he could run and shoot, and swim and dive
+better than any lad of his own age in the country. Besides, he knew
+how to sail about, and sing songs to the harp, and during the winter
+evenings, when everyone was gathered round the huge hall fire shaping
+bows or weaving cloth, Ian Direach would tell them tales of the deeds
+of his fathers.
+
+So the time slipped by till Ian was almost a man, as they reckoned men
+in those days, and then his mother the queen died. There was great
+mourning throughout all the isles, and the boy and his father mourned
+her bitterly also; but before the new year came the king had married
+another wife, and seemed to have forgotten his old one. Only Ian
+remembered.
+
+On a morning when the leaves were yellow in the trees of the glen, Ian
+slung his bow over his shoulder, and filling his quiver with arrows,
+went on the hill in search of game. But not a bird was to be seen
+anywhere, till at length a blue falcon flew past him, and raising his
+bow he took aim at her. His eye was straight and his hand steady, but
+the falcon's flight was swift, and he only shot a feather from her
+wing. As the sun was now low over the sea he put the feather in his
+game bag, and set out homewards.
+
+'Have you brought me much game to-day?' asked his stepmother as he
+entered the hall.
+
+'Nought save this,' he answered, handing her the feather of the blue
+falcon, which she held by the tip and gazed at silently. Then she
+turned to Ian and said:
+
+'I am setting it on you as crosses and as spells, and as the fall of
+the year! That you may always be cold, and wet and dirty, and that
+your shoes may ever have pools in them, till you bring me hither the
+blue falcon on which that feather grew.'
+
+'If it is spells you are laying, I can lay them too,' answered Ian
+Direach; 'and you shall stand with one foot on the great house and
+another on the castle, till I come back again, and your face shall be
+to the wind, from wheresoever it shall blow.' Then he went away to
+seek the bird, as his stepmother bade him; and, looking homewards from
+the hill, he saw the queen standing with one foot on the great house,
+and the other on the castle, and her face turned towards whatever
+tempest should blow.
+
+On he journeyed, over hills, and through rivers till he reached a wide
+plain, and never a glimpse did he catch of the falcon. Darker and
+darker it grew, and the small birds were seeking their nests, and at
+length Ian Direach could see no more, and he lay down under some
+bushes and sleep came to him. And in his dream a soft nose touched
+him, and a warm body curled up beside him, and a low voice whispered
+to him:
+
+'Fortune is against you, Ian Direach; I have but the cheek and the
+hoof of a sheep to give you, and with these you must be content.' With
+that Ian Direach awoke, and beheld Gille Mairtean the fox.
+
+Between them they kindled a fire, and ate their supper. Then Gille
+Mairtean the fox bade Ian Direach lie down as before, and sleep till
+morning. And in the morning, when he awoke, Gille Mairtean said:
+
+'The falcon that you seek is in the keeping of the Giant of the Five
+Heads, and the Five Necks, and the Five Humps. I will show you the
+way to his house, and I counsel you to do his bidding, nimbly and
+cheerfully, and, above all, to treat his birds kindly, for in this
+manner he may give you his falcon to feed and care for. And when this
+happens, wait till the giant is out of his house; then throw a cloth
+over the falcon and bear her away with you. Only see that not one of
+her feathers touches anything within the house, or evil will befall
+you.'
+
+'I thank you for your counsel,' spake Ian Direach, 'and I will be
+careful to follow it.' Then he took the path to the giant's house.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'Who is there?' cried the giant, as someone knocked loudly on the door
+of his house.
+
+'One who seeks work as a servant,' answered Ian Direach.
+
+'And what can you do?' asked the giant again.
+
+'I can feed birds and tend pigs; I can feed and milk a cow, and also
+goats and sheep, if you have any of these,' replied Ian Direach.
+
+'Then enter, for I have great need of such a one,' said the giant.
+
+So Ian Direach entered, and tended so well and carefully all the birds
+and beasts, that the giant was better satisfied than ever he had been,
+and at length he thought that he might even be trusted to feed the
+falcon. And the heart of Ian was glad, and he tended the blue falcon
+till his feathers shone like the sky, and the giant was well pleased;
+and one day he said to him:
+
+'For long my brothers on the other side of the mountain have besought
+me to visit them, but never could I go for fear of my falcon. Now I
+think I can leave her with you for one day, and before nightfall I
+shall be back again.'
+
+Scarcely was the giant out of sight next morning when Ian Direach
+seized the falcon, and throwing a cloth over her head hastened with
+her to the door. But the rays of the sun pierced through the
+thickness of the cloth, and as they passed the doorpost she gave a
+spring, and the tip of one of her feathers touched the post, which
+gave a scream, and brought the giant back in three strides. Ian
+Direach trembled as he saw him; but the giant only said:
+
+'If you wish for my falcon you must first bring me the White Sword of
+Light that is in the house of the Big Women of Dhiurradh.'
+
+'And where do they live?' asked Ian. But the giant answered:
+
+'Ah, that is for you to discover.' And Ian dared say no more, and
+hastened down to the waste. There, as he hoped, he met his friend
+Gille Mairtean the fox, who bade him eat his supper and lie down to
+sleep. And when he had wakened next morning the fox said to him:
+
+'Let us go down to the shore of the sea.' And to the shore of the sea
+they went. And after they had reached the shore, and beheld the sea
+stretching before them, and the isle of Dhiurradh in the midst of it,
+the soul of Ian sank, and he turned to Gille Mairtean and asked why he
+had brought him thither, for the giant, when he had sent him, had
+known full well that without a boat he could never find the Big Women.
+
+'Do not be cast down,' answered the fox, 'it is quite easy! I will
+change myself into a boat, and you shall go on board me, and I will
+carry you over the sea to the Seven Big Women of Dhiurradh. Tell them
+that you are skilled in brightening silver and gold, and in the end
+they will take you as servant, and if you are careful to please them
+they will give you the White Sword of Light to make bright and
+shining. But when you seek to steal it, take heed that its sheath
+touches nothing inside the house, or ill will befall you.'
+
+So Ian Direach did all things as the fox had told him, and the Seven
+Big Women of Dhiurradh took him for their servant, and for six weeks
+he worked so hard that his seven mistresses said to each other: 'Never
+has a servant had the skill to make all bright and shining like this
+one. Let us give him the White Sword of Light to polish like the
+rest.'
+
+Then they brought forth the White Sword of Light from the iron closet
+where it hung, and bade him rub it till he could see his face in the
+shining blade; and he did so. But one day, when the Seven Big Women
+were out of the way, he bethought him that the moment had come for him
+to carry off the sword, and, replacing it in its sheath, he hoisted it
+on his shoulder. But just as he was passing through the door the tip
+of the sheath touched it, and the door gave a loud shriek. And the Big
+Women heard it, and came running back, and took the sword from him,
+and said:
+
+'If it is our sword you want, you must first bring us the bay colt of
+the King of Erin.'
+
+Humbled and ashamed, Ian Direach left the house, and sat by the side
+of the sea, and soon Gille Mairtean the fox came to him.
+
+'Plainly I see that you have taken no heed to my words, Ian Direach,'
+spoke the fox. 'But eat first, and yet once more will I help you.'
+
+At these words the heart returned again to Ian Direach, and he
+gathered sticks and made a fire and ate with Gille Mairtean the fox,
+and slept on the sand. At dawn next morning Gille Mairtean said to Ian
+Direach:
+
+'I will change myself into a ship, and will bear you across the seas
+to Erin, to the land where dwells the king. And you shall offer
+yourself to serve in his stable, and to tend his horses, till at
+length so well content is he, that he gives you the bay colt to wash
+and brush. But when you run away with her see that nought except the
+soles of her hoofs touch anything within the palace gates, or it will
+go ill with you.'
+
+After he had thus counselled Ian Direach, the fox changed himself
+into a ship, and set sail for Erin. And the king of that country gave
+into Ian Direach's hands the care of his horses, and never before did
+their skins shine so brightly or was their pace so swift. And the king
+was well pleased, and at the end of a month he sent for Ian and said
+to him:
+
+'You have given me faithful service, and now I will entrust you with
+the most precious thing that my kingdom holds.' And when he had
+spoken, he led Ian Direach to the stable where stood the bay colt. And
+Ian rubbed her and fed her, and galloped with her all round the
+country, till he could leave one wind behind him and catch the other
+which was in front.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'I am going away to hunt,' said the king one morning while he was
+watching Ian tend the bay colt in her stable. 'The deer have come down
+from the hill, and it is time for me to give them chase.' Then he went
+away; and when he was no longer in sight, Ian Direach led the bay colt
+out of the stable, and sprang on her back. But as they rode through
+the gate, which stood between the palace and the outer world, the colt
+swished her tail against the post, which shrieked loudly. In a moment
+the king came running up, and he seized the colt's bridle.
+
+'If you want my bay colt, you must first bring me the daughter of the
+king of the Franks.'
+
+With slow steps went Ian Direach down to the shore where Gille
+Mairtean the fox awaited him.
+
+'Plainly I see that you have not done as I bid you, nor will you ever
+do it,' spoke Gille Mairtean the fox; 'but I will help you yet again.
+For a third time I will change myself into a ship, and we will sail to
+France.'
+
+  [Illustration: THE PRINCESS FINDS HERSELF A PRISONER ON THE SHIP]
+
+And to France they sailed, and, as he was the ship, the Gille Mairtean
+sailed where he would, and ran himself into the cleft of a rock, high
+on to the land. Then he commanded Ian Direach to go up to the king's
+palace, saying that he had been wrecked, that his ship was made
+fast in a rock, and that none had been saved but himself only.
+
+Ian Direach listened to the words of the fox, and he told a tale so
+pitiful, that the king and queen, and the princess their daughter, all
+came out to hear it. And when they had heard, nought would please them
+except to go down to the shore and visit the ship, which by now was
+floating, for the tide was up. Torn and battered was she, as if she
+had passed through many dangers, yet music of a wondrous sweetness
+poured forth from within.
+
+'Bring hither a boat,' cried the princess, 'that I may go and see for
+myself the harp that gives forth such music,' And a boat was brought,
+and Ian Direach stepped in to row it to the side of the ship.
+
+To the further side he rowed, so that none could see, and when he
+helped the princess on board he gave a push to the boat, so that she
+could not get back to it again. And the music sounded always sweeter,
+though they could never see whence it came, and sought it from one
+part of the vessel to another. When at last they reached the deck and
+looked around them, nought of land could they see, or anything save
+the rushing waters.
+
+The princess stood silent, and her face grew grim. At last she said:
+
+'An ill trick have you played me! What is this that you have done, and
+whither are we going?'
+
+'It is a queen you will be,' answered Ian Direach, 'for the king of
+Erin has sent me for you, and in return he will give me his bay colt,
+that I may take him to the Seven Big Women of Dhiurradh, in exchange
+for the White Sword of Light. This I must carry to the giant of the
+Five Heads and Five Necks and Five Humps, and in place of it, he will
+bestow on me the blue falcon, which I have promised my stepmother, so
+that she may free me from the spell which she has laid on me.'
+
+  [Illustration: THE SEVEN BIG WOMEN FALL OVER THE CRAG]
+
+'I would rather be wife to you,' answered the princess.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+By-and-by the ship sailed into a harbour on the coast of Erin, and
+cast anchor there. And Gille Mairtean the fox bade Ian Direach tell
+the princess that she must bide yet a while in a cave amongst the
+rocks, for they had business on land, and after a while they would
+return to her. Then they took a boat and rowed up to some rocks, and
+as they touched the land Gille Mairtean changed himself into a fair
+woman, who laughed and said to Ian Direach, 'I will give the king a
+fine wife.'
+
+Now the king of Erin had been hunting on the hill, and when he saw a
+strange ship sailing towards the harbour, he guessed that it might be
+Ian Direach, and left his hunting, and ran down the hill to the
+stable. Hastily he led the bay colt from his stall, and put the golden
+saddle on her back, and the silver bridle over his head, and with the
+colt's bridle in his hand, he hurried to meet the princess.
+
+'I have brought you the king of France's daughter,' said Ian Direach.
+And the king of Erin looked at the maiden, and was well pleased, not
+knowing that it was Gille Mairtean the fox. And he bowed low, and
+besought her to do him the honour to enter the palace; and Gille
+Mairtean, as he went in, turned to look back at Ian Direach, and
+laughed.
+
+In the great hall the king paused and pointed to an iron chest which
+stood in a corner.
+
+'In that chest is the crown that has waited for you for many years,'
+he said, 'and at last you have come for it.' And he stooped down to
+unlock the box.
+
+In an instant Gille Mairtean the fox had sprung on his back, and gave
+him such a bite that he fell down unconscious. Quickly the fox took
+his own shape again, and galloped away to the sea shore, where Ian
+Direach and the princess and the bay colt awaited him.
+
+'I will become a ship,' cried Gille Mairtean, 'and you shall go on
+board me.' And so he did, and Ian Direach led the bay colt into the
+ship and the princess went after them, and they set sail for
+Dhiurradh. The wind was behind them, and very soon they saw the rocks
+of Dhiurradh in front. Then spoke Gille Mairtean the fox:
+
+'Let the bay colt and the king's daughter hide in these rocks, and I
+will change myself into the colt, and go with you to the house of the
+Seven Big Women.'
+
+Joy filled the hearts of the Big Women when they beheld the bay colt
+led up to their door by Ian Direach. And the youngest of them fetched
+the White Sword of Light, and gave it into the hands of Ian Direach,
+who took off the golden saddle and the silver bridle, and went down
+the hill with the sword to the place where the princess and the real
+colt awaited him.
+
+'Now we shall have the ride that we have longed for!' cried the Seven
+Big Women; and they saddled and bridled the colt, and the eldest one
+got upon the saddle. Then the second sister sat on the back of the
+first, and the third on the back of the second, and so on for the
+whole seven. And when they were all seated, the eldest struck her side
+with a whip and the colt bounded forward. Over the moors she flew, and
+round and round the mountains, and still the Big Women clung to her
+and snorted with pleasure. At last she leapt high in the air, and came
+down on top of Monadh the high hill, where the crag is. And she rested
+her fore feet on the crag, and threw up her hind legs, and the Seven
+Big Women fell over the crag, and were dead when they reached the
+bottom. And the colt laughed, and became a fox again and galloped away
+to the sea shore, where Ian Direach, and the princess and the real
+colt and the White Sword of Light were waiting him.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'I will make myself into a ship,' said Gille Mairtean the fox, 'and
+will carry you and the princess, and the bay colt and the White Sword
+of Light, back to the land.' And when the shore was reached, Gille
+Mairtean the fox took back his own shape, and spoke to Ian Direach in
+this wise:
+
+'Let the princess and the White Sword of Light, and the bay colt,
+remain among the rocks, and I will change myself into the likeness of
+the White Sword of Light, and you shall bear me to the giant, and,
+instead, he will give you the blue falcon.' And Ian Direach did as the
+fox bade him, and set out for the giant's castle. From afar the giant
+beheld the blaze of the White Sword of Light, and his heart rejoiced;
+and he took the blue falcon and put it in a basket, and gave it to Ian
+Direach, who bore it swiftly away to the place where the princess, and
+the bay colt, and the real Sword of Light were awaiting him.
+
+  [Illustration: HOW IAN DIREACH RETURNED HOME AND HOW HIS STEPMOTHER
+      FELL AS A BUNDLE OF STICKS]
+
+So well content was the giant to possess the sword he had coveted for
+many a year, that he began at once to whirl it through the air, and to
+cut and slash with it. For a little while Gille Mairtean let the giant
+play with him in this manner; then he turned in the giant's hand, and
+cut through the Five Necks, so that the Five Heads rolled on the
+ground. Afterwards he went back to Ian Direach and said to him:
+
+'Saddle the colt with the golden saddle, and bridle her with the
+silver bridle, and sling the basket with the falcon over your
+shoulders, and hold the White Sword of Light with its back against
+your nose. Then mount the colt, and let the princess mount behind you,
+and ride thus to your father's palace. But see that the back of the
+sword is ever against your nose, else when your stepmother beholds
+you, she will change you into a dry faggot. If, however, you do as I
+bid you, she will become herself a bundle of sticks.'
+
+Ian Direach hearkened to the words of Gille Mairtean, and his
+stepmother fell as a bundle of sticks before him; and he set fire to
+her, and was free from her spells for ever. After that he married the
+princess, who was the best wife in all the islands of the West.
+Henceforth he was safe from harm, for had he not the bay colt who
+could leave one wind behind her and catch the other wind, and the blue
+falcon to bring him game to eat, and the White Sword of Light to
+pierce through his foes?
+
+And Ian Direach knew that all this he owed to Gille Mairtean the fox,
+and he made a compact with him that he might choose any beast out of
+his herds, whenever hunger seized him, and that henceforth no arrow
+should be let fly at him or at any of his race. But Gille Mairtean the
+fox would take no reward for the help he had given to Ian Direach,
+only his friendship. Thus all things prospered with Ian Direach till
+he died.
+
+(From _Tales of the West Highlands_.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE UGLY DUCKLING_
+
+
+It was summer in the land of Denmark, and though for most of the year
+the country looks flat and ugly, it was beautiful now. The wheat was
+yellow, the oats were green, the hay was dry and delicious to roll in,
+and from the old ruined house which nobody lived in, down to the edge
+of the canal, was a forest of great burdocks, so tall that a whole
+family of children might have dwelt in them and never have been found
+out.
+
+It was under these burdocks that a duck had built herself a warm nest,
+and was now sitting all day on six pretty eggs. Five of them were
+white, but the sixth, which was larger than the others, was of an ugly
+grey colour. The duck was always puzzled about that egg, and how it
+came to be so different from the rest. Other birds might have thought
+that when the duck went down in the morning and evening to the water
+to stretch her legs in a good swim, some lazy mother might have been
+on the watch, and have popped her egg into the nest. But ducks are not
+clever at all, and are not quick at counting, so this duck did not
+worry herself about the matter, but just took care that the big egg
+should be as warm as the rest.
+
+This was the first set of eggs that the duck had ever laid, and, to
+begin with, she was very pleased and proud, and laughed at the other
+mothers, who were always neglecting their duties to gossip with each
+other or to take little extra swims besides the two in the morning and
+evening that were necessary for health. But at length she grew tired
+of sitting there all day. 'Surely eggs take longer hatching than they
+did,' she said to herself; and she pined for a little amusement also.
+Still, she knew that if she left her eggs and the ducklings in them to
+die none of her friends would ever speak to her again; so there she
+stayed, only getting off the eggs several times a day to see if the
+shells were cracking--which may have been the very reason why they did
+not crack sooner.
+
+She had looked at the eggs at least a hundred and fifty times, when,
+to her joy, she saw a tiny crack on two of them, and scrambling back
+to the nest she drew the eggs closer the one to the other, and never
+moved for the whole of that day. Next morning she was rewarded by
+noticing cracks in the whole five eggs, and by midday two little
+yellow heads were poking out from the shells. This encouraged her so
+much that, after breaking the shells with her bill, so that the little
+creatures could get free of them, she sat steadily for a whole night
+upon the nest, and before the sun arose the five white eggs were
+empty, and ten pairs of eyes were gazing out upon the green world.
+
+Now the duck had been carefully brought up, and did not like dirt,
+and, besides, broken egg shells are not at all comfortable things to
+sit or walk upon; so she pushed the rest out over the side, and felt
+delighted to have some company to talk to till the big egg hatched.
+But day after day went on, and the big egg showed no signs of
+cracking, and the duck grew more and more impatient, and began to wish
+to consult her husband, who never came.
+
+'I can't think what is the matter with it,' the duck grumbled to her
+neighbour who had called in to pay her a visit. 'Why I could have
+hatched two broods in the time that this one has taken!'
+
+'Let me look at it,' said the old neighbour. 'Ah, I thought so; it is
+a turkey's egg. Once, when I was young, they tricked me to sitting on
+a brood of turkey's eggs myself, and when they were hatched the
+creatures were so stupid that nothing would make them learn to swim. I
+have no patience when I think of it.'
+
+'Well, I will give it another chance,' sighed the duck, 'and if it
+does not come out of its shell in another twenty-four hours, I will
+just leave it alone and teach the rest of them to swim properly and to
+find their own food. I really can't be expected to do two things at
+once.' And with a fluff of her feathers she pushed the egg into the
+middle of the nest.
+
+All through the next day she sat on, giving up even her morning bath
+for fear that a blast of cold might strike the big egg. In the
+evening, when she ventured to peep, she thought she saw a tiny crack
+in the upper part of the shell. Filled with hope, she went back to her
+duties, though she could hardly sleep all night for excitement. When
+she woke with the first streaks of light she felt something stirring
+under her. Yes, there it was at last; and as she moved, a big awkward
+bird tumbled head foremost on the ground.
+
+There was no denying it was ugly, even the mother was forced to admit
+that to herself, though she only said it was 'large' and 'strong.'
+'You won't need any teaching when you are once in the water,' she told
+him, with a glance of surprise at the dull brown which covered his
+back, and at his long naked neck. And indeed he did not, though he was
+not half so pretty to look at as the little yellow balls that followed
+her.
+
+When they returned they found the old neighbour on the bank waiting
+for them to take them into the duckyard. 'No, it is not a young
+turkey, certainly,' whispered she in confidence to the mother, 'for
+though it is lean and skinny, and has no colour to speak of, yet there
+is something rather distinguished about it, and it holds its head up
+well.'
+
+'It is very kind of you to say so,' answered the mother, who by this
+time had some secret doubts of its loveliness. 'Of course, when you
+see it by itself it is all right, though it is different, somehow,
+from the others. But one cannot expect _all_ one's children to be
+beautiful!'
+
+By this time they had reached the centre of the yard, where a very old
+duck was sitting, who was treated with great respect by all the fowls
+present.
+
+'You must go up and bow low before her,' whispered the mother to her
+children, nodding her head in the direction of the old lady, 'and keep
+your legs well apart, as you see me do. No well-bred duckling turns in
+its toes. It is a sign of common parents.'
+
+The little ducks tried hard to make their small fat bodies copy the
+movements of their mother, and the old lady was quite pleased with
+them; but the rest of the ducks looked on discontentedly, and said to
+each other:
+
+'Oh, dear me, here are ever so many more! The yard is full already;
+and did you _ever_ see anything quite as ugly as that great tall
+creature? He is a disgrace to any brood. I shall go and chase him
+out!' So saying she put up her feathers, and running to the big
+duckling bit his neck.
+
+The duckling gave a loud quack; it was the first time he had felt any
+pain, and at the sound his mother turned quickly.
+
+'Leave him alone,' she said fiercely, 'or I will send for his father.
+He was not troubling _you_.'
+
+'No; but he is so ugly and awkward no one can put up with him,'
+answered the stranger. And though the duckling did not understand the
+meaning of the words, he felt he was being blamed, and became more
+uncomfortable still when the old Spanish duck who ruled the fowl-yard
+struck in:
+
+'It certainly _is_ a great pity he is so different from these
+beautiful darlings. If he could only be hatched over again!'
+
+The poor little fellow drooped his head, and did not know where to
+look, but was comforted when his mother answered:
+
+'He may not be quite as handsome as the others, but he swims better,
+and is very strong; I am sure he will make his way in the world as
+well as anybody.'
+
+'Well, you must feel quite at home here,' said the old duck waddling
+off. And so they did, all except the duckling, who was snapped at by
+everyone when they thought his mother was not looking. Even the
+turkeycock, who was so big, never passed him without mocking words,
+and his brothers and sisters, who would not have noticed any
+difference unless it had been put into their heads, soon became as
+rude and unkind as the rest.
+
+At last he could bear it no longer, and one day he fancied he saw
+signs of his mother turning against him too; so that night, when the
+ducks and hens were still asleep, he stole away through an open door,
+and under cover of the burdock leaves scrambled on by the bank of the
+canal, till he reached a wide grassy moor, full of soft marshy places
+where the reeds grew. Here he lay down, but he was too tired and too
+frightened to fall asleep, and with the earliest peep of the sun the
+reeds began to rustle, and he saw that he had blundered into a colony
+of wild ducks. But as he could not run away again he stood up and
+bowed politely.
+
+'You _are_ ugly,' said the wild ducks, when they had looked him well
+over; 'but, however, it is no business of ours, unless you wish to
+marry one of our daughters, and that we should not allow.' And the
+duckling answered that he had no idea of marrying anybody, and wanted
+nothing but to be left alone after his long journey.
+
+So for two whole days he lay quietly among the reeds, eating such food
+as he could find, and drinking the water of the moorland pool, till he
+felt himself quite strong again. He wished he might stay where he was
+for ever, he was so comfortable and happy, away from everyone, with
+nobody to bite him and tell him how ugly he was.
+
+He was thinking these thoughts, when two young ganders caught sight of
+him as they were having their evening splash among the reeds, looking
+for their supper.
+
+'We are getting tired of this moor,' they said, 'and to-morrow we
+think of trying another, where the lakes are larger and the feeding
+better. Will you come with us?'
+
+'Is it nicer than this?' asked the duckling doubtfully. And the words
+were hardly out of his mouth, when 'Pif! paf!' and the two new-comers
+were stretched dead beside him.
+
+At the sound of the gun the wild ducks in the rushes flew into the
+air, and for a few minutes the firing continued.
+
+Luckily for himself the duckling could not fly, and he floundered
+along through the water till he could hide himself amidst some tall
+ferns which grew in a hollow. But before he got there he met a huge
+creature on four legs, which he afterwards knew to be a dog, who stood
+and gazed at him with a long red tongue hanging out of his mouth. The
+duckling grew cold with terror, and tried to hide his head beneath his
+little wings; but the dog snuffed at him and passed on, and he was
+able to reach his place of shelter.
+
+'I am too ugly even for a dog to eat,' said he to himself. 'Well, that
+is a great mercy.' And he curled himself up in the soft grass till the
+shots died away in the distance.
+
+When all had been quiet for a long time, and there were only the stars
+to see him, he crept out and looked about him.
+
+He would never go near a pool again, _never_, thought he; and seeing
+that the moor stretched far away in the opposite direction from which
+he had come, he marched bravely on till he got to a small cottage,
+which seemed too tumbledown for the stones to hold together many hours
+longer. Even the door only hung upon one hinge, and as the only light
+in the room sprang from a tiny fire, the duckling edged himself
+cautiously in, and lay down, under a chair close to the broken door,
+from which he could get out if necessary. But no one seemed to see him
+or smell him; so he spent the rest of the night in peace.
+
+Now in the cottage dwelt an old woman, her cat, and a hen; and it was
+really they, and not _she_, who were masters of the house. The old
+woman, who passed all her days in spinning yarn, which she sold at the
+nearest town, loved both the cat and the hen as her own children, and
+never contradicted them in any way; so it was their grace, and not
+hers, that the duckling would have to gain.
+
+It was only next morning, when it grew light, that they noticed their
+visitor, who stood trembling before them, with his eye on the door
+ready to escape at any moment. They did not, however, appear very
+fierce, and the duckling became less afraid as they approached him.
+
+'Can you lay eggs?' asked the hen. And the duckling answered meekly:
+
+'No; I don't know how.' Upon which the hen turned her back, and the
+cat came forward.
+
+'Can you ruffle your fur when you are angry, or purr when you are
+pleased?' said she. And again the duckling had to admit that he could
+do nothing but swim, which did not seem of much use to anybody.
+
+So the cat and the hen went straight off to the old woman, who was
+still in bed.
+
+'Such a useless creature has taken refuge here,' they said. 'It calls
+itself a duckling; but it can neither lay eggs nor purr! What had we
+better do with it?'
+
+'Keep it, to be sure!' replied the old woman briskly. 'It is all
+nonsense about it not laying eggs. Anyway, we will let it stay here
+for a bit, and see what happens.'
+
+So the duckling remained for three weeks, and shared the food of the
+cat and the hen; but nothing in the way of eggs happened at all. Then
+the sun came out, and the air grew soft, and the duckling grew tired
+of being in a hut, and wanted with all his might to have a swim. And
+one morning he got so restless that even his friends noticed it.
+
+'What is the matter?' asked the hen; and the duckling told her.
+
+'I am so longing for the water again. You can't think how delicious it
+is to put your head under the water and dive straight to the bottom.'
+
+'I don't think _I_ should enjoy it,' replied the hen doubtfully. 'And
+I don't think the cat would like it either.' And the cat, when asked,
+agreed there was nothing she would hate so much.
+
+'I can't stay here any longer, I _must_ get to the water,' repeated
+the duck. And the cat and the hen, who felt hurt and offended,
+answered shortly:
+
+'Very well then, go.'
+
+The duckling would have liked to say good-bye, and thank them for
+their kindness, as he was polite by nature; but they had both turned
+their backs on him, so he went out of the rickety door feeling rather
+sad. But, in spite of himself, he could not help a thrill of joy when
+he was out in the air and water once more, and cared little for the
+rude glances of the creatures he met. For a while he was quite happy
+and content; but soon the winter came on, and snow began to fall, and
+everything to grow very wet and uncomfortable. And the duckling soon
+found that it is one thing to enjoy being in the water, and quite
+another to like being damp on land.
+
+The sun was setting one day, like a great scarlet globe, and the
+river, to the duckling's vast bewilderment, was getting hard and
+slippery, when he heard a sound of whirring wings, and high up in the
+air a flock of swans were flying. They were as white as the snow which
+had fallen during the night, and their long necks with yellow bills
+were stretched southwards, for they were going--they did not quite
+know whither--but to a land where the sun shone all day. Oh, if he
+only could have gone with them! But that was not possible, of course;
+and besides, what sort of companion could an ugly thing like him be to
+those beautiful beings? So he walked sadly down to a sheltered pool
+and dived to the very bottom, and tried to think it was the greatest
+happiness he could dream of. But, all the same, he knew it wasn't!
+
+And every morning it grew colder and colder, and the duckling had hard
+work to keep himself warm. Indeed, it would be truer to say that he
+never was warm at all; and at last, after one bitter night, his legs
+moved so slowly that the ice crept closer and closer, and when the
+morning light broke he was caught fast, as in a trap; and soon his
+senses went from him.
+
+A few hours more and the poor duckling's life had been ended. But, by
+good fortune, a man was crossing the river on his way to his work, and
+saw in a moment what had happened. He had on thick wooden shoes, and
+he went and stamped so hard on the ice that it broke, and then he
+picked up the duckling and tucked him under his sheep-skin coat, where
+his frozen bones began to thaw a little.
+
+Instead of going on to his work, the man turned back and took the bird
+to his children, who gave him a warm mess to eat and put him in a box
+by the fire, and when they came back from school he was much more
+comfortable than he had been since he had left the old woman's
+cottage. They were kind little children, and wanted to play with him;
+but, alas! the poor fellow had never played in his life, and thought
+they wanted to tease him, and flew straight into the milk-pan, and
+then into the butter-dish, and from that into the meal-barrel, and at
+last, terrified at the noise and confusion, right out of the door, and
+hid himself in the snow amongst the bushes at the back of the house.
+
+He never could tell afterwards exactly how he had spent the rest of
+the winter. He only knew that he was very miserable and that he never
+had enough to eat. But by-and-by things grew better. The earth became
+softer, the sun hotter, the birds sang, and the flowers once more
+appeared in the grass. When he stood up, he felt different, somehow,
+from what he had done before he fell asleep among the reeds to which
+he had wandered after he had escaped from the peasant's hut. His body
+seemed larger, and his wings stronger. Something pink looked at him
+from the side of a hill. He thought he would fly towards it and see
+what it was.
+
+Oh, how glorious it felt to be rushing through the air, wheeling first
+one way and then the other! He had never thought that flying could be
+like that! The duckling was almost sorry when he drew near the pink
+cloud and found it was made up of apple blossoms growing beside a
+cottage whose garden ran down to the banks of the canal. He fluttered
+slowly to the ground and paused for a few minutes under a thicket of
+syringas, and while he was gazing about him, there walked slowly past
+a flock of the same beautiful birds he had seen so many months ago.
+Fascinated, he watched them one by one step into the canal, and float
+quietly upon the waters as if they were part of them.
+
+'I will follow them,' said the duckling to himself; 'ugly though I am,
+I would rather be killed by them than suffer all I have suffered from
+cold and hunger, and from the ducks and fowls who should have treated
+me kindly.' And flying quickly down to the water, he swam after them
+as fast as he could.
+
+It did not take him long to reach them, for they had stopped to rest
+in a green pool shaded by a tree whose branches swept the water. And
+directly they saw him coming some of the younger ones swam out to meet
+him with cries of welcome, which again the duckling hardly understood.
+He approached them glad, yet trembling, and turning to one of the
+older birds, who by this time had left the shade of the tree, he said:
+
+'If I am to die, I would rather you should kill me. I don't know why I
+was ever hatched, for I am too ugly to live.' And as he spoke, he
+bowed his head and looked down into the water.
+
+Reflected in the still pool he saw many white shapes, with long necks
+and golden bills, and, without thinking, he looked for the dull grey
+body and the awkward skinny neck. But no such thing was there.
+Instead, he beheld beneath him a beautiful white swan!
+
+'The new one is the best of all,' said the children when they came
+down to feed the swans with biscuit and cake before going to bed. 'His
+feathers are whiter and his beak more golden than the rest.' And when
+he heard that, the duckling thought that it was worth while having
+undergone all the persecution and loneliness that he had passed
+through, as otherwise he would never have known what it was to be
+really happy.
+
+(Hans Andersen.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE TWO CASKETS_
+
+
+Far, far away, in the midst of a pine forest, there lived a woman who
+had both a daughter and a stepdaughter. Ever since her own daughter
+was born the mother had given her all that she cried for, so she grew
+up to be as cross and disagreeable as she was ugly. Her stepsister, on
+the other hand, had spent her childhood in working hard to keep house
+for her father, who died soon after his second marriage; and she was
+as much beloved by the neighbours for her goodness and industry as she
+was for her beauty.
+
+As the years went on, the difference between the two girls grew more
+marked, and the old woman treated her stepdaughter worse than ever,
+and was always on the watch for some pretext for beating her, or
+depriving her of her food. Anything, however foolish, was good enough
+for this, and one day, when she could think of nothing better, she set
+both the girls to spin while sitting on the low wall of the well.
+
+'And you had better mind what you do,' said she, 'for the one whose
+thread breaks first shall be thrown to the bottom.'
+
+  [Illustration: 'THAT IS AN END OF YOU,' SHE SAID.
+      BUT SHE WAS WRONG, FOR IT WAS ONLY THE BEGINNING]
+
+But of course she took good care that her own daughter's flax was fine
+and strong, while the stepsister had only some coarse stuff, which no
+one would have thought of using. As might be expected, in a very
+little while the poor girl's thread snapped, and the old woman, who
+had been watching from behind a door, seized her stepdaughter by
+her shoulders, and threw her into the well.
+
+'That is an end of you!' she said. But she was wrong, for it was only
+the beginning.
+
+Down, down, down went the girl--it seemed as if the well must reach to
+the very middle of the earth; but at last her feet touched the ground,
+and she found herself in a field more beautiful than even the summer
+pastures of her native mountains. Trees waved in the soft breeze, and
+flowers of the brightest colours danced in the grass. And though she
+was quite alone, the girl's heart danced too, for she felt happier
+than she had done since her father died. So she walked on through the
+meadow till she came to an old tumbledown fence--so old that it was a
+wonder it managed to stand up at all, and it looked as if it depended
+for support on the old man's beard that climbed all over it.
+
+The girl paused for a moment as she came up, and gazed about for a
+place where she might safely cross. But before she could move a voice
+cried from the fence:
+
+'Do not hurt me, little maiden; I am so old, so old, I have not much
+longer to live.'
+
+And the maiden answered:
+
+'No, I will not hurt you; fear nothing.' And then, seeing a spot where
+the clematis grew less thickly than in other places, she jumped
+lightly over.
+
+'May all go well with thee,' said the fence, as the girl walked on.
+
+She soon left the meadow and turned into a path which ran between two
+flowery hedges. Right in front of her stood an oven, and through its
+open door she could see a pile of white loaves.
+
+'Eat as many loaves as you like, but do me no harm, little maiden,'
+cried the oven. And the maiden told her to fear nothing, for she never
+hurt anything, and was very grateful for the oven's kindness in giving
+her such a beautiful white loaf. When she had finished it, down to
+the last crumb, she shut the oven door and said: 'Good-morning.'
+
+'May all go well with thee,' said the oven, as the girl walked on.
+
+By-and-by she became very thirsty, and seeing a cow with a milk-pail
+hanging on her horn, turned towards her.
+
+'Milk me and drink as much as you will, little maiden,' cried the cow,
+'but be sure you spill none on the ground; and do me no harm, for I
+have never harmed anyone.'
+
+'Nor I,' answered the girl; 'fear nothing.' So she sat down and milked
+till the pail was nearly full. Then she drank it all up except a
+little drop at the bottom.
+
+'Now throw any that is left over my hoofs, and hang the pail on my
+horns again,' said the cow. And the girl did as she was bid, and
+kissed the cow on her forehead and went her way.
+
+Many hours had now passed since the girl had fallen down the well, and
+the sun was setting.
+
+'Where shall I spend the night?' thought she. And suddenly she saw
+before her a gate which she had not noticed before, and a very old
+woman leaning against it.
+
+'Good evening,' said the girl politely; and the old woman answered:
+
+'Good evening, my child. Would that everyone was as polite as you. Are
+you in search of anything?'
+
+'I am in search of a place,' replied the girl; and the woman smiled
+and said:
+
+'Then stop a little while and comb my hair, and you shall tell me all
+the things you can do.'
+
+'Willingly, mother,' answered the girl. And she began combing out the
+old woman's hair, which was long and white.
+
+Half an hour passed in this way, and then the old woman said:
+
+'As you did not think yourself too good to comb me, I will show you
+where you may take service. Be prudent and patient and all will go
+well.'
+
+So the girl thanked her, and set out for a farm at a little distance,
+where she was engaged to milk the cows and sift the corn.
+
+  [Illustration: SHE FOUND SITTING ROUND HER A WHOLE CIRCLE OF CATS]
+
+As soon as it was light next morning the girl got up and went into the
+cow-house. 'I'm sure you must be hungry,' said she, patting each in
+turn. And then she fetched hay from the barn, and while they were
+eating it, she swept out the cow-house, and strewed clean straw upon
+the floor. The cows were so pleased with the care she took of them
+that they stood quite still while she milked them, and did not play
+any of the tricks on her that they had played on other dairymaids who
+were rough and rude. And when she had done, and was going to get up
+from her stool, she found sitting round her a whole circle of cats,
+black and white, tabby and tortoiseshell, who all cried with one
+voice:
+
+'We are very thirsty, please give us some milk!'
+
+'My poor little pussies,' said she, 'of course you shall have some.'
+And she went into the dairy, followed by all the cats, and gave each
+one a little red saucerful. But before they drank they all rubbed
+themselves against her knees and purred by way of thanks.
+
+The next thing the girl had to do was to go to the storehouse, and to
+sift the corn through a sieve. While she was busy rubbing the corn she
+heard a whirr of wings, and a flock of sparrows flew in at the window.
+
+'We are hungry; give us some corn! give us some corn!' cried they; and
+the girl answered:
+
+'You poor little birds, of course you shall have some!' and scattered
+a fine handful over the floor. When they had finished they flew on her
+shoulders and flapped their wings by way of thanks.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Time went by, and no cows in the whole country-side were so fat and
+well tended as hers, and no dairy had so much milk to show. The
+farmer's wife was so well satisfied that she gave her higher wages,
+and treated her like her own daughter. At length, one day, the girl
+was bidden by her mistress to come into the kitchen, and when there,
+the old woman said to her: 'I know you can tend cows and keep a dairy;
+now let me see what you can do besides. Take this sieve to the well,
+and fill it with water, and bring it home to me without spilling one
+drop by the way.'
+
+The girl's heart sank at this order; for how was it possible for her
+to do her mistress's bidding? However, she was silent, and taking the
+sieve went down to the well with it. Stooping over the side, she
+filled it to the brim, but as soon as she lifted it the water all ran
+out of the holes. Again and again she tried, but not a drop would
+remain in the sieve, and she was just turning away in despair when a
+flock of sparrows flew down from the sky.
+
+'Ashes! ashes!' they twittered; and the girl looked at them and said:
+
+'Well, I can't be in a worse plight than I am already, so I will take
+your advice.' And she ran back to the kitchen and filled her sieve
+with ashes. Then once more she dipped the sieve into the well, and,
+behold, this time not a drop of water disappeared!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'Here is the sieve, mistress,' cried the girl, going to the room where
+the old woman was sitting.
+
+'You are cleverer than I expected,' answered she; 'or else someone
+helped you who is skilled in magic.' But the girl kept silence, and
+the old woman asked her no more questions.
+
+Many days passed during which the girl went about her work as usual,
+but at length one day the old woman called her and said:
+
+'I have something more for you to do. There are here two yarns, the
+one white, the other black. What you must do is to wash them in the
+river till the black one becomes white and the white black.' And the
+girl took them to the river and washed hard for several hours, but
+wash as she would they never changed one whit.
+
+'This is worse than the sieve,' thought she, and was about to give up
+in despair when there came a rush of wings through the air, and on
+every twig of the birch trees which grew by the bank was perched a
+sparrow.
+
+'The black to the east, the white to the west!' they sang, all at
+once; and the girl dried her tears and felt brave again. Picking up
+the black yarn, she stood facing the east and dipped it in the river,
+and in an instant it grew white as snow, then turning to the west, she
+held the white yarn in the water, and it became as black as a crow's
+wing. She looked back at the sparrows and smiled and nodded to them,
+and flapping their wings in reply they flew swiftly away.
+
+At the sight of the yarn the old woman was struck dumb; but when at
+length she found her voice she asked the girl what magician had helped
+her to do what no one had done before. But she got no answer, for the
+maiden was afraid of bringing trouble on her little friends.
+
+For many weeks the mistress shut herself up in her room, and the girl
+went about her work as usual. She hoped that there was an end to the
+difficult tasks which had been set her; but in this she was mistaken,
+for one day the old woman appeared suddenly in the kitchen, and said
+to her:
+
+'There is one more trial to which I must put you, and if you do not
+fail in that you will be left in peace for evermore. Here are the
+yarns which you washed. Take them and weave them into a web that is as
+smooth as a king's robe, and see that it is spun by the time that the
+sun sets.'
+
+'This is the easiest thing I have been set to do,' thought the girl,
+who was a good spinner. But when she began she found that the skein
+tangled and broke every moment.
+
+'Oh, I can never do it!' she cried at last, and leaned her head
+against the loom and wept; but at that instant the door opened, and
+there entered, one behind another, a procession of cats.
+
+'What is the matter, fair maiden?' asked they. And the girl answered:
+
+'My mistress has given me this yarn to weave into a piece of cloth,
+which must be finished by sunset, and I have not even begun yet,
+for the yarn breaks whenever I touch it.'
+
+  [Illustration: 'ASHES, ASHES!' TWITTERED THE SPARROWS]
+
+'If that is all, dry your eyes,' said the cats; 'we will manage it for
+you.' And they jumped on the loom, and wove so fast and so skilfully
+that in a very short time the cloth was ready and was as fine as any
+king ever wore. The girl was so delighted at the sight of it that she
+gave each cat a kiss on his forehead as they left the room one behind
+the other as they had come.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'Who has taught you this wisdom?' asked the old woman, after she had
+passed her hands twice or thrice over the cloth and could find no
+roughness anywhere. But the girl only smiled and did not answer. She
+had learned early the value of silence.
+
+After a few weeks the old woman sent for her maid and told her that as
+her year of service was now up, she was free to return home, but that,
+for her part, the girl had served her so well that she hoped she might
+stay with her. But at these words the maid shook her head, and
+answered gently:
+
+'I have been happy here, Madam, and I thank you for your goodness to
+me; but I have left behind me a stepsister and a stepmother, and I am
+fain to be with them once more.' The old woman looked at her for a
+moment, and then she said:
+
+'Well, that must be as you like; but as you have worked faithfully for
+me I will give you a reward. Go now into the loft above the storehouse
+and there you will find many caskets. Choose the one which pleases you
+best, but be careful not to open it till you have set it in the place
+where you wish it to remain.'
+
+The girl left the room to go to the loft, and as soon as she got
+outside, she found all the cats waiting for her. Walking in
+procession, as was their custom, they followed her into the loft,
+which was filled with caskets big and little, plain and splendid. She
+lifted up one and looked at it, and then put it down to examine
+another yet more beautiful. Which should she choose, the yellow or the
+blue, the red or the green, the gold or the silver? She hesitated
+long, and went first to one and then to another, when she heard the
+cats' voices calling: 'Take the black! take the black!'
+
+  [Illustration: 'TAKE THE BLACK! TAKE THE BLACK!' CRIED THE CATS]
+
+The words made her look round--she had seen no black casket, but as
+the cats continued their cry she peered into several corners that had
+remained unnoticed, and at length discovered a little black box, so
+small and so black, that it might easily have been passed over.
+
+'This is the casket that pleases me best, mistress,' said the girl,
+carrying it into the house. And the old woman smiled and nodded, and
+bade her go her way. So the girl set forth, after bidding farewell to
+the cows and the cats and the sparrows, who all wept as they said
+good-bye.
+
+She walked on and on and on, till she reached the flowery meadow, and
+there, suddenly, something happened, she never knew what, but she was
+sitting on the wall of the well in her stepmother's yard. Then she got
+up and entered the house.
+
+The woman and her daughter stared as if they had been turned into
+stone; but at length the stepmother gasped out:
+
+'So you are alive after all! Well, luck was ever against me! And where
+have you been this year past?' Then the girl told how she had taken
+service in the under-world, and, besides her wages, had brought home
+with her a little casket, which she would like to set up in her room.
+
+'Give me the money, and take the ugly little box off to the outhouse,'
+cried the woman, beside herself with rage, and the girl, quite
+frightened at her violence, hastened away, with her precious box
+clasped to her bosom.
+
+The outhouse was in a very dirty state, as no one had been near it
+since the girl had fallen down the well; but she scrubbed and swept
+till everything was clean again, and then she placed the little casket
+on a small shelf in the corner.
+
+'Now I may open it,' she said to herself; and unlocking it with the
+key which hung to its handle, she raised the lid, but started back as
+she did so, almost blinded by the light that burst upon her. No one
+would ever have guessed that that little black box could have held
+such a quantity of beautiful things! Rings, crowns, girdles,
+necklaces--all made of wonderful stones; and they shone with such
+brilliance that not only the stepmother and her daughter but all the
+people round came running to see if the house was on fire. Of course
+the woman felt quite ill with greed and envy, and she would have
+certainly taken all the jewels for herself had she not feared the
+wrath of the neighbours, who loved her stepdaughter as much as they
+hated her.
+
+But if she could not steal the casket and its contents for herself, at
+least she could get another like it, and perhaps a still richer one.
+So she bade her own daughter sit on the edge of the well, and threw
+her into the water, exactly as she had done to the other girl; and,
+exactly as before, the flowery meadow lay at the bottom.
+
+Every inch of the way she trod the path which her stepsister had
+trodden, and saw the things which she had seen; but there the likeness
+ended. When the fence prayed her to do it no harm, she laughed rudely,
+and tore up some of the stakes so that she might get over the more
+easily; when the oven offered her bread, she scattered the loaves on
+the ground and stamped on them; and after she had milked the cow, and
+drunk as much as she wanted, she threw the rest on the grass, and
+kicked the pail to bits, and never heard them say, as they looked
+after her: 'You shall not have done this to me for nothing!'
+
+Towards evening she reached the spot where the old woman was leaning
+against the gate-post, but she passed her by without a word.
+
+'Have you no manners in your country?' asked the crone.
+
+'I can't stop and talk; I am in a hurry,' answered the girl. 'It is
+getting late, and I have to find a place.'
+
+'Stop and comb my hair for a little,' said the old woman, 'and I will
+help you to get a place.'
+
+'Comb your hair, indeed! I have something better to do than that!' And
+slamming the gate in the crone's face she went her way. And she never
+heard the words that followed her: 'You shall not have done this to me
+for nothing!'
+
+By-and-by the girl arrived at the farm, and she was engaged to look
+after the cows and sift the corn as her stepsister had been. But it
+was only when someone was watching her that she did her work; at other
+times the cow-house was dirty, and the cows ill-fed and beaten, so
+that they kicked over the pail, and tried to butt her; and everyone
+said they had never seen such thin cows or such poor milk. As for the
+cats, she chased them away, and ill-treated them, so that they had not
+even the spirit to chase the rats and mice, which nowadays ran about
+everywhere. And when the sparrows came to beg for some corn, they
+fared no better than the cows and the cats, for the girl threw her
+shoes at them, till they flew in a fright to the woods, and took
+shelter amongst the trees.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Months passed in this manner, when, one day, the mistress called the
+girl to her.
+
+'All that I have given you to do you have done ill,' said she, 'yet
+will I give you another chance. For though you cannot tend cows, or
+divide the grain from the chaff, there may be other things that you
+can do better. Therefore take this sieve to the well, and fill it with
+water, and see that you bring it back without spilling a single drop.'
+
+The girl took the sieve and carried it to the well as her sister had
+done; but no little birds came to help her, and after dipping it in
+the well two or three times she brought it back empty.
+
+'I thought as much,' said the old woman angrily; 'she that is useless
+in one thing is useless in another.'
+
+Perhaps the mistress may have thought that the girl had learnt a
+lesson, but, if she did, she was quite mistaken, as the work was no
+better done than before. By-and-by she sent for her again, and gave
+her maid the black and the white yarn to wash in the river; but there
+was no one to tell her the secret by which the black would turn white,
+and the white black; so she brought them back as they were. This time
+the old woman only looked at her grimly, but the girl was too well
+pleased with herself to care what anyone thought about her.
+
+After some weeks her third trial came, and the yarn was given her to
+spin, as it had been given to her stepsister before her.
+
+But no procession of cats entered the room to weave a web of fine
+cloth, and at sunset she only brought back to her mistress an armful
+of dirty, tangled wool.
+
+'There seems nothing in the world you can do,' said the old woman, and
+left her to herself.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Soon after this the year was up, and the girl went to her mistress to
+tell her that she wished to go home.
+
+'Little desire have I to keep you,' answered the old woman, 'for no
+one thing have you done as you ought. Still, I will give you some
+payment, therefore go up into the loft, and choose for yourself one of
+the caskets that lies there. But see that you do not open it till you
+place it where you wish it to stay.'
+
+This was what the girl had been hoping for, and so rejoiced was she,
+that, without even stopping to thank the old woman, she ran as fast as
+she could to the loft. There were the caskets, blue and red, green and
+yellow, silver and gold; and there in the corner stood a little black
+casket, just like the one her stepsister had brought home.
+
+'If there are so many jewels in that little black thing, this big red
+one will hold twice the number,' she said to herself; and snatching it
+up she set off on her road home without even going to bid farewell to
+her mistress.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'See, mother, see what I have brought!' cried she, as she entered the
+cottage holding the casket in both hands.
+
+'Ah! you have got something very different from that little black
+box,' answered the old woman with delight. But the girl was so busy
+finding a place for it to stand that she took little notice of her
+mother.
+
+'It will look best here--no, here,' she said, setting it first on one
+piece of furniture and then on another. 'No, after all it is too fine
+to live in a kitchen, let us place it in the guest chamber.'
+
+So mother and daughter carried it proudly upstairs and put it on a
+shelf over the fireplace; then, untying the key from the handle, they
+opened the box. As before, a bright light leapt out directly the lid
+was raised, but it did not spring from the lustre of jewels, but from
+hot flames, which darted along the walls and burnt up the cottage and
+all that was in it, and the mother and daughter as well.
+
+As they had done when the stepdaughter came home, the neighbours all
+hurried to see what was the matter; but they were too late. Only the
+hen-house was left standing; and, in spite of her riches, there the
+stepdaughter lived happily to the end of her days.
+
+(From Thorpe's _Yule-Tide Stories_.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE GOLDSMITH'S FORTUNE_
+
+
+Once upon a time there was a goldsmith who lived in a certain village
+where the people were as bad and greedy, and covetous, as they could
+possibly be; however, in spite of his surroundings, he was fat and
+prosperous. He had only one friend whom he liked, and that was a
+cowherd, who looked after cattle for one of the farmers in the
+village. Every evening the goldsmith would walk across to the
+cowherd's house and say: 'Come, let's go out for a walk!'
+
+Now the cowherd didn't like walking in the evening, because, he said,
+he had been out grazing the cattle all day, and was glad to sit down
+when night came; but the goldsmith always worried him so that the poor
+man had to go against his will. This at last so annoyed him that he
+tried to think how he could pick a quarrel with the goldsmith, so that
+he should not beg him to walk with him any more. He asked another
+cowherd for advice, and he said the best thing he could do was to go
+across and kill the goldsmith's wife, for then the goldsmith would be
+_sure_ to regard him as an enemy; so, being a foolish person, and
+there being no laws in that country by which a man would be certainly
+punished for such a crime, the cowherd one evening took a big stick
+and went across to the goldsmith's house when only Mrs. Goldsmith was
+at home, and banged her on the head so hard that she died then and
+there.
+
+When the goldsmith came back and found his wife dead he said nothing,
+but just took her outside into the dark lane and propped her up
+against the wall of his house, and then went into the courtyard and
+waited. Presently a rich stranger came along the lane, and seeing
+someone there, as he supposed, he said:
+
+'Good-evening, friend! a fine night to-night!' But the goldsmith's
+wife said nothing. The man then repeated his words louder; but still
+there was no reply. A third time he shouted:
+
+'Good-evening, friend! are you _deaf_?' but the figure never replied.
+Then the stranger, being angry at what he thought very rude behaviour,
+picked up a big stone and threw it at Mrs. Goldsmith, crying:
+
+'Let _that_ teach you manners!'
+
+Instantly poor Mrs. Goldsmith tumbled over; and the stranger,
+horrified at seeing what he had done, was immediately seized by the
+goldsmith, who ran out screaming:
+
+'Wretch! you have killed my wife! Oh, miserable one; we will have
+justice done to thee!'
+
+With many protestations and reproaches they wrangled together, the
+stranger entreating the goldsmith to say nothing and he would pay him
+handsomely to atone for the sad accident. At last the goldsmith
+quieted down, and agreed to accept one thousand gold pieces from the
+stranger, who immediately helped him to bury his poor wife, and then
+rushed off to the guest house, packed up his things and was off by
+daylight, lest the goldsmith should repent and accuse him as the
+murderer of his wife. Now it very soon appeared that the goldsmith had
+a lot of extra money, so that people began to ask questions, and
+finally demanded of him the reason for his sudden wealth.
+
+'Oh,' said he, 'my wife died, and I sold her.'
+
+'You sold your dead wife?' cried the people.
+
+'Yes,' said the goldsmith.
+
+'For how much?'
+
+'A thousand gold pieces,' replied the goldsmith.
+
+Instantly the villagers went away and each caught hold of his own
+wife and throttled her, and the next day they all went off to sell
+their dead wives. Many a weary mile did they tramp, but got nothing
+but hard words or laughter, or directions to the nearest cemetery,
+from people to whom they offered dead wives for sale. At last they
+perceived that they had been cheated somehow by that goldsmith. So off
+they rushed home, seized the unhappy man, and, without listening to
+his cries and entreaties, hurried him down to the river bank and flung
+him--plop!--into the deepest, weediest, and nastiest place they could
+find.
+
+'_That_ will teach him not to play tricks on us,' said they. 'For as
+he can't swim he'll drown, and we sha'n't have any more trouble with
+_him_!'
+
+Now the goldsmith really could not swim, and as soon as he was thrown
+into the deep river he sank below the surface; so his enemies went
+away believing that they had seen the last of him. But, in reality, he
+was carried down, half drowned, below the next bend in the river,
+where he fortunately came across a 'snag' floating in the water (a
+snag is, you know, a part of a tree or bush which floats very nearly
+under the surface of the water); and he held on to this snag, and by
+great good luck eventually came ashore some two or three miles down
+the river. At the place where he landed he came across a fine fat cow
+buffalo, and immediately he jumped on her back and rode home. When the
+village people saw him, they ran out in surprise, and said:
+
+'Where on earth do you come from, and where did you get that buffalo?'
+
+'Ah!' said the goldsmith, 'you little know what delightful adventures
+I have had! Why, down in that place in the river where you threw me in
+I found meadows, and trees, and fine pastures, and buffaloes, and all
+kinds of cattle. In fact, I could hardly tear myself away; but I
+thought that I must really let you all know about it.'
+
+'Oh, oh!' thought the greedy village people; 'if there are buffaloes
+to be had for the taking we'll go after some too.' Encouraged by the
+goldsmith they nearly all ran off the very next morning to the river;
+and, in order that they might get down quickly to the beautiful place
+the goldsmith told them of, they tied great stones on to their feet
+and their necks, and one after another they jumped into the water as
+fast as they could, and were drowned. And whenever any one of them
+waved his hands about and struggled the goldsmith would cry out:
+
+'Look! he's beckoning the rest of you to come; he's got a fine
+buffalo!' And others who were doubtful would jump in, until not one
+was left. Then the cunning goldsmith went back and took all the
+village for himself, and became very rich indeed. But do you think he
+was happy? Not a bit. Lies never made a man happy yet. Truly, he got
+the better of a set of wicked and greedy people, but only by being
+wicked and greedy himself; and, as it turned out, when he got so rich
+he got very fat; and at last was so fat that he couldn't move, and one
+day he got the apoplexy and died, and no one in the world cared the
+least bit.
+
+(_Told by a Pathan to Major Campbell._)
+
+
+
+
+_THE ENCHANTED WREATH_
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived near a forest a man and his wife and two
+girls; one girl was the daughter of the man, and the other the
+daughter of his wife; and the man's daughter was good and beautiful,
+but the woman's daughter was cross and ugly. However, her mother did
+not know that, but thought her the most bewitching maiden that ever
+was seen.
+
+One day the man called to his daughter and bade her come with him into
+the forest to cut wood. They worked hard all day, but in spite of the
+chopping they were very cold, for it rained heavily, and when they
+returned home, they were wet through. Then, to his vexation, the man
+found that he had left his axe behind him, and he knew that if it lay
+all night in the mud it would become rusty and useless. So he said to
+his wife:
+
+'I have dropped my axe in the forest, bid your daughter go and fetch
+it, for mine has worked hard all day and is both wet and weary.'
+
+But the wife answered:
+
+'If your daughter is wet already, it is all the more reason that _she_
+should go and get the axe. Besides, she is a great strong girl, and a
+little rain will not hurt her, while _my_ daughter would be sure to
+catch a bad cold.'
+
+By long experience the man knew there was no good saying any more, and
+with a sigh he told the poor girl she must return to the forest for
+the axe.
+
+  [Illustration: THREE LITTLE DOVES WERE SEATED ON THE HANDLE OF
+      THE AXE]
+
+The walk took some time, for it was very dark, and her shoes often
+stuck in the mud; but she was brave as well as beautiful and never
+thought of turning back merely because the path was both difficult and
+unpleasant. At last, with her dress torn by brambles that she could
+not see, and her face scratched by the twigs on the trees, she reached
+the spot where she and her father had been cutting in the morning, and
+found the axe in the place he had left it. To her surprise, three
+little doves were sitting on the handle, all of them looking very
+sad.
+
+'You poor little things,' said the girl, stroking them. 'Why do you
+sit there and get wet? Go and fly home to your nest, it will be much
+warmer than this; but first eat this bread, which I saved from my
+dinner, and perhaps you will feel happier. It is my father's axe you
+are sitting on, and I must take it back as fast as I can, or I shall
+get a terrible scolding from my stepmother.' She then crumbled the
+bread on the ground, and was pleased to see the doves flutter quite
+cheerfully towards it.
+
+'Good-bye,' she said, picking up the axe, and went her way homewards.
+
+By the time they had finished all the crumbs the doves felt much
+better, and were able to fly back to their nests in the top of a tree.
+
+'That is a good girl,' said one; 'I really was too weak to stretch out
+a wing before she came. I should like to do something to show how
+grateful I am.'
+
+'Well, let us give her a wreath of flowers that will never fade as
+long as she wears it,' cried another.
+
+'And let the tiniest singing birds in the world sit amongst the
+flowers,' rejoined the third.
+
+'Yes, that will do beautifully,' said the first. And when the girl
+stepped into her cottage a wreath of rose-buds was on her head, and a
+crowd of little birds were singing unseen.
+
+The father, who was sitting by the fire, thought that, in spite of her
+muddy clothes, he had never seen his daughter looking so lovely; but
+the stepmother and the other girl grew wild with envy.
+
+'How absurd to walk about on such a pouring night, dressed up like
+that,' she remarked crossly, and roughly pulled off the wreath as she
+spoke, to place it on her own daughter. As she did so the roses became
+withered and brown, and the birds flew out of the window.
+
+'See what a trumpery thing it is!' cried the stepmother; 'and now
+take your supper and go to bed, for it is near upon midnight.'
+
+But though she pretended to despise the wreath, she longed none the
+less for her daughter to have one like it.
+
+Now it happened that the next evening the father, who had been alone
+in the forest, came back a second time without his axe. The
+stepmother's heart was glad when she saw this, and she said quite
+mildly:
+
+'Why, you have forgotten your axe again, you careless man! But now
+_your_ daughter shall stay at home, and _mine_ shall go and bring it
+back'; and throwing a cloak over the girl's shoulders, she bade her
+hasten to the forest.
+
+With a very ill grace the damsel set forth, grumbling to herself as
+she went; for though she wished for the wreath, she did not at all
+want the trouble of getting it.
+
+By the time she reached the spot where her stepfather had been cutting
+the wood the girl was in a very bad temper indeed, and when she caught
+sight of the axe, there were the three little doves, with drooping
+heads and soiled, bedraggled feathers, sitting on the handle.
+
+'You dirty creatures,' cried she, 'get away at once, or I will throw
+stones at you.' And the doves spread their wings in a fright and flew
+up to the very top of a tree, their bodies shaking with anger.
+
+'What shall we do to revenge ourselves on her?' asked the smallest of
+the doves, 'we were never treated like that before.'
+
+'Never,' said the biggest dove. 'We must find some way of paying her
+back in her own coin!'
+
+'_I_ know,' answered the middle dove; 'she shall never be able to say
+anything but "dirty creatures" to the end of her life.'
+
+'Oh, how clever of you! That will do beautifully,' exclaimed the other
+two. And they flapped their wings and clucked so loud with delight,
+and made such a noise, that they woke up all the birds in the trees
+close by.
+
+'What in the world is the matter?' asked the birds sleepily.
+
+'That is _our_ secret,' said the doves.
+
+Meanwhile the girl had reached home crosser than ever; but as soon as
+her mother heard her lift the latch of the door she ran out to hear
+her adventures. 'Well, did you get the wreath?' cried she.
+
+'Dirty creatures!' answered her daughter.
+
+'Don't speak to me like that! What do you mean?' asked the mother
+again.
+
+'Dirty creatures!' repeated the daughter, and nothing else could she
+say.
+
+Then the woman saw that something evil had befallen her, and turned in
+her rage to her stepdaughter.
+
+'_You_ are at the bottom of this, I know,' she cried; and as the
+father was out of the way she took a stick and beat the girl till she
+screamed with pain and went to bed sobbing.
+
+If the poor girl's life had been miserable before, it was ten times
+worse now, for the moment her father's back was turned the others
+teased and tormented her from morning till night; and their fury was
+increased by the sight of the wreath, which the doves had placed again
+on her head.
+
+Things went on like this for some weeks, when, one day, as the king's
+son was riding through the forest, he heard some strange birds singing
+more sweetly than birds had ever sung before. He tied his horse to a
+tree, and followed where the sound led him, and, to his surprise, he
+saw before him a beautiful girl chopping wood, with a wreath of pink
+rose-buds, out of which the singing came. Standing in the shelter of a
+tree, he watched her a long while, and then, hat in hand, he went up
+and spoke to her.
+
+  [Illustration: STANDING IN THE SHELTER OF A TREE, HE WATCHED HER
+      A LONG WHILE]
+
+'Fair maiden, who are you, and who gave you that wreath of singing
+roses?' asked he, for the birds were so tiny that till you looked
+closely you never saw them.
+
+'I live in a hut on the edge of the forest,' she answered, blushing,
+for she had never spoken to a prince before. 'And as to the wreath, I
+know not how it came there, unless it may be the gift of some doves
+whom I fed when they were starving.' The prince was delighted with
+this answer, which showed the goodness of the girl's heart, and
+besides he had fallen in love with her beauty, and would not be
+content till she promised to return with him to the palace, and become
+his bride. The old king was naturally disappointed at his son's choice
+of a wife, as he wished him to marry a neighbouring princess; but as
+from his birth the prince had always done exactly as he liked, nothing
+was said and a splendid wedding feast was got ready.
+
+The day after her marriage the bride sent a messenger, bearing
+handsome presents to her father, and telling him of the good fortune
+which had befallen her. As may be imagined, the stepmother and her
+daughter were so filled with envy that they grew quite ill, and had to
+take to their beds, and nobody would have been sorry if they had never
+got up again; but that did not happen. At length, however, they began
+to feel better, for the mother invented a plan by which she could be
+revenged on the girl who had never done her any harm.
+
+Her plan was this. In the town where she had lived before she was
+married there was an old witch, who had more skill in magic than any
+other witch she knew. To this witch she would go and beg her to make
+her a mask with the face of her stepdaughter, and when she had the
+mask the rest would be easy. She told her daughter what she meant to
+do, and although the daughter could only say 'dirty creatures,' in
+answer, she nodded and smiled and looked well pleased.
+
+Everything fell out exactly as the woman had hoped. By the aid of her
+magic mirror the witch beheld the new princess walking in her gardens
+in a dress of green silk, and in a few minutes had produced a mask so
+like her that very few people could have told the difference. However,
+she counselled the woman that when her daughter first wore it--for
+that, of course, was what she intended her to do--she had better
+pretend that she had a toothache, and cover her head with a lace veil.
+The woman thanked her and paid her well, and returned to her hut,
+carrying the mask with her under her cloak.
+
+  [Illustration: THE STEPMOTHER TRIES TO DROWN THE PRINCESS]
+
+In a few days she heard that a great hunt was planned, and the prince
+would leave the palace very early in the morning, so that his wife
+would be alone all day. This was a chance not to be missed, and taking
+her daughter with her she went up to the palace, where she had never
+been before. The princess was too happy in her new home to remember
+all that she had suffered in the old one, and she welcomed them both
+gladly, and gave them quantities of beautiful things to take back with
+them. At last she took them down to the shore to see a pleasure boat
+which her husband had had made for her; and here, the woman seizing
+her opportunity, stole softly behind the girl and pushed her off the
+rock on which she was standing, into the deep water, where she
+instantly sank to the bottom. Then she fastened the mask on her
+daughter, flung over her shoulders a velvet cloak, which the princess
+had let fall, and finally arranged a lace veil over her head.
+
+'Rest your cheek on your hand, as if you were in pain, when the prince
+returns,' said the mother; 'and be careful not to speak, whatever you
+do. I will go back to the witch and see if she cannot take off the
+spell laid on you by those horrible birds. Ah! why did I not think of
+it before!'
+
+No sooner had the prince entered the palace than he hastened to the
+princess's apartments, where he found her lying on the sofa apparently
+in great pain.
+
+'My dearest wife, what is the matter with you?' he cried, kneeling
+down beside her, and trying to take her hand; but she snatched it
+away, and pointing to her cheek murmured something he could not catch.
+
+'What is it? tell me! Is the pain bad? When did it begin? Shall I send
+for your ladies to bathe the place?' asked the prince, pouring out
+these and a dozen other questions, to which the girl only shook her
+head.
+
+'But I can't leave you like this,' he continued, starting up, 'I must
+summon all the court physicians to apply soothing balsams to the sore
+place.' And as he spoke he sprang to his feet to go in search of them.
+This so frightened the pretended wife, who knew that if the physicians
+once came near her the trick would at once be discovered, that she
+forgot her mother's counsel not to speak, and forgot even the spell
+that had been laid upon her, and catching hold of the prince's tunic,
+she cried in tones of entreaty: 'Dirty creatures!'
+
+The young man stopped, not able to believe his ears, but supposed that
+pain had made the princess cross, as it sometimes does. However, he
+guessed somehow that she wished to be left alone, so he only said:
+
+'Well, I dare say a little sleep will do you good, if you can manage
+to get it, and that you will wake up better to-morrow.'
+
+Now, that night happened to be very hot and airless, and the prince,
+after vainly trying to rest, at length got up and went to the window.
+Suddenly he beheld in the moonlight a form with a wreath of roses on
+her head rise out of the sea below him and step on to the sands,
+holding out her arms as she did so towards the palace.
+
+'That maiden is strangely like my wife,' thought he; 'I must see her
+closer.' And he hastened down to the water. But when he got there, the
+princess, for she indeed it was, had disappeared completely, and he
+began to wonder if his eyes had deceived him.
+
+The next morning he went to the false bride's room, but her ladies
+told him she would neither speak nor get up, though she ate everything
+they set before her. The prince was sorely perplexed as to what could
+be the matter with her, for naturally he could not guess that she was
+expecting her mother to return every moment, and to remove the spell
+the doves had laid upon her, and meanwhile was afraid to speak lest
+she should betray herself. At length he made up his mind to summon all
+the court physicians; he did not tell her what he was going to do,
+lest it should make her worse, but he went himself and begged the
+four learned leaches attached to the king's person to follow him to
+the princess's apartments. Unfortunately, as they entered, the
+princess was so enraged at the sight of them that she forgot all about
+the doves, and shrieked out: 'Dirty creatures! dirty creatures!' which
+so offended the physicians that they left the room at once, and
+nothing that the prince could say would prevail on them to remain. He
+then tried to persuade his wife to send them a message that she was
+sorry for her rudeness, but not a word would she say.
+
+Late that evening, when he had performed all the tiresome duties which
+fall to the lot of every prince, the young man was leaning out of his
+window, refreshing himself with the cool breezes that blew off the
+sea. His thoughts went back to the scene of the morning, and he
+wondered if, after all, he had not made a great mistake in marrying a
+low-born wife, however beautiful she might be. How could he have
+imagined that the quiet, gentle girl who had been so charming a
+companion to him during the first days of their marriage, could have
+become in a day the rude, sulky woman, who could not control her
+temper even to benefit herself. One thing was clear, if she did not
+change her conduct very shortly he would have to send her away from
+court.
+
+He was thinking these thoughts, when his eyes fell on the sea beneath
+him, and there, as before, was the figure that so closely resembled
+his wife, standing with her feet in the water, holding out her arms to
+him.
+
+'Wait for me! Wait for me! Wait for me!' he cried; not even knowing he
+was speaking. But when he reached the shore there was nothing to be
+seen but the shadows cast by the moonlight.
+
+A state ceremonial in a city some distance off caused the prince to
+ride away at daybreak, and he left without seeing his wife again.
+
+'Perhaps she may have come to her senses by to-morrow,' said he to
+himself; 'and, anyhow, if I am going to send her back to her father,
+it might be better if we did not meet in the meantime.' Then he put
+the matter from his mind, and kept his thoughts on the duty that lay
+before him.
+
+It was nearly midnight before he returned to the palace, but, instead
+of entering, he went down to the shore and hid behind a rock. He had
+scarcely done so when the girl came out of the sea, and stretched out
+her arms towards his window. In an instant the prince had seized her
+hand, and though she made a frightened struggle to reach the
+water--for she in her turn had had a spell laid upon her--he held her
+fast.
+
+'You are my own wife, and I shall never let you go,' he said. But the
+words were hardly out of his mouth when he found that it was a hare
+that he was holding by the paw. Then the hare changed into a fish, and
+the fish into a bird, and the bird into a slimy wriggling snake. This
+time the prince's hand nearly opened of itself, but with a strong
+effort he kept his fingers shut, and drawing his sword cut off its
+head, when the spell was broken, and the girl stood before him as he
+had seen her first, the wreath upon her head and the birds singing for
+joy.
+
+The very next morning the stepmother arrived at the palace with an
+ointment that the old witch had given her to place upon her daughter's
+tongue, which would break the dove's spell, if the rightful bride had
+really been drowned in the sea; if not, then it would be useless. The
+mother assured her that she had seen her stepdaughter sink, and that
+there was no fear that she would ever come up again; but, to make all
+quite safe, the old woman might bewitch the girl; and so she did.
+After that the wicked stepmother travelled all through the night to
+get to the palace as soon as possible, and made her way straight into
+her daughter's room.
+
+'I have got it! I have got it!' she cried triumphantly, and laid the
+ointment on her daughter's tongue.
+
+  [Illustration: THE PRINCESS RETURNS FROM THE SEA]
+
+'_Now_ what do you say?' she asked proudly.
+
+'Dirty creatures! dirty creatures!' answered the daughter; and the
+mother wrung her hands and wept, as she knew that all her plans had
+failed.
+
+At this moment the prince entered with his real wife. 'You both
+deserve death,' he said, 'and if it were left to me, you should have
+it. But the princess has begged me to spare your lives, so you will be
+put into a ship and carried off to a desert island, where you will
+stay till you die.'
+
+Then the ship was made ready and the wicked woman and her daughter
+were placed in it, and it sailed away, and no more was heard of them.
+But the prince and his wife lived together long and happily, and ruled
+their people well.
+
+(Adapted from Thorpe's _Yule-Tide Stories_.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE FOOLISH WEAVER_
+
+
+Once a weaver, who was in want of work, took service with a certain
+farmer as a shepherd.
+
+The farmer, knowing that the man was very slow-witted, gave him the
+most careful instructions as to everything that he was to do.
+
+Finally he said: 'If a wolf or any wild animal attempts to hurt the
+flock you should pick up a big stone like _this_' (suiting the action
+to the word) 'and throw a few such at him, and he will be afraid and
+go away.' The weaver said that he understood, and started with the
+flocks to the hillsides where they grazed all day.
+
+By chance in the afternoon a leopard appeared, and the weaver
+instantly ran home as fast as he could to get the stones which the
+farmer had shown him, to throw at the creature. When he came back all
+the flock were scattered or killed, and when the farmer heard the tale
+he beat him soundly. 'Were there no stones on the hillside that you
+should run back to get them, you senseless one?' he cried; 'you are
+not fit to herd sheep. To-day you shall stay at home and mind my old
+mother who is sick, perhaps you will be able to drive flies off her
+face, if you can't drive beasts away from the sheep!'
+
+So, the next day, the weaver was left at home to take care of the
+farmer's old sick mother. Now as she lay outside on a bed, it turned
+out that the flies became very troublesome, and the weaver looked
+around for something to drive them away with; and as he had been told
+to pick up the nearest stone to drive the beasts away from the flock,
+he thought he would this time show how cleverly he could obey orders.
+Accordingly he seized the nearest stone, which was a big, heavy one,
+and dashed it at the flies; but, unhappily, he slew the poor old woman
+also; and then, being afraid of the wrath of the farmer, he fled and
+was not seen again in that neighbourhood.
+
+All that day and all the next night he walked, and at length he came
+to a village where a great many weavers lived together.
+
+'You are welcome,' said they. 'Eat and sleep, for to-morrow six of us
+start in search of fresh wool to weave, and we pray you to give us
+your company.'
+
+'Willingly,' answered the weaver. So the next morning the seven
+weavers set out to go to the village where they could buy what they
+wanted. On the way they had to cross a ravine which lately had been
+full of water, but now was quite dry. The weavers, however, were
+accustomed to swim over this ravine; therefore, regardless of the fact
+that this time it was dry, they stripped, and, tying their clothes on
+their heads, they proceeded to swim across the dry sand and rocks that
+formed the bed of the ravine. Thus they got to the other side without
+further damage than bruised knees and elbows, and as soon as they were
+over, one of them began to count the party to make sure that all were
+safe there. He counted all except himself, and then cried out that
+somebody was missing! This set each of them counting; but each made
+the same mistake of counting all except himself, so that they became
+certain that one of their party was missing! They ran up and down the
+bank of the ravine wringing their hands in great distress and looking
+for signs of their lost comrade. There a farmer found them and asked
+what was the matter. 'Alas!' said one, 'seven of us started from the
+other bank and one must have been drowned on the crossing, as we can
+only find six remaining!' The farmer eyed them a minute, and then,
+picking up his stick, he dealt each a sounding blow, counting, as he
+did so, 'One! two! three!' and so on up to the seven. When the weavers
+found that there were seven of them they were overcome with gratitude
+to one whom they took for a magician as he could thus make seven out
+of an obvious six.
+
+(_From the Pushto._)
+
+
+
+
+_THE CLEVER CAT_
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived an old man who dwelt with his son in a
+small hut on the edge of the plain. He was very old, and had worked
+very hard, and when at last he was struck down by illness he felt that
+he should never rise from his bed again.
+
+So, one day, he bade his wife summon their son, when he came back from
+his journey to the nearest town, where he had been to buy bread.
+
+'Come hither, my son,' said he; 'I know myself well to be dying, and I
+have nothing to leave you but my falcon, my cat and my greyhound; but
+if you make good use of them you will never lack food. Be good to your
+mother, as you have been to me. And now farewell!'
+
+Then he turned his face to the wall and died.
+
+There was great mourning in the hut for many days, but at length the
+son rose up, and calling to his greyhound, his cat and his falcon, he
+left the house saying that he would bring back something for dinner.
+Wandering over the plain, he noticed a troop of gazelles, and pointed
+to his greyhound to give chase. The dog soon brought down a fine fat
+beast, and slinging it over his shoulders, the young man turned
+homewards. On the way, however, he passed a pond, and as he approached
+a cloud of birds flew into the air. Shaking his wrist, the falcon
+seated on it darted into the air, and swooped down upon the quarry he
+had marked, which fell dead to the ground. The young man picked it up,
+and put it in his pouch and then went towards home again.
+
+Near the hut was a small barn in which he kept the produce of the
+little patch of corn, which grew close to the garden. Here a rat ran
+out almost under his feet, followed by another and another; but quick
+as thought the cat was upon them and not one escaped her.
+
+When all the rats were killed, the young man left the barn. He took
+the path leading to the door of the hut, but stopped on feeling a hand
+laid on his shoulder.
+
+'Young man,' said the Jew (for such was the stranger), 'you have been
+a good son, and you deserve the piece of luck which has befallen you
+this day. Come with me to that shining lake yonder, and fear nothing.'
+
+Wondering a little at what might be going to happen to him, the youth
+did as the Jew bade him, and when they reached the shore of the lake,
+the old man turned and said to him:
+
+'Step into the water and shut your eyes! You will find yourself
+sinking slowly to the bottom; but take courage, all will go well. Only
+bring up as much silver as you can carry, and we will divide it
+between us.'
+
+So the young man stepped bravely into the lake, and felt himself
+sinking, sinking, till he reached firm ground at last. In front of him
+lay four heaps of silver, and in the midst of them a curious white
+shining stone, marked over with strange characters, such as he had
+never seen before. He picked it up in order to examine it more
+closely, and as he held it the stone spoke.
+
+'As long as you hold me, all your wishes will come true,' it said.
+'But hide me in your turban, and then call to the Jew that you are
+ready to come up.'
+
+In a few minutes the young man stood again by the shores of the lake.
+
+'Well, where is the silver?' asked the Jew, who was awaiting him.
+
+'Ah, my father, how can I tell you! So bewildered was I, and so
+dazzled with the splendours of everything I saw, that I stood like a
+statue, unable to move. Then hearing steps approaching I got
+frightened, and called to you, as you know.'
+
+'You are no better than the rest,' cried the Jew, and turned away in a
+rage.
+
+When he was out of sight the young man took the stone from his turban
+and looked at it. 'I want the finest camel that can be found, and the
+most splendid garments,' said he.
+
+'Shut your eyes then,' replied the stone. And he shut them; and when
+he opened them again the camel that he had wished for was standing
+before him, while the festal robes of a desert prince hung from his
+shoulders. Mounting the camel, he whistled the falcon to his wrist,
+and, followed by his greyhound and his cat, he started homewards.
+
+His mother was sewing at her door when this magnificent stranger rode
+up, and, filled with surprise, she bowed low before him.
+
+'Don't you know me, mother?' he said with a laugh. And on hearing his
+voice the good woman nearly fell to the ground with astonishment.
+
+'How have you got that camel and those clothes?' asked she. 'Can a son
+of mine have committed murder in order to possess them?'
+
+'Do not be afraid; they are quite honestly come by,' answered the
+youth. 'I will explain all by-and-by; but now you must go to the
+palace and tell the king I wish to marry his daughter.'
+
+At these words the mother thought her son had certainly gone mad, and
+stared blankly at him. The young man guessed what was in her heart,
+and replied with a smile:
+
+'Fear nothing. Promise all that he asks; it will be fulfilled
+somehow.'
+
+So she went to the palace, where she found the king sitting in the
+Hall of Justice listening to the petitions of his people. The woman
+waited until all had been heard and the hall was empty, and then went
+up and knelt before the throne.
+
+'My son has sent me to ask for the hand of the princess,' said she.
+
+The king looked at her and thought that she was mad; but, instead of
+ordering his guards to turn her out, he answered gravely:
+
+'Before he can marry the princess he must build me a palace of ice,
+which can be warmed with fires, and wherein the rarest singing-birds
+can live!'
+
+'It shall be done, your Majesty,' said she, and got up and left the
+hall.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Her son was anxiously awaiting her outside the palace gates, dressed
+in the clothes that he wore every day.
+
+'Well, what have I got to do?' he asked impatiently, drawing his
+mother aside so that no one could overhear them.
+
+'Oh, something quite impossible; and I hope you will put the princess
+out of your head,' she replied.
+
+'Well, but what _is_ it?' persisted he.
+
+'Nothing but to build a palace of ice wherein fires can burn that
+shall keep it so warm that the most delicate singing-birds can live in
+it!'
+
+'I thought it would be something much harder than that,' exclaimed the
+young man. 'I will see about it at once.' And leaving his mother, he
+went into the country and took the stone from his turban.
+
+'I want a palace of ice that can be warmed with fires and filled with
+the rarest singing-birds!'
+
+'Shut your eyes, then,' said the stone; and he shut them, and when he
+opened them again there was the palace, more beautiful than anything
+he could have imagined, the fires throwing a soft pink glow over the
+ice.
+
+'It is fit even for the princess,' thought he to himself.
+
+As soon as the king awoke next morning he ran to the window, and
+there across the plain he beheld the palace.
+
+  [Illustration: THE JEW BRINGS THE JEWELS TO THE PRINCESS]
+
+'That young man must be a great wizard; he may be useful to me.' And
+when the mother came again to tell him that his orders had been
+fulfilled he received her with great honour, and bade her tell her son
+that the wedding was fixed for the following day.
+
+The princess was delighted with her new home, and with her husband
+also; and several days slipped happily by, spent in turning over all
+the beautiful things that the palace contained. But at length the
+young man grew tired of always staying inside walls, and he told his
+wife that the next day he must leave her for a few hours, and go out
+hunting. 'You will not mind?' he asked. And she answered as became a
+good wife:
+
+'Yes, of course I shall mind; but I will spend the day in planning out
+some new dresses; and then it will be so delightful when you come
+back, you know!'
+
+So the husband went off to hunt, with the falcon on his wrist, and the
+greyhound and the cat behind him--for the palace was so warm that even
+the cat did not mind living in it.
+
+No sooner had he gone, than the Jew, who had been watching his chance
+for many days, knocked at the door of the palace.
+
+'I have just returned from a far country,' he said, 'and I have some
+of the largest and most brilliant stones in the world with me. The
+princess is known to love beautiful things, perhaps she might like to
+buy some?'
+
+Now the princess had been wondering for many days what trimming she
+should put on her dresses, so that they should outshine the dresses of
+the other ladies at the court balls. Nothing that she thought of
+seemed good enough, so, when the message was brought that the Jew and
+his wares were below, she at once ordered that he should be brought to
+her chamber.
+
+Oh! what beautiful stones he laid before her; what lovely rubies, and
+what rare pearls! No other lady would have jewels like _those_--of
+that the princess was quite sure; but she cast down her eyes so that
+the Jew might not see how much she longed for them.
+
+'I fear they are too costly for me,' she said carelessly; 'and
+besides, I have hardly need of any more jewels just now.'
+
+'I have no particular wish to sell them myself,' answered the Jew,
+with equal indifference. 'But I have a necklace of shining stones
+which was left me by my father, and one, the largest, engraven with
+weird characters, is missing. I have heard that it is in your
+husband's possession, and if you can get me that stone you shall have
+any of these jewels that you choose. But you will have to pretend that
+you want it for yourself; and, above all, do not mention me, for he
+sets great store by it, and would never part with it to a stranger!
+To-morrow I will return with some jewels yet finer than those I have
+with me to-day. So, madam, farewell!'
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Left alone, the princess began to think of many things, but chiefly as
+to whether she would persuade her husband to give her the stone or
+not. At one moment she felt he had already bestowed so much upon her
+that it was a shame to ask for the only object he had kept back. No,
+it would be mean; she could not do it! But then, those diamonds, and
+those strings of pearls! After all, they had only been married a week,
+and the pleasure of giving it to her ought to be far greater than the
+pleasure of keeping it for himself. And she was sure it _would_ be!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Well, that evening, when the young man had supped off his favourite
+dishes which the princess took care to have specially prepared for
+him, she sat down close beside him, and began stroking his hand. For
+some time she did not speak, but listened attentively to all the
+adventures that had befallen him that day.
+
+'But I was thinking of you all the time,' said he at the end, 'and
+wishing that I could bring you back something you would like. But,
+alas! what is there that you do not possess already?'
+
+'How good of you not to forget me when you are in the midst of such
+dangers and hardships,' answered she. 'Yes, it is true I have many
+beautiful things; but if you _want_ to give me a present--and
+to-morrow is my birthday--there _is_ one thing that I wish for very
+much.'
+
+'And what is that? Of course you shall have it directly!' he asked
+eagerly.
+
+'It is that bright stone which fell out of the folds of your turban a
+few days ago,' she answered, playing with his finger; 'the little
+stone with all those funny marks upon it. I never saw any stone like
+it before.'
+
+The young man did not answer at first; then he said, slowly:
+
+'I have promised, and therefore I must perform. But will you swear
+never to part from it, and to keep it safely about you always? More I
+cannot tell you, but I beg you earnestly to take heed to this.'
+
+The princess was a little startled by his manner, and began to be
+sorry that she had ever listened to the Jew. But she did not like to
+draw back, and pretended to be immensely delighted at her new toy, and
+kissed and thanked her husband for it.
+
+'After all I needn't give it to the Jew,' thought she as she dropped
+to sleep.
+
+Unluckily the next morning the young man went hunting again, and the
+Jew, who was watching, knew this, and did not come till much later
+than before. At the moment that he knocked at the door of the palace
+the princess had tired of all her employments, and her attendants were
+at their wits' end how to amuse her, when a tall negro dressed in
+scarlet came to announce that the Jew was below, and desired to know
+if the princess would speak with him.
+
+'Bring him hither at once!' cried she, springing up from her cushions,
+and forgetting all her resolves of the previous night. In another
+moment she was bending with rapture over the glittering gems.
+
+'Have you got it?' asked the Jew in a whisper, for the princess's
+ladies were standing as near as they dared to catch a glimpse of the
+beautiful jewels.
+
+'Yes, here,' she answered, slipping the stone from her sash and
+placing it among the rest. Then she raised her voice, and began to
+talk quickly of the prices of the chains and necklaces, and after some
+bargaining, to deceive the attendants, she declared that she liked one
+string of pearls better than all the rest, and that the Jew might take
+away the other things, which were not half so valuable as he supposed.
+
+'As you please, madam,' said he, bowing himself out of the palace.
+
+Soon after he had gone a curious thing happened. The princess
+carelessly touched the wall of her room, which was wont to reflect the
+warm red light of the fire on the hearth, and found her hand quite
+wet. She turned round, and--was it her fancy? or did the fire burn
+more dimly than before? Hurriedly she passed into the picture gallery,
+where pools of water showed here and there on the floor, and a cold
+chill ran through her whole body. At that instant her frightened
+ladies came running down the stairs, crying:
+
+'Madam! madam! what has happened? The palace is disappearing under our
+eyes!'
+
+'My husband will be home very soon,' answered the princess--who,
+though nearly as much frightened as her ladies, felt that she must set
+them a good example. 'Wait till then, and he will tell us what to do.'
+
+So they waited, seated on the highest chairs they could find, wrapped
+in their warmest garments, and with piles of cushions under their
+feet, while the poor birds flew with numbed wings hither and thither,
+till they were so lucky as to discover an open window in some
+forgotten corner. Through this they vanished, and were seen no more.
+
+At last, when the princess and her ladies had been forced to leave the
+upper rooms, where the walls and floors had melted away, and to take
+refuge in the hall, the young man came home. He had ridden back along
+a winding road from which he did not see the palace till he was close
+upon it, and stood horrified at the spectacle before him. He knew in
+an instant that his wife must have betrayed his trust, but he would
+not reproach her, as she must be suffering enough already. Hurrying on
+he sprang over all that was left of the palace walls, and the princess
+gave a cry of relief at the sight of him.
+
+'Come quickly,' he said, 'or you will be frozen to death!' And a
+dreary little procession set out for the king's palace, the greyhound
+and the cat bringing up the rear.
+
+At the gates he left them, though his wife besought him to allow her
+to enter.
+
+'You have betrayed me and ruined me,' he said sternly; 'I go to seek
+my fortune alone.' And without another word he turned and left her.
+
+With his falcon on his wrist, and his greyhound and cat behind him,
+the young man walked a long way, inquiring of everyone he met whether
+they had seen his enemy the Jew. But nobody had. Then he bade his
+falcon fly up into the sky--up, up, and up--and try if _his_ sharp
+eyes could discover the old thief. The bird had to go so high that he
+did not return for some hours; but he told his master that the Jew was
+lying asleep in a splendid palace in a far country on the shores of
+the sea. This was delightful news to the young man, who instantly
+bought some meat for the falcon, bidding him make a good meal.
+
+'To-morrow,' said he, 'you will fly to the palace where the Jew lies,
+and while he is asleep you will search all about him for a stone on
+which is engraved strange signs; this you will bring to me. In three
+days I shall expect you back here.'
+
+'Well, I must take the cat with me,' answered the bird.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The sun had not yet risen before the falcon soared high into the air,
+the cat seated on his back, with his paws tightly clasping the bird's
+neck.
+
+'You had better shut your eyes or you may get giddy,' said the bird;
+and the cat, who had never before been off the ground except to climb
+a tree, did as she was bid.
+
+  [Illustration: I GO TO SEEK MY FORTUNE ALONE]
+
+All that day and all that night they flew, and in the morning they saw
+the Jew's palace lying beneath them.
+
+'Dear me,' said the cat, opening her eyes for the first time, 'that
+looks to me very like a rat city down there, let us go down to it;
+they may be able to help us.' So they alighted in some bushes in the
+heart of the rat city. The falcon remained where he was, but the cat
+lay down outside the principal gate, causing terrible excitement among
+the rats.
+
+At length, seeing she did not move, one bolder than the rest put its
+head out of an upper window of the castle, and said, in a trembling
+voice:
+
+'Why have you come here? What do you want? If it is anything in our
+power, tell us, and we will do it.'
+
+'If you would have let me speak to you before, I would have told you
+that I come as a friend,' replied the cat; 'and I shall be greatly
+obliged if you would send four of the strongest and cunningest among
+you, to do me a service.'
+
+'Oh, we shall be delighted,' answered the rat, much relieved. 'But if
+you will inform me what it is you wish them to do I shall be better
+able to judge who is most fitted for the post.'
+
+'I thank you,' said the cat. 'Well, what they have to do is this:
+To-night they must burrow under the walls of the castle and go up to
+the room where a Jew lies asleep. Somewhere about him he has hidden a
+stone, on which are engraved strange signs. When they have found it
+they must take it from him without his waking, and bring it to me.'
+
+'Your orders shall be obeyed,' replied the rat. And he went out to
+give his instructions.
+
+About midnight the cat, who was still sleeping before the gate, was
+awakened by some water flung at him by the head rat, who could not
+make up his mind to open the doors.
+
+'Here is the stone you wanted,' said he, when the cat started up with
+a loud mew; 'if you will hold up your paws I will drop it down.' And
+so he did. 'And now farewell,' continued the rat; 'you have a long way
+to go, and will do well to start before daybreak.'
+
+'Your counsel is good,' replied the cat, smiling to itself; and
+putting the stone in her mouth she went off to seek the falcon.
+
+Now all this time neither the cat nor the falcon had had any food, and
+the falcon soon got tired carrying such a heavy burden. When night
+arrived he declared he could go no further, but would spend it on the
+banks of a river.
+
+'And it is my turn to take care of the stone,' said he, 'or it will
+seem as if you had done everything and I nothing.'
+
+'No, I got it, and I will keep it,' answered the cat, who was tired
+and cross; and they began a fine quarrel. But, unluckily, in the midst
+of it, the cat raised her voice, and the stone fell into the ear of a
+big fish which happened to be swimming by, and though both the cat and
+the falcon sprang into the water after it, they were too late.
+
+Half drowned, and more than half choked, the two faithful servants
+scrambled back to land again. The falcon flew to a tree and spread his
+wings in the sun to dry, but the cat, after giving herself a good
+shake, began to scratch up the sandy banks and to throw the bits into
+the stream.
+
+'What are you doing that for?' asked a little fish. 'Do you know that
+you are making the water quite muddy?'
+
+'That doesn't matter at all to me,' answered the cat. 'I am going to
+fill up all the river, so that the fishes may die.'
+
+'That is very unkind, as we have never done you any harm,' replied the
+fish. 'Why are you so angry with us?'
+
+'Because one of you has got a stone of mine--a stone with strange
+signs upon it--which dropped into the water. If you will promise to
+get it back for me, why, perhaps I will leave your river alone.'
+
+'I will certainly try,' answered the fish in a great hurry; 'but you
+must have a little patience, as it may not be an easy task.' And in
+an instant his scales might be seen flashing quickly along.
+
+The fish swam as fast as he could to the sea, which was not far
+distant, and calling together all his relations who lived in the
+neighbourhood, he told them of the terrible danger which threatened
+the dwellers in the river.
+
+  [Illustration: {THE CAT LETS FALL THE STONE}]
+
+'None of us has got it,' said the fishes, shaking their heads; 'but in
+the bay yonder there is a tunny who, although he is so old, always
+goes everywhere. He will be able to tell you about it, if anyone can.'
+So the little fish swam off to the tunny, and again related his story.
+
+'Why _I_ was up that river only a few hours ago!' cried the tunny;
+'and as I was coming back something fell into my ear, and there it is
+still, for I went to sleep when I got home and forgot all about it.
+Perhaps it may be what you want.' And stretching up his tail he
+whisked out the stone.
+
+'Yes, I think that must be it,' said the fish with joy. And taking
+the stone in his mouth he carried it to the place where the cat was
+waiting for him.
+
+'I am much obliged to you,' said the cat, as the fish laid the stone
+on the sand, 'and to reward you, I will let your river alone.' And she
+mounted the falcon's back, and they flew to their master.
+
+Ah, how glad he was to see them again with the magic stone in their
+possession. In a moment he had wished for a palace, but _this_ time it
+was of green marble; and then he wished for the princess and her
+ladies to occupy it. And there they lived for many years, and when the
+old king died the princess's husband reigned in his stead.
+
+(Adapted from _Contes Berb�res_.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE STORY OF MANUS_
+
+
+Far away over the sea of the West there reigned a king who had two
+sons; and the name of the one was Oireal, and the name of the other
+was Iarlaid. When the boys were still children, their father and
+mother died, and a great council was held, and a man was chosen from
+among them who would rule the kingdom till the boys were old enough to
+rule it themselves.
+
+The years passed on, and by-and-by another council was held, and it
+was agreed that the king's sons were now of an age to take the power
+which rightly belonged to them. So the youths were bidden to appear
+before the council, and Oireal the elder was smaller and weaker than
+his brother.
+
+'I like not to leave the deer on the hill and the fish in the rivers,
+and sit in judgment on my people,' said Oireal, when he had listened
+to the words of the chief of the council. And the chief waxed angry,
+and answered quickly:
+
+'Not one clod of earth shall ever be yours if this day you do not take
+on yourself the vows that were taken by the king your father.'
+
+Then spake Iarlaid, the younger, and he said: 'Let one half be yours,
+and the other give to me; then you will have fewer people to rule
+over.'
+
+'Yes, I will do that,' answered Oireal.
+
+After this, one half of the men of the land of Lochlann did homage to
+Oireal, and the other half to Iarlaid. And they governed their
+kingdoms as they would, and in a few years they became grown men with
+beards on their chins; and Iarlaid married the daughter of the king
+of Greece, and Oireal the daughter of the king of Orkney. The next
+year sons were born to Oireal and Iarlaid; and the son of Oireal was
+big and strong, but the son of Iarlaid was little and weak, and each
+had six foster brothers who went everywhere with the princes.
+
+One day Manus, son of Oireal, and his cousin, the son of Iarlaid,
+called to their foster brothers, and bade them come and play a game at
+shinny in the great field near the school where they were taught all
+that princes and nobles should know. Long they played, and swiftly did
+the ball pass from one to another, when Manus drove the ball at his
+cousin, the son of Iarlaid. The boy, who was not used to be roughly
+handled, even in jest, cried out that he was sorely hurt, and went
+home with his foster brothers and told his tale to his mother. The
+wife of Iarlaid grew white and angry as she listened, and thrusting
+her son aside, sought the council hall where Iarlaid was sitting.
+
+'Manus has driven a ball at my son, and fain would have slain him,'
+said she. 'Let an end be put to him and his ill deeds.'
+
+But Iarlaid answered:
+
+'Nay, I will not slay the son of my brother.'
+
+'And he shall not slay my son,' said the queen. And calling to her
+chamberlain she ordered him to lead the prince to the four brown
+boundaries of the world, and to leave him there with a wise man, who
+would care for him, and let no harm befall him. And the wise man set
+the boy on the top of a hill where the sun always shone, and he could
+see every man, but no man could see him.
+
+Then she summoned Manus to the castle, and for a whole year she kept
+him fast, and his own mother could not get speech of him. But in the
+end, when the wife of Oireal fell sick, Manus fled from the tower
+which was his prison, and stole back to his own home.
+
+For a few years he stayed there in peace, and then the wife of
+Iarlaid his uncle sent for him.
+
+'It is time that you were married,' she said, when she saw that Manus
+had grown tall and strong like unto Iarlaid. 'Tall and strong you are,
+and comely of face. I know a bride that will suit you well, and that
+is the daughter of the mighty earl of Finghaidh, that does homage for
+his lands to me. I myself will go with a great following to his house,
+and you shall go with me.'
+
+Thus it was done; and though the earl's wife was eager to keep her
+daughter with her yet a while, she was fain to yield, as the wife of
+Iarlaid vowed that not a rood of land should the earl have, unless he
+did her bidding. But if he would give his daughter to Manus, she would
+bestow on him the third part of her own kingdom, with much treasure
+beside. This she did, not from love to Manus, but because she wished
+to destroy him. So they were married, and rode back with the wife of
+Iarlaid to her own palace. And that night, while he was sleeping,
+there came a wise man, who was his father's friend, and awoke him
+saying: 'Danger lies very close to you, Manus, son of Oireal. You hold
+yourself favoured because you have as a bride the daughter of a mighty
+earl; but do you know what bride the wife of Iarlaid sought for her
+own son? It was no worldly wife she found for _him_, but the swift
+March wind, and never can you prevail against her.'
+
+'Is it thus?' answered Manus. And at the first streak of dawn he went
+to the chamber where the queen lay in the midst of her maidens.
+
+'I have come,' he said, 'for the third part of the kingdom, and for
+the treasure which you promised me.' But the wife of Iarlaid laughed
+as she heard him.
+
+'Not a clod shall you have here,' spake she. 'You must go to the Old
+Bergen for that. Mayhap under its stones and rough mountains you may
+find a treasure!'
+
+'Then give me your son's six foster brothers as well as my own,'
+answered he. And the queen gave them to him, and they set out for Old
+Bergen.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A year passed by, and found them still in that wild land, hunting the
+reindeer, and digging pits for the mountain sheep to fall into. For a
+time Manus and his twelve companions lived merrily, but at length
+Manus grew weary of the strange country, and they all took ship for
+the land of Lochlann. The wind was fierce and cold, and long was the
+voyage; but, one spring day, they sailed into the harbour that lay
+beneath the castle of Iarlaid. The queen looked from her window and
+beheld him mounting the hill, with the twelve foster brothers behind
+him. Then she said to her husband: 'Manus has returned with his twelve
+foster brothers. Would that I could put an end to him and his
+murdering and his slaying.'
+
+'That were a great pity,' answered Iarlaid. 'And it is not I that will
+do it.'
+
+'If you will not do it I will,' said she. And she called the twelve
+foster brothers and made them vow fealty to herself. So Manus was left
+with no man, and sorrowful was he when he returned alone to Old
+Bergen. It was late when his foot touched the shore, and took the path
+towards the forest. On his way there he met him a man in a red tunic.
+
+'Is it you, Manus, come back again?' asked he.
+
+'It is I,' answered Manus; 'alone have I returned from the land of
+Lochlann.'
+
+The man eyed him silently for a moment, and then he said:
+
+'I dreamed that you were girt with a sword and became king of
+Lochlann.' But Manus answered:
+
+'I have no sword and my bow is broken.'
+
+'I will give you a new sword if you will make me a promise,' said the
+man once more.
+
+'To be sure I will make it, if ever I am king,' answered Manus. 'But
+speak, and tell me what promise I am to make!'
+
+'I was your grandfather's armourer,' replied the man, 'and I wish to
+be your armourer also.'
+
+  [Illustration: HOW MANUS GOT THE LION'S CUB]
+
+'That I will promise readily,' said Manus; and followed the man into
+his house, which was at a little distance. But the house was not like
+other houses, for the walls of every room were hung so thick with
+arms that you could not see the boards.
+
+'Choose what you will,' said the man; and Manus unhooked a sword and
+tried it across his knee, and it broke, and so did the next, and the
+next.
+
+'Leave off breaking the swords,' cried the man, 'and look at this old
+sword and helmet and tunic that I wore in the wars of your
+grandfather. Perhaps you may find them of stouter steel.' And Manus
+bent the sword thrice across his knee but he could not break it. So he
+girded it to his side, and put on the old helmet. As he fastened the
+strap his eye fell on a cloth flapping outside the window.
+
+'What cloth is that?' asked he.
+
+'It is a cloth that was woven by the Little People of the forest,'
+said the man; 'and when you are hungry it will give you food and
+drink, and if you meet a foe, he will not hurt you, but will stoop and
+kiss the back of your hand in token of submission. Take it, and use it
+well.' Manus gladly wrapped the shawl round his arm, and was leaving
+the house, when he heard the rattling of a chain blown by the wind.
+
+'What chain is that?' asked he.
+
+'The creature who has that chain round his neck, need not fear a
+hundred enemies,' answered the armourer. And Manus wound it round him
+and passed on into the forest.
+
+Suddenly there sprang out from the bushes two lions, and a lion cub
+with them. The fierce beasts bounded towards him, roaring loudly, and
+would fain have eaten him, but quickly Manus stooped and spread the
+cloth upon the ground. At that the lions stopped, and bowing their
+great heads, kissed the back of his wrist and went their ways. But the
+cub rolled itself up in the cloth; so Manus picked them both up, and
+carried them with him to Old Bergen.
+
+Another year went by, and then he took the lion cub and set forth to
+the land of Lochlann. And the wife of Iarlaid came to meet him, and a
+brown dog, small but full of courage, came with her. When the dog
+beheld the lion cub he rushed towards him, thinking to eat him; but
+the cub caught the dog by the neck, and shook him, and he was dead.
+And the wife of Iarlaid mourned him sore, and her wrath was kindled,
+and many times she tried to slay Manus and his cub, but she could not.
+And at last they two went back to Old Bergen, and the twelve foster
+brothers went also.
+
+'Let them go,' said the wife of Iarlaid, when she heard of it. 'My
+brother the Red Gruagach will take the head off Manus as well in Old
+Bergen as elsewhere.'
+
+Now these words were carried by a messenger to the wife of Oireal, and
+she made haste and sent a ship to Old Bergen to bear away her son
+before the Red Gruagach should take the head off him. And in the ship
+was a pilot. But the wife of Iarlaid made a thick fog to cover the
+face of the sea, and the rowers could not row, lest they should drive
+the ship on to a rock. And when night came, the lion cub, whose eyes
+were bright and keen, stole up to Manus, and Manus got on his back,
+and the lion cub sprang ashore and bade Manus rest on the rock and
+wait for him. So Manus slept, and by-and-by a voice sounded in his
+ears, saying: 'Arise!' And he saw a ship in the water beneath him, and
+in the ship sat the lion cub in the shape of the pilot.
+
+Then they sailed away through the fog, and none saw them; and they
+reached the land of Lochlann, and the lion cub with the chain round
+his neck sprang from the ship and Manus followed after. And the lion
+cub killed all the men that guarded the castle, and Iarlaid and his
+wife also, so that, in the end, Manus son of Oireal was crowned king
+of Lochlann.
+
+(Shortened from _West Highland Tales_.)
+
+
+
+
+_PINKEL THE THIEF_
+
+
+Long, long ago there lived a widow who had three sons. The two eldest
+were grown up, and though they were known to be idle fellows, some of
+the neighbours had given them work to do on account of the respect in
+which their mother was held. But at the time this story begins they
+had both been so careless and idle that their masters declared they
+would keep them no longer.
+
+So home they went to their mother and youngest brother, of whom they
+thought little, because he made himself useful about the house, and
+looked after the hens, and milked the cow. 'Pinkel,' they called him
+in scorn, and by-and-by 'Pinkel' became his name throughout the
+village.
+
+The two young men thought it was much nicer to live at home and be
+idle than to be obliged to do a quantity of disagreeable things they
+did not like, and they would have stayed by the fire till the end of
+their lives had not the widow lost patience with them and said that
+since they would not look for work at home they must seek it
+elsewhere, for she would not have them under her roof any longer. But
+she repented bitterly of her words when Pinkel told her that he too
+was old enough to go out into the world, and that when he had made a
+fortune he would send for his mother to keep house for him.
+
+The widow wept many tears at parting from her youngest son, but as she
+saw that his heart was set upon going with his brothers, she did not
+try to keep him. So the young men started off one morning in high
+spirits, never doubting that work such as they might be willing to do
+would be had for the asking, as soon as their little store of money
+was spent.
+
+But a very few days of wandering opened their eyes. Nobody seemed to
+want them, or, if they did, the young men declared that they were not
+able to undertake all that the farmers or millers or woodcutters
+required of them. The youngest brother, who was wiser, would gladly
+have done some of the work that the others refused, but he was small
+and slight, and no one thought of offering him any. Therefore they
+went from one place to another, living only on the fruit and nuts they
+could find in the woods, and getting hungrier every day.
+
+One night, after they had been walking for many hours and were very
+tired, they came to a large lake with an island in the middle of it.
+From the island streamed a strong light, by which they could see
+everything almost as clearly as if the sun had been shining, and they
+perceived that, lying half hidden in the rushes, was a boat.
+
+'Let us take it and row over to the island, where there must be a
+house,' said the eldest brother; 'and perhaps they will give us food
+and shelter.' And they all got in and rowed across in the direction of
+the light. As they drew near the island they saw that it came from a
+golden lantern hanging over the door of a hut, while sweet tinkling
+music proceeded from some bells attached to the golden horns of a goat
+which was feeding near the cottage. The young men's hearts rejoiced as
+they thought that at last they would be able to rest their weary
+limbs, and they entered the hut, but were amazed to see an ugly old
+woman inside, wrapped in a cloak of gold which lighted up the whole
+house. They looked at each other uneasily as she came forward with
+her daughter, as they knew by the cloak that this was a famous witch.
+
+'What do you want?' asked she, at the same time signing to her
+daughter to stir the large pot on the fire.
+
+'We are tired and hungry, and would fain have shelter for the night,'
+answered the eldest brother.
+
+'You cannot get it here,' said the witch, 'but you will find both food
+and shelter in the palace on the other side of the lake. Take your
+boat and go; but leave this boy with me--I can find work for him,
+though something tells me he is quick and cunning, and will do me
+ill.'
+
+'What harm can a poor boy like me do a great Troll like you,' answered
+Pinkel. 'Let me go, I pray you, with my brothers. I will promise never
+to hurt you.' And at last the witch let him go, and he followed his
+brothers to the boat.
+
+The way was further than they thought, and it was morning before they
+reached the palace.
+
+Now, at last, their luck seemed to have turned, for while the two
+eldest were given places in the king's stables, Pinkel was taken as
+page to the little prince. He was a clever and amusing boy, who saw
+everything that passed under his eyes, and the king noticed this, and
+often employed him in his own service, which made his brothers very
+jealous.
+
+Things went on in this way for some time, and Pinkel every day rose in
+the royal favour. At length the envy of his brothers became so great
+that they could bear it no longer, and consulted together how best
+they might ruin his credit with the king. They did not wish to kill
+him--though, perhaps, they would not have been sorry if they had heard
+he was dead--but merely wished to remind him that he was after all
+only a child, not half so old and wise as they.
+
+  [Illustration: PINKEL BRINGS THE WITCH'S LANTERN TO THE KING]
+
+Their opportunity soon came. It happened to be the king's custom to
+visit his stables once a week, so that he might see that his horses
+were being properly cared for. The next time he entered the stables
+the two brothers managed to be in the way, and when the king praised
+the beautiful satin skins of the horses under their charge, and
+remarked how different was their condition when his grooms had first
+come across the lake, the young men at once began to speak of the
+wonderful light which sprang from the lantern over the hut. The king,
+who had a passion for collecting all the rarest things he could find,
+fell into the trap directly, and inquired where he could get this
+marvellous lantern.
+
+'Send Pinkel for it, Sire,' said they. 'It belongs to an old witch,
+who no doubt came by it in some evil way. But Pinkel has a smooth
+tongue, and he can get the better of any woman, old or young.'
+
+'Then bid him go this very night,' cried the king; 'and if he brings
+me the lantern I will make him one of the chief men about my person.'
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Pinkel was much pleased at the thought of his adventure, and without
+more ado he borrowed a little boat which lay moored to the shore, and
+rowed over to the island at once. It was late by the time he arrived,
+and almost dark, but he knew by the savoury smell that reached him
+that the witch was cooking her supper. So he climbed softly on to the
+roof, and, peering, watched till the old woman's back was turned, when
+he quickly drew a handful of salt from his pocket and threw it into
+the pot. Scarcely had he done this when the witch called her daughter
+and bade her lift the pot off the fire and put the stew into a dish,
+as it had been cooking quite long enough and she was hungry. But no
+sooner had she tasted it than she put her spoon down, and declared
+that her daughter must have been meddling with it, for it was
+impossible to eat anything that was all made of salt.
+
+'Go down to the spring in the valley, and get some fresh water, that I
+may prepare a fresh supper,' cried she, 'for I feel half-starved.'
+
+'But, mother,' answered the girl, 'how can I find the well in this
+darkness? For you know that the lantern's rays shed no light down
+there.'
+
+'Well, then, take the lantern with you,' answered the witch, 'for
+supper I must have, and there is no water that is nearer.'
+
+So the girl took her pail in one hand and the golden lantern in the
+other, and hastened away to the well, followed by Pinkel, who took
+care to keep out of the way of the rays. When at last she stooped to
+fill her pail at the well Pinkel pushed her into it, and snatching up
+the lantern hurried back to his boat and rowed off from the shore.
+
+He was already a long distance from the island when the witch, who
+wondered what had become of her daughter, went to the door to look for
+her. Close around the hut was thick darkness, but what was that
+bobbing light that streamed across the water? The witch's heart sank
+as all at once it flashed upon her what had happened.
+
+'Is that you, Pinkel?' cried she; and the youth answered:
+
+'Yes, dear mother, it is I!'
+
+'And are you not a knave for robbing me?' said she.
+
+'Truly, dear mother, I am,' replied Pinkel, rowing faster than ever,
+for he was half afraid that the witch might come after him. But she
+had no power on the water, and turned angrily into the hut, muttering
+to herself all the while:
+
+'Take care! take care! A second time you will not escape so easily!'
+
+The sun had not yet risen when Pinkel returned to the palace, and,
+entering the king's chamber, he held up the lantern so that its rays
+might fall upon the bed. In an instant the king awoke, and seeing the
+golden lantern shedding its light upon him, he sprang up, and embraced
+Pinkel with joy.
+
+'O cunning one,' cried he, 'what treasure hast thou brought me!' And
+calling for his attendants he ordered that rooms next his own should
+be prepared for Pinkel, and that the youth might enter his presence at
+any hour. And besides this, he was to have a seat on the council.
+
+It may easily be guessed that all this made the brothers more envious
+than they were before; and they cast about in their minds afresh how
+best they might destroy him. At length they remembered the goat with
+the golden horns and the bells, and they rejoiced; 'For,' said they,
+'_this_ time the old woman will be on the watch, and let him be as
+clever as he likes, the bells on the horns are sure to warn her.' So
+when, as before, the king came down to the stables and praised the
+cleverness of their brother, the young men told him of that other
+marvel possessed by the witch, the goat with the golden horns.
+
+From this moment the king never closed his eyes at night for longing
+after this wonderful creature. He understood something of the danger
+that there might be in trying to steal it, now that the witch's
+suspicions were aroused, and he spent hours in making plans for
+outwitting her. But somehow he never could think of anything that
+would do, and at last, as the brothers had foreseen, he sent for
+Pinkel.
+
+'I hear,' he said, 'that the old witch on the island has a goat with
+golden horns, from which hang bells that tinkle the sweetest music.
+That goat I must have! But, tell me, how am I to get it? I would give
+the third part of my kingdom to anyone that would bring it to me.'
+
+'I will fetch it myself,' answered Pinkel.
+
+This time it was easier for Pinkel to approach the island unseen, as
+there was no golden lantern to throw its beams over the water. But, on
+the other hand, the goat slept inside the hut, and would therefore
+have to be taken from under the very eyes of the old woman. How was he
+to do it? All the way across the lake he thought and thought, till at
+length a plan came into his head which seemed as if it might do,
+though he knew it would be very difficult to carry out.
+
+The first thing he did when he reached the shore was to look about for
+a piece of wood, and when he had found it he hid himself close to the
+hut, till it grew quite dark and near the hour when the witch and her
+daughter went to bed. Then he crept up and fixed the wood under the
+door, which opened outwards, in such a manner that the more you tried
+to shut it the more firmly it stuck. And this was what happened when
+the girl went as usual to bolt the door and make all fast for the
+night.
+
+'What are you doing?' asked the witch, as her daughter kept tugging at
+the handle.
+
+'There is something the matter with the door; it won't shut,' answered
+she.
+
+'Well, leave it alone; there is nobody to hurt us,' said the witch,
+who was very sleepy; and the girl did as she was bid, and went to bed.
+Very soon they both might have been heard snoring, and Pinkel knew
+that his time was come. Slipping off his shoes he stole into the hut
+on tiptoe, and taking from his pockets some food of which the goat was
+particularly fond, he laid it under his nose. Then, while the animal
+was eating it, he stuffed each golden bell with wool which he had also
+brought with him, stopping every minute to listen, lest the witch
+should awaken, and he should find himself changed into some dreadful
+bird or beast. But the snoring still continued, and he went on with
+his work as quickly as he could. When the last bell was done he drew
+another handful of food out of his pocket, and held it out to the
+goat, which instantly rose to its feet and followed Pinkel, who backed
+slowly to the door, and directly he got outside he seized the goat in
+his arms and ran down to the place where he had moored his boat.
+
+As soon as he had reached the middle of the lake, Pinkel took the wool
+out of the bells, which began to tinkle loudly. Their sound awoke the
+witch, who cried out as before:
+
+'Is that you, Pinkel?'
+
+'Yes, dear mother, it is I,' said Pinkel.
+
+'Have you stolen my golden goat?' asked she.
+
+'Yes, dear mother, I have,' answered Pinkel.
+
+'Are you not a knave, Pinkel?'
+
+'Yes, dear mother, I am,' he replied. And the old witch shouted in a
+rage:
+
+  [Illustration: PINKEL STEALS THE WITCH'S GOAT]
+
+'Ah! beware how you come hither again, for next time you shall not
+escape me!'
+
+But Pinkel only laughed and rowed on.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The king was so delighted with the goat that he always kept it by his
+side, night and day; and, as he had promised, Pinkel was made ruler
+over the third part of the kingdom. As may be supposed, the brothers
+were more furious than ever, and grew quite thin with rage.
+
+'How can we get rid of him?' said one to the other. And at length they
+remembered the golden cloak.
+
+'He will need to be clever if he is to steal _that_!' they cried,
+with a chuckle. And when next the king came to see his horses they
+began to speak of Pinkel and his marvellous cunning, and how he had
+contrived to steal the lantern and the goat, which nobody else would
+have been able to do.
+
+'But as he _was_ there, it is a pity he could not have brought away
+the golden cloak,' added they.
+
+'The golden cloak! what is that?' asked the king. And the young men
+described its beauties in such glowing words that the king declared he
+should never know a day's happiness till he had wrapped the cloak
+round his own shoulders.
+
+'And,' added he, 'the man who brings it to me shall wed my daughter,
+and shall inherit my throne.'
+
+'None can get it save Pinkel,' said they; for they did not imagine
+that the witch, after two warnings, could allow their brother to
+escape a third time. So Pinkel was sent for, and with a glad heart he
+set out.
+
+He passed many hours inventing first one plan and then another, till
+he had a scheme ready which he thought might prove successful.
+
+Thrusting a large bag inside his coat, he pushed off from the shore,
+taking care this time to reach the island in daylight. Having made his
+boat fast to a tree, he walked up to the hut, hanging his head, and
+putting on a face that was both sorrowful and ashamed.
+
+'Is that you, Pinkel?' asked the witch when she saw him, her eyes
+gleaming savagely.
+
+'Yes, dear mother, it is I,' answered Pinkel.
+
+'So you have dared, after all you have done, to put yourself in my
+power!' cried she. 'Well, you sha'n't escape me _this_ time!' And she
+took down a large knife and began to sharpen it.
+
+'Oh! dear mother, spare me!' shrieked Pinkel, falling on his knees,
+and looking wildly about him.
+
+'Spare you, indeed, you thief! Where are my lantern and my goat? No!
+no! there is only one fate for robbers!' And she brandished the knife
+in the air so that it glittered in the firelight.
+
+'Then, if I _must_ die,' said Pinkel, who, by this time, was getting
+really rather frightened, 'let me at least choose the manner of my
+death. I am very hungry, for I have had nothing to eat all day. Put
+some poison, if you like, into the porridge, but at least let me have
+a good meal before I die.'
+
+'That is not a bad idea,' answered the woman; 'as long as you _do_
+die, it is all one to me.' And ladling out a large bowl of porridge,
+she stirred some poisonous herbs into it, and set about some work that
+had to be done. Then Pinkel hastily poured all the contents of the
+bowl into his bag, and made a great noise with his spoon, as if he was
+scraping up the last morsel.
+
+'Poisoned or not, the porridge is excellent. I have eaten it, every
+scrap; do give me some more,' said Pinkel, turning towards her.
+
+'Well, you have a fine appetite, young man,' answered the witch;
+'however, it is the last time you will ever eat it, so I will give you
+another bowlful.' And rubbing in the poisonous herbs, she poured him
+out half of what remained, and then went to the window to call her
+cat.
+
+In an instant Pinkel again emptied the porridge into the bag, and the
+next minute he rolled on the floor, twisting himself about as if in
+agony, uttering loud groans the while. Suddenly he grew silent and lay
+still.
+
+'Ah! I thought a second dose of that poison would be too much for
+you,' said the witch looking at him. 'I warned you what would happen
+if you came back. I wish that all thieves were as dead as you! But why
+does not my lazy girl bring the wood I sent her for, it will soon be
+too dark for her to find her way? I suppose I must go and search for
+her. What a trouble girls are!' And she went to the door to watch if
+there were any signs of her daughter. But nothing could be seen of
+her, and heavy rain was falling.
+
+'It is no night for my cloak,' she muttered; 'it would be covered with
+mud by the time I got back.' So she took it off her shoulders and hung
+it carefully up in a cupboard in the room. After that she put on her
+clogs and started to seek her daughter. Directly the last sound of the
+clogs had ceased, Pinkel jumped up and took down the cloak, and rowed
+off as fast as he could.
+
+He had not gone far when a puff of wind unfolded the cloak, and its
+brightness shed gleams across the water. The witch, who was just
+entering the forest, turned round at that moment and saw the golden
+rays. She forgot all about her daughter, and ran down to the shore,
+screaming with rage at being outwitted a third time.
+
+'Is that you, Pinkel?' cried she.
+
+'Yes, dear mother, it is I.'
+
+'Have you taken my gold cloak?'
+
+'Yes, dear mother, I have.'
+
+'Are you not a great knave?'
+
+'Yes, truly dear mother, I am.'
+
+And so indeed he was!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+But, all the same, he carried the cloak to the king's palace, and in
+return he received the hand of the king's daughter in marriage. People
+said that it was the bride who ought to have worn the cloak at her
+wedding feast; but the king was so pleased with it that he would not
+part from it; and to the end of his life was never seen without it.
+After his death, Pinkel became king; and let us hope that he gave up
+his bad and thievish ways, and ruled his subjects well. As for his
+brothers, he did not punish them, but left them in the stables, where
+they grumbled all day long.
+
+(Thorpe's _Yule-Tide Stories_.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE ADVENTURES OF A JACKAL_
+
+
+In a country which is full of wild beasts of all sorts there once
+lived a jackal and a hedgehog, and, unlike though they were, the two
+animals made great friends, and were often seen in each other's
+company.
+
+One afternoon they were walking along a road together, when the
+jackal, who was the taller of the two, exclaimed:
+
+'Oh! there is a barn full of corn; let us go and eat some.'
+
+'Yes, do let us!' answered the hedgehog. So they went to the barn, and
+ate till they could eat no more. Then the jackal put on his shoes,
+which he had taken off so as to make no noise, and they returned to
+the high road.
+
+After they had gone some way they met a panther, who stopped, and
+bowing politely, said:
+
+'Excuse my speaking to you, but I cannot help admiring those shoes of
+yours. Do you mind telling me who made them?'
+
+'Yes, I think they _are_ rather nice,' answered the jackal; 'I made
+them myself, though.'
+
+'Could you make me a pair like them?' asked the panther eagerly.
+
+'I would do my best, of course,' replied the jackal; 'but you must
+kill me a cow, and when we have eaten the flesh I will take the skin
+and make your shoes out of it.'
+
+So the panther prowled about until he saw a fine cow grazing apart
+from the rest of the herd. He killed it instantly, and then gave a cry
+to the jackal and hedgehog to come to the place where he was. They
+soon skinned the dead beast, and spread its skin out to dry, after
+which they had a grand feast before they curled themselves up for the
+night, and slept soundly.
+
+Next morning the jackal got up early and set to work upon the shoes,
+while the panther sat by and looked on with delight. At last they were
+finished, and the jackal arose and stretched himself.
+
+'Now go and lay them in the sun out there,' said he; 'in a couple of
+hours they will be ready to put on; but do not attempt to wear them
+before, or you will feel them most uncomfortable. But I see the sun is
+high in the heavens, and we must be continuing our journey.'
+
+The panther, who always believed what everybody told him, did exactly
+as he was bid, and in two hours' time began to fasten on the shoes.
+They certainly set off his paws wonderfully, and he stretched out his
+fore-paws and looked at them with pride. But when he tried to
+_walk_--ah! that was another story! They were so stiff and hard that
+he nearly shrieked every step he took, and at last he sank down where
+he was, and actually began to cry.
+
+After some time some little partridges who were hopping about heard
+the poor panther's groans, and went up to see what was the matter. He
+had never tried to make his dinner off _them_, and they had always
+been quite friendly.
+
+'You seem in pain,' said one of them, fluttering close to him, 'can we
+help you?'
+
+'Oh, it is the jackal! He made me these shoes; they are so hard and
+tight that they hurt my feet, and I cannot manage to kick them off.'
+
+'Lie still, and we will soften them,' answered the kind little
+partridge. And calling to his brothers, they all flew to the nearest
+spring, and carried water in their beaks, which they poured over the
+shoes. This they did till the hard leather grew soft, and the panther
+was able to slip his feet out of them.
+
+'Oh, thank you, thank you,' he cried, skipping round with joy. 'I feel
+a different creature. Now I will go after the jackal and pay him my
+debts.' And he bounded away into the forest.
+
+But the jackal had been very cunning, and had trotted backwards and
+forwards and in and out, so that it was very difficult to know which
+track he had really followed. At length, however, he caught sight of
+his enemy, at the same moment that the jackal had caught sight of him.
+The panther gave a loud roar, and sprung forward, but the jackal was
+too quick for him and plunged into a dense thicket, where the panther
+could not follow.
+
+Disgusted with his failure, but more angry than ever, the panther lay
+down for a while to consider what he should do next, and as he was
+thinking, an old man came by.
+
+'Oh! father, tell me how I can repay the jackal for the way he has
+served me!' And without more ado he told his story.
+
+'If you take my advice,' answered the old man, 'you will kill a cow,
+and invite all the jackals in the forest to the feast. Watch them
+carefully while they are eating, and you will see that most of them
+keep their eyes on their food. But if one of them glances at _you_,
+you will know that is the traitor.'
+
+The panther, whose manners were always good, thanked the old man, and
+followed his counsel. The cow was killed, and the partridges flew
+about with invitations to the jackals, who gathered in large numbers
+to the feast. The wicked jackal came amongst them; but as the panther
+had only seen him once he could not distinguish him from the rest.
+However, they all took their places on wooden seats placed round the
+dead cow, which was laid across the boughs of a fallen tree, and
+began their dinner, each jackal fixing his eyes greedily on the piece
+of meat before him. Only one of them seemed uneasy, and every now and
+then glanced in the direction of his host. This the panther noticed,
+and suddenly made a bound at the culprit and seized his tail; but
+again the jackal was too quick for him, and catching up a knife he cut
+off his tail and darted into the forest, followed by all the rest of
+the party. And before the panther had recovered from his surprise he
+found himself alone.
+
+'What am I to do _now_?' he asked the old man, who soon came back to
+see how things had turned out.
+
+'It is very unfortunate, certainly,' answered he; 'but I think I know
+where you can find him. There is a melon garden about two miles from
+here, and as jackals are very fond of melons they are nearly sure to
+have gone there to feed. If you see a tailless jackal you will know
+that he is the one you want.' So the panther thanked him and went his
+way.
+
+Now the jackal had guessed what advice the old man would give his
+enemy, and so, while his friends were greedily eating the ripest
+melons in the sunniest corner of the garden, he stole behind them and
+tied their tails together. He had only just finished when his ears
+caught the sound of breaking branches; and he cried: 'Quick! quick!
+here comes the master of the garden!' And the jackals sprang up and
+ran away in all directions, leaving their tails behind them. And how
+was the panther to know which was his enemy?
+
+'They none of them had any tails,' he said sadly to the old man, 'and
+I am tired of hunting them. I shall leave them alone and go and catch
+something for supper.'
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Of course the hedgehog had not been able to take part in any of these
+adventures; but as soon as all danger was over, the jackal went to
+look for his friend whom he was lucky enough to find at home.
+
+'Ah, there you are,' he said gaily. 'I have lost my tail since I saw
+you last. And other people have lost theirs too; but that is no
+matter! I am hungry, so come with me to the shepherd who is sitting
+over there, and we will ask him to sell us one of his sheep.'
+
+'Yes, that is a good plan,' answered the hedgehog. And he walked as
+fast as his little legs would go to keep up with the jackal. When they
+reached the shepherd the jackal pulled out his purse from under his
+foreleg, and made his bargain.
+
+'Only wait till to-morrow,' said the shepherd, 'and I will give you
+the biggest sheep you ever saw. But he always feeds at some distance
+from the rest of the flock, and it would take me a long time to catch
+him.'
+
+'Well, it is very tiresome, but I suppose I must wait,' replied the
+jackal. And he and the hedgehog looked about for a nice dry cave in
+which to make themselves comfortable for the night. But, after they
+had gone, the shepherd killed one of his sheep, and stripped off his
+skin, which he sewed tightly round a greyhound he had with him, and
+put a cord round its neck. Then he lay down and went to sleep.
+
+Very, very early, before the sun was properly up, the jackal and the
+hedgehog were pulling at the shepherd's cloak.
+
+'Wake up,' they said, 'and give us that sheep. We have had nothing to
+eat all night, and are very hungry.'
+
+The shepherd yawned, and rubbed his eyes. 'He is tied up to that tree;
+go and take him.' So they went to the tree and unfastened the cord,
+and turned to go back to the cave where they had slept, dragging the
+greyhound after them. When they reached the cave the jackal said to
+the hedgehog:
+
+'Before I kill him let me see whether he is fat or thin.' And he stood
+a little way back, so that he might the better examine the animal.
+After looking at him, with his head on one side, for a minute or two,
+he nodded gravely.
+
+'He is quite fat enough; he is a good sheep.'
+
+But the hedgehog, who sometimes showed more cunning than anyone would
+have guessed, answered:
+
+'My friend, you are talking nonsense. The wool is indeed a sheep's
+wool, but the paws of my uncle the greyhound peep out from
+underneath.'
+
+'He is a _sheep_,' repeated the jackal, who did not like to think
+anyone cleverer than himself.
+
+'Hold the cord while _I_ look at him,' answered the hedgehog.
+
+Very unwillingly the jackal held the rope, while the hedgehog walked
+slowly round the greyhound till he reached the jackal again. He knew
+quite well by the paws and tail that it was a greyhound and not a
+sheep, that the shepherd had sold them; and as he could not tell what
+turn affairs might take, he resolved to get out of the way.
+
+'Oh! yes, you are right,' he said to the jackal; 'but I never can eat
+till I have first drunk. I will just go and quench my thirst from that
+spring at the edge of the wood, and then I shall be ready for
+breakfast.'
+
+'Don't be long, then,' called the jackal, as the hedgehog hurried off
+at his best pace. And he lay down under a rock to wait for him.
+
+More than an hour passed by and the hedgehog had had plenty of time to
+go to the spring and back, and still there was no sign of him. And
+this was very natural, as he had hidden himself in some long grass
+under a tree!
+
+At length the jackal guessed that for some reason his friend had run
+away, and determined to wait for his breakfast no longer. So he went
+up to the place where the greyhound had been tethered and untied the
+rope. But just as he was about to spring on his back and give him a
+deadly bite, the jackal heard a low growl, which never proceeded from
+the throat of any sheep. Like a flash of lightning the jackal threw
+down the cord and was flying across the plain; but though his legs
+were long, the greyhound's legs were longer still, and he soon came up
+with his prey. The jackal turned to fight, but he was no match for the
+greyhound, and in a few minutes he was lying dead on the ground, while
+the greyhound was trotting peacefully back to the shepherd.
+
+(_Nouveaux Contes Berb�res_ par Ren� Basset.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE ADVENTURES OF THE JACKAL'S ELDEST SON_
+
+
+Now, though the jackal was dead, he had left two sons behind him,
+every whit as cunning and tricky as their father. The elder of the two
+was a fine handsome creature, who had a pleasant manner and made many
+friends. The animal he saw most of was a hyena; and one day, when they
+were taking a walk together, they picked up a beautiful green cloak,
+which had evidently been dropped by some one riding across the plain
+on a camel. Of course each wanted to have it, and they almost
+quarrelled over the matter; but at length it was settled that the
+hyena should wear the cloak by day and the jackal by night. After a
+little while, however, the jackal became discontented with this
+arrangement, declaring that none of his friends, who were quite
+different from those of the hyena, could see the splendour of the
+mantle, and that it was only fair that he should sometimes be allowed
+to wear it by day. To this the hyena would by no means consent, and
+they were on the eve of a quarrel when the hyena proposed that they
+should ask the lion to judge between them. The jackal agreed to this,
+and the hyena wrapped the cloak about him, and they both trotted off
+to the lion's den.
+
+The jackal, who was fond of talking, at once told the story; and when
+it was finished the lion turned to the hyena and asked if it was true.
+
+'Quite true, your majesty,' answered the hyena.
+
+'Then lay the cloak on the ground at my feet,' said the lion, 'and I
+will give my judgment.' So the mantle was spread upon the red earth,
+the hyena and the jackal standing on each side of it.
+
+There was silence for a few moments, and then the lion sat up, looking
+very great and wise.
+
+'My judgment is that the garment shall belong wholly to whoever first
+rings the bell of the nearest mosque at dawn to-morrow. Now go; for
+much business awaits me!'
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+All that night the hyena sat up, fearing lest the jackal should reach
+the bell before him, for the mosque was close at hand. With the first
+streak of dawn he bounded away to the bell, just as the jackal, who
+had slept soundly all night, was rising to his feet.
+
+'Good luck to you,' cried the jackal. And throwing the cloak over his
+back he darted away across the plain, and was seen no more by his
+friend the hyena.
+
+After running several miles the jackal thought he was safe from
+pursuit, and seeing a lion and another hyena talking together, he
+strolled up to join them.
+
+'Good morning,' he said; 'may I ask what is the matter? You seem very
+serious about something.'
+
+'Pray sit down,' answered the lion. 'We were wondering in which
+direction we should go to find the best dinner. The hyena wishes to go
+to the forest, and I to the mountains. What do you say?'
+
+'Well, as I was sauntering over the plain, just now, I noticed a flock
+of sheep grazing, and some of them had wandered into a little valley
+quite out of sight of the shepherd. If you keep among the rocks you
+will never be observed. But perhaps you will allow me to go with you
+and show you the way?'
+
+'You are really very kind,' answered the lion. And they crept
+stealthily along till at length they reached the mouth of the valley
+where a ram, a sheep and a lamb were feeding on the rich grass,
+unconscious of their danger.
+
+'How shall we divide them?' asked the lion in a whisper to the hyena.
+
+'Oh, it is easily done,' replied the hyena. 'The lamb for me, the
+sheep for the jackal, and the ram for the lion.'
+
+'So I am to have that lean creature, which is nothing but horns, am
+I?' cried the lion in a rage. 'I will teach you to divide things in
+that manner!' And he gave the hyena two great blows, which stretched
+him dead in a moment. Then he turned to the jackal and said: 'How
+would you divide them?'
+
+'Quite differently from the hyena,' replied the jackal. 'You will
+breakfast off the lamb, you will dine off the sheep, and you will sup
+off the ram.'
+
+'Dear me, how clever you are! Who taught you such wisdom?' exclaimed
+the lion, looking at him admiringly.
+
+'The fate of the hyena,' answered the jackal, laughing, and running
+off at his best speed; for he saw two men armed with spears coming
+close behind the lion!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The jackal continued to run till at last he could run no longer. He
+flung himself under a tree panting for breath, when he heard a rustle
+amongst the grass, and his father's old friend the hedgehog appeared
+before him.
+
+'Oh, is it you?' asked the little creature; 'how strange that we
+should meet so far from home!'
+
+'I have just had a narrow escape of my life,' gasped the jackal, 'and
+I need some sleep. After that we must think of something to do to
+amuse ourselves.' And he lay down again and slept soundly for a couple
+of hours.
+
+'Now I am ready,' said he; 'have you anything to propose?'
+
+'In a valley beyond those trees,' answered the hedgehog, 'there is a
+small farm-house where the best butter in the world is made. I know
+their ways, and in an hour's time the farmer's wife will be off to
+milk the cows, which she keeps at some distance. We could easily get
+in at the window of the shed where she keeps the butter, and I will
+watch, lest some one should come unexpectedly, while you have a good
+meal. Then you shall watch, and I will eat.'
+
+'That sounds a good plan,' replied the jackal; and they set off
+together.
+
+But when they reached the farm-house the jackal said to the hedgehog:
+'Go in and fetch the pots of butter, and I will hide them in a safe
+place.'
+
+'Oh no,' cried the hedgehog, 'I really couldn't. They would find out
+directly! And, besides, it is so different just eating a little now
+and then.'
+
+'Do as I bid you _at once_,' said the jackal, looking at the hedgehog
+so sternly that the little fellow dared say no more, and soon rolled
+the jars to the window where the jackal lifted them out one by one.
+
+When they were all in a row before him he gave a sudden start.
+
+'Run for your life,' he whispered to his companion; 'I see the woman
+coming over the hill!' And the hedgehog, his heart beating, set off as
+fast as he could. The jackal remained where he was, shaking with
+laughter, for the woman was not in sight at all, and he had only sent
+the hedgehog away because he did not want him to know where the jars
+of butter were buried. But every day he stole out to their
+hiding-place and had a delicious feast.
+
+At length, one morning, the hedgehog suddenly said:
+
+'You never told me what you did with those jars?'
+
+'Oh, I hid them safely till the farm people should have forgotten all
+about them,' replied the jackal. 'But as they are still searching for
+them we must wait a little longer, and then I'll bring them home, and
+we will share them between us.'
+
+So the hedgehog waited and waited; but every time he asked if there
+was no chance of getting the jars of butter the jackal put him off
+with some excuse. After a while the hedgehog became suspicious, and
+said:
+
+'I should like to know where you have hidden them. To-night, when it
+is quite dark, you shall show me the place.'
+
+'I really _can't_ tell you,' answered the jackal. 'You talk so much
+that you would be sure to confide the secret to somebody, and then we
+should have had our trouble for nothing, besides running the risk of
+our necks being broken by the farmer. I can see that he is getting
+disheartened, and very soon he will give up the search. Have patience
+just a little longer.'
+
+The hedgehog said no more, and pretended to be satisfied; but when
+some days had gone by he woke the jackal, who was sleeping soundly
+after a hunt which had lasted several hours.
+
+'I have just had notice,' remarked the hedgehog, shaking him, 'that my
+family wish to have a banquet to-morrow, and they have invited you to
+it. Will you come?'
+
+'Certainly,' answered the jackal, 'with pleasure. But as I have to go
+out in the morning you can meet me on the road.'
+
+'That will do very well,' replied the hedgehog. And the jackal went to
+sleep again, for he was obliged to be up early.
+
+Punctual to the moment the hedgehog arrived at the place appointed for
+their meeting, and as the jackal was not there he sat down and waited
+for him.
+
+'Ah, there you are!' he cried, when the dusky yellow form at last
+turned the corner. 'I had nearly given you up! Indeed, I almost wish
+you had not come, for I hardly know where I shall hide you.'
+
+'Why should you hide me anywhere?' asked the jackal. 'What is the
+matter with you?'
+
+'Well, so many of the guests have brought their dogs and mules with
+them, that I fear it may hardly be safe for you to go amongst them.
+No; don't run off that way,' he added quickly, 'because there is
+another troop that are coming over the hill. Lie down here, and I
+will throw these sacks over you; and keep still for your life,
+whatever happens.'
+
+And what did happen was, that when the jackal was lying covered up,
+under a little hill, the hedgehog set a great stone rolling, which
+crushed him to death.
+
+(_Contes Berb�res._)
+
+
+
+
+_THE ADVENTURES OF THE YOUNGER SON OF THE JACKAL_
+
+
+Now that the father and elder brother were both dead, all that was
+left of the jackal family was one son, who was no less cunning than
+the others had been. He did not like staying in the same place any
+better than they, and nobody ever knew in what part of the country he
+might be found next.
+
+One day, when he was wandering about he beheld a nice fat sheep, which
+was cropping the grass and seemed quite contented with her lot.
+
+'Good morning,' said the jackal, 'I am so glad to see you. I have been
+looking for you everywhere.'
+
+'For _me_?' answered the sheep, in an astonished voice; 'but we have
+never met before!'
+
+'No; but I have _heard_ of you. Oh! you don't know _what_ fine things
+I have heard! Ah, well, some people have all the luck!'
+
+'You are very kind, I am sure,' answered the sheep, not knowing which
+way to look. 'Is there any way in which I can help you?'
+
+'There _is_ something that I had set my heart on, though I hardly like
+to propose it on so short an acquaintance; but from what people have
+told me, I thought that you and I might keep house together
+comfortably, if you would only agree to try. I have several fields
+belonging to me, and if they are kept well watered they bear wonderful
+crops.'
+
+'Perhaps I might come for a short time,' said the sheep, with a
+little hesitation; 'and if we do not get on, we can but part company.'
+
+'Oh, thank you, thank you,' cried the jackal; 'do not let us lose a
+moment.' And he held out his paw in such an inviting manner that the
+sheep got up and trotted beside him till they reached home.
+
+'Now,' said the jackal, 'you go to the well and fetch the water, and I
+will pour it into the trenches that run between the patches of corn.'
+And as he did so he sang lustily. The work was very hard, but the
+sheep did not grumble, and by-and-by was rewarded at seeing the little
+green heads poking themselves through earth. After that the hot sun
+ripened them quickly, and soon harvest time was come. Then the grain
+was cut and ground and ready for sale.
+
+When everything was complete, the jackal said to the sheep:
+
+'Now let us divide it, so that we can each do what we like with his
+share.'
+
+'You do it,' answered the sheep; 'here are the scales. You must weigh
+it carefully.'
+
+So the jackal began to weigh it, and when he had finished, he counted
+out loud:
+
+'One, two, three, four, five, six, seven parts for the jackal, and one
+part for the sheep. If she likes it she can take it, if not, she can
+leave it.'
+
+The sheep looked at the two heaps in silence--one so large, the other
+so small; and then she answered:
+
+'Wait for a minute, while I fetch some sacks to carry away my share.'
+
+But it was not sacks that the sheep wanted; for as soon as the jackal
+could no longer see her she set forth at her best pace for the home of
+the greyhound, where she arrived panting with the haste she had made.
+
+'Oh, good uncle, help me, I pray you!' she cried, as soon as she could
+speak.
+
+'Why, what is the matter?' asked the greyhound, looking up in
+astonishment.
+
+'I beg you to return with me, and frighten the jackal into paying me
+what he owes me,' answered the sheep. 'For months we have lived
+together, and I have twice every day drawn the water, while he only
+poured it into the trenches. Together we have reaped our harvest; and
+now, when the moment to divide our crop has come, he has taken seven
+parts for himself, and only left one for me.'
+
+She finished, and giving herself a twist, passed her woolly tail
+across her eyes; while the greyhound watched her, but held his peace.
+Then he said:
+
+'Bring me a sack.' And the sheep hastened away to fetch one. Very soon
+she returned, and laid the sack down before him.
+
+'Open it wide, that I may get in,' cried he; and when he was
+comfortably rolled up inside he bade the sheep take him on her back,
+and hasten to the place where she had left the jackal.
+
+She found him waiting for her, and pretending to be asleep, though she
+clearly saw him wink one of his eyes. However, she took no notice, but
+throwing the sack roughly on the ground, she exclaimed:
+
+'Now measure!'
+
+At this the jackal got up, and going to the heap of grain which lay
+close by, he divided it as before into eight portions--seven for
+himself and one for the sheep.
+
+'What are you doing that for?' asked she indignantly. 'You know quite
+well that it was I who drew the water, and you who only poured it into
+the trenches.'
+
+'You are mistaken,' answered the jackal. 'It was _I_ who drew the
+water, and _you_ who poured it into the trenches. Anybody will tell
+you that! If you like, I will ask those people who are digging there.'
+
+'Very well,' replied the sheep. And the jackal called out:
+
+'Ho! you diggers, tell me: Who was it you heard singing over the
+work?'
+
+'Why, it was you, of course, jackal! You sang so loud that the whole
+world might have heard you!'
+
+'And who is it that sings--he who draws the water, or he who empties
+it?'
+
+'Why, certainly he who draws the water!'
+
+'You hear?' said the jackal, turning to the sheep. 'Now come and carry
+away your own portion, or else I shall take it for myself.'
+
+'You have got the better of me,' answered the sheep; 'and I suppose I
+must confess myself beaten! But as I bear no malice, go and eat some
+of the dates that I have brought in that sack.' And the jackal, who
+loved dates, ran instantly back, and tore open the mouth of the sack.
+But just as he was about to plunge his nose in he saw two brown eyes
+calmly looking at him. In an instant he had let fall the flap of the
+sack and bounded back to where the sheep was standing.
+
+'I was only in fun; and you have brought my uncle the greyhound. Take
+away the sack, we will make the division over again.' And he began
+re-arranging the heaps.
+
+'One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, for my mother the sheep, and
+one for the jackal,' counted he; casting timid glances all the while
+at the sack.
+
+'Now you can take your share and go,' said the sheep. And the jackal
+did not need twice telling! Whenever the sheep looked up, she still
+saw him flying, flying across the plain; and, for all I know, he may
+be flying across it still.
+
+(_Contes Berb�res_, par Ren� Basset.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE THREE TREASURES OF THE GIANTS_
+
+
+Long, long ago, there lived an old man and his wife who had three
+sons; the eldest was called Martin, the second Michael, while the
+third was named Jack.
+
+One evening they were all seated round the table, eating their supper
+of bread and milk.
+
+'Martin,' said the old man suddenly, 'I feel that I cannot live much
+longer. You, as the eldest, will inherit this hut; but, if you value
+my blessing, be good to your mother and brothers.'
+
+'Certainly, father; how can you suppose I should do them wrong?'
+replied Martin indignantly, helping himself to all the best bits in
+the dish as he spoke. The old man saw nothing, but Michael looked on
+in surprise, and Jack was so astonished that he quite forgot to eat
+his own supper.
+
+A little while after, the father fell ill, and sent for his sons, who
+were out hunting, to bid him farewell. After giving good advice to the
+two eldest, he turned to Jack.
+
+'My boy,' he said, 'you have not got quite as much sense as other
+people, but if Heaven has deprived you of some of your wits, it has
+given you a kind heart. Always listen to what it says, and take heed
+to the words of your mother and brothers, as well as you are able!' So
+saying the old man sank back on his pillows and died.
+
+The cries of grief uttered by Martin and Michael sounded through the
+house, but Jack remained by the bedside of his father, still and
+silent, as if he were dead also. At length he got up, and going into
+the garden, hid himself in some trees, and wept like a child, while
+his two brothers made ready for the funeral.
+
+No sooner was the old man buried than Martin and Michael agreed that
+they would go into the world together to seek their fortunes, while
+Jack stayed at home with their mother. Jack would have liked nothing
+better than to sit and dream by the fire, but the mother, who was very
+old herself, declared that there was no work for him to do, and that
+he must seek it with his brothers.
+
+So, one fine morning, all three set out; Martin and Michael carried
+two great bags full of food, but Jack carried nothing. This made his
+brothers very angry, for the day was hot and the bags were heavy, and
+about noon they sat down under a tree and began to eat. Jack was as
+hungry as they were, but he knew that it was no use asking for
+anything; and he threw himself under another tree, and wept bitterly.
+
+'Another time perhaps you won't be so lazy, and will bring food for
+yourself,' said Martin, but to his surprise Jack answered:
+
+'You are a nice pair! You talk of seeking your fortunes, so as not to
+be a burden on our mother, and you begin by carrying off all the food
+she has in the house!'
+
+This reply was so unexpected that for some moments neither of the
+brothers made any answer. Then they offered their brother some of
+their food, and when he had finished eating they went their way once
+more.
+
+Towards evening they reached a small hut, and knocking at the door,
+asked if they might spend the night there. The man, who was a
+wood-cutter, invited them in, and begged them to sit down to supper.
+Martin thanked him, but being very proud, explained that it was only
+shelter they wanted, as they had plenty of food with them; and he and
+Michael as once opened their bags and began to eat, while Jack hid
+himself in a corner. The wife, on seeing this, took pity on him, and
+called him to come and share their supper, which he gladly did, and
+very good he found it. At this, Martin regretted deeply that he had
+been so foolish as to refuse, for his bits of bread and cheese seemed
+very hard when he smelt the savoury soup his brother was enjoying.
+
+'He shan't have such a chance again,' thought he; and the next morning
+he insisted on plunging into a thick forest where they were likely to
+meet nobody.
+
+For a long time they wandered hither and thither, for they had no path
+to guide them; but at last they came upon a wide clearing, in the
+midst of which stood a castle. Jack shouted with delight, but Martin,
+who was in a bad temper, said sharply:
+
+'We must have taken the wrong turning! Let us go back.'
+
+'Idiot!' replied Michael, who was hungry too, and, like many people
+when they are hungry, very cross also. 'We set out to travel through
+the world, and what does it matter if we go to the right or to the
+left?' And, without another word, took the path to the castle, closely
+followed by Jack, and after a moment by Martin likewise.
+
+The door of the castle stood open, and they entered a great hall, and
+looked about them. Not a creature was to be seen, and suddenly
+Martin--he did not know why--felt a little frightened. He would have
+left the castle at once, but stopped when Jack boldly walked up to a
+door in the wall and opened it. He could not for very shame be outdone
+by his younger brother, and passed behind him, into another splendid
+hall, which was filled from floor to ceiling with great pieces of
+copper money.
+
+The sight quite dazzled Martin and Michael, who emptied all the
+provisions that remained out of their bags, and heaped them up instead
+with handfuls of copper.
+
+  [Illustration: THE BROTHERS ILL-TREAT POOR JACK]
+
+Scarcely had they done this when Jack threw open another door, and
+this time it led to a hall filled with silver. In an instant his
+brothers had turned their bags upside down, so that the copper money
+tumbled out on to the floor, and were shovelling in handfuls of the
+silver instead. They had hardly finished, when Jack opened yet a third
+door, and all three fell back in amazement, for this room was a mass
+of gold, so bright that their eyes grew sore as they looked at them.
+However, they soon recovered from their surprise, and quickly emptied
+their bags of silver, and filled them with gold instead. When they
+would hold no more, Martin said:
+
+'We had better hurry off now lest somebody else should come, and we
+might not know what to do'; and, followed by Michael, he hastily left
+the castle. Jack lingered behind for a few minutes to put a piece of
+gold, silver, and copper into his pocket, and to eat the food that his
+brothers had thrown down in the first room. Then he went after them,
+and found them lying down to rest in the midst of a forest. It was
+near sunset, and Martin began to feel hungry, so, when Jack arrived,
+he bade him return to the castle and bring the bread and cheese that
+they had left there.
+
+'It is hardly worth doing that,' answered Jack; 'for I picked up the
+pieces and ate them myself.'
+
+At this reply both brothers were beside themselves with anger, and
+fell upon the boy, beating him, and calling him names, till they were
+quite tired.
+
+'Go where you like,' cried Martin with a final kick; 'but never come
+near us again.' And poor Jack ran weeping into the woods.
+
+The next morning his brothers went home, and bought a beautiful house,
+where they lived with their mother like great lords.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Jack remained for some hours in hiding, thankful to be safe from his
+tormentors; but when no one came to trouble him, and his back did not
+ache so much, he began to think what he had better do. At length he
+made up his mind to go to the castle and take away as much money with
+him as would enable him to live in comfort for the rest of his life.
+This being decided, he sprang up, and set out along the path which led
+to the castle. As before, the door stood open, and he went on till he
+had reached the hall of gold, and there he took off his jacket and
+tied the sleeves together so that it might make a kind of bag. He then
+began to pour in the gold by handfuls, when, all at once, a noise
+like thunder shook the castle. This was followed by a voice, hoarse
+as that of a bull, which cried:
+
+'I smell the smell of a man.' And two giants entered.
+
+'So, little worm! it is _you_ who steal our treasures!' exclaimed the
+biggest. 'Well, we have got you now, and we will cook you for supper!'
+But here the other giant drew him aside, and for a moment or two they
+whispered together. At length the first giant spoke:
+
+'To please my friend I will spare your life on condition that, for the
+future, you shall guard our treasures. If you are hungry take this
+little table and rap on it, saying, as you do so: "The dinner of an
+emperor!" and you will get as much food as you want.'
+
+With a light heart Jack promised all that was asked of him, and for
+some days enjoyed himself mightily. He had everything he could wish
+for, and did nothing from morning till night; but by-and-by he began
+to get very tired of it all.
+
+'Let the giants guard their treasures themselves,' he said to himself
+at last; 'I am going away. But I will leave all the gold and silver
+behind me, and will take nought but you, my good little table.'
+
+So, tucking the table under his arm, he started off for the forest,
+but he did not linger there long, and soon found himself in the fields
+on the other side. There he saw an old man, who begged Jack to give
+him something to eat.
+
+'You could not have asked a better person,' answered Jack cheerfully.
+And signing to him to sit down with him under a tree, he set the table
+in front of them, and struck it three times, crying:
+
+'The dinner of an emperor!' He had hardly uttered the words when fish
+and meat of all kinds appeared on it!
+
+  [Illustration: THE GIANTS FIND JACK IN THE TREASURE ROOM]
+
+'That is a clever trick of yours,' said the old man, when he had eaten
+as much as he wanted. 'Give it to me in exchange for a treasure I have
+which is still better. Do you see this cornet? Well, you have only
+to tell it that you wish for an army, and you will have as many
+soldiers as you require.'
+
+Now, since he had been left to himself, Jack had grown ambitious, so,
+after a moment's hesitation, he took the cornet and gave the table in
+exchange. The old man bade him farewell, and set off down one path,
+while Jack chose another, and for a long time he was quite pleased
+with his new possession. Then, as he felt hungry, he wished for his
+table back again, as no house was in sight, and he wanted some supper
+badly. All at once he remembered his cornet, and a wicked thought
+entered his mind.
+
+'Two hundred hussars, forward!' cried he. And the neighing of horses
+and the clanking of swords was heard close at hand. The officer who
+rode at their head approached Jack, and politely inquired what he
+wished them to do.
+
+'A mile or two along that road,' answered Jack, 'you will find an old
+man carrying a table. Take the table from him and bring it to me.'
+
+The officer saluted and went back to his men, who started at a gallop
+to do Jack's bidding.
+
+In ten minutes they had returned, bearing the table with them.
+
+'That is all, thank you,' said Jack; and the soldiers disappeared
+inside the cornet.
+
+Oh, what a good supper Jack had that night, quite forgetting that he
+owed it to a mean trick. The next day he breakfasted early, and then
+walked on towards the nearest town. On the way thither he met another
+old man, who begged for something to eat.
+
+'Certainly you shall have something to eat,' replied Jack. And placing
+the table on the ground, he cried:
+
+'The dinner of an emperor!' when all sorts of good dishes appeared. At
+first the old man ate greedily, and said nothing; but, after his
+hunger was satisfied, he turned to Jack and said:
+
+'That is a very clever trick of yours. Give the table to me, and you
+shall have something still better.'
+
+'I don't believe there _is_ anything better,' answered Jack.
+
+'Yes, there is. Here is my bag; it will give you as many castles as
+you can possibly want.'
+
+Jack thought for a moment; then he replied: 'Very well, I will
+exchange with you.' And passing the table to the old man, he hung the
+bag over his arm.
+
+Five minutes later he summoned five hundred lancers out of the cornet
+and bade them go after the old man and fetch back the table.
+
+Now that by his cunning he had obtained possession of the three magic
+objects, he resolved to return to his native place. Smearing his face
+with dirt, and tearing his clothes so as to look like a beggar, he
+stopped the passers by and, on pretence of seeking money or food, he
+questioned them about the village gossip. In this manner he learned
+that his brothers had become great men, much respected in all the
+country round. When he heard that, he lost no time in going to the
+door of their fine house and imploring them to give him food and
+shelter; but the only thing he got was hard words, and a command to
+beg elsewhere. At length, however, at their mother's entreaty, he was
+told that he might pass the night in the stable. Here he waited until
+everybody in the house was sound asleep, when he drew his bag from
+under his cloak, and desired that a castle might appear in that place;
+and the cornet gave him soldiers to guard the castle, while the table
+furnished him with a good supper. In the morning, he caused it all to
+vanish, and when his brothers entered the stable they found him lying
+on the straw.
+
+Jack remained here for many days, doing nothing, and--as far as
+anybody knew--eating nothing. This conduct puzzled his brothers
+greatly, and they put such constant questions to him, that at length
+he told them the secret of the table, and even gave a dinner to them,
+which far outdid any they had ever seen or heard of. But though they
+had solemnly promised to reveal nothing, somehow or other the tale
+leaked out, and before long reached the ears of the king himself. That
+very evening his chamberlain arrived at Jack's dwelling, with a
+request from the king that he might borrow the table for three days.
+
+'Very well,' answered Jack, 'you can take it back with you. But tell
+his majesty that if he does not return it at the end of the three days
+I will make war upon him.'
+
+So the chamberlain carried away the table and took it straight to the
+king, telling him at the same time of Jack's threat, at which they
+both laughed till their sides ached.
+
+Now the king was so delighted with the table, and the dinners it gave
+him, that when the three days were over he could not make up his mind
+to part with it. Instead, he sent for his carpenter, and bade him copy
+it exactly, and when it was done he told his chamberlain to return it
+to Jack with his best thanks. It happened to be dinner time, and Jack
+invited the chamberlain, who knew nothing of the trick, to stay and
+dine with him. The good man, who had eaten several excellent meals
+provided by the table in the last three days, accepted the invitation
+with pleasure, even though he was to dine in a stable, and sat down on
+the straw beside Jack.
+
+'The dinner of an emperor!' cried Jack. But not even a morsel of
+cheese made its appearance.
+
+'The dinner of an emperor!' shouted Jack in a voice of thunder. Then
+the truth dawned upon him; and, crushing the table between his hands,
+he turned to the chamberlain, who, bewildered and half-frightened, was
+wondering how to get away.
+
+'Tell your false king that to-morrow I will destroy his castle as
+easily as I have broken this table.'
+
+The chamberlain hastened back to the palace, and gave the king Jack's
+message, at which he laughed more than before, and called all his
+courtiers to hear the story. But they were not quite so merry when
+they woke next morning and beheld ten thousand horsemen, and as many
+archers, surrounding the palace. The king saw it was useless to hold
+out, and he took the white flag of truce in one hand, and the real
+table in the other, and set out to look for Jack.
+
+'I committed a crime,' said he; 'but I will do my best to make up for
+it. Here is your table, which I own with shame that I tried to steal,
+and you shall have besides, my daughter as your wife!'
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+There was no need to delay the marriage when the table was able to
+furnish the most splendid banquet that ever was seen, and after
+everyone had eaten and drunk as much as they wanted, Jack took his bag
+and commanded a castle filled with all sorts of treasures to arise in
+the park for himself and his bride.
+
+At this proof of his power the king's heart died within him.
+
+'Your magic is greater than mine,' he said; 'and you are young and
+strong, while I am old and tired. Take, therefore, the sceptre from my
+hand, and my crown from my head, and rule my people better than I have
+done.'
+
+So at last Jack's ambition was satisfied. He could not hope to be more
+than a king, and as long as he had his cornet to provide him with
+soldiers he was secure against his enemies. He never forgave his
+brothers for the way they had treated him, though he presented his
+mother with a beautiful castle, and everything she could possibly wish
+for. In the centre of his own palace was a treasure chamber, and in
+this chamber the table, the cornet, and the bag were kept as the most
+prized of all his possessions, and not a week passed without a visit
+from king John to make sure they were safe. He reigned long and well,
+and died a very old man, beloved by his people. But his good example
+was not followed by his sons and his grandsons. They grew so proud
+that they were ashamed to think that the founder of their race had
+once been a poor boy; and as they and all the world could not fail to
+remember it, as long as the table, the cornet, and the bag were shown
+in the treasure chamber, one king, more foolish than the rest, thrust
+them into a dark and damp cellar.
+
+For some time the kingdom remained, though it became weaker and weaker
+every year that passed. Then, one day, a rumour reached the king that
+a large army was marching against him. Vaguely he recollected some
+tales he had heard about a magic cornet which could provide as many
+soldiers as would serve to conquer the earth, and which had been
+removed by his grandfather to a cellar. Thither he hastened that he
+might renew his power once more, and in that black and slimy spot he
+found the treasures indeed. But the table fell to pieces as he touched
+it, in the cornet there remained only a few fragments of leathern
+belts which the rats had gnawed, and in the bag nothing but broken
+bits of stone.
+
+And the king bowed his head to the doom that awaited him, and in his
+heart cursed the ruin wrought by the pride and foolishness of himself
+and his forefathers.
+
+(From _Contes Populaires Slaves_, par Louis Leger.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE ROVER OF THE PLAIN_
+
+
+A long way off, near the sea coast of the east of Africa, there dwelt,
+once upon a time, a man and his wife. They had two children, a son and
+a daughter, whom they loved very much, and, like parents in other
+countries, they often talked of the fine marriages the young people
+would make some day. Out there both boys and girls marry early, and
+very soon, it seemed to the mother, a message was sent by a rich man
+on the other side of the great hills offering a fat herd of oxen in
+exchange for the daughter. Everyone in the house and in the village
+rejoiced, and the maiden was despatched to her new home. When all was
+quiet again the father said to his son:
+
+'Now that we own such a splendid troop of oxen you had better hasten
+and get yourself a wife, lest some illness should overtake them.
+Already we have seen in the villages round about one or two damsels
+whose parents would gladly part with them for less than half the herd.
+Therefore tell us which you like best, and we will buy her for you.'
+
+But the son answered:
+
+'Not so; the maidens I have seen do not please me. If, indeed, I must
+marry, let me travel and find a wife for myself.'
+
+'It shall be as you wish,' said his parents; 'but if by-and-by trouble
+should come of it, it will be your fault and not ours.'
+
+The youth, however, would not listen; and bidding his father and
+mother farewell, set out on his search. Far, far away he wandered,
+over mountains and across rivers, till he reached a village where the
+people were quite different to those of his own race. As he glanced
+about him he noticed that the girls were fair to look upon, as they
+pounded maize or stewed something that smelt very nice in earthen
+pots--especially if you were hot and tired; and when one of the
+maidens turned round and offered the stranger some dinner, he made up
+his mind that he would wed her and nobody else.
+
+So he sent a message to her parents asking their leave to take her for
+his wife, and they came next day to bring their answer.
+
+'We will give you our daughter,' said they, 'if you can pay a good
+price for her. Never was there so hard-working a girl; and how we
+shall do without her we cannot tell! Still no doubt your father and
+mother will come themselves and bring the dowry?'
+
+'No; I have the dowry with me,' replied the young man; laying down a
+handful of gold pieces. 'Here it is--take it.'
+
+The old couple's eyes glittered greedily; but custom forbade them to
+touch the dowry before all was arranged.
+
+'At least,' said they, after a moment's pause, 'we may expect them to
+fetch your wife to her new home?'
+
+'No; they are not used to travelling,' answered the bridegroom. 'Let
+the ceremony be performed without delay, and we will set forth at
+once. It is a long journey.'
+
+Then the parents called in the girl, who was lying in the sun outside
+the hut, and, in the presence of all the village, a goat was killed,
+the sacred dance took place, and a blessing was said over the heads of
+the young people. After that the bride was led aside by her father,
+whose duty it was to bestow on her some parting advice as to her
+conduct in her married life.
+
+'Be good to your husband's parents,' added he, 'and always do the will
+of your husband.' And the girl nodded her head obediently. Next it
+was the mother's turn; and, as was the custom of the tribe, she spoke
+to her daughter:
+
+'Will you choose which of your sisters shall go with you to cut your
+wood and carry your water?'
+
+'I do not want any of them,' answered she; 'they are no use. They will
+drop the wood and spill the water.'
+
+'Then will you have any of the other children? There are enough and to
+spare,' asked the mother again. But the bride said quickly:
+
+'I will have none of them! You must give me our buffalo, the Rover of
+the Plain; he alone shall serve me.'
+
+'What folly you talk!' cried the parents. 'Give you our buffalo, the
+Rover of the Plain? Why, you know that our life depends on him. Here
+he is well fed and lies on soft grass; but how can you tell what will
+befall him in another country? The food may be bad, he will die of
+hunger; and, if he dies we die also.'
+
+'No, no,' said the bride; 'I can look after him as well as you. Get
+him ready, for the sun is sinking and it is time we set forth.'
+
+So she went away and put together a small pot filled with healing
+herbs, a horn that she used in tending sick people, a little knife,
+and a calabash containing deer fat; and, hiding these about her, took
+leave of her father and mother and started across the mountains by the
+side of her husband.
+
+But the young man did not see the buffalo that followed them, which
+had left his home to be the servant of his wife.
+
+No one ever knew how the news spread to the kraal that the young man
+was coming back, bringing a wife with him; but, somehow or other, when
+the two entered the village, every man and woman was standing in the
+road uttering shouts of welcome.
+
+'Ah, you are not dead after all,' cried they; 'and have found a wife
+to your liking, though you would have none of our girls. Well, well,
+you have chosen your own path; and if ill comes of it beware lest you
+grumble.'
+
+Next day the husband took his wife to the fields and showed her which
+were his, and which belonged to his mother. The girl listened
+carefully to all he told her, and walked with him back to the hut; but
+close to the door she stopped, and said:
+
+'I have dropped my necklace of beads in the field, and I must go back
+and look for it.' But in truth she had done nothing of the sort, and
+it was only an excuse to go and seek the buffalo.
+
+  [Illustration: THE ROVER OF THE PLAIN DOES THE GIRL'S WORK]
+
+The beast was crouching under a tree when she came up, and snorted
+with pleasure at the sight of her.
+
+'You can roam about this field, and this, and this,' she said, 'for
+they belong to my husband; and that is his wood, where you may hide
+yourself. But the other fields are his mother's, so beware lest you
+touch them.'
+
+'I will beware,' answered the buffalo; and, patting his head, the girl
+left him.
+
+Oh, how much better a servant he was than any of the little girls the
+bride had refused to bring with her! If she wanted water, she had only
+to cross the patch of maize behind the hut and seek out the place
+where the buffalo lay hidden, and put down her pail beside him. Then
+she would sit at her ease while he went to the lake and brought the
+bucket back brimming over. If she wanted wood, he would break the
+branches off the trees and lay them at her feet. And the villagers
+watched her return laden, and said to each other:
+
+'Surely the girls of her country are stronger than our girls, for none
+of _them_ could cut so quickly or carry so much!' But then, nobody
+knew that she had a buffalo for a servant.
+
+Only, all this time she never gave the poor buffalo anything to eat,
+because she had just one dish, out of which she and her husband ate;
+while in her old home there was a dish put aside expressly for the
+Rover of the Plain. The buffalo bore it as long as he could; but, one
+day, when his mistress bade him go to the lake and fetch water, his
+knees almost gave way from hunger. He kept silence, however, till the
+evening, when he said to his mistress:
+
+'I am nearly starved; I have not touched food since I came here. I can
+work no more.'
+
+'Alas!' answered she, 'what can I do? I have only one dish in the
+house. You will have to steal some beans from the fields. Take a few
+here and a few there; but be sure not to take too many from one place,
+or the owner may notice it.'
+
+Now the buffalo had always lived an honest life, but if his mistress
+did not feed him, he must get it for himself. So that night, when all
+the village was asleep, he came out from the wood and ate a few beans
+here and a few there, as his mistress had bidden him. And when at last
+his hunger was satisfied, he crept back to his lair. But a buffalo is
+not a fairy, and the next morning, when the women arrived to work in
+the fields, they stood still with astonishment, and said to each
+other:
+
+'Just look at this; a savage beast has been destroying our crops, and
+we can see traces of his feet!' And they hurried to their homes to
+tell their tale.
+
+In the evening the girl crept out to the buffalo's hiding-place, and
+said to him:
+
+'They perceived what happened, of course; so to-night you had better
+seek your supper further off.' And the buffalo nodded his head and
+followed her counsel; but in the morning, when these women also went
+out to work, the traces of hoofs were plainly to be seen, and they
+hastened to tell their husbands, and begged them to bring their guns,
+and to watch for the robber.
+
+It happened that the stranger girl's husband was the best marksman in
+all the village, and he hid himself behind the trunk of a tree and
+waited.
+
+The buffalo, thinking that they would probably make a search for him
+in the fields he had laid waste the evening before, returned to the
+bean patch belonging to his mistress.
+
+The young man saw him coming with amazement.
+
+'Why, it is a buffalo!' cried he; 'I never have beheld one in this
+country before!' And raising his gun, he aimed just behind the ear.
+
+The buffalo gave a leap into the air, and then fell dead.
+
+'It was a good shot,' said the young man. And he ran to the village to
+tell them that the thief was punished.
+
+When he entered his hut he found his wife, who had somehow heard the
+news, twisting herself to and fro and shedding tears.
+
+'Are you ill?' asked he. And she answered: 'Yes; I have pains all
+over my body.' But she was not ill at all, only very unhappy at the
+death of the buffalo which had served her so well. Her husband felt
+anxious, and sent for the medicine man; but though she pretended to
+listen to him, she threw all his medicine out of the door directly he
+had gone away.
+
+With the first rays of light the whole village was awake, and the
+women set forth armed with baskets and the men with knives in order to
+cut up the buffalo. Only the girl remained in her hut; and after a
+while she too went to join them, groaning and weeping as she walked
+along.
+
+'What are you doing here?' asked her husband when he saw her. 'If you
+are ill you are better at home.'
+
+'Oh! I could not stay alone in the village,' said she. And her
+mother-in-law left off her work to come and scold her, and to tell her
+that she would kill herself if she did such foolish things. But the
+girl would not listen and sat down and looked on.
+
+When they had divided the buffalo's flesh, and each woman had the
+family portion in her basket, the stranger wife got up and said:
+
+'Let me have the head.'
+
+'You could never carry anything so heavy,' answered the men, 'and now
+you are ill besides.'
+
+'You do not know how strong I am,' answered she. And at last they gave
+it her.
+
+She did not walk to the village with the others, but lingered behind,
+and, instead of entering her hut, she slipped into the little shed
+where the pots for cooking and storing maize were kept. Then she laid
+down the buffalo's head and sat beside it. Her husband came to seek
+her, and begged her to leave the shed and go to bed, as she must be
+tired out; but the girl would not stir, neither would she attend to
+the words of her mother-in-law.
+
+'I wish you would leave me alone!' she answered crossly. 'It is
+impossible to sleep if somebody is always coming in.' And she turned
+her back on them, and would not even eat the food they had brought. So
+they went away, and the young man soon stretched himself out on his
+mat; but his wife's odd conduct made him anxious, and he lay awake all
+night, listening.
+
+  [Illustration: LAST OF ALL SHE SANG IN A LOW VOICE A DIRGE OVER THE
+      ROVER OF THE PLAIN]
+
+When all was still the girl made a fire and boiled some water in a
+pot. As soon as it was quite hot she shook in the medicine that she
+had brought from home, and then, taking the buffalo's head, she made
+incisions with her little knife behind the ear, and close to the
+temple where the shot had struck him. Next she applied the horn to the
+spot and blew with all her force till, at length, the blood began to
+move. After that she spread some of the deer fat out of the calabash
+over the wound, which she held in the steam of the hot water. Last of
+all, she sang in a low voice a dirge over the Rover of the Plain.
+
+As she chanted the final words the head moved, and the limbs came
+back. The buffalo began to feel alive again and shook his horns, and
+stood up and stretched himself. Unluckily it was just at this moment
+that the husband said to himself:
+
+'I wonder if she is crying still, and what is the matter with her!
+Perhaps I had better go and see.' And he got up and, calling her by
+name, went out to the shed.
+
+'Go away! I don't want you!' she cried angrily. But it was too late.
+The buffalo had fallen to the ground, dead, and with the wound in his
+head as before.
+
+The young man who, unlike most of his tribe, was afraid of his wife,
+returned to his bed without having seen anything, but wondering very
+much what she could be doing all this time. After waiting a few
+minutes, she began her task over again, and at the end the buffalo
+stood on his feet as before. But just as the girl was rejoicing that
+her work was completed, in came the husband once more to see what his
+wife was doing; and this time he sat himself down in the hut, and said
+that he wished to watch whatever was going on. Then the girl took up
+the pitcher and all her other things and left the shed, trying for the
+third time to bring the buffalo back to life.
+
+She was too late; the dawn was already breaking, and the head fell to
+the ground, dead and corrupt as it was before.
+
+The girl entered the hut, where her husband and his mother were
+getting ready to go out.
+
+'I want to go down to the lake, and bathe,' said she.
+
+'But you could never walk so far,' answered they. 'You are so tired,
+as it is, that you can hardly stand!'
+
+However, in spite of their warnings, the girl left the hut in the
+direction of the lake. Very soon she came back weeping, and sobbed
+out:
+
+'I met some one in the village who lives in my country, and he told me
+that my mother is very, very ill, and if I do not go to her at once
+she will be dead before I arrive. I will return as soon as I can, and
+now farewell.' And she set forth in the direction of the mountains.
+But this story was not true; she knew nothing about her mother, only
+she wanted an excuse to go home and tell her family that their
+prophecies had come true, and that the buffalo was dead.
+
+Balancing her basket on her head, she walked along, and directly she
+had left the village behind her she broke out into the song of the
+Rover of the Plain, and at last, at the end of the day, she came to
+the group of huts where her parents lived. Her friends all ran to meet
+her, and, weeping, she told them that the buffalo was dead.
+
+This sad news spread like lightning through the country, and the
+people flocked from far and near to bewail the loss of the beast who
+had been their pride.
+
+'If you only had listened to _us_,' they cried, 'he would be alive
+now. But you refused all the little girls we offered you, and would
+have nothing but the buffalo. And remember what the medicine-man said:
+"If the buffalo dies you die also!"'
+
+So they bewailed their fate, one to the other, and for a while they
+did not perceive that the girl's husband was sitting in their midst,
+leaning his gun against a tree. Then one man, turning, beheld him, and
+bowed mockingly.
+
+'Hail, murderer! hail! you have slain us all!'
+
+The young man stared, not knowing what he meant, and answered,
+wonderingly:
+
+'I shot a buffalo; is that why you call me a murderer?'
+
+'A buffalo--yes; but the servant of your wife! It was he who carried
+the wood and drew the water. Did you not know it?'
+
+'No; I did not know it,' replied the husband in surprise. 'Why did no
+one tell me? Of course I should not have shot him!'
+
+'Well, he is dead,' answered they, 'and we must die too.'
+
+At this the girl took a cup in which some poisonous herbs had been
+crushed, and holding it in her hands, she wailed: 'O my father, Rover
+of the Plain!' Then drinking a deep draught from it, fell back dead.
+One by one her parents, her brothers and her sisters, drank also and
+died, singing a dirge to the memory of the buffalo.
+
+The girl's husband looked on with horror; and returned sadly home
+across the mountains, and, entering his hut, threw himself on the
+ground. At first he was too tired to speak; but at length he raised
+his head and told all the story to his father and mother, who sat
+watching him. When he had finished they shook their heads and said:
+
+'Now you see that we spoke no idle words when we told you that ill
+would come of your marriage! We offered you a good and hard-working
+wife, and you would have none of her. And it is not only your wife you
+have lost, but your fortune also. For who will give you back your
+dowry if they are all dead?'
+
+'It is true, O my father,' answered the young man. But in his heart he
+thought more of the loss of his wife than of the money he had given
+for her.
+
+(From _L'Etude Ethnographique sur Les Baronga_, par Henri Junod.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE WHITE DOE_
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived a king and queen who loved each other
+dearly, and would have been perfectly happy if they had only had a
+little son or daughter to play with. They never talked about it, and
+always pretended that there was nothing in the world to wish for; but,
+sometimes, when they looked at other people's children, their faces
+grew sad, and their courtiers and attendants knew the reason why.
+
+One day the queen was sitting alone by the side of a waterfall which
+sprung from some rocks in the large park adjoining the castle. She was
+feeling more than usually miserable, and had sent away her ladies so
+that no one might witness her grief. Suddenly she heard a rustling
+movement in the pool below the waterfall, and, on glancing up, she saw
+a large crab climbing on to a stone beside her.
+
+'Great queen,' said the crab, 'I am here to tell you that the desire
+of your heart will soon be granted. But first you must permit me to
+lead you to the palace of the fairies, which, though hard by, has
+never been seen by mortal eyes because of the thick clouds that
+surround it. When there you will know more; that is, if you will
+trust, yourself to me.'
+
+The queen had never before heard an animal speak and was struck dumb
+with surprise. However, she was so enchanted at the words of the crab
+that she smiled sweetly and held out her hand; it was taken, not by
+the crab, which had stood there only a moment before, but by a little
+old woman smartly dressed in white and crimson with green ribbons in
+her grey hair. And, wonderful to say, not a drop of water fell from
+her clothes.
+
+The old woman ran lightly down a path along which the queen had been a
+hundred times before, but it seemed so different she could hardly
+believe it was the same. Instead of having to push her way through
+nettles and brambles, roses and jasmine hung about her head, while
+under her feet the ground was sweet with violets. The orange trees
+were so tall and thick that, even at midday, the sun was never too
+hot, and at the end of the path was a glimmer of something so dazzling
+that the queen had to shade her eyes, and peep at it only between her
+fingers.
+
+'What can it be?' she asked, turning to her guide; who answered:
+
+'Oh, that is the fairies' palace, and here are some of them coming to
+meet us.'
+
+As she spoke the gates swung back and six fairies approached, each
+bearing in her hand a flower made of precious stones, but so like a
+real one that it was only by touching you could tell the difference.
+
+'Madam,' they said, 'we know not how to thank you for this mark of
+your confidence, but have the happiness to tell you that in a short
+time you will have a little daughter.'
+
+The queen was so enchanted at this news that she nearly fainted with
+joy; but when she was able to speak, she poured out all her gratitude
+to the fairies for their promised gift.
+
+'And now,' she said, 'I ought not to stay any longer, for my husband
+will think that I have run away, or that some evil beast has devoured
+me.'
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In a little while it happened just as the fairies had foretold, and a
+baby girl was born in the palace. Of course both the king and queen
+were delighted, and the child was called D�sir�e, which means
+'desired,' for she had been 'desired' for five long years before her
+birth.
+
+  [Illustration: THE QUEEN & THE CRAB]
+
+At first the queen could think of nothing but her new plaything, but
+then she remembered the fairies who had sent it to her. Bidding her
+ladies bring her the posy of jewelled flowers which had been given her
+at the palace, she took each flower in her hand and called it by name,
+and, in turn, each fairy appeared before her. But, as unluckily often
+happens, the one to whom she owed most, the crab-fairy, was forgotten,
+and by this, as in the case of other babies you have read about, much
+mischief was wrought.
+
+However, for the moment all was gaiety in the palace, and everybody
+inside ran to the windows to watch the fairies' carriages, for no two
+were alike. One had a car of ebony, drawn by white pigeons, another
+was lying back in her ivory chariot, driving ten black crows, while
+the rest had chosen rare woods or many-coloured sea-shells, with
+scarlet and blue macaws, long-tailed peacocks, or green love-birds for
+horses. These carriages were only used on occasions of state, for when
+they went to war flying dragons, fiery serpents, lions or leopards,
+took the place of the beautiful birds.
+
+The fairies entered the queen's chamber followed by little dwarfs who
+carried their presents and looked much prouder than their mistresses.
+One by one their burdens were spread upon the ground, and no one had
+ever seen such lovely things. Everything a baby could possibly wear or
+play with was there, and, besides, they had other and more precious
+gifts to give her, which only children who have fairies for godmothers
+can ever hope to possess.
+
+They were all gathered round the heap of pink cushions on which the
+baby lay asleep, when a shadow seemed to fall between them and the
+sun, while a cold wind blew through the room. Everybody looked up, and
+there was the crab-fairy, who had grown as tall as the ceiling in her
+anger.
+
+'So I am forgotten!' cried she, in a voice so loud that the queen
+trembled as she heard it. 'Who was it soothed you in your trouble? Who
+was it led you to the fairies? Who was it brought you back in safety
+to your home again? Yet I--I--am overlooked, while _these_ who have
+done nothing in comparison, are petted and thanked.'
+
+The queen, almost dumb with terror, in vain tried to think of some
+explanation or apology; but there was none, and she could only confess
+her fault and implore forgiveness. The fairies also did their best to
+soften the wrath of their sister, and knowing that, like many plain
+people, who are _not_ fairies, she was very vain, they entreated her
+to drop her crab's disguise, and to become once more the charming
+person they were accustomed to see.
+
+For some time the enraged fairy would listen to nothing; but at length
+the flatteries began to take effect. The crab's shell fell from her,
+she shrank into her usual size, and lost some of her fierce
+expression.
+
+'Well,' she said, 'I will not cause the princess' death, as I had
+meant to do, but at the same time she will have to bear the punishment
+of her mother's fault, as many other children have done before her.
+The sentence I pass upon her is, that if she is allowed to see one ray
+of daylight before her fifteenth birthday she will rue it bitterly,
+and it may perhaps cost her her life.' And with these words she
+vanished by the window through which she came, while the fairies
+comforted the weeping queen and took counsel how best the princess
+might be kept safe during her childhood.
+
+  [Illustration: THE UNINVITED FAIRY]
+
+At the end of half an hour they had made up their minds what to do,
+and at the command of the fairies, a beautiful palace sprung up, close
+to that of the king and queen, but different from every other palace
+in the world, in having no windows, and only a door right under the
+earth. However, once within, daylight was hardly missed, so
+brilliant were the multitudes of tapers that were burning on the
+walls.
+
+Now up to this time the princess's history has been like the history
+of many a princess that you have read about; but, when the period of
+her imprisonment was nearly over, her fortunes took another turn. For
+almost fifteen years the fairies had taken care of her, and amused her
+and taught her, so that when she came into the world she might be no
+whit behind the daughters of other kings in all that makes a princess
+charming and accomplished. They all loved her dearly, but the fairy
+Tulip loved her most of all; and as the princess's fifteenth birthday
+drew near, the fairy began to tremble lest something terrible should
+happen--some accident which had not been foreseen. 'Do not let her out
+of your sight,' said Tulip to the queen, 'and meanwhile, let her
+portrait be painted and carried to the neighbouring Courts, as is the
+custom, in order that the kings may see how far her beauty exceeds
+that of every other princess, and that they may demand her in marriage
+for their sons.'
+
+And so it was done; and as the fairy had prophesied, all the young
+princes fell in love with the picture; but the last one to whom it was
+shown could think of nothing else, and refused to let it be removed
+from his chamber, where he spent whole days gazing at it.
+
+The king his father was much surprised at the change which had come
+over his son, who generally passed all his time in hunting or hawking,
+and his anxiety was increased by a conversation he overheard between
+two of his courtiers that they feared the prince must be going out of
+his mind, so moody had he become. Without losing a moment the king
+went to visit his son, and no sooner had he entered the room than the
+young man flung himself at his father's feet.
+
+'You have betrothed me already to a bride I can never love!' cried he;
+'but if you will not consent to break off the match, and ask for the
+hand of the princess D�sir�e, I shall die of misery, thankful to be
+alive no longer.'
+
+These words much displeased the king, who felt that, in breaking off
+the marriage already arranged, he would almost certainly be bringing
+on his subjects a long and bloody war; so, without answering, he
+turned away, hoping that a few days might bring his son to reason. But
+the prince's condition grew rapidly so much worse that the king, in
+despair, promised to send an embassy at once to D�sir�e's father.
+
+This news cured the young man in an instant of all his ills; and he
+began to plan out every detail of dress and of horses and carriages
+which were necessary to make the train of the envoy, whose name was
+Becasigue, as splendid as possible. He longed to form part of the
+embassy himself, if only in the disguise of a page; but this the king
+would not allow, and so the prince had to content himself with
+searching the kingdom for everything that was rare and beautiful to
+send to the princess. Indeed, he arrived, just as the embassy was
+starting, with his portrait, which had been painted in secret by the
+court painter.
+
+The king and queen wished for nothing better than that their daughter
+should marry into such a great and powerful family, and received the
+ambassador with every sign of welcome. They even wished him to see the
+princess D�sir�e, but this was prevented by the fairy Tulip, who
+feared some ill might come of it.
+
+'And be sure you tell him,' added she, 'that the marriage cannot be
+celebrated till she is fifteen years old, or else some terrible
+misfortune will happen to the child.'
+
+So when Becasigue, surrounded by his train, made a formal request that
+the princess D�sir�e might be given in marriage to his master's son,
+the king replied that he was much honoured, and would gladly give his
+consent; but that no one could even see the princess till her
+fifteenth birthday, as the spell laid upon her in her cradle by a
+spiteful fairy, would not cease to work till that was past. The
+ambassador was greatly surprised and disappointed, but he knew too
+much about fairies to venture to disobey them, therefore he had to
+content himself with presenting the prince's portrait to the queen,
+who lost no time in carrying it to the princess. As the girl took it
+in her hands it suddenly spoke, as it had been taught to do, and
+uttered a compliment of the most delicate and charming sort, which
+made the princess flush with pleasure.
+
+'How would you like to have a husband like that?' asked the queen,
+laughing.
+
+'As if I knew anything about husbands!' replied D�sir�e, who had long
+ago guessed the business of the ambassador.
+
+'Well, he will be your husband in three months,' answered the queen,
+ordering the prince's presents to be brought in. The princess was very
+pleased with them, and admired them greatly, but the queen noticed
+that all the while her eyes constantly strayed from the softest silks
+and most brilliant jewels to the portrait of the prince.
+
+The ambassador, finding that there was no hope of his being allowed to
+see the princess, took his leave, and returned to his own court; but
+here a new difficulty appeared. The prince, though transported with
+joy at the thought that D�sir�e was indeed to be his bride, was
+bitterly disappointed that she had not been allowed to return with
+Becasigue, as he had foolishly expected; and never having been taught
+to deny himself anything or to control his feelings, he fell as ill as
+he had done before. He would eat nothing nor take pleasure in
+anything, but lay all day on a heap of cushions, gazing at the picture
+of the princess.
+
+'If I have to wait three months before I can marry the princess I
+shall die!' was all this spoilt boy would say; and at length the
+king, in despair, resolved to send a fresh embassy to D�sir�e's father
+to implore him to permit the marriage to be celebrated at once. 'I
+would have presented my prayer in person,' he added in his letter,
+'but my great age and infirmities do not suffer me to travel; however
+my envoy has orders to agree to any arrangement that you may propose.'
+
+On his arrival at the palace Becasigue pleaded his young master's
+cause as fervently as the king his father could have done, and
+entreated that the princess might be consulted in the matter. The
+queen hastened to the marble tower, and told her daughter of the sad
+state of the prince. D�sir�e sank down fainting at the news, but soon
+came to herself again, and set about inventing a plan which would
+enable her to go to the prince without risking the doom pronounced
+over her by the wicked fairy.
+
+'I see!' she exclaimed joyfully at last. 'Let a carriage be built
+through which no light can come, and let it be brought into my room. I
+will then get into it, and we can travel swiftly during the night and
+arrive before dawn at the palace of the prince. Once there, I can
+remain in some underground chamber, where no light can come.'
+
+'Ah, how clever you are,' cried the queen, clasping her in her arms.
+And she hurried away to tell the king.
+
+'What a wife our prince will have!' said Becasigue bowing low; 'but I
+must hasten back with the tidings, and to prepare the underground
+chamber for the princess.' And so he took his leave.
+
+In a few days the carriage commanded by the princess was ready. It was
+of green velvet, scattered over with large golden thistles, and lined
+inside with silver brocade embroidered with pink roses. It had no
+windows, of course; but the fairy Tulip, whose counsel had been asked,
+had managed to light it up with a soft glow that came no one knew
+whither.
+
+It was carried straight up into the great hall of the tower, and the
+princess stepped into it, followed by her faithful maid of honour,
+Eglantine, and by her lady in waiting C�risette, who also had fallen
+in love with the prince's portrait and was bitterly jealous of her
+mistress. The fourth place in the carriage was filled by C�risette's
+mother, who had been sent by the queen to look after the three young
+people.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Now the Fairy of the Fountain was the godmother of the princess Nera,
+to whom the prince had been betrothed before the picture of D�sir�e
+had made him faithless. She was very angry at the slight put upon her
+godchild, and from that moment kept careful watch on the princess. In
+this journey she saw her chance, and it was she who, invisible, sat by
+C�risette, and put bad thoughts into the minds of both her and her
+mother.
+
+The way to the city where the prince lived ran for the most part
+through a thick forest, and every night when there was no moon, and
+not a single star could be seen through the trees, the guards who
+travelled with the princess opened the carriage to give it an airing.
+This went on for several days, till only twelve hours journey lay
+between them and the palace. Then C�risette persuaded her mother to
+cut a great hole in the side of the carriage with a sharp knife which
+she herself had brought for the purpose. In the forest the darkness
+was so intense that no one perceived what she had done, but when they
+left the last trees behind them, and emerged into the open country,
+the sun was up, and for the first time since her babyhood, D�sir�e
+found herself in the light of day.
+
+She looked up in surprise at the dazzling brilliance that streamed
+through the hole; then gave a sigh which seemed to come from her
+heart. The carriage door swung back, as if by magic, and a white doe
+sprung out, and in a moment was lost to sight in the forest. But,
+quick as she was, Eglantine, her maid of honour, had time to see where
+she went, and jumped from the carriage in pursuit of her, followed at
+a distance by the guards.
+
+C�risette and her mother looked at each other in surprise and joy.
+They could hardly believe in their good fortune, for everything had
+happened exactly as they wished. The first thing to be done was to
+conceal the hole which had been cut, and when this was managed (with
+the help of the angry fairy, though they did not know it), C�risette
+hastened to take off her own clothes, and put on those of the
+princess, placing the crown of diamonds on her head. She found this
+heavier than she expected; but then, she had never been accustomed to
+wear crowns, which makes all the difference.
+
+At the gates of the city the carriage was stopped by a guard of honour
+sent by the king as an escort to his son's bride. Though C�risette and
+her mother could of course see nothing of what was going on outside,
+they heard plainly the shouts of welcome from the crowds along the
+streets.
+
+The carriage stopped at length in the vast hall which Becasigue had
+prepared for the reception of the princess. The grand chamberlain and
+the lord high steward were awaiting her, and when the false bride
+stepped into the brilliantly lighted room, they bowed low, and said
+they had orders to inform his highness the moment she arrived. The
+prince, whom the strict etiquette of the court had prevented from
+being present in the underground hall, was burning with impatience in
+his own apartments.
+
+'So she has come!' cried he, throwing down the bow he had been
+pretending to mend. 'Well, was I not right? Is she not a miracle of
+beauty and grace? And has she her equal in the whole world?' The
+ministers looked at each other, and made no reply; till at length the
+chamberlain, who was the bolder of the two, observed:
+
+'My lord, as to her beauty, you can judge of that for yourself. No
+doubt it is as great as you say; but at present it seems to have
+suffered, as is natural, from the fatigues of the journey.'
+
+This was certainly not what the prince expected to hear. Could the
+portrait have flattered her? He had known of such things before, and a
+cold shiver ran through him; but with an effort he kept silent from
+further questioning, and only said:
+
+'Has the king been told that the princess is in the palace?'
+
+'Yes, your highness; and he has probably already joined her.'
+
+'Then I will go too,' said the prince.
+
+Weak as he was from his long illness, the prince descended the
+staircase, supported by the ministers, and entered the room just in
+time to hear his father's loud cry of astonishment and disgust at the
+sight of C�risette.
+
+'There has been treachery at work,' he exclaimed, while the prince
+leant, dumb with horror, against the doorpost. But the lady in
+waiting, who had been prepared for something of the sort, advanced,
+holding in her hand the letters which the king and queen had entrusted
+to her.
+
+'This is the princess D�sir�e,' said she, pretending to have heard
+nothing, 'and I have the honour to present to you these letters from
+my liege lord and lady, together with the casket containing the
+princess' jewels.'
+
+The king did not move or answer her; so the prince, leaning on the arm
+of Becasigue, approached a little closer to the false princess, hoping
+against hope that his eyes had deceived him. But the longer he looked
+the more he agreed with his father that there was some treason
+somewhere, for in no single respect did the portrait resemble the
+woman before him. C�risette was so tall that the dress of the princess
+did not reach her ankles, and so thin that her bones showed through
+the stuff. Besides that her nose was hooked, and her teeth black and
+ugly.
+
+In his turn, the prince stood rooted to the spot. At last he spoke,
+and his words were addressed to his father and not to the bride who
+had come so far to marry him.
+
+'We have been deceived,' he said, 'and it will cost me my life.' And
+he leaned so heavily on the envoy that Becasigue feared he was going
+to faint, and hastily laid him on the floor. For some minutes no one
+could attend to anybody but the prince; but as soon as he revived the
+lady in waiting made herself heard.
+
+'Oh, my lovely princess, why did we ever leave home?' cried she. 'But
+the king your father will avenge the insults that have been heaped on
+you when we tell him how you have been treated.'
+
+'I will tell him myself,' replied the king in wrath; 'he promised me a
+wonder of beauty, he has sent me a skeleton! I am not surprised that
+he has kept her for fifteen years hidden from the eyes of the world.
+Take them both away,' he continued, turning to his guards, 'and lodge
+them in the state prison. There is something more I have to learn of
+this matter.'
+
+His orders were obeyed, and the prince, loudly bewailing his sad fate,
+was led back to his bed, where for many days he lay in a high fever.
+At length he slowly began to gain strength, but his sorrow was still
+so great that he could not bear the sight of a strange face, and
+shuddered at the notion of taking his proper part in the court
+ceremonies. Unknown to the king, or to anybody but Becasigue, he
+planned that, as soon as he was able, he would make his escape and
+pass the rest of his life in some solitary place. It was some weeks
+before he had regained his health sufficiently to carry out his
+design; but finally, one beautiful starlight night, the two friends
+stole away, and when the king woke next morning he found a letter
+lying by his bed, saying that his son had gone, he knew not whither.
+He wept bitter tears at the news, for he loved the prince dearly; but
+he felt that perhaps the young man had done wisely, and he trusted to
+time and Becasigue's influence to bring the wanderer home.
+
+And while these things were happening, what had become of the white
+doe? Though when she sprang from the carriage she was aware that some
+unkind fate had changed her into an animal, yet, till she saw herself
+in a stream, she had no idea what it was.
+
+'Is it really, I, D�sir�e?' she said to herself, weeping. 'What wicked
+fairy can have treated me so; and shall I never, never take my own
+shape again? My only comfort that, in this great forest, full of lions
+and serpents, my life will be a short one.'
+
+Now the fairy Tulip was as much grieved at the sad fate of the
+princess as D�sir�e's own mother could have been if she had known of
+it. Still, she could not help feeling that if the king and queen had
+listened to her advice the girl would by this time be safely in the
+walls of her new home. However, she loved D�sir�e too much to let her
+suffer more than could be helped, and it was she who guided Eglantine
+to the place where the white doe was standing, cropping the grass
+which was her dinner.
+
+At the sound of footsteps the pretty creature lifted her head, and
+when she saw her faithful companion approaching she bounded towards
+her, and rubbed her head on Eglantine's shoulder. The maid of honour
+was surprised; but she was fond of animals, and stroked the white doe
+tenderly, speaking gently to her all the while. Suddenly the beautiful
+creature lifted her head, and looked up into Eglantine's face, with
+tears streaming from her eyes. A thought flashed through her mind, and
+quick as lightning the girl flung herself on her knees, and lifting
+the animal's feet kissed them one by one. 'My princess! O my dear
+princess!' cried she; and again the white doe rubbed her head against
+her, for though the spiteful fairy had taken away her power of
+speech, she had not deprived her of her reason!
+
+All day long the two remained together, and when Eglantine grew hungry
+she was led by the white doe to a part of the forest where pears and
+peaches grew in abundance; but, as night came on, the maid of honour
+was filled with the terrors of wild beasts which had beset the
+princess during her first night in the forest.
+
+'Is there no hut or cave we could go into?' asked she. But the doe
+only shook her head; and the two sat down and wept with fright.
+
+The fairy Tulip who, in spite of her anger, was very softhearted, was
+touched at their distress, and flew quickly to their help.
+
+'I cannot take away the spell altogether,' she said, 'for the Fairy of
+the Fountain is stronger than I; but I can shorten the time of your
+punishment, and am able to make it less hard, for as soon as darkness
+falls you shall resume your own shape.'
+
+To think that by-and-by she would cease to be a white doe--indeed,
+that she would at once cease to be one during the night--was for the
+present joy enough for D�sir�e, and she skipped about on the grass in
+the prettiest manner.
+
+'Go straight down the path in front of you,' continued the fairy,
+smiling as she watched her; 'go straight down the path and you will
+soon reach a little hut where you will find shelter.' And with these
+words she vanished, leaving her hearers happier than they ever thought
+they could be again.
+
+An old woman was standing at the door of the hut when Eglantine drew
+near, with the white doe trotting by her side.
+
+'Good evening!' she said; 'could you give me a night's lodging for
+myself and my doe?'
+
+'Certainly I can,' replied the old woman. And she led them into a room
+with two little white beds, so clean and comfortable that it made you
+sleepy even to look at them.
+
+The door had hardly closed behind the old woman when the sun sank
+below the horizon, and D�sir�e became a girl again.
+
+'Oh, Eglantine! what should I have done if you had not followed me,'
+she cried. And she flung herself into her friend's arms in a transport
+of delight.
+
+Early in the morning Eglantine was awakened by the sound of someone
+scratching at the door, and on opening her eyes she saw the white doe
+struggling to get out. The little creature looked up and into her
+face, and nodded her head as the maid of honour unfastened the latch,
+but bounded away into the woods, and was lost to sight in a moment.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Meanwhile, the prince and Becasigue were wandering through the wood,
+till at last the prince grew so tired, that he lay down under a tree,
+and told Becasigue that he had better go in search of food, and of
+some place where they could sleep. Becasigue had not gone very far,
+when a turn of the path brought him face to face with the old woman,
+who was feeding her doves before her cottage.
+
+'Could you give me some milk and fruit?' asked he. 'I am very hungry
+myself, and, besides, I have left a friend behind me who is still weak
+from illness.'
+
+'Certainly I can,' answered the old woman. 'But come and sit down in
+my kitchen while I catch the goat and milk it.'
+
+Becasigue was glad enough to do as he was bid, and in a few minutes
+the old woman returned with a basket brimming over with oranges and
+grapes.
+
+'If your friend has been ill he should not pass the night in the
+forest,' said she. 'I have a room in my hut--tiny enough, it is true;
+but better than nothing, and to that you are both heartily welcome.'
+
+Becasigue thanked her warmly, and by this time it was almost sunset,
+he set out to fetch the prince. It was while he was absent that
+Eglantine and the white doe entered the hut, and having, of course, no
+idea that in the very next room was the man whose childish impatience
+had been the cause of all their troubles.
+
+In spite of his fatigue, the prince slept badly, and directly it was
+light he rose, and bidding Becasigue remain where he was, as he wished
+to be alone, he strolled out into the forest. He walked on slowly,
+just as his fancy led him, till, suddenly, he came to a wide open
+space, and in the middle was the white doe quietly eating her
+breakfast. She bounded off at the sight of a man, but not before the
+prince, who had fastened on his bow without thinking, had let fly
+several arrows, which the fairy Tulip took care should do her no harm.
+But, quickly as she ran, she soon felt her strength failing her, for
+fifteen years of life in a tower had not taught her how to exercise
+her limbs.
+
+Luckily, the prince was too weak to follow her far, and a turn of a
+path brought her close to the hut, where Eglantine was awaiting her.
+Panting for breath, she entered their room, and flung herself down on
+the floor.
+
+When it was dark again, and she was once more the princess D�sir�e,
+she told Eglantine what had befallen her.
+
+'I feared the Fairy of the Fountain, and the cruel beasts,' said she;
+'but somehow I never thought of the dangers that I ran from men. I do
+not know now what saved me.'
+
+'You must stay quietly here till the time of your punishment is over,'
+answered Eglantine. But when the morning dawned, and the girl turned
+into a doe, the longing for the forest came over her, and she sprang
+away as before.
+
+As soon as the prince was awake he hastened to the place where, only
+the day before, he had found the white doe feeding; but of course she
+had taken care to go in the opposite direction. Much disappointed, he
+tried first one green path and then another, and at last, wearied with
+walking, he threw himself down and went fast asleep.
+
+  [Illustration: FOR A MINUTE THEY LOOKED AT EACH OTHER]
+
+Just at this moment the white doe sprang out of a thicket near by, and
+started back trembling when she beheld her enemy lying there. Yet,
+instead of turning to fly, something bade her go and look at him
+unseen. As she gazed a thrill ran through her, for she felt that, worn
+and wasted though he was by illness, it was the face of her destined
+husband. Gently stooping over him she kissed his forehead, and at her
+touch he awoke.
+
+For a minute they looked at each other, and to his amazement he
+recognised the white doe which had escaped him the previous day. But
+in an instant the animal was aroused to a sense of her danger, and she
+fled with all her strength into the thickest part of the forest. Quick
+as lightning the prince was on her track, but this time it was with no
+wish to kill or even wound the beautiful creature.
+
+'Pretty doe! pretty doe! stop! I won't hurt you,' cried he, but his
+words were carried away by the wind.
+
+At length the doe could run no more, and when the prince reached her,
+she was lying stretched out on the grass, waiting for her death blow.
+But instead the prince knelt at her side, and stroked her, and bade
+her fear nothing, as he would take care of her. So he fetched a little
+water from the stream in his horn hunting cup, then, cutting some
+branches from the trees, he twisted them into a litter which he
+covered with moss, and laid the white doe gently on it.
+
+For a long time they remained thus, but when D�sir�e saw by the way
+that the light struck the trees, that the sun must be near its
+setting, she was filled with alarm lest the darkness should fall, and
+the prince should behold her in her human shape.
+
+'No, he must not see me for the first time here,' she thought, and
+instantly began to plan how to get rid of him. Then she opened her
+mouth and let her tongue hang out, as if she were dying of thirst, and
+the prince, as she expected, hastened to the stream to get her some
+more water.
+
+When he returned, the white doe was gone.
+
+That night D�sir�e confessed to Eglantine that her pursuer was no
+other than the prince, and that far from flattering him, the portrait
+had never done him justice.
+
+'Is it not hard to meet him in this shape,' wept she, 'when we both
+love each other so much?' But Eglantine comforted her, and reminded
+her that in a short time all would be well.
+
+The prince was very angry at the flight of the white doe, for whom he
+had taken so much trouble, and returning to the cottage he poured out
+his adventures and his wrath to Becasigue, who could not help smiling.
+
+'She shall not escape me again,' cried the prince. 'If I hunt her
+every day for a year, I will have her at last.' And in this frame of
+mind he went to bed.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When the white doe entered the forest next morning, she had not made
+up her mind whether she would go and meet the prince, or whether she
+would shun him, and hide in the thickets of which he knew nothing. She
+decided that the last plan was the best; and so it would have been if
+the prince had not taken the very same direction in search of her.
+
+Quite by accident he caught sight of her white skin shining through
+the bushes, and at the same instant she heard a twig snap under his
+feet. In a moment she was up and away, but the prince, not knowing how
+else to capture her, aimed an arrow at her leg, which brought her to
+the ground.
+
+The young man felt like a murderer as he ran hastily up to where the
+white doe lay, and did his best to soothe the pain she felt, which, in
+reality, was the last part of the punishment sent by the Fairy of the
+Fountain. First he brought her some water, and then he fetched some
+healing herbs, and having crushed them in his hands, laid them on the
+wound.
+
+'Ah! what a wretch I was to have hurt you,' cried he, resting her head
+upon his knees; 'and now you will hate me and fly from me for ever!'
+
+For some time the doe lay quietly where she was, but, as before, she
+remembered that the hour of her transformation was near. She struggled
+to her feet, but the prince would not hear of her walking, and
+thinking the old woman might be able to dress her wound better than he
+could, he took her in his arms to carry her back to the hut. But,
+small as she was, she made herself so heavy that, after staggering a
+few steps under her weight, he laid her down, and tied her fast to a
+tree with some of the ribbons off his hat. This done he went away to
+get help.
+
+Meanwhile Eglantine had grown very uneasy at the long absence of her
+mistress, and had come out to look for her. Just as the prince passed
+out of sight the fluttering ribbons danced before her eyes, and she
+descried her beautiful princess bound to a tree. With all her might
+she worked at the knots, but not a single one could she undo, though
+all appeared so easy. She was still busy with them when a voice behind
+her said:
+
+'Pardon me, fair lady, but it is _my_ doe you are trying to steal!'
+
+'Excuse me, good knight,' answered Eglantine, hardly glancing at him,
+'but it is _my_ doe that is tied up here! And if you wish for a proof
+of it, you can see if she knows me or not. Touch my heart, my little
+one,' she continued, dropping on her knees. And the doe lifted up its
+fore-foot and laid it on her side. 'Now put your arms round my neck,
+and sigh.' And again the doe did as she was bid.
+
+'You are right,' said the prince; 'but it is with sorrow I give her up
+to you, for though I have wounded her yet I love her deeply.'
+
+To this Eglantine answered nothing; but carefully raising up the doe,
+she led her slowly to the hut.
+
+Now both the prince and Becasigue were quite unaware that the old
+woman had any guests besides themselves, and, following afar, were
+much surprised to behold Eglantine and her charge enter the cottage.
+They lost no time in questioning the old woman, who replied that she
+knew nothing about the lady and her white doe, who slept next the
+chamber occupied by the prince and his friend, but that they were very
+quiet, and paid her well. Then she went back to her kitchen.
+
+'Do you know,' said Becasigue, when they were alone, 'I am certain
+that the lady that we saw is the maid of honour to the Princess
+D�sir�e, whom I met at the palace. And, as her room is next to this,
+it will be easy to make a small hole through which I can satisfy
+myself whether I am right or not.'
+
+So, taking a knife out of his pocket, he began to saw away the
+woodwork. The girls heard the grating noise, but fancying it was a
+mouse, paid no attention, and Becasigue was left in peace to pursue
+his work. At length the hole was large enough for him to peep through,
+and the sight was one to strike him dumb with amazement. He had
+guessed truly: the tall lady was Eglantine herself; but the
+other--where had he seen her? Ah! now he knew--it was the lady of the
+portrait!
+
+D�sir�e, in a flowing dress of green silk, was lying stretched out
+upon cushions, and as Eglantine bent over her to bathe the wounded
+leg, she began to talk:
+
+'Oh! let me die!' cried she, 'rather than go on leading this life. You
+cannot tell the misery of being a beast all the day, and unable to
+speak to the man I love, to whose impatience I owe my cruel fate. Yet,
+even so, I cannot bring myself to hate him.'
+
+These words, low though they were spoken, reached Becasigue, who could
+hardly believe his ears. He stood silent for a moment; then, crossing
+to the window out of which the prince was gazing, he took his arm and
+led him across the room. A single glance was sufficient to show the
+prince that it was indeed D�sir�e; and how another had come to the
+palace bearing her name, at that instant he neither knew nor cared.
+Stealing on tiptoe from the room, he knocked at the next door, which
+was opened by Eglantine, who thought it was the old woman bearing
+their supper.
+
+She started back at the sight of the prince, whom this time she also
+recognised. But he thrust her aside, and flung himself at the feet of
+D�sir�e, to whom he poured out all his heart!
+
+Dawn found them still conversing; and the sun was high in the heavens
+before the princess perceived that she retained her human form. Ah!
+how happy she was when she knew that the days of her punishment were
+over; and with a glad voice she told the prince the tale of her
+enchantment.
+
+So the story ended well after all; and the fairy Tulip, who turned out
+to be the old woman of the hut, made the young couple such a wedding
+feast as had never been seen since the world began. And everybody was
+delighted, except C�risette and her mother, who were put in a boat and
+carried to a small island, where they had to work hard for their
+living.
+
+(_Contes des F�es_, par Madame d'Aulnoy.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE GIRL-FISH_
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived, on the bank of a stream, a man and a
+woman who had a daughter. As she was an only child, and very pretty
+besides, they never could make up their minds to punish her for her
+faults or to teach her nice manners; and as for work--she laughed in
+her mother's face if she asked her to help cook the dinner or to wash
+the plates. All the girl would do was to spend her days in dancing and
+playing with her friends; and for any use she was to her parents they
+might as well have had no daughter at all.
+
+However, one morning her mother looked so tired that even the selfish
+girl could not help seeing it, and asked if there was anything she was
+able to do, so that her mother might rest a little.
+
+The good woman looked so surprised and grateful for this offer that
+the girl felt rather ashamed, and at that moment would have scrubbed
+down the house if she had been requested; but her mother only begged
+her to take the fishing-net out to the bank of the river and mend some
+holes in it, as her father intended to go fishing that night.
+
+The girl took the net and worked so hard that soon there was not a
+hole to be found. She felt quite pleased with herself, though she had
+had plenty to amuse her, as everybody who passed by had stopped and
+had a chat with her. But by this time the sun was high over head, and
+she was just folding her net to carry it home again, when she heard a
+splash behind her, and looking round she saw a big fish jump into the
+air. Seizing the net with both hands, she flung it into the water
+where the circles were spreading one behind the other, and, more by
+luck than skill, drew out the fish.
+
+'Well, you are a beauty!' she cried to herself; but the fish looked up
+to her and said:
+
+'You had better not kill me, for, if you do, I will turn you into a
+fish yourself!'
+
+The girl laughed contemptuously, and ran straight in to her mother.
+
+'Look what I have caught,' she said gaily; 'but it is almost a pity to
+eat it, for it can talk, and it declares that, if I kill it, it will
+turn me into a fish too.'
+
+'Oh, put it back, put it back!' implored the mother. 'Perhaps it is
+skilled in magic. And I should die, and so would your father, if
+anything should happen to you.'
+
+'Oh, nonsense, mother; what power could a creature like that have over
+me? Besides, I am hungry, and if I don't have my dinner very soon, I
+shall be cross.' And off she went to gather some flowers to stick in
+her hair.
+
+About an hour later the blowing of a horn told her that dinner was
+ready.
+
+'Didn't I say that fish would be delicious?' she cried; and plunging
+her spoon into the dish the girl helped herself to a large piece. But
+the instant it touched her mouth a cold shiver ran through her. Her
+head seemed to flatten, and her eyes to look oddly round the corners;
+her legs and her arms were stuck to her sides, and she gasped wildly
+for breath. With a mighty bound she sprang through the window and fell
+into the river, where she soon felt better, and was able to swim to
+the sea, which was close by.
+
+No sooner had she arrived there than the sight of her sad face
+attracted the notice of some of the other fishes, and they pressed
+round her, begging her to tell them her story.
+
+'I am not a fish at all,' said the new-comer, swallowing a great deal
+of salt water as she spoke; for you cannot learn how to be a proper
+fish all in a moment. 'I am not a fish at all, but a girl; at least I
+was a girl a few minutes ago, only----' And she ducked her head under
+the waves so that they should not see her crying.
+
+'Only you did not believe that the fish you caught had power to carry
+out its threat,' said an old tunny. 'Well, never mind, that has
+happened to all of us, and it really is not a bad life. Cheer up and
+come with us and see our queen, who lives in a palace that is much
+more beautiful than any _your_ queens can boast of.'
+
+The new fish felt a little afraid of taking such a journey; but as she
+was still more afraid of being left alone, she waved her tail in token
+of consent, and off they all set, hundreds of them together. The
+people on the rocks and in the ships that saw them pass said to each
+other:
+
+'Look what a splendid shoal!' and had no idea that they were hastening
+to the queen's palace; but, then, dwellers on land have so little
+notion of what goes on in the bottom of the sea! Certainly the little
+new fish had none. She had watched jelly-fish and nautilus swimming a
+little way below the surface, and beautiful coloured sea-weeds
+floating about; but that was all. _Now_, when she plunged deeper her
+eyes fell upon strange things.
+
+Wedges of gold, great anchors, heaps of pearl, inestimable stones,
+unvalued jewels--all scattered in the bottom of the sea! Dead men's
+bones were there also, and long white creatures who had never seen the
+light, for they mostly dwelt in the clefts of rocks where the sun's
+rays could not come. At first our little fish felt as if she were
+blind also, but by-and-by she began to make out one object after
+another in the green dimness, and by the time she had swum for a few
+hours all became clear.
+
+'Here we are at last,' cried a big fish, going down into a deep
+valley, for the sea has its mountains and valleys just as much as the
+land. 'That is the palace of the queen of the fishes, and I think you
+must confess that the emperor himself has nothing so fine.'
+
+'It is beautiful indeed,' gasped the little fish, who was very tired
+with trying to swim as fast as the rest, and beautiful beyond words
+the palace was. The walls were made of pale pink coral, worn smooth by
+the waters, and round the windows were rows of pearls; the great doors
+were standing open, and the whole troop floated into a chamber of
+audience, where the queen, who was half a woman after all, was seated
+on a throne made of a green and blue shell.
+
+'Who are you, and where do you come from?' said she to the little
+fish, whom the others had pushed in front. And in a low, trembling
+voice, the visitor told her story.
+
+'I was once a girl too,' answered the queen, when the fish had ended;
+'and my father was the king of a great country. A husband was found
+for me, and on my wedding-day my mother placed her crown on my head
+and told me that as long as I wore it I should likewise be queen. For
+many months I was as happy as a girl could be, especially when I had a
+little son to play with. But, one morning, when I was walking in my
+gardens, there came a giant and snatched the crown from my head.
+Holding me fast, he told me that he intended to give the crown to his
+daughter, and to enchant my husband the prince, so that he should not
+know the difference between us. Since then she has filled my place and
+been queen in my stead. As for me, I was so miserable that I threw
+myself into the sea, and my ladies, who loved me, declared that they
+would die too; but, instead of dying, some wizard, who pitied my
+fate, turned us all into fishes, though he allowed me to keep the face
+and body of a woman. And fishes we must remain till someone brings me
+back my crown again!'
+
+'_I_ will bring it back if you will tell me what to do!' cried the
+little fish; who would have promised anything that was likely to carry
+her up to earth again. And the queen answered:
+
+'Yes, I will tell you what to do.'
+
+She sat silent for a moment, and then went on:
+
+'There is no danger if you will only follow my counsel; and first you
+must return to earth, and go up to the top of a high mountain, where
+the giant has built his castle. You will find him sitting on the steps
+weeping for his daughter, who has just died while the prince was away
+hunting. At the last she sent her father my crown by a faithful
+servant. But I warn you to be careful, for if he sees you he may kill
+you. Therefore I will give you the power to change yourself into any
+creature that may help you best. You have only to strike your
+forehead, and call out its name.'
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+This time the journey to land seemed much shorter than before, and
+when once the fish reached the shore she struck her forehead sharply
+with her tail, and cried:
+
+'Deer, come to me.'
+
+In a moment the small slimy body disappeared, and in its place stood a
+beautiful beast with branching horns and slender legs, quivering with
+longing to be gone. Throwing back her head and snuffing the air, she
+broke into a run, leaping easily over the rivers and walls that stood
+in her way.
+
+It happened that the king's son had been hunting since daybreak, but
+had killed nothing, and when the deer crossed his path as he was
+resting under a tree he determined to have her. He flung himself on
+his horse, which went like the wind, and as the prince had often
+hunted the forest before, and knew all the short cuts, he at last came
+up with the panting beast.
+
+'By your favour let me go, and do not kill me,' said the deer, turning
+to the prince with tears in her eyes, 'for I have far to run and much
+to do.' And as the prince, struck dumb with surprise, only looked at
+her, the deer cleared the next wall and was soon out of sight.
+
+'That can't _really_ be a deer,' thought the prince to himself,
+reining in his horse and not attempting to follow her. 'No deer ever
+had eyes like that. It must be an enchanted maiden, and I will marry
+her and no other.'
+
+So, turning his horse's head, he rode slowly back to his palace.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The deer reached the giant's castle quite out of breath, and her heart
+sank as she gazed at the tall, smooth walls which surrounded it. Then
+she plucked up courage and cried:
+
+'Ant, come to me!' And in a moment the branching horns and beautiful
+shape had vanished, and a tiny brown ant, invisible to all who did not
+look closely, was climbing up the walls.
+
+It was wonderful how fast she went, that little creature! The wall
+must have appeared miles high in comparison with her own body; yet, in
+less time than would have seemed possible, she was over the top and
+down in the courtyard on the other side. Here she paused to consider
+what had best be done next, and looking about her she saw that one of
+the walls had a tall tree growing by it, and in this corner was a
+window very nearly on a level with the highest branches of the tree.
+
+'Monkey, come to me!' cried the ant; and before you could turn round a
+monkey was swinging herself from the topmost branches into the room
+where the giant lay snoring.
+
+'Perhaps he will be so frightened at the sight of me that he may die
+of fear, and I shall never get the crown,' thought the monkey. 'I had
+better become something else.' And she called softly: 'Parrot, come to
+me!'
+
+Then a pink and grey parrot hopped up to the giant, who by this time
+was stretching himself and giving yawns which shook the castle. The
+parrot waited a little until he was really awake, and then she said
+boldly that she had been sent to take away the crown, which was not
+his any longer, now his daughter the queen was dead.
+
+On hearing these words the giant leapt out of bed with an angry roar,
+and sprang at the parrot in order to wring her neck with his great
+hands. But the bird was too quick for him, and, flying behind his
+back, begged the giant to have patience, as her death would be of no
+use to him.
+
+'That is true,' answered the giant; 'but I am not so foolish as to
+give you that crown for nothing. Let me think what I will have in
+exchange!' And he scratched his huge head for several minutes, for
+giants' minds always move slowly.
+
+'Ah, yes, that will do!' exclaimed the giant at last, his face
+brightening. 'You shall have the crown if you will bring me a collar
+of blue stones from the Arch of St. Martin, in the great City.'
+
+Now when the parrot had been a girl she had often heard of this
+wonderful arch and the precious stones and marbles that had been let
+into it. It sounded as if it would be a very hard thing to get them
+away from the building of which they formed a part, but all had gone
+well with her so far, and at any rate she could but try. So she bowed
+to the giant, and made her way back to the window where the giant
+could not see her. Then she called quickly:
+
+'Eagle, come to me!'
+
+Before she had even reached the tree she felt herself borne up on
+strong wings ready to carry her to the clouds if she wished to go
+there, and, seeming a mere speck in the sky, she was swept along till
+she beheld the Arch of St. Martin far below, with the rays of the sun
+shining on it. Then she swooped down, and, hiding herself behind a
+buttress so that she could not be detected from below, she set herself
+to dig out the nearest blue stones with her beak. It was even harder
+work than she had expected; but at last it was done, and hope arose in
+her heart. She next drew out a piece of string that she had found
+hanging from a tree, and sitting down to rest strung the stones
+together. When the necklace was finished she hung it round her neck,
+and called: 'Parrot, come to me!' And a little later the pink and grey
+parrot stood before the giant.
+
+'Here is the necklace you asked for,' said the parrot. And the eyes of
+the giant glistened as he took the heap of blue stones in his hand.
+But for all that he was not minded to give up the crown.
+
+'They are hardly as blue as I expected,' he grumbled, though the
+parrot knew as well as he did that he was not speaking the truth; 'so
+you must bring me something else in exchange for the crown you covet
+so much. If you fail it will cost you not only the crown but your life
+also.'
+
+'What is it you want now?' asked the parrot; and the giant answered:
+
+'If I give you my crown I must have another still more beautiful; and
+this time you shall bring me a crown of stars.'
+
+The parrot turned away, and as soon as she was outside she murmured:
+
+'Toad, come to me!' And sure enough a toad she was, and off she set in
+search of the starry crown.
+
+She had not gone far before she came to a clear pool, in which the
+stars were reflected so brightly that they looked quite real to touch
+and handle. Stooping down she filled a bag she was carrying with the
+shining water and, returning to the castle, wove a crown out of the
+reflected stars. Then she cried as before:
+
+'Parrot, come to me!' And in the shape of a parrot she entered the
+presence of the giant.
+
+'Here is the crown you asked for,' she said; and this time the giant
+could not help crying out with admiration. He knew he was beaten, and
+still holding the chaplet of stars, he turned to the girl.
+
+'Your power is greater than mine: take the crown; you have won it
+fairly!'
+
+The parrot did not need to be told twice. Seizing the crown, she
+sprang on to the window, crying: 'Monkey, come to me!' And to a
+monkey, the climb down the tree into the courtyard did not take half a
+minute. When she had reached the ground she said again: 'Ant, come to
+me!' And a little ant at once began to crawl over the high wall. How
+glad the ant was to be out of the giant's castle, holding fast the
+crown which had shrunk into almost nothing, as she herself had done,
+but grew quite big again when the ant exclaimed:
+
+'Deer, come to me!'
+
+Surely no deer ever ran so swiftly as that one! On and on she went,
+bounding over rivers and crashing through tangles till she reached the
+sea. Here she cried: for the last time:
+
+'Fish, come to me!' And, plunging in, she swam along the bottom as far
+as the palace, where the queen and all the fishes were gathered
+together awaiting her.
+
+The hours since she had left had gone very slowly--as they always do
+to people that are waiting--and many of them had quite given up hope.
+
+'I am tired of staying here,' grumbled a beautiful little creature,
+whose colours changed with every movement of her body, 'I want to see
+what is going on in the upper world. It must be _months_ since that
+fish went away.'
+
+'It was a very difficult task, and the giant must certainly have
+killed her or she would have been back long ago,' remarked another.
+
+'The young flies will be coming out now,' murmured a third, 'and they
+will all be eaten up by the river fish! It is really _too_ bad!' When,
+suddenly, a voice was heard from behind: 'Look! look! what is that
+bright thing that is moving so swiftly towards us?' And the queen
+started up, and stood on her tail, so excited was she.
+
+A silence fell on all the crowd, and even the grumblers held their
+peace and gazed like the rest. On and on came the fish, holding the
+crown tightly in her mouth, and the others moved back to let her pass.
+On she went right up to the queen, who bent, and taking the crown,
+placed it on her own head. Then a wonderful thing happened. Her tail
+dropped away or, rather, it divided and grew into two legs and a pair
+of the prettiest feet in the world, while her maidens, who were
+grouped around her, shed their scales and became girls again. They all
+turned and looked at each other first, and next at the little fish who
+had regained her own shape and was more beautiful than any of them.
+
+'It is _you_ who have given us back our life; _you_, _you_!' they
+cried; and fell to weeping for very joy.
+
+So they all went back to earth and the queen's palace, and quite
+forgot the one that lay under the sea. But they had been so long away
+that they found many changes. The prince, the queen's husband, had
+died some years since, and in his place was her son, who had grown up
+and was king! Even in his joy at seeing his mother again an air of
+sadness clung to him, and at last the queen could bear it no longer,
+and begged him to walk with her in the garden. Seated together in a
+bower of jessamine--where she had passed long hours as a bride--she
+took her son's hand and entreated him to tell her the cause of his
+sorrow. 'For,' said she, 'if I can give you happiness you shall have
+it.'
+
+  [Illustration: THE CROWN RETURNS TO THE QUEEN OF THE FISHES]
+
+'It is no use,' answered the prince; 'nobody can help me. I must bear
+it alone.'
+
+'But at least let me share your grief,' urged the queen.
+
+'No one can do that,' said he. 'I have fallen in love with what I can
+never marry, and I must get on as best I can.'
+
+'It may not be so impossible as you think,' answered the queen. 'At
+any rate, tell me.'
+
+There was silence between them for a moment, then, turning away his
+head, the prince answered gently:
+
+'I have fallen in love with a beautiful deer!'
+
+'Ah, if _that_ is all,' exclaimed the queen joyfully. And she told him
+in broken words that, as he had guessed, it was no deer but an
+enchanted maiden who had won back the crown and brought her home to
+her own people.
+
+'She is here, in my palace,' added the queen. 'I will take you to
+her.'
+
+But when the prince stood before the girl, who was so much more
+beautiful than anything he had ever dreamed of, he lost all his
+courage, and stood with bent head before her.
+
+Then the maiden drew near, and her eyes, as she looked at him, were
+the eyes of the deer that day in the forest. She whispered softly:
+
+'By your favour let me go, and do not kill me.'
+
+And the prince remembered her words, and his heart was filled with
+happiness. And the queen, his mother, watched them and smiled.
+
+(From _Cuentos Populars Catalans_ por lo Dr. D. Francisco de S.
+Maspons y Labros.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE OWL AND THE EAGLE_
+
+
+Once upon a time, in a country where the snow lies deep for many
+months in the year, there lived an owl and an eagle. Though they were
+so different in many ways they became great friends, and at length set
+up house together, one passing the day in hunting and the other the
+night. In this manner they did not see very much of each other--and
+perhaps agreed all the better for that; but at any rate they were
+perfectly happy, and only wanted one thing, or, rather, two things,
+and that was a wife for each.
+
+'I really am too tired when I come home in the evening to clean up the
+house,' said the eagle.
+
+'And I am much too sleepy at dawn after a long night's hunting to
+begin to sweep and dust,' answered the owl. And they both made up
+their minds that wives they must have.
+
+They flew about in their spare moments to the young ladies of their
+acquaintance, but the girls all declared they preferred one husband to
+two. The poor birds began to despair, when, one evening, after they
+had been for a wonder hunting together, they found two sisters fast
+asleep on their two beds. The eagle looked at the owl and the owl
+looked at the eagle.
+
+'They will make capital wives if they will only stay with us,' said
+they. And they flew off to give themselves a wash, and to make
+themselves smart before the girls awoke.
+
+For many hours the sisters slept on, for they had come a long way,
+from a town where there was scarcely anything to eat, and felt weak
+and tired. But by-and-by they opened their eyes and saw the two birds
+watching them.
+
+'I hope you are rested?' asked the owl politely.
+
+'Oh, yes, thank you,' answered the girls. 'Only we are so very hungry.
+Do you think we could have something to eat?'
+
+'Certainly!' replied the eagle. And he flew away to a farm-house a
+mile or two off, and brought back a nest of eggs in his strong beak;
+while the owl, catching up a tin pot, went to a cottage where lived an
+old woman and her cow, and entering the shed by the window dipped the
+pot into the pail of new milk that stood there.
+
+The girls were so much delighted with the kindness and cleverness of
+their hosts that, when the birds inquired if they would marry them and
+stay there for ever, they accepted without so much as giving it a
+second thought. So the eagle took the younger sister to wife, and the
+owl the elder, and never was a home more peaceful than theirs!
+
+All went well for several months, and then the eagle's wife had a son,
+while, on the same day, the owl's wife gave birth to a frog, which she
+placed directly on the banks of a stream near by, as he did not seem
+to like the house. The children both grew quickly, and were never
+tired of playing together, or wanted any other companions.
+
+One night in the spring, when the ice had melted, and the snow was
+gone, the sisters sat spinning in the house, awaiting their husbands'
+return. But long though they watched, neither the owl nor the eagle
+ever came; neither that day nor the next, nor the next, nor the next.
+At last the wives gave up all hope of their return; but, being
+sensible women, they did not sit down and cry, but called their
+children, and set out, determined to seek the whole world over till
+the missing husbands were found.
+
+Now the women had no idea in which direction the lost birds had gone,
+but they knew that some distance off was a thick forest, where good
+hunting was to be found. It seemed a likely place to find them, or, at
+any rate, they might hear something of them, and they walked quickly
+on, cheered by the thought that they were doing something. Suddenly
+the young sister, who was a little in front, gave a cry of surprise.
+
+'Oh! look at that lake!' she said, 'we shall never get across it.'
+
+'Yes we shall,' answered the elder; 'I know what to do.' And taking a
+long piece of string from her pocket, fastened it into the frog's
+mouth, like a bit.
+
+'You must swim across the lake,' she said, stooping to put him in,
+'and we will walk across on the line behind you.' And so they did,
+till they got to about the middle of the lake, when the frog boy
+stopped.
+
+'I don't like it, and I won't go any further,' cried he sulkily. And
+his mother had to promise him all sorts of nice things before he would
+go on again.
+
+When at last they reached the other side, the owl's wife untied the
+line from the frog's mouth and told him he might rest and play by the
+lake till they got back from the forest. Then she and her sister and
+the boy walked on, with the great forest looming before them. But they
+had by this time come far and were very tired, and felt glad enough to
+see some smoke curling up from a little hut in front of them.
+
+'Let us go in and ask for some water,' said the eagle's wife; and in
+they went.
+
+The inside of the hut was so dark that at first they could see nothing
+at all; but presently they heard a feeble croak from one corner. Both
+sisters turned to look, and there, tied by wings and feet, and their
+eyes sunken, were the husbands that they sought. Quick as lightning
+the wives cut the deer-thongs which bound them; but the poor birds
+were too weak from pain and starvation to do more than utter soft
+sounds of joy. Hardly, however, were they set free, than a voice of
+thunder made the two sisters jump, while the little boy clung tightly
+round his mother's neck.
+
+'What are you doing in my house?' cried she. And the wives answered
+boldly that now they had found their husbands they meant to save them
+from such a wicked witch.
+
+'Well, I will give you your chance,' answered the ogress, with a
+hideous grin; 'we will see if you can slide down this mountain. If you
+can reach the bottom of the cavern, you shall have your husbands back
+again.' And as she spoke she pushed them before her out of the door to
+the edge of a precipice, which went straight down several hundreds of
+feet. Unseen by the witch, the frog's mother fastened one end of the
+magic line about her, and whispered to the little boy to hold fast to
+the other. She had scarcely done so when the witch turned round.
+
+'You don't seem to like your bargain,' said she; but the girl
+answered:
+
+'Oh, yes, I am quite ready. I was only waiting for you!' And sitting
+down she began her slide. On, on, she went, down to such a depth that
+even the witch's eyes could not follow her; but she took for granted
+that the woman was dead, and told the sister to take her place. At
+that instant, however, the head of the elder appeared, above the rock,
+brought upwards by the magic line. The witch gave a howl of disgust,
+and hid her face in her hands; thus giving the younger sister time to
+fasten the cord to her waist before the ogress looked up.
+
+'You can't expect such luck twice,' she said; and the girl sat down
+and slid over the edge. But in a few minutes she too was back again,
+and the witch saw that she had failed, and feared lest her power was
+going. Trembling with rage though she was, she dared not show it, and
+only laughed hideously.
+
+'I sha'n't let my prisoners go as easily as all that!' she said.
+'Make my hair grow as thick and as black as yours, or else your
+husbands shall never see daylight again.'
+
+'That is quite simple,' replied the elder sister; 'only you must do as
+we did--and perhaps you won't like the treatment.'
+
+'If _you_ can bear it, of course _I_ can,' answered the witch. And so
+the girls told her they had first smeared their heads with pitch and
+then laid hot stones upon them.
+
+'It is very painful,' said they, 'but there is no other way that we
+know of. And in order to make sure that all will go right, one of us
+will hold you down while the other pours on the pitch.'
+
+And so they did; and the elder sister let down her hair till it hung
+over the witch's eyes, so that she might believe it was her own hair
+growing. Then the other brought a huge stone and clove in her skull,
+and she died, groaning terribly.
+
+So when the sisters saw that she was dead they went to the hut and
+nursed their husbands till they grew strong. Then they picked up the
+frog, and all went to make another home on the other side of the great
+lake.
+
+(From the _Journal of the Anthropological Institute_.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE FROG AND THE LION FAIRY_
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived a king who was always at war with his
+neighbours, which was very strange, as he was a good and kind man,
+quite content with his own country, and not wanting to seize land
+belonging to other people. Perhaps he may have tried too much to
+please everybody, and that often ends in pleasing nobody; but, at any
+rate, he found himself, at the end of a hard struggle, defeated in
+battle, and obliged to fall back behind the walls of his capital city.
+Once there, he began to make preparations for a long siege, and the
+first thing he did was to plan how best to send his wife to a place of
+security.
+
+The queen, who loved her husband dearly, would gladly have remained
+with him and share his dangers, but he would not allow it. So they
+parted, with many tears, and the queen set out with a strong guard to
+a fortified castle on the outskirts of a great forest, some two
+hundred miles distant. She cried nearly all the way, and when she
+arrived she cried still more, for everything in the castle was dusty
+and old, and outside there was only a gravelled courtyard, and the
+king had forbidden her to go beyond the walls without at least two
+soldiers to take care of her.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Now the queen had only been married a few months, and in her own home
+she had been used to walk and ride all over the hills without any
+attendants at all; so she felt very dull at her being shut up in this
+way. However, she bore it for a long while because it was the king's
+wish, but when time passed and there were no signs of the war drifting
+in the direction of the castle, she grew bolder, and sometimes strayed
+outside the walls, in the direction of the forest.
+
+Then came a dreadful period, when news from the king ceased entirely.
+
+'He must surely be ill or dead,' thought the poor girl, who even now
+was only sixteen. 'I can bear it no longer, and if I do not get a
+letter from him soon I shall leave this horrible place, and go back to
+see what is the matter. Oh! I do wish I had never come away!'
+
+So, without telling anyone what she intended to do, she ordered a
+little low carriage to be built, something like a sledge, only it was
+on two wheels--just big enough to hold one person.
+
+'I am tired of being always in the castle,' she said to her
+attendants; 'and I mean to hunt a little. Quite close by, of course,'
+she added, seeing the anxious look on their faces. 'And there is no
+reason that you should not hunt too.'
+
+All the faces brightened at that, for, to tell the truth, they were
+nearly as dull as their mistress; so the queen had her way, and two
+beautiful horses were brought from the stable to draw the little
+chariot. At first the queen took care to keep near the rest of the
+hunt, but gradually she stayed away longer and longer, and at last,
+one morning, she took advantage of the appearance of a wild boar,
+after which her whole court instantly galloped, to turn into a path in
+the opposite direction.
+
+Unluckily, it did not happen to lead towards the king's palace, where
+she intended to go, but she was so afraid her flight would be noticed
+that she whipped up her horses till they ran away.
+
+  [Illustration: HOW THE QUEEN MET THE LION-FAIRY]
+
+When she understood what was happening the poor young queen was
+terribly frightened, and, dropping the reins, clung to the side of the
+chariot. The horses, thus left without any control, dashed blindly
+against a tree, and the queen was flung out on the ground, where she
+lay for some minutes unconscious.
+
+A rustling sound near her at length caused her to open her eyes;
+before her stood a huge woman, almost a giantess, without any clothes
+save a lion's skin, which was thrown over her shoulders, while a dried
+snake's skin was plaited into her hair. In one hand she held a club on
+which she leaned, and in the other a quiver full of arrows.
+
+At the sight of this strange figure the queen thought she must be
+dead, and gazing on an inhabitant of another world. So she murmured
+softly to herself:
+
+'I am not surprised that people are so loth to die when they know that
+they will see such horrible creatures.' But, low as she spoke, the
+giantess caught the words, and began to laugh.
+
+'Oh, don't be afraid; you are still alive, and perhaps, after all, you
+may be sorry for it. I am the Lion Fairy, and you are going to spend
+the rest of your days with me in my palace, which is quite near this.
+So come along.' But the queen shrank back in horror.
+
+'Oh, Madam Lion, take me back, I pray you, to my castle; and fix what
+ransom you like, for my husband will pay it, whatever it is.' But the
+giantess shook her head.
+
+'I am rich enough already,' she answered, 'but I am often dull, and I
+think you may amuse me a little.' And, so saying, she changed her
+shape into that of a lion, and throwing the queen across her back, she
+went down the ten thousand steps that led to her palace. The lion had
+reached the centre of the earth before she stopped in front of a
+house, lighted with lamps, and built on the edge of a lake of
+quicksilver. In this lake various huge monsters might be seen playing
+or fighting--the queen did not know which--and around flew rooks and
+ravens, uttering dismal croaks. In the distance was a mountain down
+whose sides waters slowly course--these were the tears of unhappy
+lovers--and nearer the gate were trees without either fruit or
+flowers, while nettles and brambles covered the ground. If the castle
+had been gloomy, what did the queen feel about this?
+
+For some days the queen was so much shaken by all she had gone through
+that she lay with her eyes closed, unable either to move or speak.
+When she got better, the Lion Fairy told her that if she liked she
+could build herself a cabin, as she would have to spend her life in
+that place. At these words the queen burst into tears, and implored
+her gaoler to put her to death rather than condemn her to such a life;
+but the Lion Fairy only laughed, and counselled her to try and make
+herself pleasant, as many worse things might befall her.
+
+'Is there _no_ way in which I can touch your heart?' asked the poor
+girl in despair.
+
+'Well, if you _really_ wish to please me you will make me a pasty out
+of the stings of bees, and be sure it is good.'
+
+'But I don't see any bees,' answered the queen, looking round.
+
+'Oh, no, there aren't any,' replied her tormentor; 'but you will have
+to find them all the same.' And, so saying, she went away.
+
+'After all, what does it matter?' thought the queen to herself, 'I
+have only one life, and I can but lose it.' And not caring what she
+did, she left the palace and seating herself under a yew tree, poured
+out all her grief.
+
+'Oh, my dear husband,' wept she, 'what will you think when you come to
+the castle to fetch me and find me gone? Rather a thousand times that
+you should fancy me dead than imagine that I had forgotten you! Ah,
+how fortunate that the broken chariot should be lying in the wood, for
+then you may grieve for me as one devoured by wild beasts. And if
+another should take my place in your heart---- Well, at least I shall
+never know it.'
+
+She might have continued for long in this fashion had not the voice
+of a crow directly overhead attracted her attention. Looking up to see
+what was the matter she beheld, in the dim light, a crow holding a fat
+frog in his claws, which he evidently intended for his supper. The
+queen rose hastily from the seat, and striking the bird sharply on the
+claws with the fan which hung from her side, she forced him to drop
+the frog, which fell to the ground more dead than alive. The crow,
+furious at his disappointment, flew angrily away.
+
+As soon as the frog had recovered her senses she hopped up to the
+queen, who was still sitting under the yew. Standing on her hind legs,
+and bowing low before her, she said gently:
+
+'Beautiful lady, by what mischance do you come here? You are the only
+creature that I have seen do a kind deed since a fatal curiosity lured
+me to this place.'
+
+'What sort of a frog can you be that knows the language of mortals?'
+asked the queen in her turn. 'But if you do, tell me, I pray, if I
+alone am a captive, for hitherto I have beheld no one but the monsters
+of the lake.'
+
+'Once upon a time they were men and women like yourself,' answered the
+frog, 'but having power in their hands, they used it for their own
+pleasure. Therefore fate has sent them here for a while to bear the
+punishment of their misdoings.'
+
+'But you, friend frog, you are not one of these wicked people, I am
+sure?' asked the queen.
+
+'I am half a fairy,' replied the frog; 'but, although I have certain
+magic gifts, I am not able to do all I wish. And if the Lion Fairy
+were to know of my presence in her kingdom she would hasten to kill
+me.'
+
+'But if you are a fairy, how was it that you were so nearly slain by
+the crow?' said the queen, wrinkling her forehead.
+
+'Because the secret of my power lies in my little cap that is made of
+rose leaves; but I had laid it aside for the moment, when that
+horrible crow pounced upon me. Once it is on my head I fear nothing.
+But let me repeat; had it not been for you I could not have escaped
+death, and if I can do anything to help you, or soften your hard fate,
+you have only to tell me.'
+
+'Alas,' sighed the queen, 'I have been commanded by the Lion Fairy to
+make her a pasty out of the stings of bees, and, as far as I can
+discover, there are none here; as how should there be, seeing there
+are no flowers for them to feed on? And, even if there were, how could
+I catch them?'
+
+'Leave it to me,' said the frog, 'I will manage it for you.' And,
+uttering a strange noise, she struck the ground thrice with her foot.
+In an instant six thousand frogs appeared before her, one of them
+bearing a little cap.
+
+'Cover yourselves with honey, and hop round by the bee-hives,'
+commanded the frog, putting on the cap which her friend was holding in
+her mouth. And turning to the queen, he added:
+
+'The Lion Fairy keeps a store of bees in a secret place near to the
+bottom of the ten thousand steps leading into the upper world. Not
+that she wants them for herself, but they are sometimes useful to her
+in punishing her victims. However, this time we will get the better of
+her.'
+
+Just as she had finished speaking the six thousand frogs returned,
+looking so strange with bees sticking to every part of them that, sad
+as she felt, the poor queen could not help laughing. The bees were all
+so stupefied with what they had eaten that it was possible to draw
+their stings without hunting them. So, with the help of her friend,
+the queen soon made ready her pasty and carried it to the Lion Fairy.
+
+'It is not bad,' said the giantess, gulping down large morsels, in
+order to hide the surprise she felt. 'Well, you have escaped this
+time, and I am glad to find I have got a companion a little more
+intelligent than the others I have tried. Now, you had better go and
+build yourself a house.'
+
+  [Illustration: 'A SMALL DRAGON CREPT IN AND TERRIFIED HER']
+
+So the queen wandered away, and picking up a small axe which lay near
+the door she began with the help of her friend the frog to cut down
+some cypress trees for the purpose. And not content with that the six
+thousand froggy servants were told to help also, and it was not long
+before they had built the prettiest little cabin in the world, and
+made a bed in one corner of dried ferns which they fetched from the
+top of the ten thousand steps. It looked soft and comfortable, and the
+queen was very glad to lie down upon it, so tired was she with all
+that had happened since the morning. Scarcely, however, had she fallen
+asleep when the lake monsters began to make the most horrible noises
+just outside, while a small dragon crept in and terrified her so that
+she ran away, which was just what the dragon wanted!
+
+The poor queen crouched under a rock for the rest of the night, and
+the next morning, when she woke from her troubled dreams, she was
+cheered at seeing the frog watching by her.
+
+'I hear we shall have to build you another palace,' said she. 'Well,
+this time we won't go so near the lake.' And she smiled with her funny
+wide mouth, till the queen took heart, and they went together to find
+wood for the new cabin.
+
+The tiny palace was soon ready, and a fresh bed made of wild thyme,
+which smelt delicious. Neither the queen nor the frog said anything
+about it, but somehow, as always happens, the story came to the ears
+of the Lion Fairy, and she sent a raven to fetch the culprit.
+
+'What gods or men are protecting you?' she asked, with a frown. 'This
+earth, dried up by a constant rain of sulphur and fire, produces
+nothing, yet I hear that _your_ bed is made of sweet smelling herbs.
+However, as you can get flowers for yourself, of course you can get
+them for me, and in an hour's time I must have in my room a nosegay of
+the rarest flowers. If not----! Now you can go.'
+
+The poor queen returned to her house looking so sad that the frog, who
+was waiting for her, noticed it directly.
+
+'What is the matter?' said she, smiling.
+
+'Oh, how can you laugh!' replied the queen. 'This time I have to bring
+her in an hour a posy of the rarest flowers, and where am I to find
+them? If I fail I know she will kill me.'
+
+'Well, I must see if _I_ can't help you,' answered the frog. 'The only
+person I have made friends with here is a bat. She is a good creature,
+and always does what I tell her, so I will just lend her my cap, and
+if she puts it on, and flies into the world, she will bring back all
+we want. I would go myself, only she will be quicker.'
+
+Then the queen dried her eyes, and waited patiently, and long before
+the hour had gone by the bat flew in with all the most beautiful and
+sweetest flowers that grew on the earth. The girl sprang up overjoyed
+at the sight, and hurried with them to the Lion Fairy, who was so
+astonished that for once she had nothing to say.
+
+Now the smell and touch of the flowers had made the queen sick with
+longing for her home, and she told the frog that she would certainly
+die if she did not manage to escape somehow.
+
+'Let me consult my cap,' said the frog; and taking it off she laid it
+in a box, and threw in after it a few sprigs of juniper, some capers,
+and two peas, which she carried under her right leg; she then shut
+down the lid of the box, and murmured some words which the queen did
+not catch.
+
+In a few moments a voice was heard speaking from the box.
+
+'Fate, who rules us all,' said the voice, 'forbids your leaving this
+place till the time shall come when certain things are fulfilled. But,
+instead, a gift shall be given you, which will comfort you in all your
+troubles.'
+
+And the voice spoke truly, for, a few days after, when the frog peeped
+in at the door she found the most beautiful baby in the world lying by
+the side of the queen.
+
+'So the cap has kept its word,' cried the frog with delight. 'How soft
+its cheeks are, and what tiny feet it has got! What shall we call it?'
+
+This was a very important point, and needed much discussion. A
+thousand names were proposed and rejected for a thousand silly
+reasons. One was too long, and one was too short. One was too harsh,
+and another reminded the queen of somebody she did not like; but at
+length an idea flashed into the queen's head, and she called out:
+
+'I know! We will call her Muffette.'
+
+'That is the very thing,' shouted the frog, jumping high into the
+air; and so it was settled.
+
+The princess Muffette was about six months old when the frog noticed
+that the queen had begun to grow sad again.
+
+'Why do you have that look in your eyes?' she asked one day, when she
+had come in to play with the baby, who could now crawl.
+
+The way they played their game was to let Muffette creep close to the
+frog, and then for the frog to bound high into the air and alight on
+the child's head, or back, or legs, when she always set up a shout of
+pleasure. There is no playfellow like a frog; but then it must be a
+_fairy_ frog, or else you might hurt it, and if you did something
+dreadful might happen to you. Well, as I have said, our frog was
+struck with the queen's sad face, and lost no time in asking her what
+was the reason.
+
+'I don't see what you have to complain of now; Muffette is quite well
+and quite happy, and even the Lion Fairy is kind to her when she sees
+her. What _is_ it?'
+
+'Oh! if her father could only see her!' broke forth the queen,
+clasping her hands. 'Or if I could only tell him all that has happened
+since we parted. But they will have brought him tidings of the broken
+carriage, and he will have thought me dead, or devoured by wild
+beasts. And though he will mourn for me long--I know that well--yet in
+time they will persuade him to take a wife, and she will be young and
+fair, and he will forget me.'
+
+And in all this the queen guessed truly, save that nine long years
+were to pass before he would consent to put another in her place.
+
+The frog answered nothing at the time, but stopped her game and hopped
+away among the cypress trees. Here she sat and thought and thought,
+and the next morning she went back to the queen and said:
+
+'I have come, madam, to make you an offer. Shall I go to the king
+instead of you, and tell him of your sufferings, and that he has the
+most charming baby in the world for his daughter? The way is long, and
+I travel slowly; but, sooner or later, I shall be sure to arrive.
+Only, are you not afraid to be left without my protection? Ponder the
+matter carefully; it is for you to decide.'
+
+'Oh, it needs no pondering,' cried the queen joyfully, holding up her
+clasped hands, and making Muffette do likewise, in token of gratitude.
+'But in order that he may know that you have come from me I will send
+him a letter.' And pricking her arm, she wrote a few words with her
+blood on the corner of her handkerchief. Then tearing it off, she gave
+it to the frog, and they bade each other farewell.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It took the frog a year and four days to mount the ten thousand steps
+that led to the upper world, but that was because she was still under
+the spell of a wicked fairy. By the time she reached the top, she was
+so tired that she had to remain for another year on the banks of a
+stream to rest, and also to arrange the procession with which she was
+to present herself before the king. For she knew far too well what was
+due to herself and her relations, to appear at Court as if she was a
+mere nobody. At length, after many consultations with her cap, the
+affair was settled, and at the end of the second year after her
+parting with the queen they all set out.
+
+First walked her bodyguard of grasshoppers, followed by her maids of
+honour, who were those tiny green frogs you see in the fields, each
+one mounted on a snail, and seated on a velvet saddle. Next came the
+water-rats, dressed as pages, and lastly the frog herself, in a litter
+borne by eight toads, and made of tortoiseshell. Here she could lie at
+her ease, with her cap on her head, for it was quite large and roomy,
+and could easily have held two eggs when the frog was not in it.
+
+The journey lasted seven years, and all this time the queen suffered
+tortures of hope, though Muffette did her best to comfort her. Indeed,
+she would most likely have died had not the Lion Fairy taken a fancy
+that the child and her mother should go hunting with her in the upper
+world, and, in spite of her sorrows, it was always a joy to the queen
+to see the sun again. As for little Muffette, by the time she was
+seven her arrows seldom missed their mark. So, after all, the years of
+waiting passed more quickly than the queen had dared to hope.
+
+The frog was always careful to maintain her dignity, and nothing would
+have persuaded her to show her face in public places, or even along
+the high road, where there was a chance of meeting anyone. But
+sometimes, when the procession had to cross a little stream, or go
+over a piece of marshy ground, orders would be given for a halt; fine
+clothes were thrown off, bridles were flung aside, and grasshoppers,
+water-rats, even the frog herself, spent a delightful hour or two
+playing in the mud.
+
+But at length the end was in sight, and the hardships were forgotten
+in the vision of the towers of the king's palace; and, one bright
+morning, the cavalcade entered the gates with all the pomp and
+circumstance of a royal embassy. And surely no ambassador had ever
+created such a sensation! Doors and windows, even the roofs of houses,
+were filled with people, whose cheers reached the ears of the king.
+However, he had no time to attend to such matters just then, as, after
+nine years, he had at last consented to the entreaties of his
+courtiers, and was on the eve of celebrating his second marriage.
+
+The frog's heart beat high when her litter drew up before the steps of
+the palace, and leaning forward she beckoned to her side one of the
+guards who were standing in his doorway.
+
+'I wish to see his Majesty,' said he.
+
+'His Majesty is engaged, and can see no one,' answered the soldier.
+
+'His Majesty will see _me_,' returned the frog, fixing her eye upon
+him; and somehow the man found himself leading the procession along
+the gallery into the Hall of Audience, where the king sat surrounded
+by his nobles arranging the dresses which everyone was to wear at his
+marriage ceremony.
+
+All stared in surprise as the procession advanced, and still more when
+the frog gave one bound from the litter on to the floor, and with
+another landed on the arm of the chair of state.
+
+'I am only just in time, sire,' began the frog; 'had I been a day
+later you would have broken your faith which you swore to the queen
+nine years ago.'
+
+'Her remembrance will always be dear to me,' answered the king gently,
+though all present expected him to rebuke the frog severely for her
+impertinence. 'But know, Lady Frog, that a king can seldom do as he
+wishes, but must be bound by the desires of his subjects. For nine
+years I have resisted them; now I can do so no longer, and have made
+choice of the fair young maiden playing at ball yonder.'
+
+'You cannot wed her, however fair she may be, for the queen your wife
+is still alive, and sends you this letter written in her own blood,'
+said the frog, holding out the square of handkerchief as she spoke.
+'And, what is more, you have a daughter who is nearly nine years old,
+and more beautiful than all the other children in the world put
+together.'
+
+The king turned pale when he heard these words, and his hand trembled
+so that he could hardly read what the queen had written. Then he
+kissed the handkerchief twice or thrice, and burst into tears, and it
+was some minutes before he could speak. When at length he found his
+voice he told his councillors that the writing was indeed that of the
+queen, and now that he had the joy of knowing she was alive he could,
+of course, proceed no further with his second marriage. This naturally
+displeased the ambassadors who had conducted the bride to court, and
+one of them inquired indignantly if he meant to put such an insult on
+the princess on the word of a mere frog.
+
+'I am not a "mere frog," and I will give you proof of it,' retorted
+the angry little creature. And putting on her cap, she cried: 'Fairies
+that are my friends, come hither!' And in a moment a crowd of
+beautiful creatures, each one with a crown on her head, stood before
+her. Certainly none could have guessed that they were the snails,
+water-rats, and grasshoppers, from which she had chosen her retinue.
+
+At a sign from the frog the fairies danced a ballet, with which
+everyone was so delighted that they begged to have it repeated; but
+now it was not youths and maidens who were dancing, but flowers. Then
+these again melted into fountains, whose waters interlaced and,
+rushing down the sides of the hall, poured out in a cascade down the
+steps, and formed a river round the castle, with the most beautiful
+little boats upon it, all painted and gilded.
+
+'Oh, let us go in them for a sail!' cried the princess, who had long
+ago left her game of ball for a sight of these marvels; and, as she
+was bent upon it, the ambassadors, who had been charged never to lose
+sight of her, were obliged to go also, though they never entered a
+boat if they could help it.
+
+But the moment they and the princess had seated themselves on the soft
+cushions, river and boats vanished, and the princess and the
+ambassadors vanished too. Instead, the snails and grasshoppers and
+water-rats stood round the frog in their natural shapes.
+
+'Perhaps,' said she, 'your Majesty may now be convinced that I am a
+fairy and speak the truth. Therefore lose no time in setting in order
+the affairs of your kingdom and go in search of your wife. Here is a
+ring that will admit you into the presence of the queen, and will
+likewise allow you to address unharmed the Lion Fairy, though she is
+the most terrible creature that ever existed.'
+
+By this time the king had forgotten all about the princess, whom he
+had only chosen to please his people, and was as eager to depart on
+his journey as the frog was for him to go. He made one of his
+ministers regent of the kingdom, and gave the frog everything her
+heart could desire; and with her ring on his finger he rode away to
+the outskirts of the forest. Here he dismounted, and bidding his horse
+go home, he pushed forward on foot.
+
+Having nothing to guide him as to where he was likely to find the
+entrance of the under-world, the king wandered hither and thither for
+a long while, till, one day, while he was resting under a tree, a
+voice spoke to him.
+
+'Why do you give yourself so much trouble for nought, when you might
+know what you want to know for the asking? Alone you will never
+discover the path that leads to your wife.'
+
+Much startled, the king looked about him. He could see nothing, and
+somehow, when he thought about it, the voice seemed as if it were part
+of himself. Suddenly his eyes fell on the ring, and he understood.
+
+'Fool that I was!' cried he; 'and how much precious time have I
+wasted? Dear ring, I beseech you, grant me a vision of my wife and my
+daughter!' And even as he spoke there flashed past him a huge lioness,
+followed by a lady and a beautiful young maid mounted on fairy horses.
+
+Almost fainting with joy he gazed after them, and then sank back
+trembling on the ground.
+
+'Oh, lead me to them, lead me to them!' he exclaimed. And the ring,
+bidding him take courage, conducted him safely to the dismal place
+where his wife had lived for ten years.
+
+Now the Lion Fairy knew beforehand of his expected presence in her
+dominions, and she ordered a palace of crystal to be built in the
+middle of the lake of quicksilver; and in order to make it more
+difficult of approach she let it float whither it would. Immediately
+after their return from the chase, where the king had seen them, she
+conveyed the queen and Muffette into the palace, and put them under
+the guard of the monsters of the lake, who one and all had fallen in
+love with the princess. They were horribly jealous, and ready to eat
+each other up for her sake, so they readily accepted the charge. Some
+stationed themselves round the floating palace, some sat by the door,
+while the smallest and lightest perched themselves on the roof.
+
+Of course the king was quite ignorant of these arrangements, and
+boldly entered the palace of the Lion Fairy, who was waiting for him,
+with her tail lashing furiously, for she still kept her lion's shape.
+With a roar that shook the walls she flung herself upon him; but he
+was on the watch, and a blow from his sword cut off the paw she had
+put forth to strike him dead. She fell back, and with his helmet still
+down and his shield up, he set his foot on her throat.
+
+'Give me back the wife and the child you have stolen from me,' he
+said, 'or you shall not live another second!'
+
+But the fairy answered:
+
+'Look through the window at that lake and see if it is in my power to
+give them to you.' And the king looked, and through the crystal walls
+he beheld his wife and daughter floating on the quicksilver. At that
+sight the Lion Fairy and all her wickedness was forgotten. Flinging
+off his helmet, he shouted to them with all his might. The queen knew
+his voice, and she and Muffette ran to the window and held out their
+hands. Then the king swore a solemn oath that he would never leave the
+spot without them if it should cost him his life; and he meant it,
+though at the moment he did not know what he was undertaking.
+
+  [Illustration: THE KING ON HIS DRAGON FIGHTS HIS WAY THROUGH THE
+      MONSTERS TO THE QUEEN AND MUFFETTE]
+
+Three years passed by, and the king was no nearer to obtaining his
+heart's desire. He had suffered every hardship that could be
+imagined--nettles had been his bed, wild fruits more bitter than gall
+his food, while his days had been spent in fighting the hideous
+monsters which kept him from the palace. He had not advanced one
+single step, nor gained one solitary advantage. Now he was almost in
+despair, and ready to defy everything and throw himself into the lake.
+
+It was at this moment of his blackest misery that, one night, a dragon
+who had long watched him from the roof crept to his side.
+
+'You thought that love would conquer all obstacles,' said he; 'well,
+you have found it hasn't! But if you will swear to me by your crown
+and sceptre that you will give me a dinner of the food that I never
+grow tired of, whenever I choose to ask for it, I will enable you to
+reach your wife and daughter.'
+
+Ah, how glad the king was to hear that! What oath would he not have
+taken so as to clasp his wife and child in his arms? Joyfully he swore
+whatever the dragon asked of him; then he jumped on his back, and in
+another instant would have been carried by the strong wings into the
+castle if the nearest monster had not happened to awake and hear the
+noise of talking and swum to the shore to give battle. The fight was
+long and hard, and when the king at last beat back his foes another
+struggle awaited him. At the entrance gigantic bats, owls, and crows
+set upon him from all sides; but the dragon had teeth and claws, while
+the queen broke off sharp bits of glass and stabbed and cut in her
+anxiety to help her husband. At length the horrible creatures flew
+away; a sound like thunder was heard, the palace and the monsters
+vanished, while, at the same moment--no one knew how--the king found
+himself standing with his wife and daughter in the hall of his own
+home.
+
+The dragon had disappeared with all the rest, and for some years no
+more was heard or thought of him. Muffette grew every day more
+beautiful, and when she was fourteen the kings and emperors of the
+neighbouring countries sent to ask her in marriage for themselves or
+their sons. For a long time the girl turned a deaf ear to all their
+prayers; but at length a young prince of rare gifts touched her heart,
+and though the king had left her free to choose what husband she
+would, he had secretly hoped that out of all the wooers this one might
+be his son-in-law. So they were betrothed that same day with great
+pomp, and then, with many tears, the prince set out for his father's
+court, bearing with him a portrait of Muffette.
+
+The days passed slowly to Muffette, in spite of her brave efforts to
+occupy herself and not to sadden other people by her complaints. One
+morning she was playing on her harp in the queen's chamber when the
+king burst into the room and clasped his daughter in his arms with an
+energy that almost frightened her.
+
+'Oh, my child! my dear child! why were you ever born?' cried he, as
+soon as he could speak.
+
+'Is the prince dead?' faltered Muffette, growing white and cold.
+
+'No, no; but--oh, how can I tell you!' And he sank down on a pile of
+cushions while his wife and daughter knelt beside him.
+
+At length he was able to tell his tale, and a terrible one it was!
+There had just arrived at court a huge giant, as ambassador from the
+dragon by whose help the king had rescued the queen and Muffette from
+the crystal palace. The dragon had been very busy for many years past,
+and had quite forgotten the princess till the news of her betrothal
+had reached his ears. Then he remembered the bargain he had made with
+her father; and the more he heard of Muffette the more he felt sure
+she would make a delicious dish. So he had ordered the giant who was
+his servant to fetch her at once.
+
+No words would paint the horror of both the queen and the princess as
+they listened to this dreadful doom. They rushed instantly to the
+hall, where the giant was awaiting them, and flinging themselves at
+his feet implored him to take the kingdom if he would, but to have
+pity on the princess. The giant looked at them kindly, for he was not
+at all hard-hearted, but said that he had no power to do anything, and
+that if the princess did not go with him quietly the dragon would come
+himself.
+
+Several days went by, and the king and queen hardly ceased from
+entreating the aid of the giant, who by this time was getting weary of
+waiting.
+
+'There is only one way of helping you,' he said at last, 'and that is
+to marry the princess to my nephew, who, besides being young and
+handsome, has been trained in magic, and will know how to keep her
+safe from the dragon.'
+
+'Oh, thank you, thank you!' cried the parents, clasping his great
+hands to their breasts. 'You have indeed lifted a load from us. She
+shall have half the kingdom for her dowry.' But Muffette stood up and
+thrust them aside.
+
+'I will not buy my life with faithlessness,' she said proudly; 'and I
+will go with you this moment to the dragon's abode.' And all her
+father's and mother's tears and prayers availed nothing to move her.
+
+The next morning Muffette was put into a litter, and, guarded by the
+giant and followed by the king and queen and the weeping maids of
+honour, they started for the foot of the mountain where the dragon had
+his castle. The way, though rough and stony, seemed all too short, and
+when they reached the spot appointed by the dragon the giant ordered
+the men who bore the litter to stand still.
+
+'It is time for you to bid farewell to your daughter,' said he; 'for I
+see the dragon coming to us.'
+
+It was true; a cloud appeared to pass over the sun, for between them
+and it they could all discern dimly a huge body half a mile long
+approaching nearer and nearer. At first the king could not believe
+that this was the small beast who had seemed so friendly on the shore
+of the lake of quicksilver; but then he knew very little of
+necromancy, and had never studied the art of expanding and contracting
+his body. But it was the dragon and nothing else, whose six wings were
+carrying him forward as fast as might be, considering his great weight
+and the length of his tail, which had fifty twists and a half.
+
+He came quickly, yes; but the frog, mounted on a greyhound, and
+wearing her cap on her head, went quicker still. Entering a room where
+the prince was sitting gazing at the portrait of his betrothed, she
+cried to him:
+
+'What are you doing lingering here, when the life of the princess is
+nearing its last moment? In the courtyard you will find a green horse
+with three heads and twelve feet, and by its side a sword eighteen
+yards long. Hasten, lest you should be too late!'
+
+The fight lasted all day, and the prince's strength was well-nigh
+spent, when the dragon, thinking that the victory was won, opened his
+jaws to give a roar of triumph. The prince saw his chance, and before
+his foe could shut his mouth again had plunged his sword far down his
+adversary's throat. There was a desperate clutching of the claws to
+the earth, a slow flagging of the great wings, then the monster rolled
+over on his side and moved no more. Muffette was delivered.
+
+After this they all went back to the palace. The marriage took place
+the following day, and Muffette and her husband lived happy for ever
+after.
+
+(From _Les Contes des F�es_, par Madame d'Aulnoy.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE ADVENTURES OF COVAN THE BROWN-HAIRED_
+
+
+On the shores of the west, where the great hills stand with their feet
+in the sea, dwelt a goat-herd and his wife, together with their three
+sons and one daughter. All day long the young men fished and hunted,
+while their sister took out the kids to pasture on the mountain, or
+stayed at home helping her mother and mending the nets.
+
+For several years they all lived happily together, when, one day, as
+the girl was out on the hill with the kids, the sun grew dark and an
+air cold as a thick white mist came creeping, creeping up from the
+sea. She rose with a shiver, and tried to call to her kids, but the
+voice died away in her throat, and strong arms seemed to hold her.
+
+Loud were the wails in the hut by the sea when the hours passed on and
+the maiden came not. Many times the father and brothers jumped up,
+thinking they heard her steps, but in the thick darkness they could
+scarcely see their own hands, nor could they tell where the river lay,
+nor where the mountain. One by one the kids came home, and at every
+bleat someone hurried to open the door, but no sound broke the
+stillness. Through the night no one slept, and when morning broke and
+the mist rolled back, they sought the maiden by sea and by land, but
+never a trace of her could be found anywhere.
+
+Thus a year and a day slipped by, and at the end of it Gorla of the
+Flocks and his wife seemed suddenly to have grown old. Their sons too
+were sadder than before, for they loved their sister well, and had
+never ceased to mourn for her. At length Ardan the eldest spoke and
+said:
+
+'It is now a year and a day since our sister was taken from us, and we
+have waited in grief and patience for her to return. Surely some evil
+has befallen her, or she would have sent us a token to put our hearts
+at rest; and I have vowed to myself that my eyes shall not know sleep
+till, living or dead, I have found her.'
+
+'If you have vowed, then must you keep your vow,' answered Gorla. 'But
+better had it been if you had first asked your father's leave before
+you made it. Yet, since it is so, your mother will bake you a cake for
+you to carry with you on your journey. Who can tell how long it may
+be?'
+
+So the mother arose and baked not one cake but two, a big one and a
+little one.
+
+'Choose, my son,' said she. 'Will you have the little cake with your
+mother's blessing, or the big one without it, in that you have set
+aside your father and taken on yourself to make a vow?'
+
+'I will have the large cake,' answered the youth; 'for what good would
+my mother's blessing do for me if I was dying of hunger?' And taking
+the big cake he went his way.
+
+Straight on he strode, letting neither hill nor river hinder him.
+Swiftly he walked--swiftly as the wind that blew down the mountain.
+The eagles and the gulls looked on from their nests as he passed,
+leaving the deer behind him; but at length he stopped, for hunger had
+seized on him, and he could walk no more. Trembling with fatigue he
+sat himself on a rock and broke a piece off his cake.
+
+'Spare me a morsel, Ardan son of Gorla,' asked a raven, fluttering
+down towards him.
+
+'Seek food elsewhere, O bearer of ill-news,' answered Ardan son of
+Gorla; 'it is but little I have for myself.' And he stretched himself
+out for a few moments, then rose to his feet again. On and on went he
+till the little birds flew to their nests, and the brightness died out
+of the sky, and a darkness fell over the earth. On and on, and on,
+till at last he saw a beam of light streaming from a house and
+hastened towards it.
+
+The door was opened and he entered, but paused when he beheld an old
+man lying on a bench by the fire, while seated opposite him was a
+maiden combing out the locks of her golden hair with a comb of silver.
+
+'Welcome, fair youth,' said the old man, turning his head. 'Sit down
+and warm yourself, and tell me how fares the outer world. It is long
+since I have seen it.'
+
+'All my news is that I am seeking service,' answered Ardan son of
+Gorla; 'I have come from far since sunrise, and glad was I to see the
+rays of your lamp stream into the darkness.'
+
+'I need someone to herd my three dun cows, which are hornless,' said
+the old man. 'If, for the space of a year, you can bring them back to
+me each evening before the sun sets, I will make you payment that will
+satisfy your soul.'
+
+But here the girl looked up and answered quickly:
+
+'Ill will come of it if he listens to your offer.'
+
+'Counsel unsought is worth nothing,' replied, rudely, Ardan son of
+Gorla. 'It would be little indeed that I am fit for if I cannot drive
+three cows out to pasture and keep them safe from the wolves that may
+come down from the mountains. Therefore, good father, I will take
+service with you at daybreak, and ask no payment till the new year
+dawns.'
+
+Next morning the bell of the deer was not heard amongst the fern
+before the maiden with the hair of gold had milked the cows, and led
+them in front of the cottage where the old man, and Ardan son of Gorla
+awaited them.
+
+'Let them wander where they will,' he said to his servant, 'and never
+seek to turn them from their way, for well they know the fields of
+good pasture. But take heed to follow always behind them, and suffer
+nothing that you see, and nought that you hear, to draw you into
+leaving them. Now go, and may wisdom go with you.'
+
+As he ceased speaking he touched one of the cows on her forehead, and
+she stepped along the path, with the two others one on each side. As
+he had been bidden, behind them came Ardan son of Gorla, rejoicing in
+his heart that work so easy had fallen to his lot. At the year's end,
+thought he, enough money would lie in his pocket to carry him into far
+countries where his sister might be, and, in the meanwhile, someone
+might come past who could give him tidings of her.
+
+Thus he spoke to himself, when his eyes fell on a golden cock and a
+silver hen running swiftly along the grass in front of him. In a
+moment the words that the old man had uttered vanished from his mind
+and he gave chase. They were so near that he could almost seize their
+tails, yet each time he felt sure he could catch them his fingers
+closed on the empty air. At length he could run no more, and stopped
+to breathe, while the cock and hen went on as before. Then he
+remembered the cows, and, somewhat frightened, turned back to seek
+them. Luckily they had not strayed far, and were quietly feeding on
+the thick green grass.
+
+Ardan son of Gorla was sitting under a tree, when he beheld a staff of
+gold and a staff of silver doubling themselves in strange ways on the
+meadow in front of him, and starting up he hastened towards them.
+Though he followed them till he was tired he could not catch them,
+though they seemed ever within his reach. When at last he gave up the
+quest his knees trembled beneath him for very weariness, and glad was
+he to see a tree growing close by laden with fruits of different
+sorts, of which he ate greedily.
+
+The sun was by now low in the heavens, and the cows left off feeding,
+and turned their faces home again, followed by Ardan son of Gorla. At
+the door of their stable the maiden stood awaiting them, and saying
+nought to their herd, she sat down and began to milk. But it was not
+milk that flowed into her pail; instead it was filled with a thin
+stream of water, and as she rose up from the last cow the old man
+appeared outside.
+
+  [Illustration: ARDAN PURSUES THE GOLDEN COCK AND THE SILVER HEN]
+
+'Faithless one, you have betrayed your trust!' he said to Ardan son of
+Gorla. 'Not even for one day could you keep true! Well, you shall have
+your reward at once that others may take warning from you.' And waving
+his wand he touched with it the chest of the youth, who became a
+pillar of stone.
+
+Now Gorla of the Flocks and his wife were full of grief that they had
+lost a son as well as a daughter, for no tidings had come to them of
+Ardan their eldest born. At length, when two years and two days had
+passed since the maiden had led her kids to feed on the mountain and
+had been seen no more, Ruais, second son of Gorla, rose up one
+morning, and said:
+
+'Time is long without my sister and Ardan my brother. So I have vowed
+to seek them wherever they may be.'
+
+And his father answered:
+
+'Better it had been if you had first asked my consent and that of your
+mother; but as you have vowed so must you do.' Then he bade his wife
+make a cake, but instead she made two, and offered Ruais his choice,
+as she had done to Ardan. Like Ardan, Ruais chose the large, unblessed
+cake, and set forth on his way, doing always, though he knew it not,
+that which Ardan had done; so, needless is it to tell what befell him
+till he too stood, a pillar of stone, on the hill behind the cottage,
+so that all men might see the fate that awaited those who broke their
+faith.
+
+Another year and a day passed by, when Covan the Brown-haired,
+youngest son of Gorla of the Flocks, one morning spake to his parents,
+saying:
+
+'It is more than three years since my sister left us. My brothers have
+also gone, no one knows whither, and of us four none remains but I.
+Now, therefore, I long to seek them, and I pray you and my mother to
+place no hindrance in my way.'
+
+And his father answered:
+
+'Go, then, and take our blessing with you.'
+
+So the wife of Gorla of the Flocks baked two cakes, one large, and one
+small; and Covan took the small one, and started on his quest. In the
+wood he felt hungry, for he had walked far, and he sat down to eat.
+Suddenly a voice behind him cried:
+
+'A bit for me! a bit for me!' And looking round he beheld the black
+raven of the wilderness.
+
+'Yes, you shall have a bit,' said Covan the Brown-haired; and breaking
+off a piece he stretched it upwards to the raven, who ate it greedily.
+Then Covan arose and went forward, till he saw the light from the
+cottage streaming before him, and glad was he, for night was at hand.
+
+'Maybe I shall find some work there,' he thought, 'and at least I
+shall gain money to help me in my search; for who knows how far my
+sister and my brothers may have wandered?'
+
+The door stood open and he entered, and the old man gave him welcome,
+and the golden-haired maiden likewise. As happened before, he was
+offered by the old man to herd his cows; and, as she had done to his
+brothers, the maiden counselled him to leave such work alone. But,
+instead of answering rudely, like both Ardan and Ruais, he thanked
+her, with courtesy, though he had no mind to heed her; and he listened
+to the warnings and words of his new master.
+
+Next day he set forth at dawn with the dun cows in front of him, and
+followed patiently wherever they might lead him. On the way he saw the
+gold cock and silver hen, which ran even closer to him than they had
+done to his brothers. Sorely tempted, he longed to give them chase;
+but, remembering in time that he had been bidden to look neither to
+the right nor to the left, with a mighty effort he turned his eyes
+away. Then the gold and silver staffs seemed to spring from the earth
+before him, but this time also he overcame; and though the fruit from
+the magic tree almost touched his mouth, he brushed it aside and went
+steadily on.
+
+That day the cows wandered farther than ever they had done before, and
+never stopped till they had reached a moor where the heather was
+burning. The fire was fierce, but the cows took no heed, and walked
+steadily through it, Covan the Brown-haired following them. Next they
+plunged into a foaming river, and Covan plunged in after them, though
+the water came high above his waist. On the other side of the river
+lay a wide plain, and here the cows lay down, while Covan looked about
+him. Near him was a house built of yellow stone, and from it came
+sweet songs, and Covan listened, and his heart grew light within him.
+
+While he was thus waiting there ran up to him a youth, scarcely able
+to speak so swiftly had he sped; and he cried aloud:
+
+'Hasten, hasten, Covan the Brown-haired, for your cows are in the
+corn, and you must drive them out!'
+
+'Nay,' said Covan smiling, 'it had been easier for you to have driven
+them out than to come here to tell me.' And he went on listening to
+the music.
+
+Very soon the same youth returned, and cried with panting breath:
+
+'Out upon you, Covan son of Gorla, that you stand there agape. For our
+dogs are chasing your cows, and you must drive them off!'
+
+'Nay, then,' answered Covan as before, 'it had been easier for you to
+call off your dogs than to come here to tell me.' And he stayed where
+he was till the music ceased.
+
+Then he turned to look for his cows, and found them all lying in the
+place where he had left them; but when they saw Covan they rose up and
+walked homewards, taking a different path to that they had trod in the
+morning. This time they passed over a plain so bare that a pin could
+not have lain there unnoticed, yet Covan beheld with surprise a foal
+and its mother feeding there, both as fat as if they had pastured on
+the richest grass. Further on they crossed another plain, where the
+grass was thick and green, but on it were feeding a foal and its
+mother, so lean that you could have counted their ribs. And further
+again the path led them by the shores of a lake whereon were floating
+two boats; one full of gay and happy youths, journeying to the land of
+the Sun, and another with grim shapes clothed in black, travelling to
+the land of Night.
+
+'What can these things mean?' said Covan to himself, as he followed
+his cows.
+
+Darkness now fell, the wind howled, and torrents of rain poured upon
+them. Covan knew not how far they might yet have to go, or indeed if
+they were on the right road. He could not even see his cows, and his
+heart sank lest, after all, he should have failed to bring them safely
+back. What was he to do?
+
+He waited thus, for he could go neither forwards nor backwards, till
+he felt a great friendly paw laid on his shoulder.
+
+'My cave is just here,' said the Dog of Maol-m�r, of whom Covan son of
+Gorla had heard much. 'Spend the night here, and you shall be fed on
+the flesh of lamb, and shall lay aside three-thirds of thy weariness.'
+
+And Covan entered, and supped, and slept, and in the morning rose up a
+new man.
+
+'Farewell, Covan,' said the Dog of Maol-m�r. 'May success go with you,
+for you took what I had to give and did not mock me. So, when danger
+is your companion, wish for me, and I will not fail you.'
+
+At these words the Dog of Maol-m�r disappeared into the forest, and
+Covan went to seek his cows, which were standing in the hollow where
+the darkness had come upon them.
+
+At the sight of Covan the Brown-haired, they walked onwards, Covan
+followed ever behind them, and looking neither to the right nor to the
+left. All that day they walked, and when night fell they were in a
+barren plain, with only rocks for shelter.
+
+'We must rest here as best we can,' spoke Covan to the cows. And they
+bowed their heads and lay down in the place where they stood. Then
+came the black raven of Corri-nan-creag, whose eyes never closed, and
+whose wings never tired; and he fluttered before the face of Covan and
+told him that he knew of a cranny in the rock where there was food in
+plenty, and soft moss for a bed.
+
+'Go with me thither,' he said to Covan, 'and you shall lay aside
+three-thirds of your weariness, and depart in the morning refreshed.'
+And Covan listened thankfully to his words, and at dawn he rose up to
+seek his cows.
+
+'Farewell!' cried the black raven. 'You trusted me, and took all I had
+to offer in return for the food you once gave me. So if in time to
+come you need a friend, wish for me, and I will not fail you.'
+
+As before, the cows were standing in the spot where he had left them,
+ready to set out. All that day they walked, on and on, and on, Covan
+son of Gorla walking behind them, till night fell while they were on
+the banks of a river.
+
+'We can go no further,' spake Covan to the cows. And they began to eat
+the grass by the side of the stream, while Covan listened to them, and
+longed for some supper also, for they had travelled far, and his limbs
+were weak under him. Then there was a swish of water at his feet, and
+out peeped the head of the famous otter Doran-donn of the stream.
+
+'Trust to me and I will find you warmth and shelter,' said Doran-donn;
+'and for food fish in plenty.' And Covan went with him thankfully, and
+ate and rested, and laid aside three-thirds of his weariness. At
+sunrise he left his bed of dried sea-weed, which had floated up with
+the tide, and with grateful heart bade farewell to Doran-donn.
+
+'Because you trusted me and took what I had to offer, you have made me
+your friend, Covan,' said Doran-donn. 'And if you should be in danger,
+and need help from one who can swim a river or dive beneath a wave,
+call to me and I will come to you.' Then he plunged into the stream,
+and was seen no more.
+
+The cows were standing ready in the place where Covan had left them,
+and they journeyed on all that day, till, when night fell, they
+reached the cottage. Joyful indeed was the old man as the cows went
+into their stables, and he beheld the rich milk that flowed into the
+pail of the golden-haired maiden with the silver comb.
+
+'You have done well indeed,' he said to Covan son of Gorla. 'And now,
+what would you have as a reward?'
+
+'I want nothing for myself,' answered Covan the Brown-haired; 'but I
+ask you to give me back my brothers and my sister who have been lost
+to us for three years past. You are wise and know the lore of fairies
+and witches; tell me where I can find them, and what I must do to
+bring them back to life again.'
+
+The old man looked grave at the words of Covan.
+
+'Yes, truly I know where they are,' answered he, 'and I say not that
+they may not be brought to life again. But the perils are great--too
+great for you to overcome.'
+
+'Tell me what they are,' said Covan again, 'and I shall know better if
+I may overcome them.'
+
+'Listen, then, and judge. In the mountain yonder there dwells a roe,
+white of foot, with horns that branch like the antlers of a deer. On
+the lake that leads to the land of the Sun floats a duck whose body is
+green and whose neck is of gold. In the pool of Corri-Bui swims a
+salmon with a skin that shines like silver, and whose gills are
+red--bring them all to me, and then you shall know where dwell your
+brothers and your sister!'
+
+'To-morrow at cock-crow I will begone!' answered Covan.
+
+The way to the mountain lay straight before him, and when he had
+climbed high he caught sight of the roe with the white feet and the
+spotted sides, on the peak in front.
+
+Full of hope he set out in pursuit of her, but by the time he had
+reached that peak she had left it and was to be seen on another. And
+so it always happened, and Covan's courage had well-nigh failed him,
+when the thought of the Dog of Maol-m�r darted into his mind.
+
+'Oh, that he was here!' he cried. And looking up he saw him.
+
+'Why did you summon me?' asked the Dog of Maol-m�r. And when Covan
+had told him of his trouble, and how the roe always led him further
+and further, the Dog only answered:
+
+'Fear nothing; I will soon catch her for you.' And in a short while he
+laid the roe unhurt at Covan's feet.
+
+'What will you wish me to do with her?' said the Dog. And Covan
+answered:
+
+'The old man bade me bring her, and the duck with the golden neck, and
+the salmon with the silver sides, to his cottage; if I shall catch
+them, I know not. But carry you the roe to the back of the cottage,
+and tether her so that she cannot escape.'
+
+'It shall be done,' said the Dog of Maol-m�r.
+
+Then Covan sped to the lake which led to the land of the Sun, where
+the duck with the green body and the golden neck was swimming among
+the water-lilies.
+
+'Surely I can catch him, good swimmer as I am,' to himself. But, if he
+could swim well, the duck could swim better, and at length his
+strength failed him, and he was forced to seek the land.
+
+'Oh that the black raven were here to help me!' he thought to himself.
+And in a moment the black raven was perched on his shoulder.
+
+'How can I help you?' asked the raven. And Covan answered:
+
+'Catch me the green duck that floats on the water.' And the raven flew
+with his strong wings, and picked him up in his strong beak, and in
+another moment the bird was laid at the feet of Covan.
+
+This time it was easy for the young man to carry his prize, and after
+giving thanks to the raven for his aid, he went on to the river.
+
+In the deep dark pool of which the old man had spoken the silver-sided
+salmon was lying under a rock.
+
+  [Illustration: DORAN-DONN BRINGS THE SALMON TO COVAN THE
+      BROWN-HAIRED]
+
+'Surely I, good fisher as I am, can catch him,' said Covan son of
+Gorla. And cutting a slender pole from a bush, he fastened a line to
+the end of it. But cast with what skill he might, it availed
+nothing, for the salmon would not even look at the bait.
+
+'I am beaten at last, unless the Doran-donn can deliver me,' he cried.
+And as he spoke there was a swish of the water, and the face of the
+Doran-donn looked up at him.
+
+'O catch me, I pray you, that salmon under the rock!' said Covan son
+of Gorla. And the Doran-donn dived, and laying hold of the salmon by
+his tail, bore it back to the place where Covan was standing.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'The roe, and the duck, and the salmon are here,' said Covan to the
+old man, when he reached the cottage. And the old man smiled on him
+and bade him eat and drink, and after he hungered no more, he would
+speak with him.
+
+And this was what the old man said: 'You began well, my son, so things
+have gone well with you. You set store by your mother's blessing,
+therefore you have been blest. You gave food to the raven when it
+hungered, you were true to the promise you had made to me, and did not
+suffer yourself to be turned aside by vain shows. You were skilled to
+perceive that the boy who tempted you to leave the temple was a teller
+of false tales, and took with a grateful heart what the poor had to
+offer you. Last of all, difficulties gave you courage, instead of
+lending you despair.
+
+'And now, as to your reward, you shall in truth take your sister home
+with you, and your brothers I will restore to life; but idle and
+unfaithful as they are their lot is to wander for ever. And so
+farewell, and may wisdom be with you.'
+
+'First tell me your name?' asked Covan softly.
+
+'I am the Spirit of Age,' said the old man.
+
+(_Taken from a Celtic Story._ Translated by Norman Macleod.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE PRINCESS BELLA-FLOR_
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived a man who had two sons. When they grew up
+the elder went to seek his fortune in a far country, and for many
+years no one heard anything about him. Meanwhile the younger son
+stayed at home with his father, who died at last in a good old age,
+leaving great riches behind him.
+
+For some time the son who stayed at home spent his father's wealth
+freely, believing that he alone remained to enjoy it. But, one day, as
+he was coming down stairs, he was surprised to see a stranger enter
+the hall, looking about as if the house belonged to him.
+
+'Have you forgotten me?' asked the man.
+
+'I can't forget a person I have never known,' was the rude answer.
+
+'I am your brother,' replied the stranger, 'and I have returned home
+without the money I hoped to have made. And, what is worse, they tell
+me in the village that my father is dead. I would have counted my lost
+gold as nothing if I could have seen him once more.'
+
+'He died six months ago,' said the rich brother,'and he left you, as
+your portion, the old wooden chest that stands in the loft. You had
+better go there and look for it; I have no more time to waste.' And he
+went his way.
+
+So the wanderer turned his steps to the loft, which was at the top of
+the storehouse, and there he found the wooden chest, so old that it
+looked as if it were dropping to pieces.
+
+'What use is this old thing to me?' he said to himself. 'Oh, well, it
+will serve to light a fire at which I can warm myself; so things might
+be worse after all.'
+
+Placing the chest on his back, the man, whose name was Jos�, set out
+for his inn, and, borrowing a hatchet, began to chop up the box. In
+doing so he discovered a secret drawer, and in it lay a paper. He
+opened the paper, not knowing what it might contain, and was
+astonished to find that it was the acknowledgment of a large debt that
+was owing to his father. Putting the precious writing in his pocket,
+he hastily inquired of the landlord where he could find the man whose
+name was written inside, and he ran out at once in search of him.
+
+The debtor proved to be an old miser, who lived at the other end of
+the village. He had hoped for many months that the paper he had
+written had been lost or destroyed, and, indeed, when he saw it, was
+very unwilling to pay what he owed. However, the stranger threatened
+to drag him before the king, and when the miser saw that there was no
+help for it he counted out the coins one by one. The stranger picked
+them up and put them in his pocket, and went back to his inn feeling
+that he was now a rich man.
+
+A few weeks after this he was walking through the streets of the
+nearest town, when he met a poor woman crying bitterly. He stopped and
+asked her what was the matter, and she answered between her sobs that
+her husband was dying, and, to make matters worse, a creditor whom he
+could not pay was anxious to have him taken to prison.
+
+'Comfort yourself,' said the stranger kindly; 'they shall neither send
+your husband to prison nor sell your goods. I will not only pay his
+debts but, if he dies, the cost of his burial also. And now go home,
+and nurse him as well as you can.'
+
+And so she did; but, in spite of her care, the husband died, and was
+buried by the stranger. But everything cost more than he had
+expected, and when all was paid he found that only three gold pieces
+were left.
+
+'What am I to do now?' said he to himself. 'I think I had better go to
+court, and enter into the service of the king.'
+
+At first he was only a servant, who carried the king the water for his
+bath, and saw that his bed was made in a particular fashion. But he
+did his duties so well that his master soon took notice of him, and in
+a short time he rose to be a gentleman of the bedchamber.
+
+Now, when this happened the younger brother had spent all the money he
+had inherited, and did not know how to make any for himself. He then
+bethought him of the king's favourite, and went whining to the palace
+to beg that his brother, whom he had so ill-used, would give him his
+protection, and find him a place. The elder, who was always ready to
+help everyone, spoke to the king on his behalf, and the next day the
+young man took up his work at court.
+
+Unfortunately, the new-comer was by nature spiteful and envious, and
+could not bear anyone to have better luck than himself. By dint of
+spying through keyholes and listening at doors, he learned that the
+king, old and ugly though he was, had fallen in love with the Princess
+Bella-Flor, who would have nothing to say to him, and had hidden
+herself in some mountain castle, no one knew where.
+
+'That will do nicely,' thought the scoundrel, rubbing his hands. 'It
+will be quite easy to get the king to send my brother in search of
+her, and if he returns without finding her, his head will be the
+forfeit. Either way, he will be out of _my_ path.'
+
+So he went at once to the Lord High Chamberlain and craved an audience
+of the king, to whom he declared he wished to tell some news of the
+highest importance. The king admitted him into the presence chamber
+without delay, and bade him state what he had to say, and to be quick
+about it.
+
+'Oh, sire! the Princess Bella-Flor----' answered the man, and then
+stopped as if afraid.
+
+'What of the Princess Bella-Flor?' asked the king impatiently.
+
+'I have heard--it is whispered at court--that your majesty desires to
+know where she lies in hiding.'
+
+'I would give half my kingdom to the man who will bring her to me,'
+cried the king, eagerly. 'Speak on, knave; has a bird of the air
+revealed to you the secret?'
+
+'It is not I, but my brother, who knows,' replied the traitor; 'if
+your majesty would ask him----' But before the words were out of his
+mouth the king had struck a blow with his sceptre on a golden plate
+that hung on the wall.
+
+'Order Jos� to appear before me instantly,' he shouted to the servant
+who ran to obey his orders, so great was the noise his majesty had
+made; and when Jos� entered the hall, wondering what in the world
+could be the matter, the king was nearly dumb with rage and
+excitement.
+
+'Bring me the Princess Bella-Flor this moment,' stammered he, 'for if
+you return without her I will have you drowned!' And without another
+word he left the hall, leaving Jos� staring with surprise and horror.
+
+'How can I find the Princess Bella-Flor when I have never even seen
+her?' thought he. 'But it is no use staying here, for I shall only be
+put to death.' And he walked slowly to the stables to choose himself a
+horse.
+
+There were rows upon rows of fine beasts with their names written in
+gold above their stalls, and Jos� was looking uncertainly from one to
+the other, wondering which he should choose, when an old white horse
+turned its head and signed to him to approach.
+
+'Take me,' it said in a gentle whisper, 'and all will go well.'
+
+Jos� still felt so bewildered with the mission that the king had
+given him that he forgot to be astonished at hearing a horse talk.
+Mechanically he laid his hand on the bridle and led the white horse
+out of the stable. He was about to mount on his back, when the animal
+spoke again:
+
+'Pick up those three loaves of bread which you see there, and put them
+in your pocket.'
+
+Jos� did as he was told, and being in a great hurry to get away, asked
+no questions, but swung himself into the saddle.
+
+They rode far without meeting any adventures, but at length they came
+to an ant-hill, and the horse stopped.
+
+'Crumble those three loaves for the ants,' he said. But Jos�
+hesitated.
+
+'Why, we may want them ourselves!' answered he.
+
+'Never mind that; give them to the ants all the same. Do not lose any
+chance of helping others.' And when the loaves lay in crumbs on the
+road, the horse galloped on.
+
+By-and-by they entered a rocky pass between two mountains, and here
+they saw an eagle which had been caught in a hunter's net.
+
+'Get down and cut the meshes of that net, and set the poor bird free,'
+said the horse.
+
+'But it will take so long,' objected Jos�, 'and we may miss the
+princess.'
+
+'Never mind that; do not miss a chance of helping others,' answered
+the horse. And when the meshes were cut, and the eagle was free, the
+horse galloped on.
+
+They had ridden many miles, and at last they came to a river, where
+they beheld a little fish lying gasping on the sand, and the horse
+said:
+
+'Do you see that little fish? it will die if you do not put it back in
+the water.'
+
+'But, really, we shall never find the Princess Bella-Flor, if we waste
+our time like this!' cried Jos�.
+
+  [Illustration: DO NOT LOSE A CHANCE OF HELPING OTHERS
+      WE NEVER WASTE TIME WHEN WE ARE HELPING OTHERS]
+
+'We never waste time when we are helping others,' answered the horse.
+And soon the little fish was swimming happily away.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A little while after they reached a castle, which was built in the
+middle of a very thick wood, and right in front was the Princess
+Bella-Flor feeding her hens.
+
+'Now listen,' said the horse. 'I am going to give all sorts of little
+hops and skips, which will amuse the Princess Bella-Flor. Then she
+will tell you that she would like to ride a little way, and you must
+help her to mount. When she is seated I shall begin to neigh and kick,
+and you must say that I have never carried a woman before, and that
+you had better get up behind so as to be able to manage me. Once on my
+back we will go like wind to the king's palace.'
+
+Jos� did exactly as the horse told him, and everything fell out as the
+animal prophesied; so that it was not until they were galloping
+breathlessly toward the palace that the princess knew that she was
+taken captive. She said nothing, however, but quietly opened her apron
+which contained the bran for the chickens, and in a moment it lay
+scattered on the ground.
+
+'Oh, I have let fall my bran!' cried she; 'please get down and pick it
+up for me.' But Jos� only answered:
+
+'We shall find plenty of bran where we are going.' And the horse
+galloped on.
+
+They were now passing through a forest, and the princess took out her
+handkerchief and threw it upwards, so that it stuck in one of the
+topmost branches of a tree.
+
+'Dear me; how stupid! I have let my handkerchief blow away,' said she.
+'Will you climb up and get it for me?' But Jos� answered:
+
+'We shall find plenty of handkerchiefs where we are going.' And the
+horse galloped on.
+
+After the wood they reached a river, and the princess slipped a ring
+off her finger and let it roll into the water.
+
+'How careless of me,' gasped she, beginning to sob. 'I have lost my
+favourite ring; _do_ stop for a moment and look if you can see it.'
+But Jos� answered:
+
+'You will find plenty of rings where you are going.' And the horse
+galloped on.
+
+At last they entered the palace gates, and the king's heart bounded
+with joy at beholding his beloved Bella-Flor. But the princess brushed
+him aside as if he had been a fly, and locked herself into the nearest
+room, which she would not open for all his entreaties.
+
+'Bring me the three things I lost on the way, and perhaps I may think
+about it,' was all she would say. And, in despair, the king was driven
+to take counsel of Jos�.
+
+'There is no remedy that I can see,' said his majesty, 'but that you,
+who know where they are, should go and bring them back. And if you
+return without them I will have you drowned.'
+
+Poor Jos� was much troubled at these words. He thought that he had
+done all that was required of him, and that his life was safe.
+However, he bowed low, and went out to consult his friend the horse.
+
+'Do not vex yourself,' said the horse, when he had heard the story;
+'jump up, and we will go back and look for the things.' And Jos�
+mounted at once.
+
+They rode on till they came to the ant-hill, and then the horse asked:
+
+'Would you like to have the bran?'
+
+'What is the use of liking?' answered Jos�.
+
+'Well, call the ants, and tell them to fetch it for you; and, if some
+of it has been scattered by the wind, to bring in its stead the grains
+that were in the cakes you gave them.' Jos� listened in surprise. He
+did not much believe in the horse's plan; but he could not think of
+anything better, so he called to the ants, and bade them collect the
+bran as fast as they could.
+
+  [Illustration: HOW JOS� FOUND THE PRINCESS BELLA-FLOR]
+
+Then he sat under a tree and waited, while his horse cropped the
+green turf.
+
+'Look there!' said the animal, suddenly raising its head; and Jos�
+looked behind him and saw a little mountain of bran, which he put into
+a bag that was hung over his saddle.
+
+'Good deeds bear fruit sooner or later,' observed the horse; 'but
+mount again, as we have far to go.'
+
+When they arrived at the tree, they saw the handkerchief fluttering
+like a flag from the topmost branch, and Jos�'s spirits sank again.
+
+'How am I to get that handkerchief?' cried he; 'why I should need
+Jacob's ladder!' But the horse answered:
+
+'Do not be frightened; call to the eagle you set free from the net, he
+will bring it to you.'
+
+So Jos� called to the eagle, and the eagle flew to the top of the tree
+and brought back the handkerchief in its beak. Jos� thanked him, and
+vaulting on his horse they rode on to the river.
+
+A great deal of rain had fallen in the night, and the river, instead
+of being clear as it was before, was dark and troubled.
+
+'How am I to fetch the ring from the bottom of this river when I do
+not know exactly where it was dropped, and cannot even see it?' asked
+Jos�. But the horse answered: 'Do not be frightened; call the little
+fish whose life you saved, and she will bring it to you.'
+
+So he called to the fish, and the fish dived to the bottom and slipped
+behind big stones, and moved little ones with its tail till it found
+the ring, and brought it to Jos� in its mouth.
+
+Well pleased with all he had done, Jos� returned to the palace; but
+when the king took the precious objects to Bella-Flor, she declared
+that she would never open her door till the bandit who had carried her
+off had been fried in oil.
+
+'I am very sorry,' said the king to Jos�, 'I really would rather not;
+but you see I have no choice.'
+
+  [Illustration: THE KING JUMPS INTO THE CAULDRON]
+
+While the oil was being heated in the great caldron, Jos� went to the
+stables to inquire of his friend the horse if there was no way for him
+to escape.
+
+'Do not be frightened,' said the horse. 'Get on my back, and I will
+gallop till my whole body is wet with perspiration, then rub it all
+over your skin, and no matter how hot the oil may be you will never
+feel it.'
+
+Jos� did not ask any more questions, but did as the horse bade him;
+and men wondered at his cheerful face as they lowered him into the
+caldron of boiling oil. He was left there till Bella-Flor cried that
+he must be cooked enough. Then out came a youth so young and handsome,
+that everyone fell in love with him, and Bella-Flor most of all.
+
+As for the old king, he saw that he had lost the game; and in despair
+he flung himself into the caldron, and was fried instead of Jos�. Then
+Jos� was proclaimed king, on condition that he married Bella-Flor,
+which he promised to do the next day. But first he went to the stables
+and sought out the horse, and said to him: 'It is to you that I owe my
+life and my crown. Why have you done all this for me?'
+
+And the horse answered: 'I am the soul of that unhappy man for whom
+you spent all your fortune. And when I saw you in danger of death I
+begged that I might help you, as you had helped me. For, as I told
+you, Good deeds bear their own fruit!'
+
+(From _Cuentos, Oraciones, y Adivinas_, por Fernan Caballero.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE BIRD OF TRUTH_
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived a poor fisher who built a hut on the
+banks of a stream which, shunning the glare of the sun and the noise
+of towns, flowed quietly past trees and under bushes, listening to the
+songs of the birds overhead.
+
+One day, when the fisherman had gone out as usual to cast his nets, he
+saw borne towards him on the current a cradle of crystal. Slipping his
+net quickly beneath it he drew it out and lifted the silk coverlet.
+Inside, lying on a soft bed of cotton, were two babies, a boy and a
+girl, who opened their eyes and smiled at him. The man was filled with
+pity at the sight, and throwing down his lines he took the cradle and
+the babies home to his wife.
+
+The good woman flung up her hands in despair when she beheld the
+contents of the cradle.
+
+'Are not eight children enough,' she cried, 'without bringing us two
+more? How do you think we can feed them?'
+
+'You would not have had me leave them to die of hunger,' answered he,
+'or be swallowed up by the waves of the sea? What is enough for eight
+is also enough for ten.'
+
+The wife said no more; and in truth her heart yearned over the little
+creatures. Somehow or other food was never lacking in the hut, and the
+children grew up and were so good and gentle that, in time, their
+foster-parents loved them as well or better than their own, who were
+quarrelsome and envious. It did not take the orphans long to notice
+that the boys did not like them, and were always playing tricks on
+them, so they used to go away by themselves and spend whole hours by
+the banks of the river. Here they would take out the bits of bread
+they had saved from their breakfast and crumble them for the birds. In
+return, the birds taught them many things: how to get up early in the
+morning, how to sing, and how to talk their language, which very few
+people knew.
+
+But though the little orphans did their best to avoid quarrelling with
+their foster-brothers, it was very difficult always to keep the peace.
+Matters got worse and worse till, one morning, the eldest boy said to
+the twins:
+
+'It is all very well for you to pretend that you have such good
+manners, and are so much better than we, but we have at least a father
+and mother, while _you_ have only got the river, like the toads and
+the frogs.'
+
+The poor children did not answer the insult; but it made them very
+unhappy. And they told each other in whispers that they could not stay
+there any longer, but must go into the world and seek their fortunes.
+
+So next day they arose as early as the birds and stole downstairs
+without anybody hearing them. One window was open, and they crept
+softly out and ran to the side of the river. Then, feeling as if they
+had found a friend, they walked along its banks, hoping that by-and-by
+they should meet some one to take care of them.
+
+The whole of that day they went steadily on without seeing a living
+creature, till, in the evening, weary and footsore, they saw before
+them a small hut. This raised their spirits for a moment; but the door
+was shut, and the hut seemed empty, and so great was their
+disappointment that they almost cried. However, the boy fought down
+his tears, and said cheerfully:
+
+'Well, at any rate here is a bench where we can sit down, and when we
+are rested we will think what is best to do next.'
+
+Then they sat down, and for some time they were too tired even to
+notice anything; but by-and-by they saw that under the tiles of the
+roof a quantity of swallows were sitting, chattering merrily to each
+other. Of course the swallows had no idea that the children understood
+their language, or they would not have talked so freely; but, as it
+was, they said whatever came into their heads.
+
+'Good evening, my fine city madam,' remarked a swallow, whose manners
+were rather rough and countryfied, to another who looked particularly
+distinguished. 'Happy, indeed, are the eyes that behold you! Only
+think of your having returned to your long-forgotten country friends,
+after you have lived for years in a palace!'
+
+'I have inherited this nest from my parents,' replied the other, 'and
+as they left it to me I certainly shall make it my home. But,' she
+added politely, 'I hope that you and all your family are well?'
+
+'Very well indeed, I am glad to say. But my poor daughter had, a short
+time ago, such bad inflammation in her eyes that she would have gone
+blind had I not been able to find the magic herb, which cured her at
+once.'
+
+'And how is the nightingale singing? Does the lark soar as high as
+ever? And does the linnet dress herself as smartly?' But here the
+country swallow drew herself up.
+
+'I never talk gossip,' she said severely. 'Our people, who were once
+so innocent and well-behaved, have been corrupted by the bad examples
+of men. It is a thousand pities.'
+
+'What! innocence and good behaviour are not to be met with among
+birds, nor in the country! My dear friend, what are you saying?'
+
+'The truth and nothing more. Imagine, when we returned here, we met
+some linnets who, just as the spring and the flowers and the long days
+had come, were setting out for the north and the cold? Out of pure
+compassion we tried to persuade them to give up this folly; but they
+only replied with the utmost insolence.'
+
+'How shocking!' exclaimed the city swallow.
+
+'Yes, it was. And, worse than that, the crested lark, that was
+formerly so timid and shy, is now no better than a thief, and steals
+maize and corn whenever she can find them.'
+
+'I am astonished at what you say.'
+
+'You will be more astonished when I tell you that on my arrival here
+for the summer I found my nest occupied by a shameless sparrow! "This
+is _my_ nest," I said. "_Yours?_" he answered, with a rude laugh.
+"Yes, mine; my ancestors were born here, and my sons will be born here
+also." And at that my husband set upon him and threw him out of the
+nest. I am sure nothing of this sort ever happens in a town.'
+
+'Not exactly, perhaps. But I have seen a great deal--if you only
+knew!'
+
+'Oh! do tell us! do tell us!' cried they all. And when they had
+settled themselves comfortably, the city swallow began:
+
+'You must know, then, that our king fell in love with the youngest
+daughter of a tailor, who was as good and gentle as she was beautiful.
+His nobles hoped that he would have chosen a queen from one of their
+daughters, and tried to prevent the marriage; but the king would not
+listen to them, and it took place. Not many months later a war broke
+out, and the king rode away at the head of his army, while the queen
+remained behind, very unhappy at the separation. When peace was made,
+and the king returned, he was told that his wife had had two babies in
+his absence, but that both were dead; that she herself had gone out of
+her mind and was obliged to be shut up in a tower in the mountains,
+where, in time, the fresh air might cure her.'
+
+'And was this not true?' asked the swallows eagerly.
+
+'Of course not,' answered the city lady, with some contempt for their
+stupidity. 'The children were alive at that very moment in the
+gardener's cottage; but at night the chamberlain came down and put
+them in a cradle of crystal, which he carried to the river.
+
+'For a whole day they floated safely, for though the stream was deep
+it was very still, and the children took no harm. In the morning--so I
+am told by my friend the kingfisher--they were rescued by a fisherman
+who lived near the river bank.'
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The children had been lying on the bench, listening lazily to the
+chatter up to this point; but when they heard the story of the crystal
+cradle which their foster-mother had always been fond of telling them,
+they sat upright and looked at each other.
+
+'Oh, how glad I am I learnt the birds' language!' said the eyes of one
+to the eyes of the other.
+
+Meanwhile the swallows had spoken again.
+
+'That was indeed good fortune!' cried they.
+
+'And when the children are grown up they can return to their father
+and set their mother free.'
+
+'It will not be so easy as you think,' answered the city swallow,
+shaking her head; 'for they will have to prove that they _are_ the
+king's children, and also that their mother never went mad at all. In
+fact, it is so difficult that there is only one way of proving it to
+the king.'
+
+'And what is that?' cried all the swallows at once. 'And how do you
+know it?'
+
+'I know it,' answered the city swallow 'because, one day, when I was
+passing through the palace garden, I met a cuckoo, who, as I need not
+tell you, always pretends to be able to see into the future. We began
+to talk about certain things which were happening in the palace, and
+of the events of past years. "Ah," said he, "the only person who can
+expose the wickedness of the ministers and show the king how wrong he
+has been is the Bird of Truth, who can speak the language of men."
+
+'"And where can this bird be found?" I asked.
+
+'"It is shut up in a castle guarded by a fierce giant, who only sleeps
+one quarter of an hour out of the whole twenty-four," replied the
+cuckoo.'
+
+'And where is this castle?' inquired the country swallow, who, like
+all the rest, and the children most of all, had been listening with
+deep attention.
+
+'That is just what I don't know,' answered her friend. 'All I can tell
+you is that not far from here is a tower, where dwells an old witch,
+and it is she who knows the way, and she will only teach it to the
+person who promises to bring her the water from the fountain of many
+colours, which she uses for her enchantments. But never will she
+betray the place where the Bird of Truth is hidden, for she hates him,
+and would kill him if she could; knowing well, however, that this bird
+cannot die, as he is immortal, she keeps him closely shut up, and
+guarded night and day by the Birds of Bad Faith, who seek to gag him
+so that his voice should not be heard.'
+
+'And is there no one else who can tell the poor boy where to find the
+bird, if he should ever manage to reach the tower?' asked the city
+swallows.
+
+'No one,' replied she, 'except an owl, who lives a hermit's life in
+that desert, and he knows only one word of man's speech, and that is
+"cross." So that even if the prince did succeed in getting there, he
+could never understand what the owl said. But, look, the sun is
+sinking to his nest in the depths of the sea, and I must go to mine.
+Good-night, friends, good-night!'
+
+Then the swallow flew away, and the children, who had forgotten both
+hunger and weariness in the joy of this strange news, rose up and
+followed in the direction of her flight. After two hours' walking,
+they arrived at a large city, which they felt sure must be the
+capital of their father's kingdom. Seeing a good-natured looking woman
+standing at the door of a house, they asked her if she would give them
+a night's lodging, and she was so pleased with their pretty faces and
+nice manners that she welcomed them warmly.
+
+It was scarcely light the next morning before the girl was sweeping
+out the rooms, and the boy watering the garden, so that by the time
+the good woman came downstairs there was nothing left for her to do.
+This so delighted her that she begged the children to stay with her
+altogether, and the boy answered that he would leave his sister with
+her gladly, but that he himself had serious business on hand and must
+not linger in pursuit of it. So he bade them farewell and set out.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For three days he wandered by the most out-of-the-way paths, but no
+signs of a tower were to be seen anywhere. On the fourth morning it
+was just the same, and, filled with despair, he flung himself on the
+ground under a tree and hid his face in his hands. In a little while
+he heard a rustling over his head, and looking up, he saw a turtle
+dove watching him with her bright eyes.
+
+'Oh dove!' cried the boy, addressing the bird in her own language, 'Oh
+dove! tell me, I pray you, where is the castle of Come-and-never-go?'
+
+'Poor child,' answered the dove, 'who has sent you on such a useless
+quest?'
+
+'My good or evil fortune,' replied the boy, 'I know not which.'
+
+'To get there,' said the dove, 'you must follow the wind, which to-day
+is blowing towards the castle.'
+
+The boy thanked her, and followed the wind, fearing all the time that
+it might change its direction and lead him astray. But the wind seemed
+to feel pity for him and blew steadily on.
+
+  [Illustration: 'WHO ARE YOU WHO DARE TO KNOCK AT MY DOOR?']
+
+With each step the country became more and more dreary, but at
+nightfall the child could see behind the dark and bare rocks something
+darker still. This was the tower in which dwelt the witch; and seizing
+the knocker he gave three loud knocks, which were echoed in the
+hollows of the rocks around.
+
+The door opened slowly, and there appeared on the threshold an old
+woman holding up a candle to her face, which was so hideous that the
+boy involuntarily stepped backwards, almost as frightened by the troop
+of lizards, beetles, and such creatures that surrounded her, as by the
+woman herself.
+
+'Who are you who dare to knock at my door and wake me?' cried she. 'Be
+quick and tell me what you want, or it will be the worse for you.'
+
+'Madam,' answered the child, 'I believe that you alone know the way to
+the castle of Come-and-never-go, and I pray you to show it to me.'
+
+'Very good,' replied the witch, with something that she meant for a
+smile, 'but to-day it is late. To-morrow you shall go. Now enter, and
+you shall sleep with my lizards.'
+
+'I cannot stay,' said he. 'I must go back at once, so as to reach the
+road from which I started before day dawns.'
+
+'If I tell you, will you promise me that you will bring me this jar
+full of the many-coloured water from the spring in the courtyard of
+the castle?' asked she. 'If you fail to keep your word I will change
+you into a lizard for ever.'
+
+'I promise,' answered the boy.
+
+Then the old woman called to a very thin dog, and said to him:
+
+'Conduct this pig of a child to the castle of Come-and-never-go, and
+take care that you warn my friend of his arrival.' And the dog arose
+and shook itself, and set out.
+
+At the end of two hours they stopped in front of a large castle, big
+and black and gloomy, whose doors stood wide open, although neither
+sound nor light gave sign of any presence within. The dog, however,
+seemed to know what to expect, and, after a wild howl, went on; but
+the boy, who was uncertain whether this was the quarter of an hour
+when the giant was asleep, hesitated to follow him, and paused for a
+moment under a wild olive that grew near by, the only tree which he
+had beheld since he had parted from the dove. 'Oh, heaven, help me!'
+cried he.
+
+'Cross! cross!' answered a voice.
+
+The boy leapt for joy as he recognised the note of the owl of which
+the swallow had spoken, and he said softly in the bird's language:
+
+'Oh, wise owl, I pray you to protect and guide me, for I have come in
+search of the Bird of Truth. And first I must fill this jar with the
+many-coloured water in the courtyard of the castle.'
+
+'Do not do that,' answered the owl, 'but fill the jar from the spring
+which bubbles close by the fountain with the many-coloured water.
+Afterwards, go into the aviary opposite the great door, but be careful
+not to touch any of the bright-plumaged birds contained in it, which
+will cry to you, each one, that he is the Bird of Truth. Choose only a
+small white bird that is hidden in a corner, which the others try
+incessantly to kill, not knowing that it cannot die. And, be
+quick!--for at this very moment the giant has fallen asleep, and you
+have only a quarter of an hour to do everything.'
+
+The boy ran as fast as he could and entered the courtyard, where he
+saw the two springs close together. He passed by the many-coloured
+water without casting a glance at it, and filled the jar from the
+fountain whose water was clear and pure. He next hastened to the
+aviary, and was almost deafened by the clamour that rose as he shut
+the door behind him. Voices of peacocks, voices of ravens, voices of
+magpies, each claiming to be the Bird of Truth. With steadfast face
+the boy walked by them all, to the corner where, hemmed in by a band
+of fierce crows, was the small white bird he sought. Putting her
+safely in his breast, he passed out, followed by the screams of the
+Birds of Bad Faith which he left behind him.
+
+  [Illustration: HOW THE BOY FOUND THE BIRD OF TRUTH]
+
+Once outside, he ran without stopping to the witch's tower, and
+handed to the old woman the jar she had given him.
+
+'Become a parrot!' cried she, flinging the water over him. But instead
+of losing his shape, as so many had done before, he only grew ten
+times handsomer; for the water was enchanted for good and not ill.
+Then the creeping multitude around the witch hastened to roll
+themselves in the water, and stood up, human beings again.
+
+When the witch saw what was happening, she took a broomstick and flew
+away.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Who can guess the delight of the sister at the sight of her brother,
+bearing the Bird of Truth? But although the boy had accomplished much,
+something very difficult yet remained, and that was how to carry the
+Bird of Truth to the king without her being seized by the wicked
+courtiers, who would be ruined by the discovery of their plot.
+
+Soon--no one knew how--the news spread abroad that the Bird of Truth
+was hovering round the palace, and the courtiers made all sorts of
+preparations to hinder her reaching the king.
+
+They got ready weapons that were sharpened, and weapons that were
+poisoned; they sent for eagles and falcons to hunt her down, and
+constructed cages and boxes in which to shut her up if they were not
+able to kill her. They declared that her white plumage was really put
+on to hide her black feathers--in fact there was nothing they did not
+do in order to prevent the king from seeing the bird or from paying
+attention to her words if he did.
+
+As often happens in these cases, the courtiers brought about that
+which they feared. They talked so much about the Bird of Truth that at
+last the king heard of it, and expressed a wish to see her. The more
+difficulties that were put in his way the stronger grew his desire,
+and in the end the king published a proclamation that whoever found
+the Bird of Truth should bring her to him without delay.
+
+As soon as he saw this proclamation the boy called his sister, and
+they hastened to the palace. The bird was buttoned inside his tunic,
+but, as might have been expected, the courtiers barred the way, and
+told the child that he could not enter. It was in vain that the boy
+declared that he was only obeying the king's commands; the courtiers
+only replied that his majesty was not yet out of bed, and it was
+forbidden to wake him.
+
+They were still talking, when, suddenly, the bird settled the question
+by flying upwards through an open window into the king's own room.
+Alighting on the pillow, close to the king's head, she bowed
+respectfully, and said:
+
+'My lord, I am the Bird of Truth whom you wished to see, and I have
+been obliged to approach you in this manner because the boy who
+brought me is kept out of the palace by your courtiers.'
+
+'They shall pay for their insolence,' said the king. And he instantly
+ordered one of his attendants to conduct the boy at once to his
+apartments; and in a moment more the prince entered, holding his
+sister by the hand.
+
+'Who are you?' asked the king; 'and what has the Bird of Truth to do
+with you?'
+
+'If it please your majesty, the Bird of Truth will explain that
+herself,' answered the boy.
+
+And the bird _did_ explain; and the king heard for the first time of
+the wicked plot that had been successful for so many years. He took
+his children in his arms, with tears in his eyes, and hurried off with
+them to the tower in the mountains where the queen was shut up. The
+poor woman was as white as marble, for she had been living almost in
+darkness; but when she saw her husband and children, the colour came
+back to her face, and she was as beautiful as ever.
+
+They all returned in state to the city, where great rejoicings were
+held. The wicked courtiers had their heads cut off, and all their
+property was taken away. As for the good old couple, they were given
+riches and honour, and were loved and cherished to the ends of their
+lives.
+
+(From _Cuentos, Oraciones, y Adivinas_, por Fernan Caballero.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE MINK AND THE WOLF_
+
+
+In the big forest in the north of America lived a quantity of wild
+animals of all sorts. They were always very polite when they met; but,
+in spite of that, they kept a close watch one upon the other, as each
+was afraid of being killed and eaten by somebody else. But their
+manners were so good that no one would ever have guessed that.
+
+One day a smart young wolf went out to hunt, promising his grandfather
+and grandmother that he would be sure to be back before bedtime. He
+trotted along quite happily through the forest till he came to a
+favourite place of his, just where the river runs into the sea. There,
+just as he had hoped, he saw the chief mink fishing in a canoe.
+
+'I want to fish too,' cried the wolf. But the mink said nothing, and
+pretended not to hear.
+
+'I wish you would take me into your boat!' shouted the wolf, louder
+than before, and he continued to beseech the mink so long that at last
+he grew tired of it, and paddled to the shore close enough for the
+wolf to jump in.
+
+'Sit down quietly at that end or we shall be upset,' said the mink;
+'and if you care about sea-urchins' eggs, you will find plenty in that
+basket. But be sure you eat only the white ones, for the red ones
+would kill you.'
+
+So the wolf, who was always hungry, began to eat the eggs greedily;
+and when he had finished he told the mink he thought he would have a
+nap.
+
+'Well, then, stretch yourself out, and rest your head on that piece
+of wood,' said the mink. And the wolf did as he was bid, and was soon
+fast asleep. Then the mink crept up to him and stabbed him to the
+heart with his knife, and he died without moving. After that he landed
+on the beach, skinned the wolf, and taking the skin to his cottage, he
+hung it up before the fire to dry.
+
+Not many days later the wolf's grandmother who, with the help of her
+relations, had been searching for him everywhere, entered the cottage
+to buy some sea-urchins' eggs, and saw the skin, which she at once
+guessed to be that of her grandson.
+
+'I knew he was dead--I knew it! I knew it!' she cried, weeping
+bitterly, till the mink told her rudely that if she wanted to make so
+much noise she had better do it outside as he liked to be quiet. So,
+half-blinded by her tears, the old woman went home the way she had
+come, and running in at the door, she flung herself down in front of
+the fire.
+
+'What are you crying for?' asked the old wolf and some friends who had
+been spending the afternoon with him.
+
+'I shall never see my grandson any more!' answered she. 'Mink has
+killed him, oh! oh!' And putting her head down, she began to weep as
+loudly as ever.
+
+'There! there!' said her husband, laying his paw on her shoulder. 'Be
+comforted; if he _is_ dead, we will avenge him.' And calling to the
+others they proceeded to talk over the best plan. It took them a long
+time to make up their minds, as one wolf proposed one thing and one
+another; but at last it was agreed that the old wolf should give a
+great feast in his house, and that the mink should be invited to the
+party. And in order that no time should be lost it was further agreed
+that each wolf should bear the invitations to the guests that lived
+nearest to him.
+
+Now the wolves thought they were very cunning, but the mink was more
+cunning still; and though he sent a message by a white hare, that was
+going that way, saying he should be delighted to be present, he
+determined that he would take his precautions. So he went to a mouse
+who had often done him a good turn, and greeted her with his best bow.
+
+  [Illustration: THE MINK IS VERY RUDE TO THE GRANDMOTHER WOLF]
+
+'I have a favour to ask of you, friend mouse,' said he, 'and if you
+will grant it I will carry you on my back every night for a week to
+the patch of maize right up the hill.'
+
+'The favour is _mine_,' answered the mouse. 'Tell me what it is that I
+can have the honour of doing for you.'
+
+'Oh, something quite easy,' replied the mink. 'I only want
+you--between to-day and the next full moon--to gnaw through the bows
+and paddles of the wolf people, so that directly they use them they
+will break. But of course you must manage it so that they notice
+nothing.'
+
+'Of course,' answered the mouse, 'nothing is easier; but as the full
+moon is to-morrow night, and there is not much time, I had better
+begin at once.' Then the mink thanked her, and went his way; but
+before he had gone far he came back again.
+
+'Perhaps, while you are about the wolf's house seeing after the bows,
+it would do no harm if you were to make that knot-hole in the wall a
+little bigger,' said he. 'Not large enough to draw attention, of
+course; but it _might_ come in handy.' And with another nod he left
+her.
+
+The next evening the mink washed and brushed himself carefully and set
+out for the feast. He smiled to himself as he looked at the dusty
+track, and perceived that though the marks of wolves' feet were many,
+not a single guest was to be seen anywhere. He knew very well what
+_that_ meant; but he had taken his precautions and was not afraid.
+
+The house door stood open, but through a crack the mink could see the
+wolves crowding in the corner behind it. However, he entered boldly,
+and as soon as he was fairly inside the door was shut with a bang, and
+the whole herd sprang at him, with their red tongues hanging out of
+their mouths. Quick as they were they were too late, for the mink was
+already through the knot-hole and racing for his canoe.
+
+The knot-hole was too small for the wolves, and there were so many of
+them in the hut that it was some time before they could get the door
+open. Then they seized the bows and arrows which were hanging on the
+walls and, once outside, aimed at the flying mink; but as they pulled
+the bows broke in their paws, so they threw them away, and bounded to
+the shore, with all their speed, to the place where their canoes were
+drawn up on the beach.
+
+Now, although the mink could not run as fast as the wolves, he had had
+a good start, and was already afloat when the swiftest among them
+threw themselves into the nearest canoe. They pushed off, but as they
+dipped the paddles into the water, they snapped as the bows had done,
+and were quite useless.
+
+'I know where there are some new ones,' cried a young fellow, leaping
+on shore and rushing to a little cave at the back of the beach. And
+the mink's heart smote him when he heard, for he had not known of this
+secret store.
+
+After a long chase the wolves managed to surround their prey, and the
+mink, seeing it was no good resisting any more, gave himself up. Some
+of the older wolves brought out some cedar bands, which they always
+carried wound round their bodies, but the mink laughed scornfully at
+the sight of them.
+
+'Why I could snap those in a moment,' said he; 'if you want to make
+sure that I cannot escape, better take a line of kelp and bind me with
+that.'
+
+'You are right,' answered the grandfather; 'your wisdom is greater
+than ours.' And he bade his servants gather enough kelp from the rocks
+to make a line, as they had brought none with them.
+
+'While the line is being made you might as well let me have one last
+dance,' remarked the mink. And the wolves replied: 'Very good, you may
+have your dance; perhaps it may amuse us as well as you.' So they
+brought two canoes and placed them one beside the other. The mink
+stood up on his hind legs and began to dance, first in one canoe and
+then in the other; and so graceful was he, that the wolves forgot they
+were going to put him to death, and howled with pleasure.
+
+'Pull the canoes a little apart; they are too close for this new
+dance,' he said, pausing for a moment. And the wolves separated them
+while he gave a series of little springs, sometimes pirouetting while
+he stood with one foot on the prow of both. 'Now nearer, now further
+apart,' he would cry as the dance went on. 'No! further still.' And
+springing into the air, amidst howls of applause, he came down head
+foremost, and dived to the bottom. And though the wolves, whose howls
+had now changed into those of rage, sought him everywhere, they never
+found him, for he hid behind a rock till they were out of sight, and
+then made his home in another forest.
+
+(From the _Journal of the Anthropological Institute_.)
+
+
+
+
+_ADVENTURES OF AN INDIAN BRAVE_
+
+
+A long, long way off, right away in the west of America, there once
+lived an old man who had one son. The country round was covered with
+forests, in which dwelt all kinds of wild beasts, and the young man
+and his companions used to spend whole days in hunting them, and he
+was the finest hunter of all the tribe.
+
+One morning, when winter was coming on, the youth and his companions
+set off as usual to bring back some of the mountain goats and deer to
+be salted down, as he was afraid of a snow-storm; and if the wind blew
+and the snow drifted the forest might be impassable for some weeks.
+The old man and the wife, however, would not go out, but remained in
+the wigwam making bows and arrows.
+
+It soon grew so cold in the forest that at last one of the men
+declared they could walk no more, unless they could manage to warm
+themselves.
+
+'That is easily done,' said the leader, giving a kick to a large tree.
+Flames broke out in the trunk, and before it had burnt up they were as
+hot as if it had been summer. Then they started off to the place where
+the goats and deer were to be found in the greatest numbers, and soon
+had killed as many as they wanted. But the leader killed most, as he
+was the best shot.
+
+'Now we must cut up the game and divide it,' said he; and so they did,
+each one taking his own share; and, walking one behind the other, set
+out for the village. But when they reached a great river the young man
+did not want the trouble of carrying his pack any further, and left
+it on the bank.
+
+'I am going home another way,' he told his companions. And taking
+another road he reached the village long before they did.
+
+'Have you returned with empty hands?' asked the old man, as his son
+opened the door.
+
+'Have I _ever_ done that, that you put me such a question?' asked the
+youth. 'No; I have slain enough to feast us for many moons, but it was
+heavy, and I left the pack on the bank of the great river. Give me the
+arrows, I will finish making them, and you can go to the river and
+bring home the pack!'
+
+So the old man rose and went, and strapped the meat on his shoulder;
+but as he was crossing the ford the strap broke and the pack fell into
+the river. He stooped to catch it, but it swirled past him. He
+clutched again; but in doing so he over-balanced himself and was
+hurried into some rapids, where he was knocked against some rocks, and
+he sank and was drowned, and his body was carried down the stream into
+smoother water when it rose to the surface again. But by this time it
+had lost all likeness to a man, and was changed into a piece of wood.
+
+The wood floated on, and the river got bigger and bigger and entered a
+new country. There it was borne by the current close to the shore, and
+a woman who was down there washing her clothes caught it as it passed,
+and drew it out, saying to herself: 'What a nice smooth plank! I will
+use it as a table to put my food upon.' And gathering up her clothes
+she took the plank with her into her hut.
+
+When her supper time came she stretched the board across two strings
+which hung from the roof, and set upon it the pot containing a stew
+that smelt very good. The woman had been working hard all day and was
+very hungry, so she took her biggest spoon and plunged it into the
+pot. But what was her astonishment and disgust when both pot and food
+vanished instantly before her.
+
+'Oh, you horrid plank, you have brought me ill-luck!' she cried. And
+taking it up she flung it away from her.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The woman had been surprised before at the disappearance of her food,
+but she was more astonished still when, instead of the plank, she
+beheld a baby. However, she was fond of children and had none of her
+own, so she made up her mind that she would keep it and take care of
+it. The baby grew and throve as no baby in that country had ever done,
+and in four days he was a man, and as tall and strong as any brave of
+the tribe.
+
+'You have treated me well,' he said, 'and meat shall never fail in
+your house. But now I must go, for I have much work to do.'
+
+Then he set out for his home.
+
+It took him many days to get there, and when he saw his son sitting in
+his place his anger was kindled, and his heart was stirred to take
+vengeance upon him. So he went out quickly into the forest and shed
+tears, and each tear became a bird. 'Stay there till I want you,' said
+he; and he returned to the hut.
+
+'I saw some pretty new birds, high up in a tree yonder,' he remarked.
+And the son answered: 'Show me the way and I will get them for
+dinner.'
+
+The two went out together, and after walking for about half an hour
+the old man stopped. 'That is the tree,' he said. And the son began to
+climb it.
+
+Now a strange thing happened. The higher the young man climbed the
+higher the birds seemed to be, and when he looked down the earth below
+appeared no bigger than a star. Still he tried to go back, but he
+could not, and though he could not see the birds any longer he felt as
+if something were dragging him up and up.
+
+He thought that he had been climbing that tree for days, and perhaps
+he had, for suddenly a beautiful country, yellow with fields of maize,
+stretched before him, and he gladly left the top of the tree and
+entered it. He walked through the maize without knowing where he was
+going, when he heard a sound of knocking, and saw two old blind women
+crushing their food between two stones. He crept up to them on tiptoe,
+and when one old woman passed her dinner to the other he held out his
+hand and took it and ate it for himself.
+
+'How slow you are kneading that cake,' cried the other old woman at
+last.
+
+'Why, I have given you your dinner, and what more do you want?'
+replied the second.
+
+'You didn't; at least I never got it,' said the other.
+
+'I certainly thought you took it from me; but here is some more.' And
+again the young man stretched out his hand; and the two old women fell
+to quarrelling afresh. But when it happened for the third time the old
+women suspected some trick, and one of them exclaimed:
+
+'I am sure there is a man here; tell me, are you not my grandson?'
+
+'Yes,' answered the young man, who wished to please her, 'and in
+return for your good dinner I will see if I cannot restore your sight;
+for I was taught the art of healing by the best medicine men in the
+tribe.' And with that he left them, and wandered about till he found
+the herb which he wanted. Then he hastened back to the old women, and
+begging them to boil him some water, he threw the herb in. As soon as
+the pot began to sing he took off the lid, and sprinkled the eyes of
+the women the sight came back to them once more.
+
+There was no night in that country, so, instead of going to bed very
+early, as he would have done in his own hut, the young man took
+another walk. A splashing noise near by drew him down to a valley
+through which ran a large river, and up a waterfall some salmon were
+leaping. How their silver sides glistened in the light, and how he
+longed to catch some of the great fellows! But how could he do it? He
+had beheld no one except the old women, and it was not very likely
+that they would be able to help him. So with a sigh he turned away and
+went back to them, but, as he walked, a thought struck him. He pulled
+out one of his hairs which hung nearly to his waist, and it instantly
+became a strong line, nearly a mile in length.
+
+'Weave me a net that I may catch some salmon,' said he. And they wove
+him the net he asked for, and for many weeks he watched by the river,
+only going back to the old women when he wanted a fish cooked.
+
+At last, one day, when he was eating his dinner, the old woman who
+always spoke first, said to him:
+
+'We have been very glad to see you, grandson, but now it is time that
+you went home.' And pushing aside a rock, he saw a deep hole, _so_
+deep that he could not see to the bottom. Then they dragged a basket
+out of the house, and tied a rope to it. 'Get in, and wrap this
+blanket round your head,' said they; 'and, whatever happens, don't
+uncover it till you get to the bottom.' Then they bade him farewell,
+and he curled himself up in the basket.
+
+Down, down, down he went; would he _ever_ stop going? But when the
+basket _did_ stop, the young man forgot what he had been told, and put
+his head out to see what was the matter. In an instant the basket
+moved, but, to his horror, instead of going down, he felt himself
+being drawn upwards, and shortly after he beheld the faces of the old
+women.
+
+'You will never see your wife and son if you will not do as you are
+bid,' said they. 'Now get in, and do not stir till you hear a crow
+calling.'
+
+This time the young man was wiser, and though the basket often
+stopped, and strange creatures seemed to rest on him and to pluck at
+his blanket, he held it tight till he heard the crow calling. Then he
+flung off the blanket and sprang out, while the basket vanished in the
+sky.
+
+He walked on quickly down the track that led to the hut, when, before
+him, he saw his wife with his little son on her back.
+
+'Oh! there is father at last,' cried the boy; but the mother bade him
+cease from idle talking.
+
+'But, mother, it is true; father is coming!' repeated the child. And,
+to satisfy him, the woman turned round and perceived her husband.
+
+Oh, how glad they all were to be together again! And when the wind
+whistled through the forest, and the snow stood in great banks round
+the door, the father used to take the little boy on his knee and tell
+him how he caught salmon in the Land of the Sun.
+
+(From the _Journal of the Anthropological Institute_.)
+
+
+
+
+_HOW THE STALOS WERE TRICKED_
+
+
+'Mother, I have seen such a wonderful man,' said a little boy one day,
+as he entered a hut in Lapland, bearing in his arms the bundle of
+sticks he had been sent out to gather.
+
+'Have you, my son; and what was he like?' asked the mother, as she
+took off the child's sheep-skin coat and shook it on the doorstep.
+
+'Well, I was tired of stooping for the sticks, and was leaning against
+a tree to rest, when I heard a noise of 'sh-'sh, among the dead
+leaves. I thought perhaps it was a wolf, so I stood very still. But
+soon there came past a tall man--oh! twice as tall as father--with a
+long red beard and a red tunic fastened with a silver girdle, from
+which hung a big silver-handled knife. Behind him followed a great
+dog, which looked stronger than any wolf, or even a bear. But why are
+you so pale, mother?'
+
+'It was the Stalo,' replied she, her voice trembling; 'Stalo the
+man-eater! You did well to hide, or you might never have come back.
+But, remember that, though he is so tall and strong, he is very
+stupid, and many a Lapp has escaped from his clutches by playing him
+some clever trick.'
+
+Not long after the mother and son had held this talk, it began to be
+whispered in the forest that the children of an old man called Patto
+had vanished one by one, no one knew whither. The unhappy father
+searched the country for miles round without being able to find as
+much as a shoe or a handkerchief, to show him where they had passed,
+but at length a little boy came with news that he had seen the Stalo
+hiding behind a well, near which the children used to play. The boy
+had waited behind a clump of bushes to see what would happen, and
+by-and-by he noticed that the Stalo had laid a cunning trap in the
+path to the well, and that anybody who fell over it would roll into
+the water and drown there.
+
+And, as he watched, Patto's youngest daughter ran gaily down the path,
+till her foot caught in the strings that were stretched across the
+steepest place. She slipped and fell, and in another instant had
+rolled into the water within reach of the Stalo.
+
+As soon as Patto heard this tale his heart was filled with rage, and
+he vowed to have his revenge. So he straightway took an old fur coat
+from the hook where it hung, and putting it on went out into the
+forest. When he reached the path that led to the well he looked
+hastily round to be sure that no one was watching him, then laid
+himself down as if he had been caught in the snare and had rolled into
+the well, though he took care to keep his head out of the water.
+
+Very soon he heard the 'sh-'sh of the leaves, and there was the Stalo
+pushing his way through the undergrowth to see what chance he had of a
+dinner. At the first glimpse of Patto's head in the well, he laughed
+loudly, crying:
+
+'Ha! ha! This time it is the old ass! I wonder how _he_ will taste?'
+And drawing Patto out of the well, he flung him across his shoulders
+and carried him home. Then he tied a cord round him and hung him over
+the fire to roast, while he finished a box that he was making before
+the door of the hut, which he meant to hold Patto's flesh when it was
+cooked. In a very short time the box was so nearly done that it only
+wanted a little more chipping out with an axe; but this part of the
+work was easier accomplished indoors, and he called to one of his
+sons, who were lounging inside, to bring him the tool.
+
+  [Illustration: THE LITTLE BOY SEES THE STALO IN THE WOOD]
+
+The young man looked everywhere, but he could not find the axe, for
+the very good reason that Patto had managed to pick it up and hide it
+in his clothes.
+
+'Stupid fellow! what is the use of you?' grumbled his father angrily;
+and he bade first one and then another of his sons to fetch him the
+tool, but they had no better success than their brother.
+
+'I must come myself, I suppose!' said Stalo, putting aside the box.
+But, meanwhile, Patto had slipped from the hook and concealed himself
+behind the door, so that, as Stalo stepped in, his prisoner raised the
+axe, and with one blow the ogre's head was rolling on the ground. His
+sons were so frightened at the sight that they all ran away.
+
+And in this manner Patto avenged his dead children.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+But though Stalo was dead, his three sons were still living, and not
+very far off either. They had gone to their mother, who was tending
+some reindeer on the pastures, and told her that by some magic, they
+knew not what, their father's head had rolled from his body, and they
+had been so afraid that something dreadful would happen to them that
+they had come to take refuge with her. The ogress said nothing. Long
+ago she had found out how stupid her sons were, so she just sent them
+out to milk the reindeer, while she returned to the other house to
+bury her husband's body.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Now, three days' journey from the hut on the pastures two brothers
+named Sodno dwelt in a small cottage with their sister Lyma, who
+tended a large herd of reindeer while they were out hunting. Of late
+it had been whispered from one to another that the three young Stalos
+were to be seen on the pastures, but the Sodno brothers did not
+disturb themselves, the danger seemed too far away.
+
+Unluckily, however, one day, when Lyma was left by herself in the hut,
+the three Stalos came down and carried her and the reindeer off to
+their own cottage. The country was very lonely, and perhaps no one
+would have known in which direction she had gone had not the girl
+managed to tie a ball of thread to the handle of a door at the back of
+the cottage and let it trail behind her. Of course the ball was not
+long enough to go all the way, but it lay on the edge of a snowy track
+which led straight to the Stalos' house.
+
+When the brothers returned from their hunting they found both the hut
+and the sheds empty. Loudly they cried: 'Lyma! Lyma!' But no voice
+answered them; and they fell to searching all about, lest perchance
+their sister might have dropped some clue to guide them. At length
+their eyes dropped on the thread which lay on the snow, and they set
+out to follow it.
+
+On and on they went, and when at length the thread stopped the
+brothers knew that another day's journey would bring them to the
+Stalos' dwelling. Of course they did not dare to approach it openly,
+for the Stalos had the strength of giants, and besides, there were
+three of them; so the two Sodnos climbed into a big bushy tree which
+overhung a well.
+
+'Perhaps our sister may be sent to draw water here,' they said to each
+other.
+
+But it was not till the moon had risen that the sister came, and as
+she let down her bucket into the well, the leaves seemed to whisper
+'Lyma! Lyma!'
+
+The girl started and looked up, but could see nothing, and in a moment
+the voice came again.
+
+'Be careful--take no notice, fill your buckets, but listen carefully
+all the while, and we will tell you what to do so that you may escape
+yourself and set free the reindeer also.'
+
+So Lyma bent over the well lower than before, and seemed busier than
+ever.
+
+'You know,' said her brother, 'that when a Stalo finds that anything
+has been dropped into his food he will not eat a morsel, but throws it
+to his dogs. Now, after the pot has been hanging some time over the
+fire, and the broth is nearly cooked, just rake up the log of wood so
+that some of the ashes fly into the pot. The Stalo will soon notice
+this, and will call you to give all the food to the dogs; but,
+instead, you must bring it straight to us, as it is three days since
+we have eaten or drunk. That is all you need do for the present.'
+
+Then Lyma took up her buckets and carried them into the house, and did
+as her brothers had told her. They were so hungry that they ate the
+food up greedily without speaking, but when there was nothing left in
+the pot, the eldest one said:
+
+'Listen carefully to what I have to tell you. After the eldest Stalo
+has cooked and eaten a fresh supper, he will go to bed and sleep so
+soundly that not even a witch could wake him. You can hear him snoring
+a mile off, and then you must go into his room and pull off the iron
+mantle that covers him, and put it on the fire till it is almost red
+hot. When that is done, come to us and we will give you further
+directions.'
+
+'I will obey you in everything, dear brothers,' answered Lyma; and so
+she did.
+
+It had happened that on this very evening the Stalos had driven in
+some of the reindeer from the pasture, and had tied them up to the
+wall of the house so that they might be handy to kill for next day's
+dinner. The two Sodnos had seen what they were doing, and where the
+beasts were secured; so, at midnight, when all was still, they crept
+down from their tree and seized the reindeer by the horns which were
+locked together. The animals were frightened, and began to neigh and
+kick, as if they were fighting together, and the noise became so
+great that even the eldest Stalo was awakened by it, and _that_ was a
+thing which had never occurred before. Raising himself in his bed, he
+called to his youngest brother to go out and separate the reindeer or
+they would certainly kill themselves.
+
+The young Stalo did as he was bid, and left the house; but no sooner
+was he out of the door than he was stabbed to the heart by one of the
+Sodnos, and fell without a groan. Then they went back to worry the
+reindeer, and the noise became as great as ever, and a second time the
+Stalo awoke.
+
+'The boy does not seem able to part the beasts,' he cried to his
+second brother; 'go and help him, or I shall never get to sleep.' So
+the brother went, and in an instant was struck dead as he left the
+house by the sword of the eldest Sodno. The Stalo waited in bed a
+little longer for things to get quiet, but as the clatter of the
+reindeers' horns was as bad as ever, he rose angrily from his bed
+muttering to himself:
+
+'It is extraordinary that they cannot unlock themselves; but as no one
+else seems able to help them I suppose I must go and do it.'
+
+Rubbing his eyes, he stood up on the floor and stretched his great
+arms and gave a yawn which shook the walls. The Sodnos heard it below,
+and posted themselves, one at the big door and one at the little door
+at the back, for they did not know which their enemy would come out
+at.
+
+The Stalo put out his hand to take his iron mantle from the bed, where
+it always lay, but the mantle was not there. He wondered where it
+could be, and who could have moved it, and after searching through all
+the rooms, he found it hanging over the kitchen fire. But the first
+touch burnt him so badly that he let it alone, and went with nothing,
+except a stick in his hand, through the back door.
+
+The young Sodno was standing ready for him, and as the Stalo passed
+the threshold struck him such a blow on the head that he rolled over
+with a crash and never stirred again. The two Sodnos did not trouble
+about him, but quickly stripped the younger Stalos of their clothes,
+in which they dressed themselves. Then they sat still till the dawn
+should break and they could find out from the Stalos' mother where the
+treasure was hidden.
+
+With the first rays of the sun the young Sodno went upstairs and
+entered the old woman's room. She was already up and dressed, and
+sitting by the window knitting, and the young man crept in softly and
+crouched down on the floor, laying his head on her lap. For a while he
+kept silence, then he whispered gently:
+
+'Tell me, dear mother, where did my eldest brother conceal his
+riches?'
+
+'What a strange question! Surely you must know,' answered she.
+
+'No, I have forgotten; my memory is so bad.'
+
+'He dug a hole under the doorstep and placed it there,' said she. And
+there was another pause.
+
+By-and-by the Sodno asked again:
+
+'And where may my second brother's money be?'
+
+'Don't you know that either?' cried the mother in surprise.
+
+'Oh, yes; I did once. But since I fell upon my head I can remember
+nothing.'
+
+'It is behind the oven,' answered she. And again was silence.
+
+'Mother, dear mother,' said the young man at last, 'I am almost afraid
+to ask you; but I really have grown so stupid of late. Where did I
+hide my own money?'
+
+But at this question the old woman flew into a passion, and vowed that
+if she could find a rod she would bring his memory back to him.
+Luckily, no rod was within her reach, and the Sodno managed, after a
+little, to coax her back into good humour, and at length she told him
+that the youngest Stalo had buried his treasure under the very place
+where she was sitting.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'Dear mother,' said Lyma, who had come in unseen, and was kneeling in
+front of the fire. 'Dear mother, do you know who it is you have been
+talking with?'
+
+The old woman started, but answered quietly:
+
+'It is a Sodno, I suppose?'
+
+'You have guessed right,' replied Lyma.
+
+The mother of the Stalos looked round for her iron cane, which she
+always used to kill her victims, but it was not there, for Lyma had
+put it in the fire.
+
+'Where is my iron cane?' asked the old woman.
+
+'There!' answered Lyma, pointing to the flames.
+
+The old woman sprang forward and seized it, but her clothes caught
+fire, and in a few minutes she was burned to ashes.
+
+So the Sodno brothers found the treasure, and they carried it, and
+their sister and the reindeer, to their own home, and were the richest
+men in all Lapland.
+
+(From _Lappl�ndische M�hrchen_, J. C. Poestion.)
+
+
+
+
+_ANDRAS BAIVE_
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived in Lapland a man who was so very strong
+and swift of foot that nobody in his native town of Vads� could come
+near him if they were running races in the summer evenings. The people
+of Vads� were very proud of their champion, and thought that there was
+no one like him in the world, till, by-and-by, it came to their ears
+that there dwelt among the mountains a Lapp, Andras Baive by name, who
+was said by his friends to be even stronger and swifter than the
+bailiff. Of course not a creature in Vads� believed _that_, and
+declared that if it made the mountaineers happier to talk such
+nonsense, why, let them!
+
+The winter was long and cold, and the thoughts of the villagers were
+much busier with wolves than with Andras Baive, when suddenly, on a
+frosty day, he made his appearance in the little town of Vads�. The
+bailiff was delighted at this chance of trying his strength, and at
+once went out to seek Andras and to coax him into giving proof of his
+vigour. As he walked along his eyes fell upon a big eight-oared boat
+that lay upon the shore, and his face shone with pleasure. 'That is
+the very thing,' laughed he, 'I will make him jump over that boat.'
+Andras was quite ready to accept the challenge, and they soon settled
+the terms of the wager. He who could jump over the boat without so
+much as touching it with his heel was to be the winner, and would get
+a large sum of money as the prize. So, followed by many of the
+villagers, the two men walked down to the sea.
+
+An old fisherman was chosen to stand near the boat to watch fair
+play, and to hold the stakes, and Andras, as the stranger, was told to
+jump first. Going back to the flag which had been stuck into the sand
+to mark the starting place, he ran forward, with his head well thrown
+back, and cleared the boat with a mighty bound. The lookers on cheered
+him, and indeed he well deserved it; but they waited anxiously all the
+same to see what the bailiff would do. On he came, taller than Andras
+by several inches, but heavier of build. He too sprang high and well,
+but as he came down his heel just grazed the edge of the boat. Dead
+silence reigned amidst the townsfolk, but Andras only laughed and said
+carelessly:
+
+'Just a little too short, bailiff; next time you must do better than
+that.'
+
+The bailiff turned red with anger at his rival's scornful words, and
+answered quickly: 'Next time you will have something harder to do.'
+And turning his back on his friends, he went sulkily home. Andras,
+putting the money he had earned in his pocket, went home also.
+
+In the following spring Andras happened to be driving his reindeer
+along a great fiord to the west of Vads�. A boy who had met him
+hastened to tell the bailiff that his enemy was only a few miles off;
+and the bailiff, disguising himself as a Stalo, or ogre, called his
+son and his dog and rowed away across the fiord to the place where the
+boy had met Andras.
+
+Now the mountaineer was lazily walking along the sands, thinking of
+the new hut that he was building with the money that he had won on the
+day of his lucky jump. He wandered on, his eyes fixed on the sands, so
+that he did not see the bailiff drive his boat behind a rock, while he
+changed himself into a heap of wreckage which floated in on the waves.
+A stumble over a stone recalled Andras to himself, and looking up he
+beheld the mass of wreckage. 'Dear me! I may find some use for that,'
+he said; and hastened down to the sea, waiting till he could lay hold
+of some stray rope which might float towards him. Suddenly--he could
+not have told why--a nameless fear seized upon him, and he fled away
+from the shore as if for his life. As he ran he heard the sound of a
+pipe, such as only ogres of the Stalo kind were wont to use; and there
+flashed into his mind what the bailiff had said when they jumped the
+boat: 'Next time you will have something harder to do.' So it was no
+wreckage after all that he had seen, but the bailiff himself.
+
+It happened that in the long summer nights up in the mountain, where
+the sun never set, and it was very difficult to get to sleep, Andras
+had spent many hours in the study of magic, and this stood him in good
+stead now. The instant he heard the Stalo music he wished himself to
+become the feet of a reindeer, and in this guise he galloped like the
+wind for several miles. Then he stopped to take breath and find out
+what his enemy was doing. Nothing could he see, but to his ears the
+notes of a pipe floated over the plain, and ever, as he listened, it
+drew nearer.
+
+A cold shiver shook Andras, and this time he wished himself the feet
+of a reindeer calf. For when a reindeer calf has reached the age when
+he begins first to lose his hair he grows so swift that neither beast
+nor bird can come near him. A reindeer calf is the swiftest of all
+things living. Yes; but not so swift as a Stalo, as Andras found out
+when he stopped to rest, and heard the pipe playing!
+
+For a moment his heart sank, and he gave himself up for dead, till he
+remembered that, not far off, were two little lakes joined together by
+a short though very broad river. In the middle of the river lay a
+stone that was always covered by water, except in very dry seasons,
+and as the winter rains had been very heavy, he felt quite sure that
+not even the top of it could be seen. The next minute, if anyone had
+been looking that way, he would have beheld a small reindeer calf
+speeding northwards, and by-and-by give a great spring, which landed
+him in the midst of the stream. But, instead of sinking to the bottom,
+he paused to steady himself, then gave a second spring which landed
+him on the further shore. He next ran on to a little hill where he sat
+down and began to neigh loudly, so that the Stalo might know exactly
+where he was.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'Ah! _there_ you are,' cried the Stalo, appearing on the opposite
+bank; 'for a moment I really thought I had lost you.'
+
+'No such luck,' answered Andras, shaking his head sorrowfully. By this
+time he had taken his own shape again.
+
+'Well, but I don't see how I am to get to you!' said the Stalo,
+looking up and down.
+
+'Jump over, as I did,' answered Andras; 'it is quite easy.'
+
+'But I could not jump this river; and I don't know how you did,'
+replied the Stalo.
+
+'I should be ashamed to say such things,' exclaimed Andras. 'Do you
+mean to tell me that a jump, which the weakest Lapp boy would make
+nothing of, is beyond your strength?'
+
+The Stalo grew red and angry when he heard these words, just as Andras
+meant him to do. He bounded into the air and fell straight into the
+river. Not that _that_ would have mattered, for he was a good swimmer;
+but Andras drew out the bow and arrows which every Lapp carries, and
+took aim at him. His aim was good, but the Stalo sprang so high into
+the air that the arrow flew between his feet. A second shot, directed
+at his forehead, fared no better, for this time the Stalo jumped so
+high to the other side that the arrow passed between his finger and
+thumb. Then Andras aimed his third arrow a little over the Stalo's
+head, and when he sprang up, just an instant too soon, it hit him
+between the ribs.
+
+  [Illustration: ANDRAS BAIVE SHOOTS THE STALO]
+
+Mortally wounded as he was, the Stalo was not yet dead, and managed to
+swim to the shore. Stretching himself on the sand, he said slowly to
+Andras:
+
+'Promise that you will give me honourable burial, and when my body is
+laid in the grave go in my boat across the fiord, and take whatever
+you find in my house which belongs to me. My dog you must kill, but
+spare my son, Andras.'
+
+Then he died; and Andras sailed in his boat away across the fiord and
+found the dog and boy. The dog, a fierce, wicked-looking creature, he
+slew with one blow from his fist, for it is well-known that if a
+Stalo's dog licks the blood that flows from his dead master's wounds
+the Stalo comes to life again. That is why no _real_ Stalo is ever
+seen without his dog; but the bailiff, being only half a Stalo, had
+forgotten his, when he went to the little lakes in search of Andras.
+Next, Andras put all the gold and jewels which he found in the boat
+into his pockets, and bidding the boy get in, pushed it off from the
+shore, leaving the little craft to drift as it would, while he himself
+ran home. With the treasures he possessed he was able to buy a great
+herd of reindeer; and he soon married a rich wife, whose parents would
+not have him as a son-in-law when he was poor, and the two lived happy
+for ever after.
+
+(From _Lappl�ndische M�hrchen_, J. C. Poestion.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE WHITE SLIPPER_
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived a king who had a daughter just fifteen
+years old. And _what_ a daughter!
+
+Even the mothers who had daughters of their own could not help
+allowing that the princess was much more beautiful and graceful than
+any of them; and as for the fathers, if one of them ever beheld her by
+accident he could talk of nothing else for a whole day afterwards.
+
+Of course the king, whose name was Balancin, was the complete slave of
+his little girl from the moment he lifted her from the arms of her
+dead mother; indeed, he did not seem to know that there was anyone
+else in the world to love.
+
+Now Diamantina, for that was her name, did not reach her fifteenth
+birthday without proposals of marriage from every country under
+heaven; but be the suitor who he might, the king always said him nay.
+
+Behind the palace a large garden stretched away to the foot of some
+hills, and more than one river flowed through. Hither the princess
+would come each evening towards sunset, attended by her ladies, and
+gather herself the flowers that were to adorn her rooms. She also
+brought with her a pair of scissors to cut off the dead blooms, and a
+basket to put them in, so that when the sun rose next morning he might
+see nothing unsightly. When she had finished this task she would take
+a walk through the town, so that the poor people might have a chance
+of speaking with her, and telling her of their troubles; and then she
+would seek out her father, and together they would consult over the
+best means of giving help to those who needed it.
+
+But what has all this to do with the White Slipper? my readers will
+ask.
+
+Have patience, and you will see.
+
+Next to his daughter, Balancin loved hunting, and it was his custom to
+spend several mornings every week chasing the boars which abounded in
+the mountains a few miles from the city. One day, rushing downhill as
+fast as he could go, he put his foot into a hole and fell, rolling
+into a rocky pit full of brambles. The king's wounds were not very
+severe, but his face and hands were cut and torn, while his feet were
+in a worse plight still, for, instead of proper hunting boots, he only
+wore sandals, to enable him to run more swiftly.
+
+In a few days the king was as well as ever, and the signs of the
+scratches were almost gone; but one foot still remained very sore,
+where a thorn had pierced deeply and had festered. The best doctors in
+the kingdom treated it with all their skill; they bathed, and
+poulticed, and bandaged, but it was in vain. The foot only grew worse
+and worse, and became daily more swollen and painful.
+
+After everyone had tried his own particular cure, and found it fail,
+there came news of a wonderful doctor in some distant land who had
+healed the most astonishing diseases. On inquiring, it was found that
+he never left the walls of his own city, and expected his patients to
+come to see _him_; but, by dint of offering a large sum of money, the
+king persuaded the famous physician to undertake the journey to his
+own court.
+
+On his arrival the doctor was led at once into the king's presence,
+and made a careful examination of his foot.
+
+'Alas! your majesty,' he said, when he had finished, 'the wound is
+beyond the power of man to heal; but though I cannot cure it, I can
+at least deaden the pain, and enable you to walk without so much
+suffering.'
+
+'Oh, if you can only do that,' cried the king, 'I shall be grateful to
+you for life! Give your own orders; they shall be obeyed.'
+
+'Then let your majesty bid the royal shoemaker make you a shoe of
+goat-skin very loose and comfortable, while I prepare a varnish to
+paint over it of which I alone have the secret!' So saying, the doctor
+bowed himself out, leaving the king more cheerful and hopeful than he
+had been for long.
+
+The days passed very slowly with him during the making of the shoe and
+the preparation of the varnish, but on the eighth morning the
+physician appeared, bringing with him the shoe in a case. He drew it
+out to slip it on the king's foot, and over the goat-skin he had
+rubbed a polish so white that the snow itself was not more dazzling.
+
+'While you wear this shoe you will not feel the slightest pain,' said
+the doctor. 'For the balsam with which I have rubbed it inside and out
+has, besides its healing balm, the quality of strengthening the
+material it touches, so that, even were your majesty to live a
+thousand years, you would find the slipper just as fresh at the end of
+that time as it is now.'
+
+The king was so eager to put it on that he hardly gave the physician
+time to finish. He snatched it from the case and thrust his foot into
+it, nearly weeping for joy when he found he could walk and run as
+easily as any beggar boy.
+
+'What can I give you?' he cried, holding out both hands to the man who
+had worked this wonder. 'Stay with me, and I will heap on you riches
+greater than ever you dreamed of.' But the doctor said he would accept
+nothing more than had been agreed on, and must return at once to his
+own country, where many sick people were awaiting him. So king
+Balancin had to content himself with ordering the physician to be
+treated with royal honours, and desiring that an escort should attend
+him on his journey home.
+
+  [Illustration: BALANCIN'S DELIGHT AT THE WHITE SLIPPER]
+
+For two years everything went smoothly at court, and to king Balancin
+and his daughter the sun no sooner rose than it seemed time for it to
+set. Now, the king's birthday fell in the month of June, and as the
+weather happened to be unusually fine, he told the princess to
+celebrate it in any way that pleased her. Diamantina was very fond of
+being on the river, and she was delighted at this chance of indulging
+her tastes. She would have a merry-making such as never had been seen
+before, and in the evening, when they were tired of sailing and
+rowing, there should be music and dancing, plays and fireworks. At the
+very end, before the people went home, every poor person should be
+given a loaf of bread, and every girl who was to be married within
+the year a new dress.
+
+The great day appeared to Diamantina to be long in coming, but, like
+other days, it came at last. Before the sun was fairly up in the
+heavens the princess, too full of excitement to stay in the palace,
+was walking about the streets so covered with precious stones that you
+had to shade your eyes before you could look at her. By-and-by a
+trumpet sounded, and she hurried home, only to appear again in a few
+moments walking by the side of her father down to the river. Here a
+splendid barge was waiting for them, and from it they watched all
+sorts of races and feats of swimming and diving. When these were over
+the barge proceeded up the river to the field where the dancing and
+concerts were to take place, and after the prizes had been given away
+to the winners, and the loaves and the dresses had been distributed by
+the princess, they bade farewell to their guests, and turned to step
+into the barge which was to carry them back to the palace.
+
+Then a dreadful thing happened. As the king stepped on board the boat
+one of the sandals of the white slipper, which had got loose, caught
+in a nail that was sticking out, and caused the king to tumble. The
+pain was great, and unconsciously he turned and shook his foot, so
+that the sandals gave way, and in a moment the precious shoe was in
+the river.
+
+It had all occurred so quickly that nobody had noticed the loss of the
+slipper, not even the princess, whom the king's cries speedily brought
+to his side.
+
+'What is the matter, dear father?' asked she. But the king could not
+tell her; and only managed to gasp out: 'My shoe! my shoe!' While the
+sailors stood round staring, thinking that his majesty had suddenly
+gone mad.
+
+Seeing her father's eyes fixed on the stream, Diamantina looked
+hastily in that direction. There, dancing on the current, was the
+point of something white, which became more and more distant the
+longer they watched it. The king could bear the sight no more, and,
+besides, now that the healing ointment in the shoe had been removed
+the pain in his foot was as bad as ever; he gave a sudden cry,
+staggered, and fell over the bulwarks into the water.
+
+In an instant the river was covered with bobbing heads all swimming
+their fastest towards the king, who had been carried far down by the
+swift current. At length one swimmer, stronger than the rest, seized
+hold of his tunic, and drew him to the bank, where a thousand eager
+hands were ready to haul him out. He was carried, unconscious, to the
+side of his daughter, who had fainted with terror on seeing her father
+disappear below the surface, and together they were placed in a coach
+and driven to the palace, where the best doctors in the city were
+awaiting their arrival.
+
+In a few hours the princess was as well as ever; but the pain, the
+wetting, and the shock of the accident, all told severely on the king,
+and for three days he lay in a high fever. Meanwhile, his daughter,
+herself nearly mad with grief, gave orders that the white slipper
+should be sought for far and wide; and so it was, but even the
+cleverest divers could find no trace of it at the bottom of the river.
+
+When it became clear that the slipper must have been carried out to
+sea by the current, Diamantina turned her thoughts elsewhere, and sent
+messengers in search of the doctor who had brought relief to her
+father, begging him to make another slipper as fast as possible, to
+supply the place of the one which was lost. But the messengers
+returned with the sad news that the doctor had died some weeks before,
+and, what was worse, his secret had died with him.
+
+In his weakness this intelligence had such an effect on the king that
+the physicians feared he would become as ill as before. He could
+hardly be persuaded to touch food, and all night long he lay moaning,
+partly with pain, and partly over his own folly in not having begged
+the doctor to make him several dozens of white slippers, so that in
+case of accidents he might always have one to put on. However,
+by-and-by he saw that it was no use weeping and wailing, and commanded
+that they should search for his lost treasure more diligently than
+ever.
+
+What a sight the river banks presented in those days! It seemed as if
+all the people in the country were gathered on them. But this second
+search was no more fortunate than the first, and at last the king
+issued a proclamation that whoever found the missing slipper should be
+made heir to the crown, and should marry the princess.
+
+Now many daughters would have rebelled at being disposed of in this
+manner; and it must be admitted that Diamantina's heart sank when she
+heard what the king had done. Still, she loved her father so much that
+she desired his comfort more than anything else in the world, so she
+said nothing, and only bowed her head.
+
+Of course the result of the proclamation was that the river banks
+became more crowded than before; for all the princess's suitors from
+distant lands flocked to the spot, each hoping that he might be the
+lucky finder. Many times a shining stone at the bottom of the stream
+was taken for the slipper itself, and every evening saw a band of
+dripping downcast men returning homewards. But one youth always
+lingered longer than the rest, and night would still see him engaged
+in the search, though his clothes stuck to his skin and his teeth
+chattered.
+
+One day, when the king was lying on his bed racked with pain, he heard
+the noise of a scuffle going on in his antechamber, and rang a golden
+bell that stood by his side to summon one of his servants.
+
+'Sire,' answered the attendant, when the king inquired what was the
+matter, 'the noise you heard was caused by a young man from the town,
+who has had the impudence to come here to ask if he may measure your
+majesty's foot, so as to make you another slipper in place of the lost
+one.'
+
+'And what have you done to the youth?' said the king.
+
+'The servants pushed him out of the palace, and added a few blows to
+teach him not to be insolent,' replied the man.
+
+'Then they did very ill,' answered the king, with a frown. 'He came
+here from kindness, and there was no reason to maltreat him.'
+
+'Oh, my lord, he had the audacity to wish to touch your majesty's
+sacred person--he, good-for-nothing boy, a mere shoemaker's
+apprentice, perhaps! And even if he could make shoes to perfection
+they would be no use without the healing balsam.'
+
+The king remained silent for a few moments, then he said:
+
+'Never mind. Go and fetch the youth and bring him to me. I would
+gladly try any remedy that may relieve my pain.'
+
+So, soon afterwards, the youth, who had not gone far from the palace,
+was caught and ushered into the king's presence.
+
+He was tall and handsome and, though he professed to make shoes, his
+manners were good and modest, and he bowed low as he begged the king
+not only to allow him to take the measure of his foot, but also to
+suffer him to place a healing plaster over the wound.
+
+Balancin was pleased with the young man's voice and appearance, and
+thought that he looked as if he knew what he was doing. So he
+stretched out his bad foot which the youth examined with great
+attention, and then gently laid on the plaster.
+
+Very shortly the ointment began to soothe the sharp pain, and the
+king, whose confidence increased every moment, begged the young man to
+tell him his name.
+
+'I have no parents; they died when I was six, sire,' replied the
+youth, modestly. 'Everyone in the town calls me Gilguerillo,[1]
+because, when I was little, I went singing through the world in spite
+of my misfortunes. Luckily for me I was born happy.'
+
+    [1] Linnet.
+
+'And you really think you can cure me?' asked the king.
+
+'Completely, my lord,' answered Gilguerillo.
+
+'And how long do you think it will take?'
+
+'It is not an easy task; but I will try to finish it in a fortnight,'
+replied the youth.
+
+A fortnight seemed to the king a long time to make one slipper. But he
+only said:
+
+'Do you need anything to help you?'
+
+'Only a good horse, if your majesty will be kind enough to give me
+one,' answered Gilguerillo. And the reply was so unexpected that the
+courtiers could hardly restrain their smiles, while the king stared
+silently.
+
+'You shall have the horse,' he said at last, 'and I shall expect you
+back in a fortnight. If you fulfil your promise you know your reward;
+if not, I will have you flogged for your impudence.'
+
+Gilguerillo bowed, and turned to leave the palace, followed by the
+jeers and scoffs of everyone he met. But he paid no heed, for he had
+got what he wanted.
+
+He waited in front of the gates till a magnificent horse was led up to
+him, and vaulting into the saddle with an ease which rather surprised
+the attendant, rode quickly out of the town amidst the jests of the
+assembled crowd, who had heard of his audacious proposal. And while he
+is on his way let us pause for a moment and tell who he is.
+
+Both father and mother had died before the boy was six years old; and
+he had lived for many years with his uncle, whose life had been
+passed in the study of chemistry. He could leave no money to his
+nephew, as he had a son of his own; but he taught him all he knew, and
+at his death Gilguerillo entered an office, where he worked for many
+hours daily. In his spare time, instead of playing with the other
+boys, he passed hours poring over books, and because he was timid and
+liked to be alone he was held by every one to be a little mad.
+Therefore, when it became known that he had promised to cure the
+king's foot, and had ridden away--no one knew where--a roar of
+laughter and mockery rang through the town, and jeers and scoffing
+words were sent after him.
+
+  [Illustration: GILGUERILLO FALLS IN LOVE WITH PRINCESS DIAMANTINA]
+
+But if they had only known what were Gilguerillo's thoughts they would
+have thought him madder than ever.
+
+The real truth was that, on the morning when the princess had walked
+through the streets before making holiday on the river, Gilguerillo
+had seen her from his window, and had straightway fallen in love with
+her. Of course he felt quite hopeless. It was absurd to imagine that
+the apothecary's nephew could ever marry the king's daughter; so he
+did his best to forget her, and study harder than before, till the
+royal proclamation suddenly filled him with hope. When he was free he
+no longer spent the precious moments poring over books, but, like the
+rest, he might have been seen wandering along the banks of the river,
+or diving into the stream after something that lay glistening in the
+clear water, but which turned out to be a white pebble or a bit of
+glass.
+
+And at the end he understood that it was not by the river that he
+would win the princess; and, turning to his books for comfort, he
+studied harder than ever.
+
+There is an old proverb which says: 'Everything comes to him who knows
+how to wait.' It is not all men who know how to wait, any more than it
+is all men who can learn by experience; but Gilguerillo was one of the
+few, and instead of thinking his life wasted because he could not have
+the thing he wanted most, he tried to busy himself in other
+directions. So, one day, when he expected it least, his reward came to
+him.
+
+He happened to be reading a book many hundreds of years old, which
+told of remedies for all kinds of diseases. Most of them, he knew,
+were merely invented by old women, who sought to prove themselves
+wiser than other people; but at length he came to something which
+caused him to sit up straight in his chair, and made his eyes
+brighten. This was a description of a balsam--which would cure every
+kind of a sore or wound--distilled from a plant only to be found in a
+country so distant that it would take a man on foot two months to go
+and come back again.
+
+When I say that the book declared that the balsam could heal _every_
+sort of sore or wound, there were a few against which it was
+powerless, and it gave certain signs by which these might be known.
+This was the reason why Gilguerillo demanded to see the king's foot
+before he would undertake to cure it; and to obtain admittance he gave
+out that he was a shoemaker. However, the dreaded signs were absent,
+and his heart bounded at the thought that the princess was within his
+reach.
+
+Perhaps she was; but a great deal had to be accomplished yet, and he
+had allowed himself a very short time in which to do it.
+
+He spared his horse only so much as was needful, yet it took him six
+days to reach the spot where the plant grew. A thick wood lay in front
+of him, and, fastening the bridle tightly to a tree, he flung himself
+on his hands and knees and began to hunt for the treasure. Many times
+he fancied it was close to him, and many times it turned out to be
+something else; but, at last, when light was fading, and he had almost
+given up hope, he came upon a large bed of the plant, right under his
+feet! Trembling with joy, he picked every scrap he could see, and
+placed it in his wallet. Then, mounting his horse, he galloped quickly
+back towards the city.
+
+It was night when he entered the gates, and the fifteen days allotted
+were not up till the next day. His eyes were heavy with sleep, and his
+body ached with the long strain, but, without pausing to rest, he
+kindled a fire on his hearth, and quickly filling a pot with water,
+threw in the herbs and left them to boil. After that he lay down and
+slept soundly.
+
+The sun was shining when he awoke, and he jumped up and ran to the
+pot. The plant had disappeared and in its stead was a thick syrup,
+just as the book had said that there would be. He lifted the syrup out
+with a spoon, and after spreading it in the sun till it was partly
+dry, poured it into a small flask of crystal. He next washed himself
+thoroughly, and dressed himself in his best clothes, and putting the
+flask in his pocket, set out for the palace, and begged to see the
+king without delay.
+
+Now Balancin, whose foot had been much less painful since Gilguerillo
+had wrapped it in the plaster, was counting the days to the young
+man's return; and when he was told Gilguerillo was there, ordered him
+to be admitted at once. As he entered, the king raised himself eagerly
+on his pillows, but his face fell when he saw no signs of a slipper.
+
+'You have failed, then?' he said, throwing up his hands in despair.
+
+'I hope not, your majesty; I think not,' answered the youth. And
+drawing the flask from his pocket, he poured two or three drops on the
+wound.
+
+'Repeat this for three nights, and you will find yourself cured,' said
+he. And before the king had time to thank him he had bowed himself
+out.
+
+Of course the news soon spread through the city, and men and women
+never tired of calling Gilguerillo an impostor, and prophesying that
+the end of the three days would see him in prison, if not on the
+scaffold. But Gilguerillo paid no heed to their hard words, and no
+more did the king, who took care that no hand but his own should put
+on the healing balsam.
+
+On the fourth morning the king awoke and instantly stretched out his
+wounded foot that he might prove the truth or falsehood of
+Gilguerillo's remedy. The wound was certainly cured on that side, but
+how about the other? Yes, that was cured also; and not even a scar was
+left to show where it had been!
+
+Was ever any king so happy as Balancin when he satisfied himself of
+this?
+
+Lightly as a deer he jumped from his bed, and began to turn head over
+heels, and to perform all sorts of antics, so as to make sure that his
+foot was in truth as well as it looked. And when he was quite tired he
+sent for his daughter, and bade the courtiers bring the lucky young
+man to his room.
+
+'He is _really_ young and handsome,' said the princess to herself,
+heaving a sigh of relief that it was not some dreadful old man who had
+healed her father; and while the king was announcing to his courtiers
+the wonderful cure that had been made, Diamantina was thinking that if
+Gilguerillo looked so well in his common dress, how much he would be
+improved by the splendid garments of a king's son. However, she held
+her peace, and only watched with amusement when the courtiers, knowing
+there was no help for it, did homage and obeisance to the chemist's
+boy.
+
+Then they brought to Gilguerillo a magnificent tunic of green velvet
+bordered with gold, and a cap with three white plumes stuck in it; and
+at the sight of him so arrayed, the princess fell in love with him in
+a moment. The wedding was fixed to take place in eight days, and at
+the ball afterwards nobody danced so long or so lightly as king
+Balancin.
+
+(From _Capullos de Rosa_, por D. Enrique Ceballos Quintana.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE MAGIC BOOK_
+
+
+There was once an old couple named Peder and Kirsten who had an only
+son called Hans. From the time he was a little boy he had been told
+that on his sixteenth birthday he must go out into the world and serve
+his apprenticeship. So, one fine summer morning, he started off to
+seek his fortune with nothing but the clothes he wore on his back.
+
+For many hours he trudged on merrily, now and then stopping to drink
+from some clear spring or to pick some ripe fruit from a tree. The
+little wild creatures peeped at him from beneath the bushes, and he
+nodded and smiled, and wished them 'Good-morning.' After he had been
+walking for some time he met an old white-bearded man who was coming
+along the foot-path. The boy would not step aside, and the man was
+determined not to do so either, so they ran against one another with a
+bump.
+
+'It seems to me,' said the old fellow, 'that a boy should give way to
+an old man.'
+
+'The path is for me as well as for you,' answered young Hans saucily,
+for he had never been taught politeness.
+
+'Well, that's true enough,' answered the other mildly. 'And where are
+you going?'
+
+'I am going into service,' said Hans.
+
+'Then you can come and serve me,' replied the man.
+
+Well, Hans could do that; but what would his wages be?
+
+'Two pounds a year, and nothing to do but keep some rooms clean,' said
+the new-comer.
+
+This seemed to Hans to be easy enough; so he agreed to enter the old
+man's service, and they set out together. On their way they crossed a
+deep valley and came to a mountain, where the man opened a trap-door,
+and bidding Hans follow him, he crept in and began to go down a long
+flight of steps. When they got to the bottom Hans saw a large number
+of rooms lit by many lamps and full of beautiful things. While he was
+looking round the old man said to him:
+
+'Now you know what you have to do. You must keep these rooms clean,
+and strew sand on the floor every day. Here is a table where you will
+always find food and drink, and there is your bed. You see there are a
+great many suits of clothes hanging on the wall, and you may wear any
+you please; but remember that you are never to open this locked door.
+If you do ill will befall you. Farewell, for I am going away again and
+cannot tell when I may return.'
+
+No sooner had the old man disappeared than Hans sat down to a good
+meal, and after that went to bed and slept until the morning. At first
+he could not remember what had happened to him, but by-and-by he
+jumped up and went into all the rooms, which he examined carefully.
+
+'How foolish to bid me to put sand on the floors,' he thought, 'when
+there is nobody here but myself! I shall do nothing of the sort.' And
+so he shut the doors quickly, and only cleaned and set in order his
+own room. And after the first few days he felt that that was
+unnecessary too, because no one came there to see if the rooms were
+clean or not. At last he did no work at all, but just sat and wondered
+what was behind the locked door, till he determined to go and look for
+himself.
+
+The key turned easily in the lock. Hans entered, half frightened at
+what he was doing, and the first thing he beheld was a heap of bones.
+That was not very cheerful; and he was just going out again when his
+eye fell on a shelf of books. Here was a good way of passing the
+time, he thought, for he was fond of reading, and he took one of the
+books from the shelf. It was all about magic, and told you how you
+could change yourself into anything in the world you liked. Could
+anything be more exciting or more useful? So he put it in his pocket,
+and ran quickly away out of the mountain by a little door which had
+been left open.
+
+When he got home his parents asked him what he had been doing and
+where he had got the fine clothes he wore.
+
+'Oh, I earned them myself,' answered he.
+
+'You never earned them in this short time,' said his father. 'Be off
+with you; I won't keep you here. I will have no thieves in my house!'
+
+'Well I only came to help you,' replied the boy sulkily. 'Now I'll be
+off, as you wish; but to-morrow morning when you rise you will see a
+great dog at the door. Do not drive it away, but take it to the castle
+and sell it to the duke, and they will give you ten dollars for it;
+only you must bring the strap you lead it with, back to the house.'
+
+Sure enough the next day the dog was standing at the door waiting to
+be let in. The old man was rather afraid of getting into trouble, but
+his wife urged him to sell the dog as the boy had bidden him, so he
+took it up to the castle and sold it to the duke for ten dollars. But
+he did not forget to take off the strap with which he had led the
+animal, and to carry it home. When he got there old Kirsten met him at
+the door.
+
+'Well, Peder, and have you sold the dog?' asked she.
+
+'Yes, Kirsten; and I have brought back ten dollars, as the boy told
+us,' answered Peder.
+
+'Ay! but that's fine!' said his wife. 'Now you see what one gets by
+doing as one is bid; if it had not been for me you would have driven
+the dog away again, and we should have lost the money. After all, I
+always know what is best.'
+
+'Nonsense!' said her husband; 'women always think they know best. I
+should have sold the dog just the same whatever you had told me. Put
+the money away in a safe place, and don't talk so much.'
+
+The next day Hans came again; but though everything had turned out as
+he had foretold, he found that his father was still not quite
+satisfied.
+
+'Be off with you!' said he, 'you'll get us into trouble.'
+
+'I haven't helped you enough yet,' replied the boy. 'To-morrow there
+will come a great fat cow, as big as the house. Take it to the king's
+palace and you'll get as much as a thousand dollars for it. Only you
+must unfasten the halter you lead it with and bring it back, and don't
+return by the high road, but through the forest.'
+
+The next day, when the couple arose, they saw an enormous head looking
+in at their bedroom window, and behind it was a cow which was nearly
+as big as their hut. Kirsten was wild with joy to think of the money
+the cow would bring them.
+
+'But how are you going to put the rope over her head?' asked she.
+
+'Wait and you'll see, mother,' answered her husband. Then Peder took
+the ladder that led up to the hayloft and set it against the cow's
+neck, and he climbed up and slipped the rope over her head. When he
+had made sure that the noose was fast they started for the palace, and
+met the king himself walking in his grounds.
+
+'I heard that the princess was going to be married,' said Peder, 'so
+I've brought your majesty a cow which is bigger than any cow that was
+ever seen. Will your majesty deign to buy it?'
+
+  [Illustration: 'JUST AS HE WAS GOING TO STRIKE']
+
+The king had, in truth, never seen so large a beast, and he willingly
+paid the thousand dollars, which was the price demanded; but Peder
+remembered to take off the halter before he left. After he was gone
+the king sent for the butcher and told him to kill the animal for the
+wedding feast. The butcher got ready his pole-axe; but just as he was
+going to strike, the cow changed itself into a dove and flew away; and
+the butcher stood staring after it as if he were turned to stone.
+However, as the dove could not be found, he was obliged to tell the
+king what had happened, and the king in his turn despatched messengers
+to capture the old man and bring him back. But Peder was safe in the
+woods, and could not be found. When at last he felt the danger was
+over, and he might go home, Kirsten nearly fainted with joy at the
+sight of all the money he brought with him.
+
+'Now that we are rich people we must build a bigger house,' cried she;
+and was vexed to find that Peder only shook his head and said: 'No; if
+they did that people would talk, and say that they got their wealth by
+ill-doing.'
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A few mornings later Hans came again.
+
+'Be off before you get us into trouble,' said his father. 'So far the
+money has come right enough, but I don't trust it.'
+
+'Don't worry over that, father,' said Hans. 'To-morrow you will find a
+horse outside by the gate. Ride it to market and you will get a
+thousand dollars for it. Only don't forget to loosen the bridle when
+you sell it.'
+
+Well, in the morning there was the horse; Kirsten had never seen so
+fine an animal. 'Take care it doesn't hurt you, Peder,' said she.
+
+'Nonsense, wife,' answered he crossly. 'When I was a lad I lived with
+horses, and could ride anything for twenty miles round.' But that was
+not quite the truth, for he had never mounted a horse in his life.
+
+Still, the animal was quiet enough, so Peder got safely to market on
+its back. There he met a man who offered nine hundred and ninety-nine
+dollars for it, but Peder would take nothing less than a thousand. At
+last there came an old, grey-bearded man who looked at the horse and
+agreed to buy it; but the moment he touched it the horse began to kick
+and plunge. 'I must take the bridle off,' said Peder. 'It is not to be
+sold with the animal as is usually the case.'
+
+'I'll give you a hundred dollars for the bridle,' said the old man,
+taking out his purse.
+
+'No, I can't sell it,' replied Hans's father.
+
+'Five hundred dollars!'
+
+'No.'
+
+'A thousand!'
+
+At this splendid offer Peder's prudence gave way; it was a shame to
+let so much money go. So he agreed to accept it. But he could hardly
+hold the horse, it became so unmanageable. So he gave the animal in
+charge to the old man, and went home with his two thousand dollars.
+
+Kirsten, of course, was delighted at this new piece of good fortune,
+and insisted that the new house should be built and land bought. This
+time Peder consented, and soon they had quite a fine farm.
+
+Meanwhile the old man rode off on his new purchase, and when he came
+to a smithy he asked the smith to forge shoes for the horse. The smith
+proposed that they should first have a drink together, and the horse
+was tied up by the spring whilst they went indoors. The day was hot,
+and both men were thirsty, and, besides, they had much to say; and so
+the hours slipped by and found them still talking. Then the servant
+girl came out to fetch a pail of water, and, being a kind-hearted
+lass, she gave some to the horse to drink. What was her surprise when
+the animal said to her: 'Take off my bridle and you will save my
+life.'
+
+'I dare not,' said she; 'your master will be so angry.'
+
+'He cannot hurt you,' answered the horse, 'and you will save my life.'
+
+At that she took off the bridle; but nearly fainted with astonishment
+when the horse turned into a dove and flew away just as the old man
+came out of the house. Directly he saw what had happened he changed
+himself into a hawk and flew after the dove. Over the woods and fields
+they went, and at length they reached a king's palace surrounded by
+beautiful gardens. The princess was walking with her attendants in the
+rose garden when the dove turned itself into a gold ring and fell at
+her feet.
+
+'Why, here is a ring!' she cried, 'where could it have come from?' And
+picking it up she put it on her finger. As she did so the hill-man
+lost his power over Hans--for of course you understand that it was he
+who had been the dog, the cow, the horse and the dove.
+
+'Well, that is really strange,' said the princess. 'It fits me as
+though it had been made for me!'
+
+Just at that moment up came the king.
+
+'Look what I have found!' cried his daughter.
+
+'Well, that is not worth much, my dear,' said he. 'Besides, you have
+rings enough, I should think.'
+
+'Never mind, I like it,' replied the princess.
+
+But as soon as she was alone, to her amazement, the ring suddenly left
+her finger and became a man. You can imagine how frightened she was,
+as, indeed, anybody would have been; but in an instant the man became
+a ring again, and then turned back into a man, and so it went on for
+some time until she began to get used to these sudden changes.
+
+'I am sorry I frightened you,' said Hans, when he thought he could
+safely speak to the princess without making her scream. 'I took refuge
+with you because the old hill-man, whom I have offended, was trying to
+kill me, and here I am safe.'
+
+'You had better stay here then,' said the princess. So Hans stayed,
+and he and she became good friends; though, of course, he only became
+a man when no one else was present.
+
+This was all very well; but, one day, as they were talking together,
+the king happened to enter the room, and although Hans quickly changed
+himself into a ring again it was too late.
+
+The king was terribly angry.
+
+'So this is why you have refused to marry all the kings and princes
+who have sought your hand?' he cried.
+
+And, without waiting for her to speak, he commanded that his daughter
+should be walled up in the summer-house and starved to death with her
+lover.
+
+  [Illustration: THE PRINCESS IMPRISONED IN THE SUMMER-HOUSE]
+
+That evening the poor princess, still wearing her ring, was put
+into the summer-house with enough food to last for three days, and the
+door was bricked up. But at the end of a week or two the king thought
+it time to give her a grand funeral, in spite of her bad behaviour,
+and he had the summer-house opened. He could hardly believe his eyes
+when he found that the princess was not there, nor Hans either.
+Instead, there lay at his feet a large hole, big enough for two people
+to pass through.
+
+Now what had happened was this.
+
+When the princess and Hans had given up hope, and cast themselves down
+on the ground to die, they fell down into this hole, and right through
+the earth as well, and at last they stumbled into a castle built of
+pure gold, at the other side of the world, and there they lived
+happily. But of this, of course, the king knew nothing.
+
+'Will any one go down and see where the passage leads to?' he asked,
+turning to his guards and courtiers. 'I will reward splendidly the man
+who is brave enough to explore it.'
+
+For a long time nobody answered. The hole was dark and deep, and if it
+had a bottom no one could see it. At length a soldier, who was a
+careless sort of fellow, offered himself for the service, and
+cautiously lowered himself into the darkness. But in a moment he, too,
+fell down, down, down. Was he going to fall for ever, he wondered! Oh,
+how thankful he was in the end to reach the castle, and to meet the
+princess and Hans, looking quite well and not at all as if they had
+been starved. They began to talk, and the soldier told them that the
+king was very sorry for the way he had treated his daughter, and
+wished day and night that he could have her back again.
+
+Then they all took ship and sailed home, and when they came to the
+princess's country, Hans disguised himself as the sovereign of a
+neighbouring kingdom, and went up to the palace alone. He was given a
+hearty welcome by the king, who prided himself on his hospitality, and
+a banquet was commanded in his honour. That evening, whilst they sat
+drinking their wine, Hans said to the king:
+
+'I have heard the fame of your majesty's wisdom, and I have travelled
+from far to ask your counsel. A man in my country has buried his
+daughter alive because she loved a youth who was born a peasant. How
+shall I punish this unnatural father, for it is left to me to give
+judgment?'
+
+The king, who was still truly grieved for his daughter's loss,
+answered quickly:
+
+'Burn him alive, and strew his ashes all over the kingdom.'
+
+Hans looked at him steadily for a moment, and then threw off his
+disguise.
+
+'You are the man,' said he; 'and I am he who loved your daughter, and
+became a gold ring on her finger. She is safe, and waiting not far
+from here; but you have pronounced judgment on yourself.'
+
+Then the king fell on his knees and begged for mercy; and as he had in
+other respects been a good father, they forgave him. The wedding of
+Hans and the princess was celebrated with great festivities which
+lasted a month. As for the hill-man he intended to be present; but
+whilst he was walking along a street which led to the palace a loose
+stone fell on his head and killed him. So Hans and the princess lived
+in peace and happiness all their days, and when the old king died they
+reigned instead of him.
+
+(From _Eventyr fra Jylland samlede og optegnede af Tang Kristensen_.
+Translated from the Danish by Mrs. Skavgaard-Pedersen.)
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note
+
+The book includes both by-and-by and by-and-bye. Both forms are
+preserved as printed.
+
+One of the illustrations refers to a cauldron, while the story uses
+caldron. These are preserved as printed.
+
+Punctuation errors have been repaired. Hyphenation and use of accents
+has been made consistent within stories. Archaic spelling is preserved
+as printed.
+
+The following typographic errors have been repaired:
+
+    Page 58--he amended to be--"... it would be unreasonable of
+    me to object to your satisfying your appetite ..."
+
+    Page 60--undertsanding amended to understanding--"And the
+    wolf, understanding all that might happen ..."
+
+    Page 134--windding amended to winding--"He had ridden back
+    along a winding road from which he did not see the palace
+    ..."
+
+    Page 137--principle amended to principal--"... but the cat
+    lay down outside the principal gate, ..."
+
+    Page 143--kindgom amended to kingdom--"... she would bestow
+    on him the third part of her own kingdom, ..."
+
+    Page 148--thoughout amended to throughout--"... and by-and-by
+    'Pinkel' became his name throughout the village."
+
+    Page 166--Bassel amended to Basset--"(_Nouveaux Contes
+    Berb�res_ par Ren� Basset.)"
+
+    Page 185--forforgetting amended to forgetting--"... quite
+    forgetting that he owed it to a mean trick."
+
+    Page 186--summonned amended to summoned--"Five minutes later
+    he summoned five hundred lancers ..."
+
+    Page 202--belive amended to believe--"... but it seemed so
+    different she could hardly believe it was the same."
+
+    Page 202--apapproached amended to approached--"As she spoke
+    the gates swung back and six fairies approached, ..."
+
+    Page 211--bethrothed amended to betrothed--"... of the
+    princess Nera, to whom the prince had been betrothed ..."
+
+    Page 324--Sodons amended to Sodnos--"... so the two Sodnos
+    climbed into a big bushy tree which overhung a well."
+
+    Page 349--Kristen amended to Kirsten--"There was once an old
+    couple named Peder and Kirsten ..."
+
+    Page 355--Se amended to So--"So he agreed to accept it."
+
+    Page 357--himhimself amended to himself--"... Hans disguised
+    himself as the sovereign of a neighbouring kingdom, ..."
+
+    Page 358--�ventyr amended to Eventyr, and Zylland amended to
+    Jylland--"From _Eventyr fra Jylland samlede og optegnede af
+    Tang Kristensen_."
+
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+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Orange Fairy Book, by Andrew Lang.
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Orange Fairy Book, by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Orange Fairy Book
+
+Author: Various
+
+Editor: Andrew Lang
+
+Illustrator: H. J. Ford
+
+Release Date: June 27, 2011 [EBook #36532]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ORANGE FAIRY BOOK ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 373px;">
+<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="373" height="600"
+alt="Front cover of the book" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="border">
+<h1>THE ORANGE<br />
+FAIRY BOOK</h1>
+
+<p class="center padbase"><br />Edited by<br />
+<span class="vlrgfont">ANDREW LANG</span></p>
+
+<p class="center padbase"><br />With Numerous Illustrations by<br />
+<span class="lrgfont">H. J. FORD</span></p>
+
+<p class="center vlrgfont"><br /><i>Crown Edition</i></p>
+
+
+<p class="center padtop padbase"><span class="lrgfont">LONGMANS, GREEN AND CO.</span><br />
+LONDON &middot; NEW YORK &middot; TORONTO
+<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>
+</div>
+
+
+<p class="center padtop">LONGMANS, GREEN AND CO.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">114 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK<br />
+221 EAST 20TH STREET, CHICAGO<br />
+88 TREMONT STREET, BOSTON<br />
+215 VICTORIA STREET, TORONTO</p>
+
+<p class="center smcap">LONGMANS, GREEN AND CO. Ltd.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">39 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E C 4<br />
+53 NICOL ROAD, BOMBAY<br />
+6 OLD COURT HOUSE STREET, CALCUTTA<br />
+36A MOUNT ROAD, MADRAS</p>
+
+<p class="center padtop smlfont">LANG<br />
+THE ORANGE FAIRY BOOK</p>
+
+<p class="center padtop smlfont">COPYRIGHT &middot; 1906<br />
+BY LONGMANS, GREEN AND CO.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center padtop"><i>All Rights Reserved</i></p>
+
+
+<p class="center padtop smlfont">First Edition August 1906<br />
+Reprinted March 1911, August 1914<br />
+January 1917, February 1919, May 1922<br />
+January 1925, November 1927, August 1929<br />
+February 1937</p>
+
+<p class="center padtop padbase smlfont">PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="adbox">
+<p class="center vlrgfont">THE LANG FAIRY BOOKS</p>
+
+<p class="center lrgfont">Crown Edition</p>
+
+<p class="hang">THE ARABIAN NIGHTS ENTERTAINMENTS.
+<i>With 4 Coloured Plates and 63 Illustrations.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang">THE BLUE FAIRY BOOK. <i>With 4 Coloured Plates
+and 128 Illustrations.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang">THE BOOK OF ROMANCE. <i>With 8 Coloured Plates
+and 43 Illustrations.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang">THE BROWN FAIRY BOOK. <i>With 8 Coloured Plates
+and 42 Illustrations.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang">THE CRIMSON FAIRY BOOK. <i>With 8 Coloured
+Plates and 45 Illustrations.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang">THE GREEN FAIRY BOOK. <i>With 4 Coloured Plates
+and 100 Illustrations.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang">THE GREY FAIRY BOOK. <i>With 4 Coloured Plates and
+56 Illustrations.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang">THE LILAC FAIRY BOOK. <i>With 6 Coloured Plates and
+46 Illustrations.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang">THE OLIVE FAIRY BOOK. <i>With 8 Coloured Plates and
+43 Illustrations.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang">THE ORANGE FAIRY BOOK. <i>With 8 Coloured Plates
+and 50 Illustrations.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang">THE PINK FAIRY BOOK. <i>With 4 Coloured Plates and
+68 Illustrations.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang">THE RED BOOK OF HEROES. <i>By Mrs. Lang. With
+8 Coloured Plates and 40 Illustrations.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang">THE RED FAIRY BOOK. <i>With 4 Coloured Plates and
+91 Illustrations.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang">THE VIOLET FAIRY BOOK. <i>With 8 Coloured Plates
+and 59 Illustrations.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang">THE YELLOW FAIRY BOOK. <i>With 4 Coloured Plates
+and 105 Illustrations.</i></p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 381px;">
+<a name="illo01" id="illo01"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb01.jpg" width="381" height="600"
+alt="Ian and the blue falcon" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>v]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>PREFACE</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books
+read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents,
+aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their
+daughters, nieces, and <i>cousines</i>, leave prefaces unread.
+For whom, then, are prefaces written? When an author
+publishes a book &lsquo;out of his own head,&rsquo; he writes the
+preface for his own pleasure. After reading over his
+book in print&mdash;to make sure that all the &lsquo;u&rsquo;s&rsquo; are not
+printed as &lsquo;n&rsquo;s,&rsquo; and all the &lsquo;n&rsquo;s&rsquo; as &lsquo;u&rsquo;s&rsquo; in the proper
+names&mdash;then the author says, mildly, in his preface,
+what he thinks about his own book, and what he means
+it to prove&mdash;if he means it to prove anything&mdash;and
+why it is not a better book than it is. But, perhaps,
+nobody reads prefaces except other authors; and critics,
+who hope that they will find enough in the preface to
+enable them to do without reading any of the book.</p>
+
+<p>This appears to be the philosophy of prefaces in general,
+and perhaps authors might be more daring and candid
+than they are with advantage, and write regular criticisms
+of their own books in their prefaces, for nobody
+can be so good a critic of himself as the author&mdash;if he
+has a sense of humour. If he has not, the less he says
+in his preface the better.</p>
+
+<p>These Fairy Books, however, are not written by the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>vi]</a></span>
+Editor, as he has often explained, &lsquo;out of his own head.&rsquo;
+The stories are taken from those told by grannies to
+grandchildren in many countries and in many languages&mdash;French,
+Italian, Spanish, Catalan, Gaelic, Icelandic,
+Cherokee, African, Indian, Australian, Slavonic, Eskimo,
+and what not. The stories are not literal, or word by
+word translations, but have been altered in many ways
+to make them suitable for children. Much has been left
+out in places, and the narrative has been broken up into
+conversations, the characters telling each other how matters
+stand, and speaking for themselves, as children,
+and some older people, prefer them to do. In many
+tales, fairly cruel and savage deeds are done, and these
+have been softened down as much as possible; though
+it is impossible, even if it were desirable, to conceal the
+circumstance that popular stories were never intended
+to be tracts and nothing else. Though they usually
+take the side of courage and kindness, and the virtues
+in general, the old story-tellers admire successful cunning
+as much as Homer does in the Odyssey. At least,
+if the cunning hero, human or animal, is the weaker,
+like Odysseus, Brer Rabbit, and many others, the story-teller
+sees little in intellect but superior cunning, by
+which tiny Jack gets the better of the giants. In the
+fairy tales of no country are &lsquo;improper&rsquo; incidents common,
+which is to the credit of human nature, as they
+were obviously composed mainly for children. It is not
+difficult to get rid of this element when it does occur in
+popular tales.</p>
+
+<p>The old puzzle remains a puzzle&mdash;why do the stories
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>vii]</a></span>
+of the remotest people so closely resemble each other?
+Of course, in the immeasurable past, they have been
+carried about by conquering races, and learned by conquering
+races from vanquished peoples. Slaves carried
+far from home brought their stories with them into
+captivity. Wanderers, travellers, shipwrecked men, merchants,
+and wives stolen from alien tribes have diffused
+the stories; gipsies and Jews have peddled them about;
+Roman soldiers of many different races, moved here and
+there about the Empire, have trafficked in them. From
+the remotest days men have been wanderers, and wherever
+they went their stories accompanied them. The
+slave trade might take a Greek to Persia, a Persian to
+Greece; an Egyptian woman to Ph&oelig;nicia; a Babylonian
+to Egypt; a Scandinavian child might be carried with
+the amber from the Baltic to the Adriatic; or a Sidonian
+to Ophir, wherever Ophir may have been; while the
+Portuguese may have borne their tales to South Africa,
+or to Asia, and thence brought back other tales to Egypt.
+The stories wandered wherever the Buddhist missionaries
+went, and the earliest French <i>voyageurs</i> told them to the
+Red Indians. These facts help to account for the sameness
+of the stories everywhere; and the uniformity of
+human fancy in early societies must be the cause of
+many other resemblances.</p>
+
+<p>In this volume there are stories from the natives of
+Rhodesia, collected by Mr. Fairbridge, who speaks the
+native language, and one is brought by Mr. Cripps from
+another part of Africa, Uganda. Three tales from the
+Punjaub were collected and translated by Major
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>viii]</a></span>
+Campbell. Various savage tales, which needed a good deal of
+editing, are derived from the learned pages of the &lsquo;Journal
+of the Anthropological Institute.&rsquo; With these exceptions,
+and &lsquo;The Magic Book,&rsquo; translated by Mrs. Pedersen,
+from &lsquo;Eventyr fra Jylland,&rsquo; by Mr. Ewald Tang
+Kristensen (Stories from Jutland), all the tales have been
+done, from various sources, by Mrs. Lang, who has modified,
+where it seemed desirable, all the narratives.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>ix]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>CONTENTS</i></h2>
+
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Table of contents">
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><small>PAGE</small></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Story of the Hero Mak&oacute;ma</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Magic Mirror</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Story of the King who Would See Paradise</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>How Isuro the Rabbit Tricked Gudu</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Ian, the Soldier&rsquo;s Son</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Fox and the Wolf</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>How Ian Direach Got the Blue Falcon</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_63">63</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Ugly Duckling</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_79">79</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Two Caskets</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_90">90</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Goldsmith&rsquo;s Fortune</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_106">106</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Enchanted Wreath</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_110">110</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Foolish Weaver</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_124">124</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Clever Cat</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_126">126</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Story of Manus</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_141">141</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Pinkel the Thief</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_148">148</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Adventures of a Jackal</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_160">160</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Adventures of the Jackal&rsquo;s Eldest Son</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_167">167</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Adventures of the Younger Son of the Jackal</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_173">173</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Three Treasures of the Giants</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_177">177</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Rover of the Plain</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_190">190</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The White Doe</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_201">201</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Girl-Fish</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_225">225</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>x]</a></span><i>The Owl and the Eagle</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_236">236</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Frog and the Lion Fairy</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_241">241</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Adventures of Covan the Brown-haired</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_265">265</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Princess Bella-Flor</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_280">280</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Bird of Truth</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_292">292</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Mink and the Wolf</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_307">307</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Adventures of an Indian Brave</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_313">313</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>How the Stalos Were Tricked</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_319">319</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Andras Baive</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_329">329</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The White Slipper</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_335">335</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Magic Book</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_349">349</a></td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xi" id="Page_xi">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>xi]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>ILLUSTRATIONS</i></h2>
+
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Lists of illustrations">
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><h3>COLOURED PLATES</h3></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Ian and the Blue Falcon</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo01"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Three Maidens Sitting on the Rocks</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><i>Facing page</i> <a href="#illo13">38</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>&lsquo;Ashes, Ashes!&rsquo; Twittered the Sparrows</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo22">98</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Standing in the Shelter of a Tree, He Watched Her a Long While</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo25">114</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Queen and the Crab</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo38">202</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Crown Returns to the Queen of the Fishes</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo41">234</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>How Jos&eacute; Found the Princess Bella-Flor</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo48">288</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Princess Imprisoned in the Summer-house</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo58">356</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><h3>FULL-PAGE PLATES</h3></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Mak&oacute;ma Leaps into the Pool of Crocodiles</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><i>Facing page</i> <a href="#illo02">2</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Mak&oacute;ma Gets Entangled by a Hair of Chin-d&eacute;bou M&aacute;u-giri</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo04">8</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Mak&oacute;ma in the Hands of S&aacute;katir&iacute;na</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo05">12</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Knight and the Raven</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo14">38</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Ian Breaks the Giant&rsquo;s Chain</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo16">44</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Princess Finds Herself a Prisoner on the Ship</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo17">68</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>How Ian Direach Returned Home, and How His Stepmother Fell as a Bundle of Sticks</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo19">74</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>&lsquo;That is an End of You,&rsquo; She Said. But She Was Wrong, for it Was only the Beginning</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo20">90</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Princess Returns from the Sea</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo27">120</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xii" id="Page_xii">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>xii]</a></span><i>The Giants Find Jack in the Treasure Room</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo35">182</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Uninvited Fairy</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo39">204</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>How the Queen Met the Lion-Fairy</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo42">242</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The King on his Dragon Fights his Way through the Monsters to the Queen and Muffette</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo44">258</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Doran-Donn Brings the Salmon to Covan the Brown-Haired</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo46">276</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>&lsquo;We Never Waste Time When We Are Helping Others&rsquo;</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo47">284</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>&lsquo;Who Are You who Dare to Knock at my Door?&rsquo;</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo50">298</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Little Boy Sees the Stalo in the Wood</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo53">320</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td colspan="2"><h3>IN TEXT</h3></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+    <td class="tdr"><small>PAGE</small></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Mak&oacute;ma Throws his Hammer at the Fire-eater</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo03">7</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa Sees a Strange Sight</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo06">17</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Shas&aacute;sa Hides the Mirror</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo07">21</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>No One Knows What Was there Shown to the King</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo08">25</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Old King Sees Himself Reflected in the Shields of the Bodyguard</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo09">28</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Gudu Drops a Stone into the Water</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo10">30</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>&lsquo;Where Did You Get that from?&rsquo; Asked Isuro</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo11">31</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>How Gudu Danced and the Bones Rattled</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo12">35</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Ian Finds the Youngest Sister</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo15">43</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Seven Big Women Fall over the Crag</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo18">72</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>She Found Sitting Round Her a Whole Circle of Cats</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo21">95</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>&lsquo;Take the Black! Take the Black!&rsquo; Cried the Cats</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo23">100</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Three Little Doves Were Seated on the Handle of the Axe</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo24">111</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Stepmother Tries to Drown the Princess</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo26">116</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xiii" id="Page_xiii">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>xiii]</a></span><i>The Jew Brings the Jewels to the Princess</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo28">130</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>I Go to Seek my Fortune Alone</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo29">136</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Cat Lets Fall the Stone</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo30">139</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>How Manus Got the Lion&rsquo;s Cub</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo31">145</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Pinkel Brings the Witch&rsquo;s Lantern to the King</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo32">151</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Pinkel Steals the Witch&rsquo;s Goat</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo33">156</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Brothers Ill-treat Poor Jack</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo34">180</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Rover of the Plain Does the Girl&rsquo;s Work</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo36">193</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Last of All She Sang in a Low Voice a Dirge over the Rover of the Plain</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo37">197</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>For a Minute They Looked at Each Other</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo40">219</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>&lsquo;A Small Dragon Crept in and Terrified Her&rsquo;</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo43">249</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Ardan Pursues the Golden Cock and the Silver Hen</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo45">269</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The King Jumps into the Cauldron</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo49">290</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>How the Boy Found the Bird of Truth</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo51">303</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>The Mink is Very Rude to the Grandmother Wolf</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo52">309</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Andras Baive Shoots the Stalo</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo54">333</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Balancin&rsquo;s Delight at the White Slipper</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo55">338</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>Gilguerillo Falls in Love with Princess Diamantina</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo56">344</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td class="tdl"><i>&lsquo;Just as He Was Going to Strike&rsquo;</i></td>
+    <td class="tdr"><a href="#illo57">353</a></td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>1]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/topborder.jpg" width="500" height="32"
+alt="Decoration" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="center xlrgfont">THE ORANGE<br />
+FAIRY BOOK</p>
+
+
+
+<h2><i>THE STORY OF THE HERO MAK&Oacute;MA</i></h2>
+
+<p class="center"><i>From the Senna (Oral Tradition)</i></p>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time, at the town of Senna on the banks of
+the Zambesi, was born a child. He was not like other
+children, for he was very tall and strong; over his shoulder
+he carried a big sack, and in his hand an iron hammer.
+He could also speak like a grown man, but usually
+he was very silent.</p>
+
+<p>One day his mother said to him: &lsquo;My child, by what
+name shall we know you?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And he answered: &lsquo;Call all the head men of Senna
+here to the river&rsquo;s bank.&rsquo; And his mother called the
+head men of the town, and when they had come he led
+them down to a deep black pool in the river where all
+the fierce crocodiles lived.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;O great men!&rsquo; he said, while they all listened, &lsquo;which
+of you will leap into the pool and overcome the crocodiles?&rsquo;
+But no one would come forward. So he turned
+and sprang into the water and disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>The people held their breath, for they thought: &lsquo;Surely
+the boy is bewitched and throws away his life, for the
+crocodiles will eat him!&rsquo; Then suddenly the ground
+trembled, and the pool, heaving and swirling, became
+red with blood, and presently the boy rising to the surface
+swam on shore.</p>
+
+<p>But he was no longer just a boy! He was stronger
+than any man and very tall and handsome, so that the
+people shouted with gladness when they saw him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>2]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Now, O my people!&rsquo; he cried waving his hand, &lsquo;you
+know my name&mdash;I am Mak&oacute;ma, &ldquo;the Greater&rdquo;; for have
+I not slain the crocodiles in the pool where none would
+venture?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then he said to his mother: &lsquo;Rest gently, my mother,
+for I go to make a home for myself and become a hero.&rsquo;
+Then, entering his hut, he took Nu-&eacute;ndo, his iron hammer,
+and throwing the sack over his shoulder, he went away.</p>
+
+<p>Mak&oacute;ma crossed the Zambesi, and for many moons
+he wandered towards the north and west until he came
+to a very hilly country where, one day, he met a huge
+giant making mountains.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Greeting,&rsquo; shouted Mak&oacute;ma, &lsquo;who are you?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am Chi-&eacute;swa-map&iacute;ri, who makes the mountains,&rsquo;
+answered the giant, &lsquo;and who are you?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am Mak&oacute;ma, which signifies &ldquo;greater,&rdquo;&rsquo; answered
+he.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Greater than who?&rsquo; asked the giant.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Greater than you!&rsquo; answered Mak&oacute;ma.</p>
+
+<p>The giant gave a roar and rushed upon him. Mak&oacute;ma
+said nothing, but swinging his great hammer, Nu-&eacute;ndo,
+he struck the giant upon the head.</p>
+
+<p>He struck him so hard a blow that the giant shrank
+into quite a little man, who fell upon his knees saying:
+&lsquo;You are indeed greater than I, O Mak&oacute;ma; take me
+with you to be your slave!&rsquo; So Mak&oacute;ma picked him up
+and dropped him into the sack that he carried upon his
+back.</p>
+
+<p>He was greater than ever now, for all the giant&rsquo;s
+strength had gone into him; and he resumed his journey,
+carrying his burden with as little difficulty as an eagle
+might carry a hare.</p>
+
+<p>Before long he came to a country broken up with
+huge stones and immense clods of earth. Looking over
+one of the heaps he saw a giant wrapped in dust dragging
+out the very earth and hurling it in handfuls on either
+side of him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>3]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 384px;">
+<a name="illo02" id="illo02"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb02.jpg" width="384" height="600"
+alt="Makoma leaps into the pool of crocodiles" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4"><!-- blank page --></a></span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>5]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Who are you,&rsquo; cried Mak&oacute;ma, &lsquo;that pulls up the earth
+in this way?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am Chi-d&uacute;bula-t&aacute;ka,&rsquo; said he, &lsquo;and I am making
+the river-beds.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Do you know who I am?&rsquo; said Mak&oacute;ma. &lsquo;I am he
+that is called &ldquo;greater&rdquo;!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Greater than who?&rsquo; thundered the giant.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Greater than you!&rsquo; answered Mak&oacute;ma.</p>
+
+<p>With a shout, Chi-d&uacute;bula-t&aacute;ka seized a great clod of
+earth and launched it at Mak&oacute;ma. But the hero had his
+sack held over his left arm and the stones and earth fell
+harmlessly upon it, and, tightly gripping his iron hammer,
+he rushed in and struck the giant to the ground. Chi-d&uacute;bula-t&aacute;ka
+grovelled before him, all the while growing
+smaller and smaller; and when he had become a convenient
+size Mak&oacute;ma picked him up and put him into
+the sack beside Chi-&eacute;swa-map&iacute;ri.</p>
+
+<p>He went on his way even greater than before, as all
+the river-maker&rsquo;s power had become his; and at last
+he came to a forest of bao-babs and thorn trees. He
+was astonished at their size, for every one was full grown
+and larger than any trees he had ever seen, and close by
+he saw Chi-gw&iacute;sa-m&iacute;ti, the giant who was planting the
+forest.</p>
+
+<p>Chi-gw&iacute;sa-m&iacute;ti was taller than either of his brothers,
+but Mak&oacute;ma was not afraid and called out to him: &lsquo;Who
+are you, O Big One?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I,&rsquo; said the giant, &lsquo;am Chi-gw&iacute;sa-m&iacute;ti, and I am
+planting these bao-babs and thorns as food for my
+children the elephants.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Leave off!&rsquo; shouted the hero, &lsquo;for I am Mak&oacute;ma, and
+would like to exchange a blow with thee!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The giant, plucking up a monster bao-bab by the roots,
+struck heavily at Mak&oacute;ma; but the hero sprang aside,
+and as the weapon sank deep into the soft earth, whirled
+Nu-&eacute;ndo the hammer round his head and felled the giant
+with one blow.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>6]</a></span>
+So terrible was the stroke that Chi-gw&iacute;sa-m&iacute;ti shrivelled
+up as the other giants had done; and when he
+had got back his breath he begged Mak&oacute;ma to take him
+as his servant. &lsquo;For,&rsquo; said he, &lsquo;it is honourable to serve
+a man so great as thou.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Mak&oacute;ma, after placing him in his sack, proceeded
+upon his journey, and travelling for many days he at last
+reached a country so barren and rocky that not a single
+living thing grew upon it&mdash;everywhere reigned grim
+desolation. And in the midst of this dead region he found
+a man eating fire.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What are you doing?&rsquo; demanded Mak&oacute;ma.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am eating fire,&rsquo; answered the man, laughing; &lsquo;and
+my name is Chi-&iacute;dea-m&oacute;to, for I am the flame-spirit,
+and can waste and destroy what I like.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You are wrong,&rsquo; said Mak&oacute;ma; &lsquo;for I am Mak&oacute;ma,
+who is &ldquo;greater&rdquo; than you&mdash;and you cannot destroy
+me!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The fire-eater laughed again, and blew a flame at
+Mak&oacute;ma. But the hero sprang behind a rock&mdash;just in
+time, for the ground upon which he had been standing
+was turned to molten glass, like an overbaked pot, by
+the heat of the flame-spirit&rsquo;s breath.</p>
+
+<p>Then the hero flung his iron hammer at Chi-&iacute;dea-m&oacute;to,
+and, striking him, it knocked him helpless; so
+Mak&oacute;ma placed him in the sack, Woro-n&oacute;wu, with the
+other great men that he had overcome.</p>
+
+<p>And now, truly, Mak&oacute;ma was a very great hero; for
+he had the strength to make hills, the industry to
+lead rivers over dry wastes, foresight and wisdom in
+planting trees, and the power of producing fire when
+he wished.</p>
+
+<p>Wandering on he arrived one day at a great plain,
+well watered and full of game; and in the very middle
+of it, close to a large river, was a grassy spot, very
+pleasant to make a home upon.</p>
+
+<p>Mak&oacute;ma was so delighted with the little meadow
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>7]</a></span>
+that he sat down under a large tree, and removing the
+sack from his shoulder, took out all the giants and set
+them before him. &lsquo;My friends,&rsquo; said he, &lsquo;I have travelled
+far and am weary. Is not this such a place as would
+suit a hero for his home? Let us then go, to-morrow, to
+bring in timber to make a kraal.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 500px;">
+<a name="illo03" id="illo03"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb03.jpg" width="500" height="293"
+alt="Makoma throws his hammer at the fire-eater" />
+</div>
+
+<p>So the next day Mak&oacute;ma and the giants set out to get
+poles to build the kraal, leaving only Chi-&eacute;swa-map&iacute;ri
+to look after the place and cook some venison which they
+had killed. In the evening, when they returned, they
+found the giant helpless and tied to a tree by one enormous
+hair!</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;How is it,&rsquo; said Mak&oacute;ma, astonished, &lsquo;that we find
+you thus bound and helpless?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;O Chief,&rsquo; answered Chi-&eacute;swa-map&iacute;ri, &lsquo;at midday a
+man came out of the river; he was of immense stature,
+and his grey moustaches were of such length that I could
+not see where they ended! He demanded of me &ldquo;Who
+is thy master?&rdquo; And I answered: &ldquo;Mak&oacute;ma, the
+greatest of heroes.&rdquo; Then the man seized me, and
+pulling a hair from his moustache, tied me to this tree&mdash;even
+as you see me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>8]</a></span>
+Mak&oacute;ma was very wroth, but he said nothing, and
+drawing his finger-nail across the hair (which was as
+thick and strong as palm rope) cut it, and set free the
+mountain-maker.</p>
+
+<p>The three following days exactly the same thing happened,
+only each time with a different one of the party;
+and on the fourth day Mak&oacute;ma stayed in camp when the
+others went to cut poles, saying that he would see for
+himself what sort of man this was that lived in the river
+and whose moustaches were so long that they extended
+beyond men&rsquo;s sight.</p>
+
+<p>So when the giants had gone he swept and tidied the
+camp and put some venison on the fire to roast. At midday,
+when the sun was right overhead, he heard a rumbling
+noise from the river, and looking up he saw the
+head and shoulders of an enormous man emerging from
+it. And behold! right down the river-bed and up the
+river-bed, till they faded into the blue distance, stretched
+the giant&rsquo;s grey moustaches!</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Who are you?&rsquo; bellowed the giant, as soon as he was
+out of the water.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am he that is called Mak&oacute;ma,&rsquo; answered the hero;
+&lsquo;and, before I slay thee, tell me also what is thy name
+and what thou doest in the river?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;My name is Chin-d&eacute;bou M&aacute;u-giri,&rsquo; said the giant.
+&lsquo;My home is in the river, for my moustache is the grey
+fever-mist that hangs above the water, and with which
+I bind all those that come unto me so that they die.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You cannot bind me!&rsquo; shouted Mak&oacute;ma, rushing
+upon him and striking with his hammer. But the river
+giant was so slimy that the blow slid harmlessly off his
+green chest, and as Mak&oacute;ma stumbled and tried to regain
+his balance, the giant swung one of his long hairs around
+him and tripped him up.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 395px;">
+<a name="illo04" id="illo04"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb04.jpg" width="395" height="600"
+alt="Makoma gets entangled by a hair of Chin-debou Mau-giri" />
+</div>
+
+<p>For a moment Mak&oacute;ma was helpless, but remembering
+the power of the flame-spirit which had entered into
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9"><!-- full page illustration in original --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10"><!-- blank page --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>11]</a></span>
+him, he breathed a fiery breath upon the giant&rsquo;s hair and
+cut himself free.</p>
+
+<p>As Chin-d&eacute;bou M&aacute;u-giri leaned forward to seize him
+the hero flung his sack Woro-n&oacute;wu over the giant&rsquo;s
+slippery head, and gripping his iron hammer, struck him
+again; this time the blow alighted upon the dry sack and
+Chin-d&eacute;bou M&aacute;u-giri fell dead.</p>
+
+<p>When the four giants returned at sunset with the poles
+they rejoiced to find that Mak&oacute;ma had overcome the
+fever-spirit, and they feasted on the roast venison till
+far into the night; but in the morning, when they awoke,
+Mak&oacute;ma was already warming his hands at the fire, and
+his face was gloomy.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;In the darkness of the night, O my friends,&rsquo; he said
+presently, &lsquo;the white spirits of my fathers came unto
+me and spoke, saying: &ldquo;Get thee hence, Mak&oacute;ma, for
+thou shalt have no rest until thou hast found and fought
+with S&aacute;katir&iacute;na, who has five heads, and is very great
+and strong; so take leave of thy friends, for thou must
+go alone.&rdquo;&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then the giants were very sad, and bewailed the loss
+of their hero; but Mak&oacute;ma comforted them, and gave
+back to each the gifts he had taken from them. Then
+bidding them &lsquo;Farewell,&rsquo; he went on his way.</p>
+
+<p>Mak&oacute;ma travelled far towards the west; over rough
+mountains and water-logged morasses, fording deep rivers,
+and tramping for days across dry deserts where most
+men would have died, until at length he arrived at a hut
+standing near some large peaks, and inside the hut were
+two beautiful women.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Greeting!&rsquo; said the hero. &lsquo;Is this the country of S&aacute;katir&iacute;na
+of five heads, whom I am seeking?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;We greet you, O Great One!&rsquo; answered the women.
+&lsquo;We are the wives of S&aacute;katir&iacute;na; your search is at an end,
+for there stands he whom you seek!&rsquo; And they pointed
+to what Mak&oacute;ma had thought were two tall mountain
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>12]</a></span>
+peaks. &lsquo;Those are his legs,&rsquo; they said; &lsquo;his body you
+cannot see, for it is hidden in the clouds.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Mak&oacute;ma was astonished when he beheld how tall
+was the giant; but, nothing daunted, he went forward
+until he reached one of S&aacute;katir&iacute;na&rsquo;s legs, which he
+struck heavily with Nu-&eacute;ndo. Nothing happened, so
+he hit again and then again until, presently, he heard a
+tired, far-away voice saying: &lsquo;Who is it that scratches my
+feet?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And Mak&oacute;ma shouted as loud as he could, answering:
+&lsquo;It is I, Mak&oacute;ma, who is called &ldquo;Greater&rdquo;!&rsquo; And he
+listened, but there was no answer.</p>
+
+<p>Then Mak&oacute;ma collected all the dead brushwood and
+trees that he could find, and making an enormous pile
+round the giant&rsquo;s legs, set a light to it.</p>
+
+<p>This time the giant spoke; his voice was very terrible,
+for it was the rumble of thunder in the clouds. &lsquo;Who is
+it,&rsquo; he said, &lsquo;making that fire smoulder around my feet?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is I, Mak&oacute;ma!&rsquo; shouted the hero. &lsquo;And I have
+come from far away to see thee, O S&aacute;katir&iacute;na, for the
+spirits of my fathers bade me go seek and fight with thee,
+lest I should grow fat, and weary of myself.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>There was silence for a while, and then the giant spoke
+softly: &lsquo;It is good, O Mak&oacute;ma!&rsquo; he said. &lsquo;For I too have
+grown weary. There is no man so great as I, therefore
+I am all alone. Guard thyself!&rsquo; And bending suddenly
+he seized the hero in his hands and dashed him
+upon the ground. And lo! instead of death, Mak&oacute;ma
+had found life, for he sprang to his feet mightier in
+strength and stature than before, and rushing in he
+gripped the giant by the waist and wrestled with him.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 376px;">
+<a name="illo05" id="illo05"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb05.jpg" width="376" height="600"
+alt="Makoma in the hands of Sakatirina" />
+</div>
+
+<p>Hour by hour they fought, and mountains rolled
+beneath their feet like pebbles in a flood; now Mak&oacute;ma
+would break away, and summoning up his strength, strike
+the giant with Nu-&eacute;ndo his iron hammer, and S&aacute;katir&iacute;na
+would pluck up the mountains and hurl them upon the
+hero, but neither one could slay the other. At last, upon
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13"><!-- full page illustration in original --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14"><!-- blank page --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>15]</a></span>
+the second day, they grappled so strongly that they could
+not break away; but their strength was failing, and, just
+as the sun was sinking, they fell together to the ground,
+insensible.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning when they awoke, Mul&iacute;mo the Great
+Spirit was standing by them; and he said: &lsquo;O Mak&oacute;ma
+and S&aacute;katir&iacute;na! Ye are heroes so great that no man may
+come against you. Therefore ye will leave the world
+and take up your home with me in the clouds.&rsquo; And as
+he spake the heroes became invisible to the people of the
+Earth, and were no more seen among them.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(<i>Native Rhodesian Tale.</i>)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>16]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE MAGIC MIRROR</i></h2>
+
+<p class="center"><i>From the Senna</i></p>
+
+
+<p>A long, long while ago, before ever the White Men
+were seen in Senna, there lived a man called Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa.</p>
+
+<p>One day, as he was out hunting, he came upon a
+strange sight. An enormous python had caught an
+antelope and coiled itself around it; the antelope, striking
+out in despair with its horns, had pinned the python&rsquo;s
+neck to a tree, and so deeply had its horns sunk in the
+soft wood that neither creature could get away.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Help!&rsquo; cried the antelope, &lsquo;for I was doing no harm,
+yet I have been caught, and would have been eaten, had
+I not defended myself.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Help me,&rsquo; said the python, &lsquo;for I am Ins&aacute;to, King of
+all the Reptiles, and will reward you well!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa considered for a moment, then stabbing
+the antelope with his assegai, he set the python free.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I thank you,&rsquo; said the python; &lsquo;come back here with
+the new moon, when I shall have eaten the antelope, and
+I will reward you as I promised.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes,&rsquo; said the dying antelope, &lsquo;he will reward you,
+and lo! your reward shall be your own undoing!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa went back to his kraal, and with the
+new moon he returned again to the spot where he had
+saved the python.</p>
+
+<p>Ins&aacute;to was lying upon the ground, still sleepy from
+the effects of his huge meal, and when he saw the man
+he thanked him again, and said: &lsquo;Come with me now to
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>17]</a></span>
+P&iacute;ta, which is my own country, and I will give you what
+you will of all my possessions.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa at first was afraid, thinking of what the
+antelope had said, but finally he consented and followed
+Ins&aacute;to into the forest.</p>
+
+<p>For several days they travelled, and at last they came
+to a hole leading deep into the earth. It was not very
+wide, but large enough to admit a man. &lsquo;Hold on to
+my tail,&rsquo; said Ins&aacute;to, &lsquo;and I will go down first, drawing
+you after me.&rsquo; The man did so, and Ins&aacute;to entered.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 457px;">
+<a name="illo06" id="illo06"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb06.jpg" width="457" height="300"
+alt="Gopani Kufa sees a strange sight" />
+</div>
+
+<p>Down, down, down they went for days, all the while
+getting deeper and deeper into the earth, until at last
+the darkness ended and they dropped into a beautiful
+country; around them grew short green grass, on which
+browsed herds of cattle and sheep and goats. In the
+distance Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa saw a great collection of houses all
+square, built of stone and very tall, and their roofs were
+shining with gold and burnished iron.</p>
+
+<p>Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa turned to Ins&aacute;to, but found, in the place
+of the python, a man, strong and handsome, with the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>18]</a></span>
+great snake&rsquo;s skin wrapped round him for covering; and
+on his arms and neck were rings of pure gold.</p>
+
+<p>The man smiled. &lsquo;I am Ins&aacute;to,&rsquo; said he; &lsquo;but in my
+own country I take man&rsquo;s shape&mdash;even as you see me&mdash;for
+this is P&iacute;ta, the land over which I am king.&rsquo; He
+then took Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa by the hand and led him towards
+the town.</p>
+
+<p>On the way they passed rivers in which men and women
+were bathing and fishing and boating; and farther on
+they came to gardens covered with heavy crops of rice
+and maize, and many other grains which Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa
+did not even know the name of. And as they passed,
+the people who were singing at their work in the fields,
+abandoned their labours and saluted Ins&aacute;to with delight,
+bringing also palm wine and green cocoa-nuts for refreshment,
+as to one returned from a long journey.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;These are my children!&rsquo; said Ins&aacute;to, waving his hand
+towards the people. Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa was much astonished
+at all that he saw, but he said nothing. Presently they
+came to the town; everything here, too, was beautiful,
+and everything that a man might desire he could obtain.
+Even the grains of dust in the streets were of gold and
+silver.</p>
+
+<p>Ins&aacute;to conducted Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa to the palace, and
+showing him his rooms, and the maidens who would wait
+upon him, told him that they would have a great feast
+that night, and on the morrow he might name his choice
+of the riches of P&iacute;ta and it should be given him. Then
+he went away.</p>
+
+<p>Now Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa had a wasp called Z&eacute;ngi-m&iacute;zi.
+Z&eacute;ngi-m&iacute;zi was not an ordinary wasp, for the spirit of
+the father of Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa had entered it, so that it was
+exceedingly wise. In times of doubt Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa always
+consulted the wasp as to what had better be done, so on
+this occasion he took it out of the little rush basket in
+which he carried it, saying: &lsquo;Z&eacute;ngi-m&iacute;zi, what gift shall
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>19]</a></span>
+I ask of Ins&aacute;to to-morrow when he would know the reward
+he shall bestow on me for saving his life?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Biz-z-z,&rsquo; hummed Z&eacute;ngi-m&iacute;zi, &lsquo;ask him for Sip&aacute;o the
+Mirror.&rsquo; And it flew back into its basket.</p>
+
+<p>Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa was astonished at this answer; but knowing
+that the words of Z&eacute;ngi-m&iacute;zi were true words, he determined
+to make the request. So that night they feasted,
+and on the morrow Ins&aacute;to came to Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa and,
+giving him greeting joyfully, he said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Now, O my friend, name your choice amongst my possessions
+and you shall have it!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;O king!&rsquo; answered Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa, &lsquo;out of all your possessions
+I will have the Mirror, Sip&aacute;o.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The king started. &lsquo;O friend, Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa,&rsquo; he said,
+&lsquo;ask anything but that! I did not think that you would
+request that which is most precious to me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Let me think over it again then, O king,&rsquo; said Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa,
+&lsquo;and to-morrow I will let you know if I change
+my mind.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>But the king was still much troubled, fearing the loss
+of Sip&aacute;o, for the Mirror had magic powers, so that he
+who owned it had but to ask and his wish would be fulfilled;
+to it Ins&aacute;to owed all that he possessed.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the king left him, Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa again took
+Z&eacute;ngi-m&iacute;zi out of his basket. &lsquo;Z&eacute;ngi-m&iacute;zi,&rsquo; he said,
+&lsquo;the king seems loth to grant my request for the Mirror&mdash;is
+there not some other thing of equal value for which
+I might ask?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And the wasp answered: &lsquo;There is nothing in the world,
+O Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa, which is of such value as this Mirror,
+for it is a Wishing Mirror, and accomplishes the desires
+of him who owns it. If the king hesitates, go to him the
+next day, and the day after, and in the end he will bestow
+the Mirror upon you, for you saved his life.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And it was even so. For three days Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa
+returned the same answer to the king, and, at last, with
+tears in his eyes, Ins&aacute;to gave him the Mirror, which was
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>20]</a></span>
+of polished iron, saying: &lsquo;Take Sip&aacute;o, then, O Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa,
+and may thy wishes come true. Go back now to
+thine own country; Sip&aacute;o will show you the way.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa was greatly rejoiced, and, taking farewell
+of the king, said to the Mirror:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Sip&aacute;o, Sip&aacute;o, I wish to be back upon the Earth
+again!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Instantly he found himself standing upon the upper
+earth; but, not knowing the spot, he said again to the
+Mirror:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Sip&aacute;o, Sip&aacute;o, I want the path to my own kraal!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And behold! right before him lay the path!</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">When he arrived home he found his wife and daughter
+mourning for him, for they thought that he had been
+eaten by lions; but he comforted them, saying that while
+following a wounded antelope he had missed his way
+and had wandered for a long time before he had found
+the path again.</p>
+
+<p>That night he asked Z&eacute;ngi-m&iacute;zi, in whom sat the
+spirit of his father, what he had better ask Sip&aacute;o for
+next?</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Biz-z-z,&rsquo; said the wasp, &lsquo;would you not like to be as
+great a chief as Ins&aacute;to?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa smiled, and took the Mirror and
+said to it:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Sip&aacute;o, Sip&aacute;o, I want a town as great as that of
+Ins&aacute;to, the King of P&iacute;ta; and I wish to be chief over
+it!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then all along the banks of the Zambesi river, which
+flowed near by, sprang up streets of stone buildings, and
+their roofs shone with gold and burnished iron like those
+in P&iacute;ta; and in the streets men and women were walking,
+and young boys were driving out the sheep and cattle to
+pasture; and from the river came shouts and laughter
+from the young men and maidens who had launched
+their canoes and were fishing. And when the people
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>21]</a></span>
+of the new town beheld Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa they rejoiced greatly
+and hailed him as chief.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 305px;">
+<a name="illo07" id="illo07"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb07.jpg" width="305" height="450"
+alt="Shasasa hides the mirror" />
+</div>
+
+<p>Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa was now as powerful as Ins&aacute;to the King
+of the Reptiles had been, and he and his family moved
+into the palace that stood high above the other buildings
+right in the middle of the town. His wife was too
+astonished at all these wonders to ask any questions, but
+his daughter Shas&aacute;sa kept begging him to tell her how
+he had suddenly become so great; so at last he revealed
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>22]</a></span>
+the whole secret, and even entrusted Sip&aacute;o the Mirror
+to her care, saying:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It will be safer with you, my daughter, for you dwell
+apart; whereas men come to consult me on affairs of state,
+and the Mirror might be stolen.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then Shas&aacute;sa took the Magic Mirror and hid it beneath
+her pillow, and after that for many years Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa
+ruled his people both well and wisely, so that all
+men loved him, and never once did he need to ask Sip&aacute;o
+to grant him a wish.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">Now it happened that, after many years, when the
+hair of Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa was turning grey with age, there
+came white men to that country. Up the Zambesi they
+came, and they fought long and fiercely with Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa;
+but, because of the power of the Magic Mirror, he
+beat them, and they fled to the sea-coast. Chief among
+them was one Rei, a man of much cunning, who sought
+to discover whence sprang Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa&rsquo;s power. So
+one day he called to him a trusty servant named Butou,
+and said: &lsquo;Go you to the town and find out for me what
+is the secret of its greatness.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And Butou, dressing himself in rags, set out, and
+when he came to Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa&rsquo;s town he asked for the
+chief; and the people took him into the presence of
+Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa. When the white man saw him he humbled
+himself, and said: &lsquo;O Chief! take pity on me, for I have
+no home! When Rei marched against you I alone
+stood apart, for I knew that all the strength of the
+Zambesi lay in your hands, and because I would not
+fight against you he turned me forth into the forest to
+starve!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa believed the white man&rsquo;s story,
+and he took him in and feasted him, and gave him a
+house.</p>
+
+<p>In this way the end came. For the heart of Shas&aacute;sa,
+the daughter of Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa, went forth to Butou the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>23]</a></span>
+traitor, and from her he learnt the secret of the Magic
+Mirror. One night, when all the town slept, he felt beneath
+her pillow and, finding the Mirror, he stole it and
+fled back with it to Rei, the chief of the white men.</p>
+
+<p>So it befell that one day, as Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa was gazing
+at the river from a window of the palace, he again saw
+the war-canoes of the white men; and at the sight his
+spirit misgave him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Shas&aacute;sa! my daughter!&rsquo; he cried wildly, &lsquo;go fetch
+me the Mirror, for the white men are at hand.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Woe is me, my father!&rsquo; she sobbed. &lsquo;The Mirror
+is gone! For I loved Butou the traitor, and he has stolen
+Sip&aacute;o from me!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa calmed himself, and drew out Z&eacute;ngi-m&iacute;zi
+from its rush basket.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;O spirit of my father!&rsquo; he said, &lsquo;what now shall
+I do?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;O Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa!&rsquo; hummed the wasp, &lsquo;there is nothing
+now that can be done, for the words of the antelope which
+you slew are being fulfilled.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Alas! I am an old man&mdash;I had forgotten!&rsquo; cried
+the chief. &lsquo;The words of the antelope were true words&mdash;my
+reward shall be my own undoing&mdash;they are being
+fulfilled!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then the white men fell upon the people of Gop&aacute;ni-K&uacute;fa
+and slew them together with the chief and his daughter
+Shas&aacute;sa; and since then all the power of the Earth
+has rested in the hands of the white men, for they have
+in their possession Sip&aacute;o, the Magic Mirror.</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>24]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>STORY OF THE KING WHO WOULD SEE PARADISE</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there was a king who, one day out
+hunting, came upon a fakeer in a lonely place in the mountains.
+The fakeer was seated on a little old bedstead
+reading the Koran, with his patched cloak thrown over
+his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>The king asked him what he was reading; and he
+said he was reading about Paradise, and praying that he
+might be worthy to enter there. Then they began to
+talk, and, by-and-bye, the king asked the fakeer if he
+could show him a glimpse of Paradise, for he found
+it very difficult to believe in what he could not see.
+The fakeer replied that he was asking a very difficult,
+and perhaps a very dangerous, thing; but that he
+would pray for him, and perhaps he might be able to
+do it; only he warned the king both against the dangers
+of his unbelief, and against the curiosity which prompted
+him to ask this thing. However, the king was not to be
+turned from his purpose, and he promised the fakeer
+always to provide him with food, if he, in return, would
+pray for him. To this the fakeer agreed, and so they
+parted.</p>
+
+<p>Time went on, and the king always sent the old
+fakeer his food according to his promise; but, whenever
+he sent to ask him when he was going to show him
+Paradise, the fakeer always replied: &lsquo;Not yet, not
+yet!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 327px;">
+<a name="illo08" id="illo08"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb08.jpg" width="327" height="450"
+alt="No one knows what was there shown to the king" />
+</div>
+
+<p>After a year or two had passed by, the king heard
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>25]</a></span>
+one day that the fakeer was very ill&mdash;indeed, he was
+believed to be dying. Instantly he hurried off himself,
+and found that it was really true, and that the fakeer was
+even then breathing his last. There and then the king
+besought him to remember his promise, and to show him
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>26]</a></span>
+a glimpse of Paradise. The dying fakeer replied that if
+the king would come to his funeral, and, when the grave
+was filled in, and everyone else was gone away, he would
+come and lay his hand upon the grave, he would keep
+his word, and show him a glimpse of Paradise. At the
+same time he implored the king not to do this thing, but
+to be content to see Paradise when God called him there.
+Still the king&rsquo;s curiosity was so aroused that he would
+not give way.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, after the fakeer was dead, and had been
+buried, he stayed behind when all the rest went away;
+and then, when he was quite alone, he stepped forward,
+and laid his hand upon the grave! Instantly the ground
+opened, and the astonished king, peeping in, saw a flight
+of rough steps, and, at the bottom of them, the fakeer
+sitting, just as he used to sit, on his rickety bedstead, reading
+the Koran!</p>
+
+<p>At first the king was so surprised and frightened that
+he could only stare; but the fakeer beckoned to him
+to come down, so, mustering up his courage, he boldly
+stepped down into the grave.</p>
+
+<p>The fakeer rose, and, making a sign to the king to follow,
+walked a few paces along a dark passage. Then
+he stopped, turned solemnly to his companion, and, with
+a movement of his hand, drew aside as it were a heavy
+curtain, and revealed&mdash;what? No one knows what
+was there shown to the king, nor did he ever tell anyone;
+but, when the fakeer at length dropped the curtain, and
+the king turned to leave the place, he had had his glimpse
+of Paradise! Trembling in every limb, he staggered
+back along the passage, and stumbled up the steps out
+of the tomb into the fresh air again.</p>
+
+<p>The dawn was breaking. It seemed odd to the king
+that he had been so long in the grave. It appeared but
+a few minutes ago that he had descended, passed along a
+few steps to the place where he had peeped beyond the
+veil, and returned again after perhaps five minutes of
+that wonderful view! And what <em>was</em> it he had seen?
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>27]</a></span>
+He racked his brains to remember, but he could not call
+to mind a single thing! How curious everything looked
+too! Why, his own city, which by now he was entering,
+seemed changed and strange to him! The sun was
+already up when he turned into the palace gate and
+entered the public durbar hall. It was full; and there
+upon the throne sat another king! The poor king, all
+bewildered, sat down and stared about him. Presently
+a chamberlain came across and asked him why he sat
+unbidden in the king&rsquo;s presence. &lsquo;But <em>I</em> am the king!&rsquo;
+he cried.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What king?&rsquo; said the chamberlain.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The true king of this country,&rsquo; said he indignantly.</p>
+
+<p>Then the chamberlain went away, and spoke to the
+king who sat on the throne, and the old king heard words
+like &lsquo;mad,&rsquo; &lsquo;age,&rsquo; &lsquo;compassion.&rsquo; Then the king on the
+throne called him to come forward, and, as he went, he
+caught sight of himself reflected in the polished steel shields
+of the bodyguard, and started back in horror! He was
+old, decrepit, dirty, and ragged! His long white beard
+and locks were unkempt, and straggled all over his
+chest and shoulders. Only one sign of royalty remained
+to him, and that was the signet ring upon his
+right hand. He dragged it off with shaking fingers and
+held it up to the king.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Tell me who I am,&rsquo; he cried; &lsquo;there is my signet, who
+once sat where you sit&mdash;even yesterday!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The king looked at him compassionately, and examined
+the signet with curiosity. Then he commanded, and they
+brought out dusty records and archives of the kingdom,
+and old coins of previous reigns, and compared them
+faithfully. At last the king turned to the old man, and
+said: &lsquo;Old man, such a king as this whose signet thou
+hast, reigned seven hundred years ago; but he is said to
+have disappeared, none know whither; where got you
+the ring?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then the old man smote his breast, and cried out
+with a loud lamentation; for he understood that he, who
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>28]</a></span>
+was not content to wait patiently to see the Paradise of
+the faithful, had been judged already. And he turned
+and left the hall without a word, and went into the
+jungle, where he lived for twenty-five years a life of
+prayer and meditation, until at last the Angel of Death
+came to him, and mercifully released him, purged and
+purified through his punishment.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(<i>A Pathan story told to Major Campbell.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 365px;">
+<a name="illo09" id="illo09"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb09.jpg" width="365" height="450"
+alt="The old king sees himself reflected in the shields of the bodyguard" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>29]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>HOW ISURO THE RABBIT TRICKED GUDU</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>Far away in a hot country, where the forests are very
+thick and dark, and the rivers very swift and strong, there
+once lived a strange pair of friends. Now one of the
+friends was a big white rabbit named Isuro, and the other
+was a tall baboon called Gudu, and so fond were they
+of each other that they were seldom seen apart.</p>
+
+<p>One day, when the sun was hotter even than usual,
+the rabbit awoke from his midday sleep, and saw Gudu
+the baboon standing beside him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Get up,&rsquo; said Gudu; &lsquo;I am going courting, and you
+must come with me. So put some food in a bag, and
+sling it round your neck, for we may not be able to find
+anything to eat for a long while.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then the rabbit rubbed his eyes, and gathered a store
+of fresh green things from under the bushes, and told
+Gudu that he was ready for the journey.</p>
+
+<p>They went on quite happily for some distance, and
+at last they came to a river with rocks scattered here and
+there across the stream.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;We can never jump those wide spaces if we are
+burdened with food,&rsquo; said Gudu, &lsquo;we must throw it into the
+river, unless we wish to fall in ourselves.&rsquo; And stooping
+down, unseen by Isuro, who was in front of him, Gudu
+picked up a big stone, and threw it into the water with a
+loud splash.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is your turn now,&rsquo; he cried to Isuro. And with a
+heavy sigh, the rabbit unfastened his bag of food, which
+fell into the river.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>30]</a></span>
+The road on the other side led down an avenue of trees,
+and before they had gone very far Gudu opened the bag
+that lay hidden in the thick hair about his neck, and began
+to eat some delicious-looking fruit.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Where did you get that from?&rsquo; asked Isuro enviously.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 306px;">
+<a name="illo10" id="illo10"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb10.jpg" width="306" height="300"
+alt="Gudu drops a stone into the water" />
+</div>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, I found after all that I could get across the rocks
+quite easily, so it seemed a pity not to keep my bag,&rsquo; answered
+Gudu.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, as you tricked me into throwing away mine,
+you ought to let me share with you,&rsquo; said Isuro. But
+Gudu pretended not to hear him, and strode along the
+path.</p>
+
+<p>By-and-bye they entered a wood, and right in front
+of them was a tree so laden with fruit that its branches
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>31]</a></span>
+swept the ground. And some of the fruit was still green,
+and some yellow. The rabbit hopped forward with joy,
+for he was very hungry; but Gudu said to him: &lsquo;Pluck
+the green fruit, you will find it much the best. I will
+leave it all for you, as you have had no dinner, and take
+the yellow for myself.&rsquo; So the rabbit took one of the
+green oranges and began to bite it, but its skin was so
+hard that he could hardly get his teeth through the rind.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 356px;">
+<a name="illo11" id="illo11"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb11.jpg" width="356" height="200"
+alt="'Where did you get that from?' asked Isuro" />
+</div>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It does not taste at all nice,&rsquo; he cried, screwing up
+his face; &lsquo;I would rather have one of the yellow ones.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No! no! I really could not allow that,&rsquo; answered Gudu.
+&lsquo;They would only make you ill. Be content with the
+green fruit.&rsquo; And as they were all he could get, Isuro
+was forced to put up with them.</p>
+
+<p>After this had happened two or three times, Isuro at
+last had his eyes opened, and made up his mind that,
+whatever Gudu told him, he would do exactly the opposite.
+However, by this time they had reached the village
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>32]</a></span>
+where dwelt Gudu&rsquo;s future wife, and as they entered Gudu
+pointed to a clump of bushes, and said to Isuro: &lsquo;Whenever
+I am eating, and you hear me call out that my food
+has burnt me, run as fast as you can and gather some of
+those leaves that they may heal my mouth.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The rabbit would have liked to ask him why he ate
+food that he knew would burn him, only he was afraid,
+and just nodded in reply; but when they had gone on
+a little further, he said to Gudu:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have dropped my needle; wait here a moment while
+I go and fetch it.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Be quick then,&rsquo; answered Gudu, climbing into a tree.
+And the rabbit hastened back to the bushes, and gathered
+a quantity of the leaves, which he hid among his fur, &lsquo;for,&rsquo;
+thought he, &lsquo;if I get them now I shall save myself the
+trouble of a walk by-and-bye.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>When he had plucked as many as he wanted he returned
+to Gudu, and they went on together.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">The sun was almost setting by the time they reached
+their journey&rsquo;s end, and being very tired they gladly sat
+down by a well. Then Gudu&rsquo;s betrothed, who had been
+watching for him, brought out a pitcher of water&mdash;which
+she poured over them to wash off the dust of the road&mdash;and
+two portions of food. But once again the rabbit&rsquo;s
+hopes were dashed to the ground, for Gudu said hastily:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The custom of the village forbids you to eat till I
+have finished.&rsquo; And Isuro did not know that Gudu was
+lying, and that he only wanted more food. So he sat
+hungrily looking on, waiting till his friend had had
+enough.</p>
+
+<p>In a little while Gudu screamed loudly: &lsquo;I am burnt!
+I am burnt!&rsquo; though he was not burnt at all. Now,
+though Isuro had the leaves about him, he did not dare
+to produce them at the last moment lest the baboon
+should guess why he had stayed behind. So he just
+went round a corner for a short time, and then came
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>33]</a></span>
+hopping back in a great hurry. But, quick though he
+was, Gudu had been quicker still, and nothing remained
+but some drops of water.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;How unlucky you are,&rsquo; said Gudu, snatching the leaves;
+&lsquo;no sooner had you gone than ever so many people arrived,
+and washed their hands, as you see, and ate your
+portion.&rsquo; But, though Isuro knew better than to believe
+him, he said nothing, and went to bed hungrier than he
+had ever been in his life.</p>
+
+<p>Early next morning they started for another village,
+and passed on the way a large garden where people were
+very busy gathering monkey-nuts.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You can have a good breakfast at last,&rsquo; said Gudu,
+pointing to a heap of empty shells; never doubting but
+that Isuro would meekly take the portion shown him,
+and leave the real nuts for himself. But what was his
+surprise when Isuro answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Thank you; I think I should prefer these.&rsquo; And,
+turning to the kernels, never stopped as long as there
+was one left. And the worst of it was that, with so
+many people about, Gudu could not take the nuts from
+him.</p>
+
+<p>It was night when they reached the village where dwelt
+the mother of Gudu&rsquo;s betrothed, who laid meat and millet
+porridge before them.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I think you told me you were fond of porridge,&rsquo; said
+Gudu; but Isuro answered: &lsquo;You are mistaking me for
+somebody else, as I always eat meat when I can get it.&rsquo;
+And again Gudu was forced to be content with the
+porridge, which he hated.</p>
+
+<p>While he was eating it, however, a sudden thought
+darted into his mind, and he managed to knock over a
+great pot of water which was hanging in front of the fire,
+and put it quite out.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;<em>Now</em>,&rsquo; said the cunning creature to himself, &lsquo;I shall
+be able in the dark to steal his meat!&rsquo; But the rabbit
+had grown as cunning as he, and standing in a corner
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>34]</a></span>
+hid the meat behind him, so that the baboon could not
+find it.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;O Gudu!&rsquo; he cried, laughing aloud, &lsquo;it is you who
+have taught me how to be clever.&rsquo; And calling to the
+people of the house, he bade them kindle the fire, for Gudu
+would sleep by it, but that he would pass the night with
+some friends in another hut.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">It was still quite dark when Isuro heard his name
+called very softly, and, on opening his eyes, beheld Gudu
+standing by him. Laying his finger on his nose, in token
+of silence, he signed to Isuro to get up and follow him,
+and it was not until they were some distance from the
+hut that Gudu spoke.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am hungry and want something to eat better than
+that nasty porridge that I had for supper. So I am
+going to kill one of those goats, and as you are a good
+cook you must boil the flesh for me.&rsquo; The rabbit nodded,
+and Gudu disappeared behind a rock, but soon returned
+dragging the dead goat with him. The two then set
+about skinning it, after which they stuffed the skin with
+dried leaves, so that no one would have guessed it was
+not alive, and set it up in the middle of a clump of bushes,
+which kept it firm on its feet. While he was doing this,
+Isuro collected sticks for a fire, and when it was kindled,
+Gudu hastened to another hut to steal a pot which he
+filled with water from the river, and, planting two branches
+in the ground, they hung the pot with the meat in it over
+the fire.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It will not be fit to eat for two hours at least,&rsquo; said
+Gudu, &lsquo;so we can both have a nap.&rsquo; And he stretched
+himself out on the ground, and pretended to fall fast
+asleep, but, in reality, he was only waiting till it was safe
+to take all the meat for himself. &lsquo;Surely I hear him
+snore,&rsquo; he thought; and he stole to the place where Isuro
+was lying on a pile of wood, but the rabbit&rsquo;s eyes were
+wide open.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>35]</a></span>
+&lsquo;How tiresome,&rsquo; muttered Gudu, as he went back
+to his place; and after waiting a little longer he got
+up, and peeped again, but still the rabbit&rsquo;s pink eyes
+stared widely. If Gudu had only known, Isuro was
+asleep all the time; but this he never guessed, and by-and-bye
+he grew so tired with watching that he went to sleep
+himself. Soon after, Isuro woke up, and he too felt
+hungry, so he crept softly to the pot and ate all the meat,
+while he tied the bones together and hung them in
+Gudu&rsquo;s fur. After that he went back to the wood-pile
+and slept again.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 362px;">
+<a name="illo12" id="illo12"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb12.jpg" width="362" height="300"
+alt="How Gudu danced and the bones rattled" />
+</div>
+
+<p>In the morning the mother of Gudu&rsquo;s betrothed came
+out to milk her goats, and on going to the bushes where
+the largest one seemed entangled, she found out the trick.
+She made such lament that the people of the village came
+running, and Gudu and Isuro jumped up also, and pretended
+to be as surprised and interested as the rest. But
+they must have looked guilty after all, for suddenly an
+old man pointed to them, and cried:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>36]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Those are the thieves.&rsquo; And at the sound of his voice
+the big Gudu trembled all over.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;How dare you say such things? I defy you to
+prove it,&rsquo; answered Isuro boldly. And he danced forward,
+and turned head over heels, and shook himself before
+them all.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I spoke hastily; you are innocent,&rsquo; said the old
+man; &lsquo;but now let the baboon do likewise.&rsquo; And when
+Gudu began to jump the goat&rsquo;s bones rattled, and the
+people cried: &lsquo;It is Gudu who is the goat-slayer!&rsquo; But
+Gudu answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Nay, I did not kill your goat; it was Isuro, and he
+ate the meat, and hung the bones round my neck. So it
+is he who should die!&rsquo; And the people looked at each
+other, for they knew not what to believe. At length one
+man said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Let them both die, but they may choose their own
+deaths.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then Isuro answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If we must die, put us in the place where the wood
+is cut, and heap it up all round us, so that we cannot escape,
+and set fire to the wood; and if one is burned and the other
+is not, then he that is burned is the goat-slayer.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And the people did as Isuro had said. But Isuro knew
+of a hole under the wood-pile, and when the fire was kindled
+he ran into the hole, but Gudu died there.</p>
+
+<p>When the fire had burned itself out, and only ashes
+were left where the wood had been, Isuro came out of
+his hole, and said to the people:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Lo! did I not speak well? He who killed your goat
+is among those ashes.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(<i>Mashona Story.</i>)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>37]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>IAN, THE SOLDIER&rsquo;S SON</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>There dwelt a knight in Grianaig of the land of the
+West, who had three daughters, and for goodness and
+beauty they had not their like in all the isles. All the
+people loved them, and loud was the weeping when one
+day, as the three maidens sat on the rocks on the edge
+of the sea, dipping their feet in the water, there arose a
+great beast from under the waves and swept them away
+beneath the ocean. And none knew whither they had
+gone, or how to seek them.</p>
+
+<p>Now there lived in a town a few miles off a soldier who
+had three sons, fine youths and strong, and the best players
+at shinny in that country. At Christmastide that
+year, when families met together and great feasts were
+held, Ian, the youngest of the three brothers, said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Let us have a match at shinny on the lawn of the knight
+of Grianaig, for his lawn is wider and the grass smoother
+than ours.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>But the others answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Nay, for he is in sorrow, and he will think of the
+games that we have played there when his daughters
+looked on.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Let him be pleased or angry as he will,&rsquo; said Ian; &lsquo;we
+will drive our ball on his lawn to-day.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And so it was done, and Ian won three games from
+his brothers. But the knight looked out of his window,
+and was wroth; and bade his men bring the youths before
+him. When he stood in his hall and beheld them, his
+heart was softened somewhat; but his face was angry as
+he asked:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>38]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Why did you choose to play shinny in front of my
+castle when you knew full well that the remembrance of
+my daughters would come back to me? The pain which
+you have made me suffer you shall suffer also.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Since we have done you wrong,&rsquo; answered Ian, the
+youngest, &lsquo;build us a ship, and we will go and seek your
+daughters. Let them be to windward, or to leeward, or
+under the four brown boundaries of the sea, we will find
+them before a year and a day goes by, and will carry them
+back to Grianaig.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>In seven days the ship was built, and great store of
+food and wine placed in her. And the three brothers
+put her head to the sea and sailed away, and in seven
+days the ship ran herself on to a beach of white sand,
+and they all went ashore. They had none of them ever
+seen that land before, and looked about them. Then they
+saw that, a short way from them, a number of men were
+working on a rock, with one man standing over them.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What place is this?&rsquo; asked the eldest brother. And
+the man who was standing by made answer:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;This is the place where dwell the three daughters of
+the knight of Grianaig, who are to be wedded to-morrow
+to three giants.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;How can we find them?&rsquo; asked the young man again.
+And the overlooker answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;To reach the daughters of the knight of Grianaig you
+must get into this basket, and be drawn by a rope up the
+face of this rock.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, that is easily done,&rsquo; said the eldest brother,
+jumping into the basket, which at once began to move&mdash;up,
+and up, and up&mdash;till he had gone about half-way, when
+a fat black raven flew at him and pecked him till he was
+nearly blind, so that he was forced to go back the way he
+had come.</p>
+
+<p>After that the second brother got into the creel; but
+he fared no better, for the raven flew upon him, and he
+returned as his brother had done.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 600px;">
+<a name="illo13" id="illo13"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb13.jpg" width="600" height="375"
+alt="The three maidens sitting on the rocks" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>39]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 252px;">
+<a name="illo14" id="illo14"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb14.jpg" width="252" height="500"
+alt="The knight and the raven" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40"><!-- blank page --></a></span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>41]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Now it is my turn,&rsquo; said Ian. But when he was half-way
+up the raven set upon him also.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Quick! quick!&rsquo; cried Ian to the men who held the
+rope. &lsquo;Quick! quick! or I shall be blinded!&rsquo; And the
+men pulled with all their might, and in another moment
+Ian was on top, and the raven behind him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Will you give me a piece of tobacco?&rsquo; asked the raven,
+who was now quite quiet.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You rascal! Am I to give you tobacco for trying to
+peck my eyes out?&rsquo; answered Ian.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That was part of my duty,&rsquo; replied the raven; &lsquo;but
+give it to me, and I will prove a good friend to you.&rsquo; So
+Ian broke off a piece of tobacco and gave it to him. The
+raven hid it under his wing, and then went on: &lsquo;Now
+I will take you to the house of the big giant, where the
+knight&rsquo;s daughter sits sewing, sewing, till even her thimble
+is wet with tears.&rsquo; And the raven hopped before him
+till they reached a large house, the door of which stood
+open. They entered and passed through one hall after
+the other, until they found the knight&rsquo;s daughter, as the
+bird had said.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What brought you here?&rsquo; asked she. And Ian made
+answer:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Why may I not go where you can go?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I was brought hither by a giant,&rsquo; replied she.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I know that,&rsquo; said Ian; &lsquo;but tell me where the giant
+is, that I may find him.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;He is on the hunting hill,&rsquo; answered she; &lsquo;and
+nought will bring him home save a shake of the iron
+chain which hangs outside the gate. But, there, neither
+to leeward, nor to windward, nor in the four brown
+boundaries of the sea is there any man that can hold
+battle against him, save only Ian, the soldier&rsquo;s son, and
+he is now but sixteen years old, and how shall he stand
+against the giant?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;In the land whence I have come there are many men
+with the strength of Ian,&rsquo; answered he. And he went
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>42]</a></span>
+outside and pulled at the chain, but he could not move
+it, and fell on to his knees. At that he rose swiftly, and
+gathering up his strength, he seized the chain, and this
+time he shook it so that the link broke. And the giant
+heard it on the hunting hill, and lifted his head, thinking&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It sounds like the noise of Ian, the soldier&rsquo;s son,&rsquo; said
+he; &lsquo;but as yet he is only sixteen years old. Still, I had
+better look to it.&rsquo; And home he came.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">&lsquo;Are you Ian, the soldier&rsquo;s son?&rsquo; he asked, as he entered
+the castle.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No, of a surety,&rsquo; answered the youth, who had no wish
+that they should know him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Then who are you in the leeward, or in the windward,
+or in the four brown boundaries of the sea, who are able
+to move my battle-chain?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That will be plain to you after wrestling with me as
+I wrestle with my mother. And one time she got the
+better of me, and two times she did not.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So they wrestled, and twisted and strove with each
+other till the giant forced Ian to his knee.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You are the stronger,&rsquo; said Ian; and the giant
+answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;All men know that!&rsquo; And they took hold of each
+other once more, and at last Ian threw the giant, and
+wished that the raven were there to help him. No sooner
+had he wished his wish than the raven came.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Put your hand under my right wing and you will find
+a knife sharp enough to take off his head,&rsquo; said the raven.
+And the knife was so sharp that it cut off the giant&rsquo;s head
+with a blow.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Now go and tell the daughter of the knight of
+Grianaig; but take heed lest you listen to her words, and
+promise to go no further, for she will seek to keep you.
+Instead, seek the middle daughter, and when you have
+found her, you shall give me a piece of tobacco for
+reward.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>43]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Well have you earned the half of all I have,&rsquo; answered
+Ian. But the raven shook his head.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 417px;">
+<a name="illo15" id="illo15"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb15.jpg" width="417" height="550"
+alt="Ian finds the youngest sister" />
+</div>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You know only what has passed, and nothing of
+what lies before. If you would not fail, wash yourself
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>44]</a></span>
+in clean water, and take balsam from a vessel on top of
+the door, and rub it over your body, and to-morrow you
+will be as strong as many men, and I will lead you to the
+dwelling of the middle one.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Ian did as the raven bade him, and in spite of the eldest
+daughter&rsquo;s entreaties, he set out to seek her next sister.
+He found her where she was seated sewing, her very thimble
+wet from the tears which she had shed.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What brought you here?&rsquo; asked the second sister.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Why may I not go where you can go?&rsquo; answered he;
+&lsquo;and why are you weeping?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Because in one day I shall be married to the giant
+who is on the hunting hill.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;How can I get him home?&rsquo; asked Ian.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Nought will bring him but a shake of that iron
+chain which hangs outside the gate. But there is neither
+to leeward, nor to westward, nor in the four brown
+boundaries of the sea, any man that can hold battle with
+him, save Ian, the soldier&rsquo;s son, and he is now but sixteen
+years of age.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;In the land whence I have come there are many men
+with the strength of Ian,&rsquo; said he. And he went outside
+and pulled at the chain, but he could not move it,
+and fell on his knees. At that he rose to his feet, and
+gathering up his strength mightily, he seized the chain,
+and this time he shook it so that three links broke. And
+the second giant heard it on the hunting hill, and lifted
+his head, thinking&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It sounds like the noise of Ian, the soldier&rsquo;s son,&rsquo; said
+he; &lsquo;but as yet he is only sixteen years old. Still, I had
+better look to it.&rsquo; And home he came.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">&lsquo;Are you Ian, the soldier&rsquo;s son?&rsquo; he asked, as he entered
+the castle.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No, of a surety,&rsquo; answered Ian, who had no wish that
+this giant should know him either; &lsquo;but I will wrestle
+with you as if I were he.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>45]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 401px;">
+<a name="illo16" id="illo16"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb16.jpg" width="401" height="600"
+alt="Ian breaks the giant's chain" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46"><!-- blank page --></a></span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>47]</a></span>
+Then they seized each other by the shoulder, and the
+giant threw him on his two knees. &lsquo;You are the stronger,&rsquo;
+cried Ian; &lsquo;but I am not beaten yet.&rsquo; And rising to his
+feet, he threw his arms round the giant.</p>
+
+<p>Backwards and forwards they swayed, and first one
+was uppermost and then the other; but at length Ian
+worked his leg round the giant&rsquo;s and threw him to the
+ground. Then he called to the raven, and the raven
+came flapping towards him, and said: &lsquo;Put your hand
+under my right wing, and you will find there a knife
+sharp enough to take off his head.&rsquo; And sharp indeed it
+was, for with a single blow, the giant&rsquo;s head rolled from
+his body.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Now wash yourself with warm water, and rub yourself
+over with oil of balsam, and to-morrow you will be
+as strong as many men. But beware of the words of
+the knight&rsquo;s daughter, for she is cunning, and will try
+to keep you at her side. So farewell; but first give me
+a piece of tobacco.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That I will gladly,&rsquo; answered Ian, breaking off a
+large bit.</p>
+
+<p>He washed and rubbed himself that night, as the
+raven had told him, and the next morning he entered
+the chamber where the knight&rsquo;s daughter was sitting.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Abide here with me,&rsquo; she said, &lsquo;and be my husband.
+There is silver and gold in plenty in the castle.&rsquo; But he
+took no heed, and went on his way till he reached the
+castle where the knight&rsquo;s youngest daughter was sewing
+in the hall. And tears dropped from her eyes on to her
+thimble.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What brought you here?&rsquo; asked she. And Ian made
+answer:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Why may I not go where you can go?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I was brought hither by a giant.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I know that full well,&rsquo; said he.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Are you Ian, the soldier&rsquo;s son?&rsquo; asked she again. And
+again he answered:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>48]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Yes, I am; but tell me, why you are weeping?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;To-morrow the giant will return from the hunting
+hill, and I must marry him,&rsquo; she sobbed. And Ian took
+no heed, and only said: &lsquo;How can I bring him home?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Shake the iron chain that hangs outside the gate.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And Ian went out, and gave such a pull to the chain
+that he fell down at full length from the force of the shake.
+But in a moment he was on his feet again, and seized the
+chain with so much strength that four links came off in
+his hand. And the giant heard him in the hunting hill,
+as he was putting the game he had killed into a bag.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;In the leeward, or the windward, or in the four brown
+boundaries of the sea, there is none who could give my
+chain a shake save only Ian, the soldier&rsquo;s son. And if
+he has reached me, then he has left my two brothers dead
+behind him.&rsquo; With that he strode back to the castle,
+the earth trembling under him as he went.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Are you Ian, the soldier&rsquo;s son?&rsquo; asked he. And the
+youth answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No, of a surety.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Then who are you in the leeward, or the windward,
+or in the four brown boundaries of the sea, who are able
+to shake my battle chain? There is only Ian, the soldier&rsquo;s
+son, who can do this, and he is but now sixteen years
+old.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I will show you who I am when you have wrestled
+with me,&rsquo; said Ian. And they threw their arms round each
+other, and the giant forced Ian on to his knees; but in a
+moment he was up again, and crooking his leg round the
+shoulders of the giant, he threw him heavily to the ground.
+&lsquo;Stumpy black raven, come quick!&rsquo; cried he; and the
+raven came, and beat the giant about the head with his
+wings, so that he could not get up. Then he bade Ian
+take out a sharp knife from under his feathers, which he
+carried with him for cutting berries, and Ian smote off the
+giant&rsquo;s head with it. And so sharp was that knife that,
+with one blow, the giant&rsquo;s head rolled on the ground.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>49]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Rest now this night also,&rsquo; said the raven, &lsquo;and to-morrow
+you shall take the knight&rsquo;s three daughters to
+the edge of the rock that leads to the lower world. But
+take heed to go down first yourself, and let them follow
+after you. And before I go you shall give me a piece of
+tobacco.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Take it all,&rsquo; answered Ian, &lsquo;for well have you earned
+it.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No; give me but a piece. You know what is behind
+you, but you have no knowledge of what is before you.&rsquo;
+And picking up the tobacco in his beak, the raven flew
+away.</p>
+
+<p>So the next morning the knight&rsquo;s youngest daughter
+loaded asses with all the silver and gold to be found in
+the castle, and she set out with Ian the soldier&rsquo;s son for
+the house where her second sister was waiting to see what
+would befall. She also had asses laden with precious
+things to carry away, and so had the eldest sister, when
+they reached the castle where she had been kept a prisoner.
+Together they all rode to the edge of the rock,
+and then Ian lay down and shouted, and the basket was
+drawn up, and in it they got one by one, and were let
+down to the bottom. When the last one was gone, Ian
+should have gone also, and left the three sisters to come
+after him; but he had forgotten the raven&rsquo;s warning, and
+bade them go first, lest some accident should happen.
+Only, he begged the youngest sister to let him keep the
+little gold cap which, like the others, she wore on her
+head; and then he helped them, each in her turn, into the
+basket.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">Long he waited, but wait as he might, the basket never
+came back, for in their joy at being free the knight&rsquo;s
+daughters had forgotten all about Ian, and had set sail
+in the ship that had brought him and his brothers to the
+land of Grianaig.</p>
+
+<p>At last he began to understand what had happened
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>50]</a></span>
+to him, and while he was taking counsel with himself
+what had best be done, the raven came to him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You did not heed my words,&rsquo; he said gravely.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No, I did not, and therefore am I here,&rsquo; answered Ian,
+bowing his head.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The past cannot be undone,&rsquo; went on the raven. &lsquo;He
+that will not take counsel will take combat. This night,
+you will sleep in the giant&rsquo;s castle. And now you shall
+give me a piece of tobacco.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I will. But, I pray you, stay in the castle with
+me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That I may not do, but on the morrow I will come.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And on the morrow he did, and he bade Ian go to the
+giant&rsquo;s stable where stood a horse to whom it mattered
+nothing if she journeyed over land or sea.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;But be careful,&rsquo; he added, &lsquo;how you enter the stable,
+for the door swings without ceasing to and fro, and if it
+touches you, it will cause you to cry out. I will go first
+and show you the way.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Go,&rsquo; said Ian. And the raven gave a bob and a hop,
+and thought he was quite safe, but the door slammed on
+a feather of his tail, and he screamed loudly.</p>
+
+<p>Then Ian took a run backwards, and a run forwards,
+and made a spring; but the door caught one of his feet,
+and he fell fainting on the stable floor. Quickly the
+raven pounced on him, and picked him up in his beak
+and claws, and carried him back to the castle, where he
+laid ointments on his foot till it was as well as ever it
+was.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Now come out to walk,&rsquo; said the raven, &lsquo;but take heed
+that you wonder not at aught you may behold; neither
+shall you touch anything. And, first, give me a piece of
+tobacco.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Many strange things did Ian behold in that island,
+more than he had thought for. In a glen lay three heroes
+stretched on their backs, done to death by three spears
+that still stuck in their breasts. But he kept his counsel
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>51]</a></span>
+and spake nothing, only he pulled out the spears, and the
+men sat up and said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You are Ian the soldier&rsquo;s son, and a spell is laid upon
+you to travel in our company, to the cave of the black
+fisherman.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So together they went till they reached the cave, and
+one of the men entered, to see what should be found there.
+And he beheld a hag, horrible to look upon, seated on
+a rock, and before he could speak, she struck him with
+her club, and changed him into a stone; and in like manner
+she dealt with the other three. At the last Ian entered.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;These men are under spells,&rsquo; said the witch, &lsquo;and
+alive they can never be till you have anointed them
+with the water which you must fetch from the island of
+Big Women. See that you do not tarry.&rsquo; And Ian
+turned away with a sinking heart, for he would fain
+have followed the youngest daughter of the knight of
+Grianaig.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You did not obey my counsel,&rsquo; said the raven, hopping
+towards him, &lsquo;and so trouble has come upon you. But
+sleep now, and to-morrow you shall mount the horse
+which is in the giant&rsquo;s stable, that can gallop over sea
+and land. When you reach the island of Big Women,
+sixteen boys will come to meet you, and will offer the
+horse food, and wish to take her saddle and bridle from
+her. But see that they touch her not, and give her food
+yourself, and yourself lead her into the stable, and shut
+the door. And be sure that for every turn of the lock
+given by the sixteen stable lads you give one. And now
+you shall break me off a piece of tobacco.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The next morning Ian arose, and led the horse from
+the stable, without the door hurting him, and he rode
+her across the sea to the island of Big Women, where
+the sixteen stable lads met him, and each one offered to
+take his horse, and to feed her, and to put her into the
+stable. But Ian only answered:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>52]</a></span>
+&lsquo;I myself will put her in and will see to her.&rsquo; And
+thus he did. And while he was rubbing her sides the
+horse said to him:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Every kind of drink will they offer you, but see you
+take none, save whey and water only.&rsquo; And so it fell
+out; and when the sixteen stable-boys saw that he would
+drink nothing, they drank it all themselves, and one by
+one lay stretched around the board.</p>
+
+<p>Then Ian felt pleased in his heart that he had withstood
+their fair words, and he forgot the counsel that the horse
+had likewise given him saying:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Beware lest you fall asleep, and let slip the chance
+of getting home again&rsquo;; for while the lads were sleeping
+sweet music reached his ears, and he slept also.</p>
+
+<p>When this came to pass the steed broke through the
+stable door, and kicked him and woke him roughly.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You did not heed my counsel,&rsquo; said she; &lsquo;and who
+knows if it is not too late to win over the sea? But first
+take that sword which hangs on the wall, and cut off the
+heads of the sixteen grooms.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Filled with shame at being once more proved heedless,
+Ian arose and did as the horse bade him. Then
+he ran to the well and poured some of the water into
+a leather bottle, and jumping on the horse&rsquo;s back rode
+over the sea to the island where the raven was waiting for
+him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Lead the horse into the stable,&rsquo; said the raven, &lsquo;and
+lie down yourself to sleep, for to-morrow you must make
+the heroes to live again, and must slay the hag. And
+have a care not to be so foolish to-morrow as you were
+to-day.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Stay with me for company,&rsquo; begged Ian; but the raven
+shook his head, and flew away.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning Ian awoke, and hastened to the cave
+where the old hag was sitting, and he struck her dead
+as she was, before she could cast spells on him. Next
+he sprinkled the water over the heroes, who came to life
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>53]</a></span>
+again, and together they all journeyed to the other side of
+the island, and there the raven met them.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;At last you have followed the counsel that was given
+you,&rsquo; said the raven; &lsquo;and now, having learned wisdom,
+you may go home again to Grianaig. There you will
+find that the knight&rsquo;s two eldest daughters are to be wedded
+this day to your two brothers, and the youngest to the
+chief of the men at the rock. But her gold cap you shall
+give to me, and, if you want it, you have only to think
+of me and I will bring it to you. And one more warning
+I give you. If anyone asks you whence you came, answer
+that you have come from behind you; and if anyone
+asks you whither you are going, say that you are going
+before you.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So Ian mounted the horse and set her face to the sea
+and her back to the shore, and she was off, away and
+away till she reached the church of Grianaig, and there,
+in a field of grass, beside a well of water, he leaped down
+from his saddle.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Now,&rsquo; the horse said to him, &lsquo;draw your sword and
+cut off my head.&rsquo; But Ian answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Poor thanks would that be for all the help I have had
+from you.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is the only way that I can free myself from the spells
+that were laid by the giants on me and the raven; for I
+was a girl and he was a youth wooing me! So have no
+fears, but do as I have said.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then Ian drew his sword as she bade him, and cut
+off her head, and went on his way without looking
+backwards. As he walked he saw a woman standing at
+her house door. She asked him whence he had come,
+and he answered as the raven had told him, that he
+came from behind. Next she inquired whither he was
+going, and this time he made reply that he was going
+on before him, but that he was thirsty and would like a
+drink.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You are an impudent fellow,&rsquo; said the woman; &lsquo;but
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>54]</a></span>
+you shall have a drink.&rsquo; And she gave him some milk,
+which was all she had till her husband came home.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Where is your husband?&rsquo; asked Ian, and the woman
+answered him:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;He is at the knight&rsquo;s castle trying to fashion gold and
+silver into a cap for the youngest daughter, like unto the
+caps that her sisters wear, such as are not to be found in
+all this land. But, see, he is returning; and now we shall
+hear how he has sped.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>At that the man entered the gate, and beholding a
+strange youth, he said to him: &lsquo;What is your trade,
+boy?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am a smith,&rsquo; replied Ian. And the man answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Good luck has befallen me, then, for you can help me
+to make a cap for the knight&rsquo;s daughter.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You cannot make that cap, and you know it,&rsquo; said
+Ian.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, I must try,&rsquo; replied the man, &lsquo;or I shall be hanged
+on a tree; so it were a good deed to help me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I will help you if I can,&rsquo; said Ian; &lsquo;but keep the gold
+and silver for yourself, and lock me into the smithy to-night,
+and I will work my spells.&rsquo; So the man, wondering to
+himself, locked him in.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">As soon as the key was turned in the lock Ian wished
+for the raven, and the raven came to him, carrying the cap
+in his mouth.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Now take my head off,&rsquo; said the raven. But Ian
+answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Poor thanks were that for all the help you have given
+me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is the only thanks you can give me,&rsquo; said the raven,
+&lsquo;for I was a youth like yourself before spells were
+laid on me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then Ian drew his sword and cut off the head of the
+raven, and shut his eyes so that he might see nothing.
+After that he lay down and slept till morning dawned,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>55]</a></span>
+and the man came and unlocked the door and shook the
+sleeper.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Here is the cap,&rsquo; said Ian drowsily, drawing it from
+under his pillow. And he fell asleep again directly.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was high in the heavens when he woke again,
+and this time he beheld a tall, brown-haired youth standing
+by him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am the raven,&rsquo; said the youth, &lsquo;and the spells are
+broken. But now get up and come with me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then they two went together to the place where Ian
+had left the dead horse; but no horse was there now, only
+a beautiful maiden.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am the horse,&rsquo; she said, &lsquo;and the spells are broken&rsquo;;
+and she and the youth went away together.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime the smith had carried the cap to the
+castle, and bade a servant belonging to the knight&rsquo;s youngest
+daughter bear it to her mistress. But when the girl&rsquo;s eyes
+fell on it, she cried out:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;He speaks false; and if he does not bring me the man
+who really made the cap I will hang him on the tree beside
+my window.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The servant was filled with fear at her words, and hastened
+and told the smith, who ran as fast as he could to
+seek for Ian. And when he found him and brought him
+into the castle, the girl was first struck dumb with joy;
+then she declared that she would marry nobody else.
+At this some one fetched to her the knight of Grianaig,
+and when Ian had told his tale, he vowed that the maiden
+was right, and that his elder daughters should never wed
+with men who had not only taken glory to themselves
+which did not belong to them, but had left the real doer
+of the deeds to his fate.</p>
+
+<p>And the wedding guests said that the knight had
+spoken well; and the two elder brothers were fain to
+leave the country, for no one would hold converse with
+them.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(From <i>Tales of the West Highlands</i>.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>56]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE FOX AND THE WOLF</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>At the foot of some high mountains there was, once upon
+a time, a small village, and a little way off two roads
+met, one of them going to the east and the other to the
+west. The villagers were quiet, hard-working folk, who
+toiled in the fields all day, and in the evening set out for
+home when the bell began to ring in the little church.
+In the summer mornings they led out their flocks to
+pasture, and were happy and contented from sunrise to
+sunset.</p>
+
+<p>One summer night, when a round full moon shone
+down upon the white road, a great wolf came trotting
+round the corner.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I positively <em>must</em> get a good meal before I go back
+to my den,&rsquo; he said to himself; &lsquo;it is nearly a week since
+I have tasted anything but scraps, though perhaps no
+one would think it to look at my figure! Of course there
+are plenty of rabbits and hares in the mountains; but
+indeed one needs to be a greyhound to catch <em>them</em>, and I
+am not so young as I was! If I could only dine off
+that fox I saw a fortnight ago, curled up into a delicious
+hairy ball, I should ask nothing better; I would have
+eaten her then, but unluckily her husband was lying
+beside her, and one knows that foxes, great and small,
+run like the wind. Really it seems as if there was not a
+living creature left for me to prey upon but a wolf, and, as
+the proverb says: &ldquo;One wolf does not bite another.&rdquo; However,
+let us see what this village can produce. I am as
+hungry as a schoolmaster.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Now, while these thoughts were running through the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>57]</a></span>
+mind of the wolf, the very fox he had been thinking of
+was galloping along the other road.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The whole of this day I have listened to those village
+hens clucking till I could bear it no longer,&rsquo; murmured
+she as she bounded along, hardly seeming to touch the
+ground. &lsquo;When you are fond of fowls and eggs it is the
+sweetest of all music. As sure as there is a sun in heaven
+I will have some of them this night, for I have grown so
+thin that my very bones rattle, and my poor babies are
+crying for food.&rsquo; And as she spoke she reached a little
+plot of grass, where the two roads joined, and flung herself
+under a tree to take a little rest, and to settle her plans.
+At this moment the wolf came up.</p>
+
+<p>At the sight of the fox lying within his grasp his
+mouth began to water, but his joy was somewhat
+checked when he noticed how thin she was. The fox&rsquo;s
+quick ears heard the sound of his paws, though they
+were as soft as velvet, and turning her head she said
+politely:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Is that you, neighbour? What a strange place to
+meet in! I hope you are quite well?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Quite well as regards my health,&rsquo; answered the wolf,
+whose eye glistened greedily, &lsquo;at least, as well as one can
+be when one is very hungry. But what is the matter
+with <em>you</em>? A fortnight ago you were as plump as heart
+could wish!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have been ill&mdash;very ill,&rsquo; replied the fox, &lsquo;and what
+you say is quite true. A worm is fat in comparison with
+me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;He is. Still, you are good enough for me; for &ldquo;to the
+hungry no bread is hard.&rdquo;&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, you are always joking! I&rsquo;m sure you are not
+half as hungry as I!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That we shall soon see,&rsquo; cried the wolf, opening his
+huge mouth and crouching for a spring.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What are you doing?&rsquo; exclaimed the fox, stepping
+backwards.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>58]</a></span>
+&lsquo;What am I doing? What I am <em>going</em> to do is to
+make my supper off you, in less time than a cock takes
+to crow.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, I suppose you must have your joke,&rsquo; answered
+the fox lightly, but never removing her eye from the
+wolf, who replied with a snarl which showed all his
+teeth:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I don&rsquo;t want to joke, but to eat!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;But surely a person of your talents must perceive
+that you might eat me to the very last morsel and
+never know that you had swallowed anything at
+all!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;In this world the cleverest people are always the hungriest,&rsquo;
+replied the wolf.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Ah! how true that is; but&mdash;&mdash;&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I can&rsquo;t stop to listen to your &ldquo;buts&rdquo; and &ldquo;yets,&rdquo;&rsquo; broke
+in the wolf rudely; &lsquo;let us get to the point, and the point
+is that I want to eat you and not talk to you.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Have you no pity for a poor mother?&rsquo; asked the fox,
+putting her tail to her eyes, but peeping slily out of them
+all the same.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am dying of hunger,&rsquo; answered the wolf, doggedly;
+&lsquo;and you know,&rsquo; he added with a grin, &lsquo;that charity begins
+at home.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Quite so,&rsquo; replied the fox; &lsquo;it would be unreasonable
+of me to object to your satisfying your appetite at my
+expense. But if the fox resigns herself to the sacrifice,
+the mother offers you one last request.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Then be quick and don&rsquo;t waste time, for I can&rsquo;t wait
+much longer. What is it you want?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You must know,&rsquo; said the fox, &lsquo;that in this village
+there is a rich man who makes in the summer enough
+cheeses to last him for the whole year, and keeps them
+in an old well, now dry, in his courtyard. By the well
+hang two buckets on a pole that were used, in former
+days, to draw up water. For many nights I have crept
+down to the place, and have lowered myself in the bucket,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>59]</a></span>
+bringing home with me enough cheese to feed the children.
+All I beg of you is to come with me, and, instead of hunting
+chickens and such things, I will make a good meal off
+cheese before I die.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;But the cheeses may be all finished by now?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If you were only to see the quantities of them!&rsquo; laughed
+the fox. &lsquo;And even if they <em>were</em> finished, there would
+always be <em>me</em> to eat.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, I will come. Lead the way, but I warn you
+that if you try to escape or play any tricks you are reckoning
+without your host&mdash;that is to say, without my legs,
+which are as long as yours!&rsquo;</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">All was silent in the village, and not a light was to be
+seen but that of the moon, which shone bright and clear
+in the sky. The wolf and the fox crept softly along, when
+suddenly they stopped and looked at each other; a
+savoury smell of frying bacon reached their noses,
+and reached the noses of the sleeping dogs, who began
+to bark greedily.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Is it safe to go on, think you?&rsquo; asked the wolf in a
+whisper. And the fox shook her head.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Not while the dogs are barking,&rsquo; said she; &lsquo;someone
+might come out to see if anything was the matter.&rsquo; And
+she signed to the wolf to curl himself up in the shadow
+beside her.</p>
+
+<p>In about half an hour the dogs grew tired of barking,
+or perhaps the bacon was eaten up and there was no more
+smell to excite them. Then the wolf and the fox jumped
+up, and hastened to the foot of the wall.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am lighter than he is,&rsquo; thought the fox to herself,
+&lsquo;and perhaps if I make haste I can get a start, and jump
+over the wall on the other side before he manages to spring
+over this one.&rsquo; And she quickened her pace. But if
+the wolf could not run he could jump, and with one bound
+he was beside his companion.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What were you going to do, comrade?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>60]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Oh, nothing,&rsquo; replied the fox, much vexed at the failure
+of her plan.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I think if I were to take a bite out of your haunch you
+would jump better,&rsquo; said the wolf, giving a snap at her
+as he spoke. The fox drew back uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Be careful, or I shall scream,&rsquo; she snarled. And the
+wolf, understanding all that might happen if the fox
+carried out her threat, gave a signal to his companion
+to leap on the wall, where he immediately followed
+her.</p>
+
+<p>Once on the top they crouched down and looked about
+them. Not a creature was to be seen in the courtyard,
+and in the furthest corner from the house stood
+the well, with its two buckets suspended from a pole,
+just as the fox had described it. The two thieves dragged
+themselves noiselessly along the wall till they were opposite
+the well, and by stretching out her neck as far as
+it would go the fox was able to make out that there was
+only very little water in the bottom, but just enough to
+reflect the moon, big, and round and yellow.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;How lucky!&rsquo; cried she to the wolf. &lsquo;There is a huge
+cheese about the size of a mill wheel. Look! look! did
+you ever see anything so beautiful!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Never!&rsquo; answered the wolf, peering over in his turn,
+his eyes glistening greedily, for he imagined that the moon&rsquo;s
+reflection in the water was really a cheese.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And now, unbeliever, what have you to say?&rsquo; And
+the fox laughed gently.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That you are a woman&mdash;I mean a fox&mdash;of your
+word,&rsquo; replied the wolf.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, then, go down in that bucket and eat your fill,&rsquo;
+said the fox.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, is that your game?&rsquo; asked the wolf, with a grin.
+&lsquo;No! no! The person who goes down in the bucket will
+be <em>you</em>! And if <em>you</em> don&rsquo;t go down your head will go
+without you!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Of course I will go down, with the greatest
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>61]</a></span>
+pleasure,&rsquo; answered the fox, who had expected the wolf&rsquo;s
+reply.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And be sure you don&rsquo;t eat all the cheese, or it will be
+the worse for you,&rsquo; continued the wolf. But the fox looked
+up at him with tears in her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Farewell, suspicious one!&rsquo; she said sadly. And climbed
+into the bucket.</p>
+
+<p>In an instant she had reached the bottom of the well,
+and found that the water was not deep enough to cover
+her legs.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Why, it is larger and richer than I thought,&rsquo; cried she,
+turning towards the wolf, who was leaning over the wall
+of the well.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Then be quick and bring it up,&rsquo; commanded the
+wolf.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;How can I, when it weighs more than I do?&rsquo; asked
+the fox.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If it is so heavy bring it in two bits, of course,&rsquo; said
+he.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;But I have no knife,&rsquo; answered the fox. &lsquo;You will
+have to come down yourself, and we will carry it up
+between us.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And how am I to come down?&rsquo; inquired the wolf.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, you are really very stupid! Get into the other
+bucket that is nearly over your head.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The wolf looked up, and saw the bucket hanging there,
+and with some difficulty he climbed into it. As he weighed
+at least four times as much as the fox the bucket went
+down with a jerk, and the other bucket, in which the fox
+was seated, came to the surface.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as he understood what was happening, the
+wolf began to speak like an angry wolf, but was a little
+comforted when he remembered that the cheese still remained
+to him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;But where <em>is</em> the cheese?&rsquo; he asked of the fox, who
+in her turn was leaning over the parapet watching his
+proceedings with a smile.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>62]</a></span>
+&lsquo;The cheese?&rsquo; answered the fox; &lsquo;why I am taking
+it home to my babies, who are too young to get food for
+themselves.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Ah, traitor!&rsquo; cried the wolf, howling with rage. But
+the fox was not there to hear this insult, for she had gone
+off to a neighbouring fowl-house, where she had noticed
+some fat young chickens the day before.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Perhaps I <em>did</em> treat him rather badly,&rsquo; she said to herself.
+&lsquo;But it seems getting cloudy, and if there should
+be heavy rain the other bucket will fill and sink to the
+bottom, and his will go up&mdash;at least it <em>may</em>!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(From <i>Cuentos Populares</i>, por Antonio de Trueba.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>63]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>HOW IAN DIREACH GOT THE BLUE FALCON</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>Long ago a king and queen ruled over the islands of the
+west, and they had one son, whom they loved dearly.
+The boy grew up to be tall and strong and handsome,
+and he could run and shoot, and swim and dive better
+than any lad of his own age in the country. Besides,
+he knew how to sail about, and sing songs to the harp,
+and during the winter evenings, when everyone was gathered
+round the huge hall fire shaping bows or weaving cloth,
+Ian Direach would tell them tales of the deeds of his
+fathers.</p>
+
+<p>So the time slipped by till Ian was almost a man, as
+they reckoned men in those days, and then his mother
+the queen died. There was great mourning throughout
+all the isles, and the boy and his father mourned her bitterly
+also; but before the new year came the king had
+married another wife, and seemed to have forgotten his
+old one. Only Ian remembered.</p>
+
+<p>On a morning when the leaves were yellow in the trees
+of the glen, Ian slung his bow over his shoulder, and filling
+his quiver with arrows, went on the hill in search of game.
+But not a bird was to be seen anywhere, till at length
+a blue falcon flew past him, and raising his bow he took
+aim at her. His eye was straight and his hand steady,
+but the falcon&rsquo;s flight was swift, and he only shot a feather
+from her wing. As the sun was now low over the
+sea he put the feather in his game bag, and set out
+homewards.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>64]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Have you brought me much game to-day?&rsquo; asked his
+stepmother as he entered the hall.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Nought save this,&rsquo; he answered, handing her the feather
+of the blue falcon, which she held by the tip and gazed at
+silently. Then she turned to Ian and said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am setting it on you as crosses and as spells, and
+as the fall of the year! That you may always be cold,
+and wet and dirty, and that your shoes may ever have
+pools in them, till you bring me hither the blue falcon
+on which that feather grew.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If it is spells you are laying, I can lay them too,&rsquo; answered
+Ian Direach; &lsquo;and you shall stand with one foot on the
+great house and another on the castle, till I come back
+again, and your face shall be to the wind, from wheresoever
+it shall blow.&rsquo; Then he went away to seek the bird, as
+his stepmother bade him; and, looking homewards from
+the hill, he saw the queen standing with one foot on the
+great house, and the other on the castle, and her face
+turned towards whatever tempest should blow.</p>
+
+<p>On he journeyed, over hills, and through rivers till he
+reached a wide plain, and never a glimpse did he catch
+of the falcon. Darker and darker it grew, and the small
+birds were seeking their nests, and at length Ian Direach
+could see no more, and he lay down under some bushes
+and sleep came to him. And in his dream a soft nose
+touched him, and a warm body curled up beside him,
+and a low voice whispered to him:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Fortune is against you, Ian Direach; I have but the
+cheek and the hoof of a sheep to give you, and with these
+you must be content.&rsquo; With that Ian Direach awoke, and
+beheld Gille Mairtean the fox.</p>
+
+<p>Between them they kindled a fire, and ate their supper.
+Then Gille Mairtean the fox bade Ian Direach lie down
+as before, and sleep till morning. And in the morning,
+when he awoke, Gille Mairtean said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The falcon that you seek is in the keeping of the
+Giant of the Five Heads, and the Five Necks, and the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>65]</a></span>
+Five Humps. I will show you the way to his house, and
+I counsel you to do his bidding, nimbly and cheerfully,
+and, above all, to treat his birds kindly, for in this manner
+he may give you his falcon to feed and care for. And
+when this happens, wait till the giant is out of his house;
+then throw a cloth over the falcon and bear her away
+with you. Only see that not one of her feathers touches
+anything within the house, or evil will befall you.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I thank you for your counsel,&rsquo; spake Ian Direach,
+&lsquo;and I will be careful to follow it.&rsquo; Then he took the
+path to the giant&rsquo;s house.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">&lsquo;Who is there?&rsquo; cried the giant, as someone knocked
+loudly on the door of his house.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;One who seeks work as a servant,&rsquo; answered Ian
+Direach.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And what can you do?&rsquo; asked the giant again.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I can feed birds and tend pigs; I can feed and milk
+a cow, and also goats and sheep, if you have any of these,&rsquo;
+replied Ian Direach.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Then enter, for I have great need of such a one,&rsquo; said
+the giant.</p>
+
+<p>So Ian Direach entered, and tended so well and carefully
+all the birds and beasts, that the giant was better
+satisfied than ever he had been, and at length he thought
+that he might even be trusted to feed the falcon. And
+the heart of Ian was glad, and he tended the blue falcon
+till his feathers shone like the sky, and the giant was well
+pleased; and one day he said to him:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;For long my brothers on the other side of the
+mountain have besought me to visit them, but never
+could I go for fear of my falcon. Now I think I can leave
+her with you for one day, and before nightfall I shall be
+back again.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely was the giant out of sight next morning when
+Ian Direach seized the falcon, and throwing a cloth over
+her head hastened with her to the door. But the rays
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>66]</a></span>
+of the sun pierced through the thickness of the cloth,
+and as they passed the doorpost she gave a spring, and
+the tip of one of her feathers touched the post, which
+gave a scream, and brought the giant back in three
+strides. Ian Direach trembled as he saw him; but the
+giant only said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If you wish for my falcon you must first bring me the
+White Sword of Light that is in the house of the Big Women
+of Dhiurradh.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And where do they live?&rsquo; asked Ian. But the giant
+answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Ah, that is for you to discover.&rsquo; And Ian dared say
+no more, and hastened down to the waste. There, as
+he hoped, he met his friend Gille Mairtean the fox, who
+bade him eat his supper and lie down to sleep. And
+when he had wakened next morning the fox said to
+him:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Let us go down to the shore of the sea.&rsquo; And to the
+shore of the sea they went. And after they had reached
+the shore, and beheld the sea stretching before them,
+and the isle of Dhiurradh in the midst of it, the soul of
+Ian sank, and he turned to Gille Mairtean and asked
+why he had brought him thither, for the giant, when he
+had sent him, had known full well that without a boat he
+could never find the Big Women.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Do not be cast down,&rsquo; answered the fox, &lsquo;it is quite
+easy! I will change myself into a boat, and you shall
+go on board me, and I will carry you over the sea to the
+Seven Big Women of Dhiurradh. Tell them that you
+are skilled in brightening silver and gold, and in the end
+they will take you as servant, and if you are careful to
+please them they will give you the White Sword of Light
+to make bright and shining. But when you seek to steal
+it, take heed that its sheath touches nothing inside the
+house, or ill will befall you.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So Ian Direach did all things as the fox had told him,
+and the Seven Big Women of Dhiurradh took him for
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>67]</a></span>
+their servant, and for six weeks he worked so hard that
+his seven mistresses said to each other: &lsquo;Never has a servant
+had the skill to make all bright and shining like this one.
+Let us give him the White Sword of Light to polish like
+the rest.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then they brought forth the White Sword of Light
+from the iron closet where it hung, and bade him rub it
+till he could see his face in the shining blade; and he did
+so. But one day, when the Seven Big Women were out
+of the way, he bethought him that the moment had come
+for him to carry off the sword, and, replacing it in its
+sheath, he hoisted it on his shoulder. But just as he
+was passing through the door the tip of the sheath touched
+it, and the door gave a loud shriek. And the Big Women
+heard it, and came running back, and took the sword
+from him, and said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If it is our sword you want, you must first bring us
+the bay colt of the King of Erin.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Humbled and ashamed, Ian Direach left the house,
+and sat by the side of the sea, and soon Gille Mairtean
+the fox came to him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Plainly I see that you have taken no heed to my words,
+Ian Direach,&rsquo; spoke the fox. &lsquo;But eat first, and yet once
+more will I help you.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>At these words the heart returned again to Ian Direach,
+and he gathered sticks and made a fire and ate with Gille
+Mairtean the fox, and slept on the sand. At dawn next
+morning Gille Mairtean said to Ian Direach:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I will change myself into a ship, and will bear you
+across the seas to Erin, to the land where dwells the king.
+And you shall offer yourself to serve in his stable, and to
+tend his horses, till at length so well content is he, that he
+gives you the bay colt to wash and brush. But when
+you run away with her see that nought except the soles
+of her hoofs touch anything within the palace gates, or it
+will go ill with you.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>After he had thus counselled Ian Direach, the fox
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>68]</a></span>
+changed himself into a ship, and set sail for Erin. And
+the king of that country gave into Ian Direach&rsquo;s hands
+the care of his horses, and never before did their skins
+shine so brightly or was their pace so swift. And the
+king was well pleased, and at the end of a month he sent
+for Ian and said to him:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You have given me faithful service, and now I will
+entrust you with the most precious thing that my kingdom
+holds.&rsquo; And when he had spoken, he led Ian Direach to
+the stable where stood the bay colt. And Ian rubbed her
+and fed her, and galloped with her all round the country,
+till he could leave one wind behind him and catch the
+other which was in front.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">&lsquo;I am going away to hunt,&rsquo; said the king one morning
+while he was watching Ian tend the bay colt in her
+stable. &lsquo;The deer have come down from the hill, and
+it is time for me to give them chase.&rsquo; Then he went
+away; and when he was no longer in sight, Ian Direach
+led the bay colt out of the stable, and sprang on her back.
+But as they rode through the gate, which stood between
+the palace and the outer world, the colt swished her tail
+against the post, which shrieked loudly. In a moment
+the king came running up, and he seized the colt&rsquo;s
+bridle.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If you want my bay colt, you must first bring me the
+daughter of the king of the Franks.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>With slow steps went Ian Direach down to the shore
+where Gille Mairtean the fox awaited him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Plainly I see that you have not done as I bid you, nor
+will you ever do it,&rsquo; spoke Gille Mairtean the fox; &lsquo;but I
+will help you yet again. For a third time I will change
+myself into a ship, and we will sail to France.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 360px;">
+<a name="illo17" id="illo17"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb17.jpg" width="360" height="600"
+alt="The princess finds herself a prisoner on the ship" />
+</div>
+
+<p>And to France they sailed, and, as he was the ship,
+the Gille Mairtean sailed where he would, and ran himself
+into the cleft of a rock, high on to the land. Then he
+commanded Ian Direach to go up to the king&rsquo;s palace,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69"><!-- full page illustration in original --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70"><!-- blank page --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>71]</a></span>
+saying that he had been wrecked, that his ship was made
+fast in a rock, and that none had been saved but himself
+only.</p>
+
+<p>Ian Direach listened to the words of the fox, and he
+told a tale so pitiful, that the king and queen, and the
+princess their daughter, all came out to hear it. And when
+they had heard, nought would please them except to go
+down to the shore and visit the ship, which by now was
+floating, for the tide was up. Torn and battered was she,
+as if she had passed through many dangers, yet music of
+a wondrous sweetness poured forth from within.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Bring hither a boat,&rsquo; cried the princess, &lsquo;that I may
+go and see for myself the harp that gives forth such music,&rsquo;
+And a boat was brought, and Ian Direach stepped in to
+row it to the side of the ship.</p>
+
+<p>To the further side he rowed, so that none could see,
+and when he helped the princess on board he gave a
+push to the boat, so that she could not get back to it
+again. And the music sounded always sweeter, though
+they could never see whence it came, and sought it
+from one part of the vessel to another. When at last
+they reached the deck and looked around them, nought
+of land could they see, or anything save the rushing
+waters.</p>
+
+<p>The princess stood silent, and her face grew grim. At
+last she said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;An ill trick have you played me! What is this that
+you have done, and whither are we going?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is a queen you will be,&rsquo; answered Ian Direach, &lsquo;for
+the king of Erin has sent me for you, and in return he
+will give me his bay colt, that I may take him to the Seven
+Big Women of Dhiurradh, in exchange for the White
+Sword of Light. This I must carry to the giant of the
+Five Heads and Five Necks and Five Humps, and in
+place of it, he will bestow on me the blue falcon, which
+I have promised my stepmother, so that she may free me
+from the spell which she has laid on me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>72]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 363px;">
+<a name="illo18" id="illo18"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb18.jpg" width="363" height="600"
+alt="The seven big women fall over the crag" />
+</div>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I would rather be
+wife to you,&rsquo; answered
+the princess.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">By-and-by the ship
+sailed into a harbour on
+the coast of Erin, and
+cast anchor there. And
+Gille Mairtean the fox
+bade Ian Direach tell
+the princess that she
+must bide yet a while in
+a cave amongst the
+rocks, for they had business
+on land, and after
+a while they would return
+to her. Then they
+took a boat and rowed
+up to some rocks, and
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>73]</a></span>
+as they touched the land Gille Mairtean changed himself
+into a fair woman, who laughed and said to Ian Direach,
+&lsquo;I will give the king a fine wife.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Now the king of Erin had been hunting on the hill,
+and when he saw a strange ship sailing towards the
+harbour, he guessed that it might be Ian Direach, and
+left his hunting, and ran down the hill to the stable.
+Hastily he led the bay colt from his stall, and put the
+golden saddle on her back, and the silver bridle over his
+head, and with the colt&rsquo;s bridle in his hand, he hurried to
+meet the princess.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have brought you the king of France&rsquo;s daughter,&rsquo;
+said Ian Direach. And the king of Erin looked at the
+maiden, and was well pleased, not knowing that it was
+Gille Mairtean the fox. And he bowed low, and besought
+her to do him the honour to enter the palace; and Gille
+Mairtean, as he went in, turned to look back at Ian Direach,
+and laughed.</p>
+
+<p>In the great hall the king paused and pointed to an
+iron chest which stood in a corner.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;In that chest is the crown that has waited for you for
+many years,&rsquo; he said, &lsquo;and at last you have come for it.&rsquo;
+And he stooped down to unlock the box.</p>
+
+<p>In an instant Gille Mairtean the fox had sprung on
+his back, and gave him such a bite that he fell down unconscious.
+Quickly the fox took his own shape again,
+and galloped away to the sea shore, where Ian Direach
+and the princess and the bay colt awaited him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I will become a ship,&rsquo; cried Gille Mairtean, &lsquo;and
+you shall go on board me.&rsquo; And so he did, and Ian
+Direach led the bay colt into the ship and the princess
+went after them, and they set sail for Dhiurradh. The
+wind was behind them, and very soon they saw the rocks
+of Dhiurradh in front. Then spoke Gille Mairtean the
+fox:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Let the bay colt and the king&rsquo;s daughter hide in
+these rocks, and I will change myself into the colt,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>74]</a></span>
+and go with you to the house of the Seven Big
+Women.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Joy filled the hearts of the Big Women when they beheld
+the bay colt led up to their door by Ian Direach.
+And the youngest of them fetched the White Sword of
+Light, and gave it into the hands of Ian Direach, who
+took off the golden saddle and the silver bridle, and went
+down the hill with the sword to the place where the princess
+and the real colt awaited him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Now we shall have the ride that we have longed for!&rsquo;
+cried the Seven Big Women; and they saddled and bridled
+the colt, and the eldest one got upon the saddle. Then
+the second sister sat on the back of the first, and the third
+on the back of the second, and so on for the whole seven.
+And when they were all seated, the eldest struck
+her side with a whip and the colt bounded forward.
+Over the moors she flew, and round and round the
+mountains, and still the Big Women clung to her and
+snorted with pleasure. At last she leapt high in the air,
+and came down on top of Monadh the high hill, where
+the crag is. And she rested her fore feet on the crag,
+and threw up her hind legs, and the Seven Big Women
+fell over the crag, and were dead when they reached the
+bottom. And the colt laughed, and became a fox again
+and galloped away to the sea shore, where Ian Direach,
+and the princess and the real colt and the White Sword
+of Light were waiting him.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">&lsquo;I will make myself into a ship,&rsquo; said Gille Mairtean
+the fox, &lsquo;and will carry you and the princess, and the
+bay colt and the White Sword of Light, back to the land.&rsquo;
+And when the shore was reached, Gille Mairtean the fox
+took back his own shape, and spoke to Ian Direach in
+this wise:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Let the princess and the White Sword of Light, and
+the bay colt, remain among the rocks, and I will change
+myself into the likeness of the White Sword of Light, and
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75"><!-- full page illustration in original --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76"><!-- blank page --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>77]</a></span>
+you shall bear me to the giant, and, instead, he will give
+you the blue falcon.&rsquo; And Ian Direach did as the fox
+bade him, and set out for the giant&rsquo;s castle. From afar
+the giant beheld the blaze of the White Sword of Light,
+and his heart rejoiced; and he took the blue falcon
+and put it in a basket, and gave it to Ian Direach, who
+bore it swiftly away to the place where the princess, and
+the bay colt, and the real Sword of Light were awaiting
+him.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 600px;">
+<a name="illo19" id="illo19"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb19.jpg" width="600" height="377"
+alt="How Ian Direach returned home and how his stepmother fell as a bundle of sticks" />
+</div>
+
+<p>So well content was the giant to possess the sword
+he had coveted for many a year, that he began at once
+to whirl it through the air, and to cut and slash with it.
+For a little while Gille Mairtean let the giant play with
+him in this manner; then he turned in the giant&rsquo;s hand,
+and cut through the Five Necks, so that the Five Heads
+rolled on the ground. Afterwards he went back to Ian
+Direach and said to him:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Saddle the colt with the golden saddle, and bridle
+her with the silver bridle, and sling the basket with the
+falcon over your shoulders, and hold the White Sword of
+Light with its back against your nose. Then mount the
+colt, and let the princess mount behind you, and ride
+thus to your father&rsquo;s palace. But see that the back of
+the sword is ever against your nose, else when your
+stepmother beholds you, she will change you into a dry
+faggot. If, however, you do as I bid you, she will become
+herself a bundle of sticks.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Ian Direach hearkened to the words of Gille Mairtean,
+and his stepmother fell as a bundle of sticks before him;
+and he set fire to her, and was free from her spells for
+ever. After that he married the princess, who was the
+best wife in all the islands of the West. Henceforth he
+was safe from harm, for had he not the bay colt who
+could leave one wind behind her and catch the other
+wind, and the blue falcon to bring him game to eat,
+and the White Sword of Light to pierce through his
+foes?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>78]</a></span>
+And Ian Direach knew that all this he owed to Gille
+Mairtean the fox, and he made a compact with him that
+he might choose any beast out of his herds, whenever
+hunger seized him, and that henceforth no arrow should
+be let fly at him or at any of his race. But Gille Mairtean
+the fox would take no reward for the help he had given
+to Ian Direach, only his friendship. Thus all things prospered
+with Ian Direach till he died.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(From <i>Tales of the West Highlands</i>.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>79]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE UGLY DUCKLING</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>It was summer in the land of Denmark, and though for
+most of the year the country looks flat and ugly, it was
+beautiful now. The wheat was yellow, the oats were
+green, the hay was dry and delicious to roll in, and from
+the old ruined house which nobody lived in, down to the
+edge of the canal, was a forest of great burdocks, so tall
+that a whole family of children might have dwelt in them
+and never have been found out.</p>
+
+<p>It was under these burdocks that a duck had built
+herself a warm nest, and was now sitting all day on six
+pretty eggs. Five of them were white, but the sixth,
+which was larger than the others, was of an ugly grey
+colour. The duck was always puzzled about that egg,
+and how it came to be so different from the rest.
+Other birds might have thought that when the duck
+went down in the morning and evening to the water to
+stretch her legs in a good swim, some lazy mother might
+have been on the watch, and have popped her egg into
+the nest. But ducks are not clever at all, and are not
+quick at counting, so this duck did not worry herself
+about the matter, but just took care that the big egg
+should be as warm as the rest.</p>
+
+<p>This was the first set of eggs that the duck had ever
+laid, and, to begin with, she was very pleased and proud,
+and laughed at the other mothers, who were always
+neglecting their duties to gossip with each other or to
+take little extra swims besides the two in the morning
+and evening that were necessary for health. But at
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>80]</a></span>
+length she grew tired of sitting there all day. &lsquo;Surely
+eggs take longer hatching than they did,&rsquo; she said to
+herself; and she pined for a little amusement also. Still,
+she knew that if she left her eggs and the ducklings in
+them to die none of her friends would ever speak to her
+again; so there she stayed, only getting off the eggs
+several times a day to see if the shells were cracking&mdash;which
+may have been the very reason why they did not
+crack sooner.</p>
+
+<p>She had looked at the eggs at least a hundred and
+fifty times, when, to her joy, she saw a tiny crack on two
+of them, and scrambling back to the nest she drew the
+eggs closer the one to the other, and never moved for the
+whole of that day. Next morning she was rewarded by
+noticing cracks in the whole five eggs, and by midday
+two little yellow heads were poking out from the shells.
+This encouraged her so much that, after breaking the
+shells with her bill, so that the little creatures could get
+free of them, she sat steadily for a whole night upon the
+nest, and before the sun arose the five white eggs were
+empty, and ten pairs of eyes were gazing out upon the
+green world.</p>
+
+<p>Now the duck had been carefully brought up, and did
+not like dirt, and, besides, broken egg shells are not at all
+comfortable things to sit or walk upon; so she pushed the
+rest out over the side, and felt delighted to have some
+company to talk to till the big egg hatched. But day
+after day went on, and the big egg showed no signs of
+cracking, and the duck grew more and more impatient,
+and began to wish to consult her husband, who never
+came.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I can&rsquo;t think what is the matter with it,&rsquo; the duck
+grumbled to her neighbour who had called in to pay her
+a visit. &lsquo;Why I could have hatched two broods in the
+time that this one has taken!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Let me look at it,&rsquo; said the old neighbour. &lsquo;Ah, I
+thought so; it is a turkey&rsquo;s egg. Once, when I was
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>81]</a></span>
+young, they tricked me to sitting on a brood of turkey&rsquo;s
+eggs myself, and when they were hatched the creatures
+were so stupid that nothing would make them learn to
+swim. I have no patience when I think of it.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, I will give it another chance,&rsquo; sighed the duck,
+&lsquo;and if it does not come out of its shell in another twenty-four
+hours, I will just leave it alone and teach the rest
+of them to swim properly and to find their own food. I
+really can&rsquo;t be expected to do two things at once.&rsquo; And
+with a fluff of her feathers she pushed the egg into the
+middle of the nest.</p>
+
+<p>All through the next day she sat on, giving up even
+her morning bath for fear that a blast of cold might strike
+the big egg. In the evening, when she ventured to peep,
+she thought she saw a tiny crack in the upper part of the
+shell. Filled with hope, she went back to her duties,
+though she could hardly sleep all night for excitement.
+When she woke with the first streaks of light she
+felt something stirring under her. Yes, there it was at
+last; and as she moved, a big awkward bird tumbled head
+foremost on the ground.</p>
+
+<p>There was no denying it was ugly, even the mother
+was forced to admit that to herself, though she only said
+it was &lsquo;large&rsquo; and &lsquo;strong.&rsquo; &lsquo;You won&rsquo;t need any teaching
+when you are once in the water,&rsquo; she told him, with
+a glance of surprise at the dull brown which covered his
+back, and at his long naked neck. And indeed he did
+not, though he was not half so pretty to look at as the
+little yellow balls that followed her.</p>
+
+<p>When they returned they found the old neighbour on
+the bank waiting for them to take them into the duckyard.
+&lsquo;No, it is not a young turkey, certainly,&rsquo; whispered
+she in confidence to the mother, &lsquo;for though it is lean
+and skinny, and has no colour to speak of, yet there is
+something rather distinguished about it, and it holds its
+head up well.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is very kind of you to say so,&rsquo; answered the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>82]</a></span>
+mother, who by this time had some secret doubts of its
+loveliness. &lsquo;Of course, when you see it by itself it is all
+right, though it is different, somehow, from the others.
+But one cannot expect <em>all</em> one&rsquo;s children to be beautiful!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>By this time they had reached the centre of the yard,
+where a very old duck was sitting, who was treated with
+great respect by all the fowls present.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You must go up and bow low before her,&rsquo; whispered
+the mother to her children, nodding her head in the direction
+of the old lady, &lsquo;and keep your legs well apart, as
+you see me do. No well-bred duckling turns in its toes.
+It is a sign of common parents.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The little ducks tried hard to make their small fat bodies
+copy the movements of their mother, and the old lady
+was quite pleased with them; but the rest of the ducks
+looked on discontentedly, and said to each other:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, dear me, here are ever so many more! The
+yard is full already; and did you <em>ever</em> see anything quite
+as ugly as that great tall creature? He is a disgrace to
+any brood. I shall go and chase him out!&rsquo; So saying
+she put up her feathers, and running to the big duckling
+bit his neck.</p>
+
+<p>The duckling gave a loud quack; it was the first time
+he had felt any pain, and at the sound his mother turned
+quickly.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Leave him alone,&rsquo; she said fiercely, &lsquo;or I will send for
+his father. He was not troubling <em>you</em>.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No; but he is so ugly and awkward no one can put
+up with him,&rsquo; answered the stranger. And though the
+duckling did not understand the meaning of the words,
+he felt he was being blamed, and became more uncomfortable
+still when the old Spanish duck who ruled the
+fowl-yard struck in:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It certainly <em>is</em> a great pity he is so different from
+these beautiful darlings. If he could only be hatched
+over again!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The poor little fellow drooped his head, and did not
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>83]</a></span>
+know where to look, but was comforted when his mother
+answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;He may not be quite as handsome as the others, but
+he swims better, and is very strong; I am sure he will
+make his way in the world as well as anybody.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, you must feel quite at home here,&rsquo; said the old
+duck waddling off. And so they did, all except the duckling,
+who was snapped at by everyone when they thought
+his mother was not looking. Even the turkeycock, who
+was so big, never passed him without mocking words,
+and his brothers and sisters, who would not have noticed
+any difference unless it had been put into their heads,
+soon became as rude and unkind as the rest.</p>
+
+<p>At last he could bear it no longer, and one day he fancied
+he saw signs of his mother turning against him
+too; so that night, when the ducks and hens were still
+asleep, he stole away through an open door, and under
+cover of the burdock leaves scrambled on by the bank of
+the canal, till he reached a wide grassy moor, full of soft
+marshy places where the reeds grew. Here he lay down,
+but he was too tired and too frightened to fall asleep, and
+with the earliest peep of the sun the reeds began to rustle,
+and he saw that he had blundered into a colony of wild
+ducks. But as he could not run away again he stood
+up and bowed politely.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You <em>are</em> ugly,&rsquo; said the wild ducks, when they had
+looked him well over; &lsquo;but, however, it is no business of
+ours, unless you wish to marry one of our daughters,
+and that we should not allow.&rsquo; And the duckling
+answered that he had no idea of marrying anybody,
+and wanted nothing but to be left alone after his long
+journey.</p>
+
+<p>So for two whole days he lay quietly among the
+reeds, eating such food as he could find, and drinking the
+water of the moorland pool, till he felt himself quite
+strong again. He wished he might stay where he was
+for ever, he was so comfortable and happy, away from
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>84]</a></span>
+everyone, with nobody to bite him and tell him how ugly
+he was.</p>
+
+<p>He was thinking these thoughts, when two young
+ganders caught sight of him as they were having their
+evening splash among the reeds, looking for their
+supper.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;We are getting tired of this moor,&rsquo; they said, &lsquo;and
+to-morrow we think of trying another, where the lakes
+are larger and the feeding better. Will you come with
+us?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Is it nicer than this?&rsquo; asked the duckling doubtfully.
+And the words were hardly out of his mouth, when &lsquo;Pif!
+paf!&rsquo; and the two new-comers were stretched dead
+beside him.</p>
+
+<p>At the sound of the gun the wild ducks in the rushes
+flew into the air, and for a few minutes the firing continued.</p>
+
+<p>Luckily for himself the duckling could not fly, and
+he floundered along through the water till he could hide
+himself amidst some tall ferns which grew in a hollow.
+But before he got there he met a huge creature on four
+legs, which he afterwards knew to be a dog, who stood
+and gazed at him with a long red tongue hanging out of
+his mouth. The duckling grew cold with terror, and
+tried to hide his head beneath his little wings; but the
+dog snuffed at him and passed on, and he was able to
+reach his place of shelter.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am too ugly even for a dog to eat,&rsquo; said he to himself.
+&lsquo;Well, that is a great mercy.&rsquo; And he curled
+himself up in the soft grass till the shots died away in
+the distance.</p>
+
+<p>When all had been quiet for a long time, and there
+were only the stars to see him, he crept out and looked
+about him.</p>
+
+<p>He would never go near a pool again, <em>never</em>, thought
+he; and seeing that the moor stretched far away in the
+opposite direction from which he had come, he marched
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>85]</a></span>
+bravely on till he got to a small cottage, which seemed
+too tumbledown for the stones to hold together many
+hours longer. Even the door only hung upon one hinge,
+and as the only light in the room sprang from a tiny fire,
+the duckling edged himself cautiously in, and lay down,
+under a chair close to the broken door, from which he
+could get out if necessary. But no one seemed to see
+him or smell him; so he spent the rest of the night
+in peace.</p>
+
+<p>Now in the cottage dwelt an old woman, her cat, and
+a hen; and it was really they, and not <em>she</em>, who were
+masters of the house. The old woman, who passed all
+her days in spinning yarn, which she sold at the nearest
+town, loved both the cat and the hen as her own children,
+and never contradicted them in any way; so it was their
+grace, and not hers, that the duckling would have to
+gain.</p>
+
+<p>It was only next morning, when it grew light, that
+they noticed their visitor, who stood trembling before
+them, with his eye on the door ready to escape at any
+moment. They did not, however, appear very fierce,
+and the duckling became less afraid as they approached
+him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Can you lay eggs?&rsquo; asked the hen. And the duckling
+answered meekly:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No; I don&rsquo;t know how.&rsquo; Upon which the hen turned
+her back, and the cat came forward.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Can you ruffle your fur when you are angry, or purr
+when you are pleased?&rsquo; said she. And again the duckling
+had to admit that he could do nothing but swim, which
+did not seem of much use to anybody.</p>
+
+<p>So the cat and the hen went straight off to the old woman,
+who was still in bed.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Such a useless creature has taken refuge here,&rsquo; they
+said. &lsquo;It calls itself a duckling; but it can neither lay
+eggs nor purr! What had we better do with it?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Keep it, to be sure!&rsquo; replied the old woman briskly.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>86]</a></span>
+&lsquo;It is all nonsense about it not laying eggs. Anyway,
+we will let it stay here for a bit, and see what
+happens.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So the duckling remained for three weeks, and shared
+the food of the cat and the hen; but nothing in the way
+of eggs happened at all. Then the sun came out, and
+the air grew soft, and the duckling grew tired of being in
+a hut, and wanted with all his might to have a swim. And
+one morning he got so restless that even his friends
+noticed it.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What is the matter?&rsquo; asked the hen; and the duckling
+told her.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am so longing for the water again. You can&rsquo;t think
+how delicious it is to put your head under the water and
+dive straight to the bottom.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I don&rsquo;t think <em>I</em> should enjoy it,&rsquo; replied the hen doubtfully.
+&lsquo;And I don&rsquo;t think the cat would like it either.&rsquo;
+And the cat, when asked, agreed there was nothing she
+would hate so much.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I can&rsquo;t stay here any longer, I <em>must</em> get to the water,&rsquo;
+repeated the duck. And the cat and the hen, who felt
+hurt and offended, answered shortly:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Very well then, go.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The duckling would have liked to say good-bye, and
+thank them for their kindness, as he was polite by nature;
+but they had both turned their backs on him, so he went
+out of the rickety door feeling rather sad. But, in spite
+of himself, he could not help a thrill of joy when he was
+out in the air and water once more, and cared little for
+the rude glances of the creatures he met. For a while
+he was quite happy and content; but soon the winter came
+on, and snow began to fall, and everything to grow very
+wet and uncomfortable. And the duckling soon found
+that it is one thing to enjoy being in the water, and quite
+another to like being damp on land.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was setting one day, like a great scarlet
+globe, and the river, to the duckling&rsquo;s vast bewilderment,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>87]</a></span>
+was getting hard and slippery, when he heard a sound of
+whirring wings, and high up in the air a flock of swans
+were flying. They were as white as the snow which had
+fallen during the night, and their long necks with yellow
+bills were stretched southwards, for they were going&mdash;they
+did not quite know whither&mdash;but to a land where
+the sun shone all day. Oh, if he only could have gone
+with them! But that was not possible, of course; and
+besides, what sort of companion could an ugly thing like
+him be to those beautiful beings? So he walked sadly
+down to a sheltered pool and dived to the very bottom,
+and tried to think it was the greatest happiness he could
+dream of. But, all the same, he knew it wasn&rsquo;t!</p>
+
+<p>And every morning it grew colder and colder, and the
+duckling had hard work to keep himself warm. Indeed,
+it would be truer to say that he never was warm at all; and
+at last, after one bitter night, his legs moved so slowly that
+the ice crept closer and closer, and when the morning
+light broke he was caught fast, as in a trap; and soon
+his senses went from him.</p>
+
+<p>A few hours more and the poor duckling&rsquo;s life had been
+ended. But, by good fortune, a man was crossing
+the river on his way to his work, and saw in a moment
+what had happened. He had on thick wooden shoes,
+and he went and stamped so hard on the ice that it
+broke, and then he picked up the duckling and tucked
+him under his sheep-skin coat, where his frozen bones
+began to thaw a little.</p>
+
+<p>Instead of going on to his work, the man turned back
+and took the bird to his children, who gave him a
+warm mess to eat and put him in a box by the fire, and
+when they came back from school he was much more
+comfortable than he had been since he had left the old
+woman&rsquo;s cottage. They were kind little children, and
+wanted to play with him; but, alas! the poor fellow had
+never played in his life, and thought they wanted to tease
+him, and flew straight into the milk-pan, and then
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>88]</a></span>
+into the butter-dish, and from that into the meal-barrel,
+and at last, terrified at the noise and confusion, right out
+of the door, and hid himself in the snow amongst the bushes
+at the back of the house.</p>
+
+<p>He never could tell afterwards exactly how he had spent
+the rest of the winter. He only knew that he was very
+miserable and that he never had enough to eat. But
+by-and-by things grew better. The earth became softer,
+the sun hotter, the birds sang, and the flowers once
+more appeared in the grass. When he stood up, he felt
+different, somehow, from what he had done before he
+fell asleep among the reeds to which he had wandered
+after he had escaped from the peasant&rsquo;s hut. His body
+seemed larger, and his wings stronger. Something pink
+looked at him from the side of a hill. He thought he
+would fly towards it and see what it was.</p>
+
+<p>Oh, how glorious it felt to be rushing through the
+air, wheeling first one way and then the other! He had
+never thought that flying could be like that! The
+duckling was almost sorry when he drew near the pink
+cloud and found it was made up of apple blossoms
+growing beside a cottage whose garden ran down to the
+banks of the canal. He fluttered slowly to the ground
+and paused for a few minutes under a thicket of syringas,
+and while he was gazing about him, there walked slowly
+past a flock of the same beautiful birds he had seen so
+many months ago. Fascinated, he watched them one by
+one step into the canal, and float quietly upon the waters
+as if they were part of them.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I will follow them,&rsquo; said the duckling to himself; &lsquo;ugly
+though I am, I would rather be killed by them than suffer
+all I have suffered from cold and hunger, and from the
+ducks and fowls who should have treated me kindly.&rsquo;
+And flying quickly down to the water, he swam after them
+as fast as he could.</p>
+
+<p>It did not take him long to reach them, for they had
+stopped to rest in a green pool shaded by a tree whose
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>89]</a></span>
+branches swept the water. And directly they saw him
+coming some of the younger ones swam out to meet him
+with cries of welcome, which again the duckling hardly
+understood. He approached them glad, yet trembling,
+and turning to one of the older birds, who by this time
+had left the shade of the tree, he said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If I am to die, I would rather you should kill me. I
+don&rsquo;t know why I was ever hatched, for I am too ugly
+to live.&rsquo; And as he spoke, he bowed his head and looked
+down into the water.</p>
+
+<p>Reflected in the still pool he saw many white shapes,
+with long necks and golden bills, and, without thinking,
+he looked for the dull grey body and the awkward skinny
+neck. But no such thing was there. Instead, he beheld
+beneath him a beautiful white swan!</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The new one is the best of all,&rsquo; said the children when
+they came down to feed the swans with biscuit and cake
+before going to bed. &lsquo;His feathers are whiter and his beak
+more golden than the rest.&rsquo; And when he heard that, the
+duckling thought that it was worth while having undergone
+all the persecution and loneliness that he had passed through,
+as otherwise he would never have known what it was to be
+really happy.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(Hans Andersen.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>90]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE TWO CASKETS</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>Far, far away, in the midst of a pine forest, there lived a
+woman who had both a daughter and a stepdaughter.
+Ever since her own daughter was born the mother had
+given her all that she cried for, so she grew up to be as
+cross and disagreeable as she was ugly. Her stepsister,
+on the other hand, had spent her childhood in working
+hard to keep house for her father, who died soon after
+his second marriage; and she was as much beloved by
+the neighbours for her goodness and industry as she was
+for her beauty.</p>
+
+<p>As the years went on, the difference between the two
+girls grew more marked, and the old woman treated
+her stepdaughter worse than ever, and was always
+on the watch for some pretext for beating her, or
+depriving her of her food. Anything, however foolish,
+was good enough for this, and one day, when she could
+think of nothing better, she set both the girls to spin while
+sitting on the low wall of the well.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And you had better mind what you do,&rsquo; said she, &lsquo;for
+the one whose thread breaks first shall be thrown to the
+bottom.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 380px;">
+<a name="illo20" id="illo20"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb20.jpg" width="380" height="600"
+alt="'That is an end of you,' she said. But she was wrong, for it was only the beginning" />
+</div>
+
+<p>But of course she took good care that her own
+daughter&rsquo;s flax was fine and strong, while the stepsister
+had only some coarse stuff, which no one would have
+thought of using. As might be expected, in a very
+little while the poor girl&rsquo;s thread snapped, and the old
+woman, who had been watching from behind a door,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91"><!-- full page illustration in original --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92"><!-- blank page --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>93]</a></span>
+seized her stepdaughter by her shoulders, and threw her
+into the well.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That is an end of you!&rsquo; she said. But she was wrong,
+for it was only the beginning.</p>
+
+<p>Down, down, down went the girl&mdash;it seemed as if the
+well must reach to the very middle of the earth; but at
+last her feet touched the ground, and she found herself
+in a field more beautiful than even the summer pastures
+of her native mountains. Trees waved in the soft breeze,
+and flowers of the brightest colours danced in the grass.
+And though she was quite alone, the girl&rsquo;s heart danced
+too, for she felt happier than she had done since her father
+died. So she walked on through the meadow till she
+came to an old tumbledown fence&mdash;so old that it was
+a wonder it managed to stand up at all, and it looked as
+if it depended for support on the old man&rsquo;s beard that
+climbed all over it.</p>
+
+<p>The girl paused for a moment as she came up,
+and gazed about for a place where she might safely
+cross. But before she could move a voice cried from the
+fence:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Do not hurt me, little maiden; I am so old, so old, I
+have not much longer to live.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And the maiden answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No, I will not hurt you; fear nothing.&rsquo; And then,
+seeing a spot where the clematis grew less thickly than
+in other places, she jumped lightly over.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;May all go well with thee,&rsquo; said the fence, as the girl
+walked on.</p>
+
+<p>She soon left the meadow and turned into a path which
+ran between two flowery hedges. Right in front of her
+stood an oven, and through its open door she could see a
+pile of white loaves.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Eat as many loaves as you like, but do me no harm,
+little maiden,&rsquo; cried the oven. And the maiden told her
+to fear nothing, for she never hurt anything, and was
+very grateful for the oven&rsquo;s kindness in giving her such a
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>94]</a></span>
+beautiful white loaf. When she had finished it, down to
+the last crumb, she shut the oven door and said: &lsquo;Good-morning.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;May all go well with thee,&rsquo; said the oven, as the girl
+walked on.</p>
+
+<p>By-and-by she became very thirsty, and seeing a cow
+with a milk-pail hanging on her horn, turned towards
+her.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Milk me and drink as much as you will, little maiden,&rsquo;
+cried the cow, &lsquo;but be sure you spill none on the ground;
+and do me no harm, for I have never harmed anyone.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Nor I,&rsquo; answered the girl; &lsquo;fear nothing.&rsquo; So she sat
+down and milked till the pail was nearly full. Then she
+drank it all up except a little drop at the bottom.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Now throw any that is left over my hoofs, and hang
+the pail on my horns again,&rsquo; said the cow. And the girl
+did as she was bid, and kissed the cow on her forehead
+and went her way.</p>
+
+<p>Many hours had now passed since the girl had fallen
+down the well, and the sun was setting.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Where shall I spend the night?&rsquo; thought she. And
+suddenly she saw before her a gate which she had not
+noticed before, and a very old woman leaning against it.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Good evening,&rsquo; said the girl politely; and the old woman
+answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Good evening, my child. Would that everyone was
+as polite as you. Are you in search of anything?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am in search of a place,&rsquo; replied the girl; and the
+woman smiled and said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Then stop a little while and comb my hair, and you
+shall tell me all the things you can do.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Willingly, mother,&rsquo; answered the girl. And she began
+combing out the old woman&rsquo;s hair, which was long and
+white.</p>
+
+<p>Half an hour passed in this way, and then the old woman
+said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;As you did not think yourself too good to comb me,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>95]</a></span>
+I will show you where you may take service. Be prudent
+and patient and all will go well.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So the girl thanked her, and set out for a farm at a little
+distance, where she was engaged to milk the cows and sift
+the corn.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 424px;">
+<a name="illo21" id="illo21"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb21.jpg" width="424" height="450"
+alt="She found sitting round her a whole circle of cats" />
+</div>
+
+<p>As soon as it was light next morning the girl got up
+and went into the cow-house. &lsquo;I&rsquo;m sure you must be
+hungry,&rsquo; said she, patting each in turn. And then she
+fetched hay from the barn, and while they were eating
+it, she swept out the cow-house, and strewed clean straw
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>96]</a></span>
+upon the floor. The cows were so pleased with the care
+she took of them that they stood quite still while she
+milked them, and did not play any of the tricks on her
+that they had played on other dairymaids who were
+rough and rude. And when she had done, and was going
+to get up from her stool, she found sitting round her a
+whole circle of cats, black and white, tabby and tortoiseshell,
+who all cried with one voice:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;We are very thirsty, please give us some milk!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;My poor little pussies,&rsquo; said she, &lsquo;of course you shall
+have some.&rsquo; And she went into the dairy, followed by all
+the cats, and gave each one a little red saucerful. But
+before they drank they all rubbed themselves against her
+knees and purred by way of thanks.</p>
+
+<p>The next thing the girl had to do was to go to the storehouse,
+and to sift the corn through a sieve. While she
+was busy rubbing the corn she heard a whirr of wings, and
+a flock of sparrows flew in at the window.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;We are hungry; give us some corn! give us some corn!&rsquo;
+cried they; and the girl answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You poor little birds, of course you shall have some!&rsquo;
+and scattered a fine handful over the floor. When they
+had finished they flew on her shoulders and flapped their
+wings by way of thanks.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">Time went by, and no cows in the whole country-side
+were so fat and well tended as hers, and no dairy had
+so much milk to show. The farmer&rsquo;s wife was so well
+satisfied that she gave her higher wages, and treated her
+like her own daughter. At length, one day, the girl was
+bidden by her mistress to come into the kitchen, and when
+there, the old woman said to her: &lsquo;I know you can tend
+cows and keep a dairy; now let me see what you can
+do besides. Take this sieve to the well, and fill it with
+water, and bring it home to me without spilling one drop
+by the way.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The girl&rsquo;s heart sank at this order; for how was it
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>97]</a></span>
+possible for her to do her mistress&rsquo;s bidding? However,
+she was silent, and taking the sieve went down to the
+well with it. Stooping over the side, she filled it to the
+brim, but as soon as she lifted it the water all ran out of
+the holes. Again and again she tried, but not a drop
+would remain in the sieve, and she was just turning away
+in despair when a flock of sparrows flew down from the
+sky.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Ashes! ashes!&rsquo; they twittered; and the girl looked at
+them and said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, I can&rsquo;t be in a worse plight than I am already,
+so I will take your advice.&rsquo; And she ran back to the kitchen
+and filled her sieve with ashes. Then once more she
+dipped the sieve into the well, and, behold, this time not a
+drop of water disappeared!</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">&lsquo;Here is the sieve, mistress,&rsquo; cried the girl, going to the
+room where the old woman was sitting.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You are cleverer than I expected,&rsquo; answered she;
+&lsquo;or else someone helped you who is skilled in magic.&rsquo; But
+the girl kept silence, and the old woman asked her no more
+questions.</p>
+
+<p>Many days passed during which the girl went about her
+work as usual, but at length one day the old woman called
+her and said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have something more for you to do. There are
+here two yarns, the one white, the other black. What
+you must do is to wash them in the river till the black one
+becomes white and the white black.&rsquo; And the girl took
+them to the river and washed hard for several hours, but
+wash as she would they never changed one whit.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;This is worse than the sieve,&rsquo; thought she, and was
+about to give up in despair when there came a rush of wings
+through the air, and on every twig of the birch trees which
+grew by the bank was perched a sparrow.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The black to the east, the white to the west!&rsquo; they sang,
+all at once; and the girl dried her tears and felt brave
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>98]</a></span>
+again. Picking up the black yarn, she stood facing
+the east and dipped it in the river, and in an instant it
+grew white as snow, then turning to the west, she held
+the white yarn in the water, and it became as black as a
+crow&rsquo;s wing. She looked back at the sparrows and smiled
+and nodded to them, and flapping their wings in reply they
+flew swiftly away.</p>
+
+<p>At the sight of the yarn the old woman was struck dumb;
+but when at length she found her voice she asked
+the girl what magician had helped her to do what no
+one had done before. But she got no answer, for the
+maiden was afraid of bringing trouble on her little
+friends.</p>
+
+<p>For many weeks the mistress shut herself up in her
+room, and the girl went about her work as usual. She
+hoped that there was an end to the difficult tasks which
+had been set her; but in this she was mistaken, for one
+day the old woman appeared suddenly in the kitchen, and
+said to her:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;There is one more trial to which I must put you, and
+if you do not fail in that you will be left in peace for evermore.
+Here are the yarns which you washed. Take
+them and weave them into a web that is as smooth as a
+king&rsquo;s robe, and see that it is spun by the time that the sun
+sets.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;This is the easiest thing I have been set to do,&rsquo;
+thought the girl, who was a good spinner. But when she
+began she found that the skein tangled and broke every
+moment.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, I can never do it!&rsquo; she cried at last, and leaned
+her head against the loom and wept; but at that instant
+the door opened, and there entered, one behind another, a
+procession of cats.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What is the matter, fair maiden?&rsquo; asked they. And
+the girl answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;My mistress has given me this yarn to weave into a
+piece of cloth, which must be finished by sunset, and I
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>99]</a></span>
+have not even begun yet, for the yarn breaks whenever I
+touch it.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 372px;">
+<a name="illo22" id="illo22"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb22.jpg" width="372" height="600"
+alt="'Ashes, ashes!' twittered the sparrows" />
+</div>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If that is all, dry your eyes,&rsquo; said the cats; &lsquo;we will
+manage it for you.&rsquo; And they jumped on the loom, and
+wove so fast and so skilfully that in a very short time the
+cloth was ready and was as fine as any king ever wore.
+The girl was so delighted at the sight of it that she gave
+each cat a kiss on his forehead as they left the room one behind
+the other as they had come.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">&lsquo;Who has taught you this wisdom?&rsquo; asked the old woman,
+after she had passed her hands twice or thrice over the
+cloth and could find no roughness anywhere. But the
+girl only smiled and did not answer. She had learned
+early the value of silence.</p>
+
+<p>After a few weeks the old woman sent for her maid
+and told her that as her year of service was now up, she
+was free to return home, but that, for her part, the girl
+had served her so well that she hoped she might stay with
+her. But at these words the maid shook her head, and
+answered gently:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have been happy here, Madam, and I thank you
+for your goodness to me; but I have left behind me a stepsister
+and a stepmother, and I am fain to be with them
+once more.&rsquo; The old woman looked at her for a moment,
+and then she said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, that must be as you like; but as you have worked
+faithfully for me I will give you a reward. Go now into
+the loft above the storehouse and there you will find many
+caskets. Choose the one which pleases you best, but be
+careful not to open it till you have set it in the place where
+you wish it to remain.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The girl left the room to go to the loft, and as soon as
+she got outside, she found all the cats waiting for her.
+Walking in procession, as was their custom, they followed
+her into the loft, which was filled with caskets big and
+little, plain and splendid. She lifted up one and looked
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>100]</a></span>
+at it, and then put it down to examine another yet more
+beautiful. Which should she choose, the yellow or the
+blue, the red or the green, the gold or the silver? She
+hesitated long, and went first to one and then to another,
+when she heard the cats&rsquo; voices calling: &lsquo;Take the black!
+take the black!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 408px;">
+<a name="illo23" id="illo23"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb23.jpg" width="408" height="350"
+alt="'Take the black! Take the black!' cried the cats" />
+</div>
+
+<p>The words made her look round&mdash;she had seen no
+black casket, but as the cats continued their cry she peered
+into several corners that had remained unnoticed, and at
+length discovered a little black box, so small and so black,
+that it might easily have been passed over.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;This is the casket that pleases me best, mistress,&rsquo; said
+the girl, carrying it into the house. And the old woman
+smiled and nodded, and bade her go her way. So
+the girl set forth, after bidding farewell to the cows and
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>101]</a></span>
+the cats and the sparrows, who all wept as they said good-bye.</p>
+
+<p>She walked on and on and on, till she reached the flowery
+meadow, and there, suddenly, something happened, she
+never knew what, but she was sitting on the wall of
+the well in her stepmother&rsquo;s yard. Then she got up and
+entered the house.</p>
+
+<p>The woman and her daughter stared as if they had
+been turned into stone; but at length the stepmother gasped
+out:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;So you are alive after all! Well, luck was ever
+against me! And where have you been this year past?&rsquo;
+Then the girl told how she had taken service in the under-world,
+and, besides her wages, had brought home with
+her a little casket, which she would like to set up in her
+room.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Give me the money, and take the ugly little box
+off to the outhouse,&rsquo; cried the woman, beside herself
+with rage, and the girl, quite frightened at her violence,
+hastened away, with her precious box clasped to her
+bosom.</p>
+
+<p>The outhouse was in a very dirty state, as no one had
+been near it since the girl had fallen down the well; but
+she scrubbed and swept till everything was clean again,
+and then she placed the little casket on a small shelf in the
+corner.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Now I may open it,&rsquo; she said to herself; and unlocking
+it with the key which hung to its handle, she raised
+the lid, but started back as she did so, almost blinded
+by the light that burst upon her. No one would ever
+have guessed that that little black box could have held
+such a quantity of beautiful things! Rings, crowns,
+girdles, necklaces&mdash;all made of wonderful stones; and they
+shone with such brilliance that not only the stepmother
+and her daughter but all the people round came running
+to see if the house was on fire. Of course the woman
+felt quite ill with greed and envy, and she would have
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>102]</a></span>
+certainly taken all the jewels for herself had she not feared
+the wrath of the neighbours, who loved her stepdaughter
+as much as they hated her.</p>
+
+<p>But if she could not steal the casket and its contents
+for herself, at least she could get another like it, and perhaps
+a still richer one. So she bade her own daughter
+sit on the edge of the well, and threw her into the water,
+exactly as she had done to the other girl; and, exactly as
+before, the flowery meadow lay at the bottom.</p>
+
+<p>Every inch of the way she trod the path which her stepsister
+had trodden, and saw the things which she
+had seen; but there the likeness ended. When the
+fence prayed her to do it no harm, she laughed rudely,
+and tore up some of the stakes so that she might get over
+the more easily; when the oven offered her bread, she
+scattered the loaves on the ground and stamped on
+them; and after she had milked the cow, and drunk as
+much as she wanted, she threw the rest on the grass, and
+kicked the pail to bits, and never heard them say, as they
+looked after her: &lsquo;You shall not have done this to me for
+nothing!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Towards evening she reached the spot where the old
+woman was leaning against the gate-post, but she passed
+her by without a word.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Have you no manners in your country?&rsquo; asked the
+crone.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I can&rsquo;t stop and talk; I am in a hurry,&rsquo; answered the
+girl. &lsquo;It is getting late, and I have to find a place.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Stop and comb my hair for a little,&rsquo; said the old woman,
+&lsquo;and I will help you to get a place.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Comb your hair, indeed! I have something better
+to do than that!&rsquo; And slamming the gate in the crone&rsquo;s
+face she went her way. And she never heard the words
+that followed her: &lsquo;You shall not have done this to me
+for nothing!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>By-and-by the girl arrived at the farm, and she was
+engaged to look after the cows and sift the corn as her
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>103]</a></span>
+stepsister had been. But it was only when someone
+was watching her that she did her work; at other
+times the cow-house was dirty, and the cows ill-fed and
+beaten, so that they kicked over the pail, and tried to
+butt her; and everyone said they had never seen such
+thin cows or such poor milk. As for the cats, she chased
+them away, and ill-treated them, so that they had not
+even the spirit to chase the rats and mice, which nowadays
+ran about everywhere. And when the sparrows
+came to beg for some corn, they fared no better than the
+cows and the cats, for the girl threw her shoes at them,
+till they flew in a fright to the woods, and took shelter
+amongst the trees.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">Months passed in this manner, when, one day, the mistress
+called the girl to her.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;All that I have given you to do you have done ill,&rsquo; said
+she, &lsquo;yet will I give you another chance. For though
+you cannot tend cows, or divide the grain from the
+chaff, there may be other things that you can do better.
+Therefore take this sieve to the well, and fill it with water,
+and see that you bring it back without spilling a single
+drop.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The girl took the sieve and carried it to the well as her
+sister had done; but no little birds came to help her, and
+after dipping it in the well two or three times she brought
+it back empty.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I thought as much,&rsquo; said the old woman angrily; &lsquo;she
+that is useless in one thing is useless in another.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps the mistress may have thought that the
+girl had learnt a lesson, but, if she did, she was quite mistaken,
+as the work was no better done than before.
+By-and-by she sent for her again, and gave her maid the
+black and the white yarn to wash in the river; but there
+was no one to tell her the secret by which the black
+would turn white, and the white black; so she brought
+them back as they were. This time the old woman
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>104]</a></span>
+only looked at her grimly, but the girl was too well
+pleased with herself to care what anyone thought about
+her.</p>
+
+<p>After some weeks her third trial came, and the yarn
+was given her to spin, as it had been given to her stepsister
+before her.</p>
+
+<p>But no procession of cats entered the room to weave
+a web of fine cloth, and at sunset she only brought back
+to her mistress an armful of dirty, tangled wool.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;There seems nothing in the world you can do,&rsquo; said
+the old woman, and left her to herself.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">Soon after this the year was up, and the girl went to her
+mistress to tell her that she wished to go home.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Little desire have I to keep you,&rsquo; answered the old
+woman, &lsquo;for no one thing have you done as you ought.
+Still, I will give you some payment, therefore go up into
+the loft, and choose for yourself one of the caskets that
+lies there. But see that you do not open it till you place
+it where you wish it to stay.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>This was what the girl had been hoping for, and so
+rejoiced was she, that, without even stopping to thank
+the old woman, she ran as fast as she could to the loft.
+There were the caskets, blue and red, green and yellow,
+silver and gold; and there in the corner stood a little
+black casket, just like the one her stepsister had brought
+home.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If there are so many jewels in that little black thing,
+this big red one will hold twice the number,&rsquo; she said to
+herself; and snatching it up she set off on her road home
+without even going to bid farewell to her mistress.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">&lsquo;See, mother, see what I have brought!&rsquo; cried she,
+as she entered the cottage holding the casket in both
+hands.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Ah! you have got something very different from
+that little black box,&rsquo; answered the old woman with
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>105]</a></span>
+delight. But the girl was so busy finding a place for it
+to stand that she took little notice of her mother.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It will look best here&mdash;no, here,&rsquo; she said, setting it
+first on one piece of furniture and then on another. &lsquo;No,
+after all it is too fine to live in a kitchen, let us place it in
+the guest chamber.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So mother and daughter carried it proudly upstairs
+and put it on a shelf over the fireplace; then, untying the
+key from the handle, they opened the box. As before,
+a bright light leapt out directly the lid was raised, but it
+did not spring from the lustre of jewels, but from hot
+flames, which darted along the walls and burnt up the
+cottage and all that was in it, and the mother and daughter
+as well.</p>
+
+<p>As they had done when the stepdaughter came home,
+the neighbours all hurried to see what was the matter;
+but they were too late. Only the hen-house was left
+standing; and, in spite of her riches, there the stepdaughter
+lived happily to the end of her days.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(From Thorpe&rsquo;s <i>Yule-Tide Stories</i>.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>106]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE GOLDSMITH&rsquo;S FORTUNE</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there was a goldsmith who lived in a
+certain village where the people were as bad and greedy,
+and covetous, as they could possibly be; however, in spite
+of his surroundings, he was fat and prosperous. He
+had only one friend whom he liked, and that was a
+cowherd, who looked after cattle for one of the farmers
+in the village. Every evening the goldsmith would walk
+across to the cowherd&rsquo;s house and say: &lsquo;Come, let&rsquo;s go
+out for a walk!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Now the cowherd didn&rsquo;t like walking in the evening,
+because, he said, he had been out grazing the cattle all
+day, and was glad to sit down when night came;
+but the goldsmith always worried him so that the
+poor man had to go against his will. This at last so
+annoyed him that he tried to think how he could pick a
+quarrel with the goldsmith, so that he should not beg
+him to walk with him any more. He asked another
+cowherd for advice, and he said the best thing he could
+do was to go across and kill the goldsmith&rsquo;s wife, for
+then the goldsmith would be <em>sure</em> to regard him as an
+enemy; so, being a foolish person, and there being no
+laws in that country by which a man would be certainly
+punished for such a crime, the cowherd one evening took
+a big stick and went across to the goldsmith&rsquo;s house
+when only Mrs. Goldsmith was at home, and banged her
+on the head so hard that she died then and there.</p>
+
+<p>When the goldsmith came back and found his wife
+dead he said nothing, but just took her outside into the
+dark lane and propped her up against the wall of his
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>107]</a></span>
+house, and then went into the courtyard and waited.
+Presently a rich stranger came along the lane, and seeing
+someone there, as he supposed, he said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Good-evening, friend! a fine night to-night!&rsquo; But
+the goldsmith&rsquo;s wife said nothing. The man then repeated
+his words louder; but still there was no reply. A
+third time he shouted:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Good-evening, friend! are you <em>deaf</em>?&rsquo; but the figure
+never replied. Then the stranger, being angry at what he
+thought very rude behaviour, picked up a big stone and
+threw it at Mrs. Goldsmith, crying:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Let <em>that</em> teach you manners!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Instantly poor Mrs. Goldsmith tumbled over; and
+the stranger, horrified at seeing what he had done,
+was immediately seized by the goldsmith, who ran out
+screaming:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Wretch! you have killed my wife! Oh, miserable
+one; we will have justice done to thee!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>With many protestations and reproaches they
+wrangled together, the stranger entreating the goldsmith
+to say nothing and he would pay him handsomely to
+atone for the sad accident. At last the goldsmith quieted
+down, and agreed to accept one thousand gold pieces
+from the stranger, who immediately helped him to
+bury his poor wife, and then rushed off to the guest
+house, packed up his things and was off by daylight,
+lest the goldsmith should repent and accuse him as the
+murderer of his wife. Now it very soon appeared that
+the goldsmith had a lot of extra money, so that people
+began to ask questions, and finally demanded of him the
+reason for his sudden wealth.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh,&rsquo; said he, &lsquo;my wife died, and I sold her.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You sold your dead wife?&rsquo; cried the people.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes,&rsquo; said the goldsmith.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;For how much?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;A thousand gold pieces,&rsquo; replied the goldsmith.</p>
+
+<p>Instantly the villagers went away and each caught
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>108]</a></span>
+hold of his own wife and throttled her, and the next day
+they all went off to sell their dead wives. Many a weary
+mile did they tramp, but got nothing but hard words
+or laughter, or directions to the nearest cemetery, from
+people to whom they offered dead wives for sale. At
+last they perceived that they had been cheated somehow
+by that goldsmith. So off they rushed home, seized
+the unhappy man, and, without listening to his cries
+and entreaties, hurried him down to the river bank and
+flung him&mdash;plop!&mdash;into the deepest, weediest, and nastiest
+place they could find.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;<em>That</em> will teach him not to play tricks on us,&rsquo; said they.
+&lsquo;For as he can&rsquo;t swim he&rsquo;ll drown, and we sha&rsquo;n&rsquo;t have
+any more trouble with <em>him</em>!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Now the goldsmith really could not swim, and as soon
+as he was thrown into the deep river he sank below the
+surface; so his enemies went away believing that they
+had seen the last of him. But, in reality, he was carried
+down, half drowned, below the next bend in the river,
+where he fortunately came across a &lsquo;snag&rsquo; floating in the
+water (a snag is, you know, a part of a tree or bush
+which floats very nearly under the surface of the water);
+and he held on to this snag, and by great good luck
+eventually came ashore some two or three miles down
+the river. At the place where he landed he came across
+a fine fat cow buffalo, and immediately he jumped on
+her back and rode home. When the village people saw
+him, they ran out in surprise, and said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Where on earth do you come from, and where did you
+get that buffalo?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Ah!&rsquo; said the goldsmith, &lsquo;you little know what
+delightful adventures I have had! Why, down in that
+place in the river where you threw me in I found
+meadows, and trees, and fine pastures, and buffaloes,
+and all kinds of cattle. In fact, I could hardly tear myself
+away; but I thought that I must really let you all know
+about it.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>109]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Oh, oh!&rsquo; thought the greedy village people; &lsquo;if
+there are buffaloes to be had for the taking we&rsquo;ll go after
+some too.&rsquo; Encouraged by the goldsmith they nearly
+all ran off the very next morning to the river; and,
+in order that they might get down quickly to the
+beautiful place the goldsmith told them of, they tied
+great stones on to their feet and their necks, and one after
+another they jumped into the water as fast as they
+could, and were drowned. And whenever any one of
+them waved his hands about and struggled the goldsmith
+would cry out:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Look! he&rsquo;s beckoning the rest of you to come;
+he&rsquo;s got a fine buffalo!&rsquo; And others who were doubtful
+would jump in, until not one was left. Then the
+cunning goldsmith went back and took all the village for
+himself, and became very rich indeed. But do you think
+he was happy? Not a bit. Lies never made a man
+happy yet. Truly, he got the better of a set of wicked
+and greedy people, but only by being wicked and greedy
+himself; and, as it turned out, when he got so rich he got
+very fat; and at last was so fat that he couldn&rsquo;t move, and
+one day he got the apoplexy and died, and no one in the
+world cared the least bit.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(<i>Told by a Pathan to Major Campbell.</i>)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>110]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE ENCHANTED WREATH</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there lived near a forest a man and
+his wife and two girls; one girl was the daughter of the
+man, and the other the daughter of his wife; and the man&rsquo;s
+daughter was good and beautiful, but the woman&rsquo;s daughter
+was cross and ugly. However, her mother did not know
+that, but thought her the most bewitching maiden that
+ever was seen.</p>
+
+<p>One day the man called to his daughter and bade her
+come with him into the forest to cut wood. They
+worked hard all day, but in spite of the chopping they
+were very cold, for it rained heavily, and when they
+returned home, they were wet through. Then, to his
+vexation, the man found that he had left his axe behind
+him, and he knew that if it lay all night in the mud it
+would become rusty and useless. So he said to his
+wife:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have dropped my axe in the forest, bid your daughter
+go and fetch it, for mine has worked hard all day and is
+both wet and weary.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>But the wife answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If your daughter is wet already, it is all the more
+reason that <em>she</em> should go and get the axe. Besides,
+she is a great strong girl, and a little rain will not hurt
+her, while <em>my</em> daughter would be sure to catch a bad
+cold.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>By long experience the man knew there was no good
+saying any more, and with a sigh he told the poor girl she
+must return to the forest for the axe.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>111]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 410px;">
+<a name="illo24" id="illo24"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb24.jpg" width="410" height="450"
+alt="Three little doves were seated on the handle of the axe" />
+</div>
+
+<p>The walk took some time, for it was very dark, and
+her shoes often stuck in the mud; but she was brave as
+well as beautiful and never thought of turning back
+merely because the path was both difficult and unpleasant.
+At last, with her dress torn by brambles that
+she could not see, and her face scratched by the twigs
+on the trees, she reached the spot where she and her father
+had been cutting in the morning, and found the axe in
+the place he had left it. To her surprise, three little
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>112]</a></span>
+doves were sitting on the handle, all of them looking very
+sad.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You poor little things,&rsquo; said the girl, stroking them.
+&lsquo;Why do you sit there and get wet? Go and fly home
+to your nest, it will be much warmer than this; but first
+eat this bread, which I saved from my dinner, and
+perhaps you will feel happier. It is my father&rsquo;s axe you
+are sitting on, and I must take it back as fast as I can,
+or I shall get a terrible scolding from my stepmother.&rsquo;
+She then crumbled the bread on the ground, and
+was pleased to see the doves flutter quite cheerfully
+towards it.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Good-bye,&rsquo; she said, picking up the axe, and went her
+way homewards.</p>
+
+<p>By the time they had finished all the crumbs the doves
+felt much better, and were able to fly back to their nests
+in the top of a tree.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That is a good girl,&rsquo; said one; &lsquo;I really was too weak
+to stretch out a wing before she came. I should like to
+do something to show how grateful I am.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, let us give her a wreath of flowers that will never
+fade as long as she wears it,&rsquo; cried another.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And let the tiniest singing birds in the world sit amongst
+the flowers,&rsquo; rejoined the third.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes, that will do beautifully,&rsquo; said the first. And
+when the girl stepped into her cottage a wreath of rose-buds
+was on her head, and a crowd of little birds were
+singing unseen.</p>
+
+<p>The father, who was sitting by the fire, thought that,
+in spite of her muddy clothes, he had never seen his daughter
+looking so lovely; but the stepmother and the other girl
+grew wild with envy.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;How absurd to walk about on such a pouring night,
+dressed up like that,&rsquo; she remarked crossly, and roughly
+pulled off the wreath as she spoke, to place it on her own
+daughter. As she did so the roses became withered and
+brown, and the birds flew out of the window.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>113]</a></span>
+&lsquo;See what a trumpery thing it is!&rsquo; cried the stepmother;
+&lsquo;and now take your supper and go to bed, for it is near
+upon midnight.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>But though she pretended to despise the wreath,
+she longed none the less for her daughter to have one like
+it.</p>
+
+<p>Now it happened that the next evening the father, who
+had been alone in the forest, came back a second time
+without his axe. The stepmother&rsquo;s heart was glad when
+she saw this, and she said quite mildly:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Why, you have forgotten your axe again, you careless
+man! But now <em>your</em> daughter shall stay at home, and
+<em>mine</em> shall go and bring it back&rsquo;; and throwing a cloak
+over the girl&rsquo;s shoulders, she bade her hasten to the
+forest.</p>
+
+<p>With a very ill grace the damsel set forth, grumbling
+to herself as she went; for though she wished for the wreath,
+she did not at all want the trouble of getting it.</p>
+
+<p>By the time she reached the spot where her stepfather
+had been cutting the wood the girl was in a very bad temper
+indeed, and when she caught sight of the axe, there were
+the three little doves, with drooping heads and soiled, bedraggled
+feathers, sitting on the handle.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You dirty creatures,&rsquo; cried she, &lsquo;get away at once, or
+I will throw stones at you.&rsquo; And the doves spread their
+wings in a fright and flew up to the very top of a tree, their
+bodies shaking with anger.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What shall we do to revenge ourselves on her?&rsquo; asked
+the smallest of the doves, &lsquo;we were never treated like that
+before.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Never,&rsquo; said the biggest dove. &lsquo;We must find some way
+of paying her back in her own coin!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;<em>I</em> know,&rsquo; answered the middle dove; &lsquo;she shall never
+be able to say anything but &ldquo;dirty creatures&rdquo; to the end
+of her life.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, how clever of you! That will do beautifully,&rsquo;
+exclaimed the other two. And they flapped their wings
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>114]</a></span>
+and clucked so loud with delight, and made such a noise,
+that they woke up all the birds in the trees close by.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What in the world is the matter?&rsquo; asked the birds
+sleepily.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That is <em>our</em> secret,&rsquo; said the doves.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the girl had reached home crosser than ever;
+but as soon as her mother heard her lift the latch of the
+door she ran out to hear her adventures. &lsquo;Well, did you
+get the wreath?&rsquo; cried she.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Dirty creatures!&rsquo; answered her daughter.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Don&rsquo;t speak to me like that! What do you mean?&rsquo;
+asked the mother again.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Dirty creatures!&rsquo; repeated the daughter, and nothing
+else could she say.</p>
+
+<p>Then the woman saw that something evil had befallen
+her, and turned in her rage to her stepdaughter.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;<em>You</em> are at the bottom of this, I know,&rsquo; she cried; and
+as the father was out of the way she took a stick and beat
+the girl till she screamed with pain and went to bed sobbing.</p>
+
+<p>If the poor girl&rsquo;s life had been miserable before, it
+was ten times worse now, for the moment her father&rsquo;s
+back was turned the others teased and tormented her
+from morning till night; and their fury was increased by
+the sight of the wreath, which the doves had placed again
+on her head.</p>
+
+<p>Things went on like this for some weeks, when, one
+day, as the king&rsquo;s son was riding through the forest, he
+heard some strange birds singing more sweetly than
+birds had ever sung before. He tied his horse to a tree,
+and followed where the sound led him, and, to his surprise,
+he saw before him a beautiful girl chopping wood, with
+a wreath of pink rose-buds, out of which the singing came.
+Standing in the shelter of a tree, he watched her a
+long while, and then, hat in hand, he went up and spoke
+to her.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 381px;">
+<a name="illo25" id="illo25"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb25.jpg" width="381" height="600"
+alt="Standing in the shelter of a tree, he watched her a long while" />
+</div>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Fair maiden, who are you, and who gave you that
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>115]</a></span>
+wreath of singing roses?&rsquo; asked he, for the birds were so
+tiny that till you looked closely you never saw them.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I live in a hut on the edge of the forest,&rsquo; she answered,
+blushing, for she had never spoken to a prince before.
+&lsquo;And as to the wreath, I know not how it came there,
+unless it may be the gift of some doves whom I fed when
+they were starving.&rsquo; The prince was delighted with this
+answer, which showed the goodness of the girl&rsquo;s heart,
+and besides he had fallen in love with her beauty, and
+would not be content till she promised to return with him
+to the palace, and become his bride. The old king
+was naturally disappointed at his son&rsquo;s choice of a wife,
+as he wished him to marry a neighbouring princess; but
+as from his birth the prince had always done exactly as he
+liked, nothing was said and a splendid wedding feast was
+got ready.</p>
+
+<p>The day after her marriage the bride sent a messenger,
+bearing handsome presents to her father, and telling him
+of the good fortune which had befallen her. As may be
+imagined, the stepmother and her daughter were so filled
+with envy that they grew quite ill, and had to take to their
+beds, and nobody would have been sorry if they had never
+got up again; but that did not happen. At length, however,
+they began to feel better, for the mother invented a
+plan by which she could be revenged on the girl who had
+never done her any harm.</p>
+
+<p>Her plan was this. In the town where she had
+lived before she was married there was an old witch, who
+had more skill in magic than any other witch she knew.
+To this witch she would go and beg her to make her a
+mask with the face of her stepdaughter, and when she
+had the mask the rest would be easy. She told her daughter
+what she meant to do, and although the daughter could
+only say &lsquo;dirty creatures,&rsquo; in answer, she nodded and
+smiled and looked well pleased.</p>
+
+<p>Everything fell out exactly as the woman had hoped.
+By the aid of her magic mirror the witch beheld the new
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>116]</a></span>
+princess walking in her gardens in a dress of green silk,
+and in a few minutes had produced a mask so like her
+that very few people could have told the difference. However,
+she counselled the woman that when her daughter
+first wore it&mdash;for that, of course, was what she intended
+her to do&mdash;she had better pretend that she had a toothache,
+and cover her head with a lace veil. The woman
+thanked her and paid her well, and returned to her hut,
+carrying the mask with her under her cloak.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 415px;">
+<a name="illo26" id="illo26"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb26.jpg" width="415" height="450"
+alt="The stepmother tries to drown the princess" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>117]</a></span>
+In a few days she heard that a great hunt was
+planned, and the prince would leave the palace very early
+in the morning, so that his wife would be alone all day.
+This was a chance not to be missed, and taking her
+daughter with her she went up to the palace, where she
+had never been before. The princess was too happy
+in her new home to remember all that she had suffered
+in the old one, and she welcomed them both gladly, and
+gave them quantities of beautiful things to take back
+with them. At last she took them down to the shore to
+see a pleasure boat which her husband had had made
+for her; and here, the woman seizing her opportunity,
+stole softly behind the girl and pushed her off the rock
+on which she was standing, into the deep water, where
+she instantly sank to the bottom. Then she fastened
+the mask on her daughter, flung over her shoulders a
+velvet cloak, which the princess had let fall, and finally
+arranged a lace veil over her head.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Rest your cheek on your hand, as if you were in pain,
+when the prince returns,&rsquo; said the mother; &lsquo;and be
+careful not to speak, whatever you do. I will go back
+to the witch and see if she cannot take off the spell laid on
+you by those horrible birds. Ah! why did I not think of
+it before!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>No sooner had the prince entered the palace than he
+hastened to the princess&rsquo;s apartments, where he found
+her lying on the sofa apparently in great pain.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;My dearest wife, what is the matter with you?&rsquo; he
+cried, kneeling down beside her, and trying to take her
+hand; but she snatched it away, and pointing to her cheek
+murmured something he could not catch.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What is it? tell me! Is the pain bad? When did it
+begin? Shall I send for your ladies to bathe the place?&rsquo;
+asked the prince, pouring out these and a dozen other
+questions, to which the girl only shook her head.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;But I can&rsquo;t leave you like this,&rsquo; he continued, starting
+up, &lsquo;I must summon all the court physicians to apply
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>118]</a></span>
+soothing balsams to the sore place.&rsquo; And as he spoke
+he sprang to his feet to go in search of them. This so
+frightened the pretended wife, who knew that if the physicians
+once came near her the trick would at once be
+discovered, that she forgot her mother&rsquo;s counsel not to
+speak, and forgot even the spell that had been laid upon
+her, and catching hold of the prince&rsquo;s tunic, she cried in
+tones of entreaty: &lsquo;Dirty creatures!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The young man stopped, not able to believe his ears,
+but supposed that pain had made the princess cross, as
+it sometimes does. However, he guessed somehow that
+she wished to be left alone, so he only said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, I dare say a little sleep will do you good, if you
+can manage to get it, and that you will wake up better
+to-morrow.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Now, that night happened to be very hot and airless,
+and the prince, after vainly trying to rest, at length got up
+and went to the window. Suddenly he beheld in the
+moonlight a form with a wreath of roses on her head rise
+out of the sea below him and step on to the sands, holding
+out her arms as she did so towards the palace.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That maiden is strangely like my wife,&rsquo; thought he;
+&lsquo;I must see her closer.&rsquo; And he hastened down to the
+water. But when he got there, the princess, for she indeed
+it was, had disappeared completely, and he began to wonder
+if his eyes had deceived him.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning he went to the false bride&rsquo;s room,
+but her ladies told him she would neither speak nor get
+up, though she ate everything they set before her.
+The prince was sorely perplexed as to what could be the
+matter with her, for naturally he could not guess that
+she was expecting her mother to return every moment,
+and to remove the spell the doves had laid upon her, and
+meanwhile was afraid to speak lest she should betray
+herself. At length he made up his mind to summon
+all the court physicians; he did not tell her what he was
+going to do, lest it should make her worse, but he went
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>119]</a></span>
+himself and begged the four learned leaches attached to
+the king&rsquo;s person to follow him to the princess&rsquo;s apartments.
+Unfortunately, as they entered, the princess
+was so enraged at the sight of them that she forgot all
+about the doves, and shrieked out: &lsquo;Dirty creatures!
+dirty creatures!&rsquo; which so offended the physicians that
+they left the room at once, and nothing that the prince
+could say would prevail on them to remain. He then
+tried to persuade his wife to send them a message that
+she was sorry for her rudeness, but not a word would she
+say.</p>
+
+<p>Late that evening, when he had performed all the tiresome
+duties which fall to the lot of every prince, the young
+man was leaning out of his window, refreshing himself
+with the cool breezes that blew off the sea. His
+thoughts went back to the scene of the morning, and he
+wondered if, after all, he had not made a great mistake in
+marrying a low-born wife, however beautiful she might
+be. How could he have imagined that the quiet, gentle
+girl who had been so charming a companion to him during
+the first days of their marriage, could have become in a
+day the rude, sulky woman, who could not control her
+temper even to benefit herself. One thing was clear, if
+she did not change her conduct very shortly he would have
+to send her away from court.</p>
+
+<p>He was thinking these thoughts, when his eyes fell on
+the sea beneath him, and there, as before, was the figure
+that so closely resembled his wife, standing with her feet
+in the water, holding out her arms to him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Wait for me! Wait for me! Wait for me!&rsquo; he
+cried; not even knowing he was speaking. But when he
+reached the shore there was nothing to be seen but the
+shadows cast by the moonlight.</p>
+
+<p>A state ceremonial in a city some distance off caused
+the prince to ride away at daybreak, and he left without
+seeing his wife again.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Perhaps she may have come to her senses by to-morrow,&rsquo;
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>120]</a></span>
+said he to himself; &lsquo;and, anyhow, if I am going to send
+her back to her father, it might be better if we did not
+meet in the meantime.&rsquo; Then he put the matter from
+his mind, and kept his thoughts on the duty that lay before
+him.</p>
+
+<p>It was nearly midnight before he returned to the
+palace, but, instead of entering, he went down to the shore
+and hid behind a rock. He had scarcely done so when
+the girl came out of the sea, and stretched out her arms
+towards his window. In an instant the prince had seized
+her hand, and though she made a frightened struggle to
+reach the water&mdash;for she in her turn had had a spell laid
+upon her&mdash;he held her fast.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You are my own wife, and I shall never let you go,&rsquo;
+he said. But the words were hardly out of his mouth
+when he found that it was a hare that he was holding by
+the paw. Then the hare changed into a fish, and the
+fish into a bird, and the bird into a slimy wriggling snake.
+This time the prince&rsquo;s hand nearly opened of itself, but
+with a strong effort he kept his fingers shut, and drawing
+his sword cut off its head, when the spell was broken, and
+the girl stood before him as he had seen her first, the wreath
+upon her head and the birds singing for joy.</p>
+
+<p>The very next morning the stepmother arrived at
+the palace with an ointment that the old witch had given
+her to place upon her daughter&rsquo;s tongue, which would
+break the dove&rsquo;s spell, if the rightful bride had really
+been drowned in the sea; if not, then it would be useless.
+The mother assured her that she had seen her stepdaughter
+sink, and that there was no fear that she would ever come
+up again; but, to make all quite safe, the old woman might
+bewitch the girl; and so she did. After that the wicked
+stepmother travelled all through the night to get to the
+palace as soon as possible, and made her way straight
+into her daughter&rsquo;s room.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have got it! I have got it!&rsquo; she cried triumphantly,
+and laid the ointment on her daughter&rsquo;s tongue.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>121]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 370px;">
+<a name="illo27" id="illo27"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb27.jpg" width="370" height="600"
+alt="The princess returns from the sea" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122"><!-- blank page --></a></span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>123]</a></span>
+&lsquo;<em>Now</em> what do you say?&rsquo; she asked proudly.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Dirty creatures! dirty creatures!&rsquo; answered the
+daughter; and the mother wrung her hands and wept, as
+she knew that all her plans had failed.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the prince entered with his real wife.
+&lsquo;You both deserve death,&rsquo; he said, &lsquo;and if it were left to
+me, you should have it. But the princess has begged me
+to spare your lives, so you will be put into a ship and
+carried off to a desert island, where you will stay till you
+die.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then the ship was made ready and the wicked woman
+and her daughter were placed in it, and it sailed away,
+and no more was heard of them. But the prince and
+his wife lived together long and happily, and ruled their
+people well.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(Adapted from Thorpe&rsquo;s <i>Yule-Tide Stories</i>.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>124]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE FOOLISH WEAVER</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>Once a weaver, who was in want of work, took service
+with a certain farmer as a shepherd.</p>
+
+<p>The farmer, knowing that the man was very slow-witted,
+gave him the most careful instructions as to everything that
+he was to do.</p>
+
+<p>Finally he said: &lsquo;If a wolf or any wild animal attempts
+to hurt the flock you should pick up a big stone like <em>this</em>&rsquo;
+(suiting the action to the word) &lsquo;and throw a few such at
+him, and he will be afraid and go away.&rsquo; The weaver
+said that he understood, and started with the flocks to the
+hillsides where they grazed all day.</p>
+
+<p>By chance in the afternoon a leopard appeared, and the
+weaver instantly ran home as fast as he could to get
+the stones which the farmer had shown him, to throw at the
+creature. When he came back all the flock were scattered
+or killed, and when the farmer heard the tale he beat him
+soundly. &lsquo;Were there no stones on the hillside that you
+should run back to get them, you senseless one?&rsquo; he cried;
+&lsquo;you are not fit to herd sheep. To-day you shall stay at
+home and mind my old mother who is sick, perhaps you
+will be able to drive flies off her face, if you can&rsquo;t drive beasts
+away from the sheep!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So, the next day, the weaver was left at home to take
+care of the farmer&rsquo;s old sick mother. Now as she lay outside
+on a bed, it turned out that the flies became very troublesome,
+and the weaver looked around for something to drive
+them away with; and as he had been told to pick up the
+nearest stone to drive the beasts away from the flock, he
+thought he would this time show how cleverly he could
+obey orders. Accordingly he seized the nearest stone,
+which was a big, heavy one, and dashed it at the flies; but,
+unhappily, he slew the poor old woman also; and then,
+being afraid of the wrath of the farmer, he fled and was
+not seen again in that neighbourhood.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>125]</a></span>
+All that day and all the next night he walked, and at
+length he came to a village where a great many weavers
+lived together.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You are welcome,&rsquo; said they. &lsquo;Eat and sleep, for to-morrow
+six of us start in search of fresh wool to weave,
+and we pray you to give us your company.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Willingly,&rsquo; answered the weaver. So the next
+morning the seven weavers set out to go to the village
+where they could buy what they wanted. On the way
+they had to cross a ravine which lately had been full of
+water, but now was quite dry. The weavers, however,
+were accustomed to swim over this ravine; therefore,
+regardless of the fact that this time it was dry, they
+stripped, and, tying their clothes on their heads, they
+proceeded to swim across the dry sand and rocks that
+formed the bed of the ravine. Thus they got to the other
+side without further damage than bruised knees and elbows,
+and as soon as they were over, one of them began
+to count the party to make sure that all were safe there.
+He counted all except himself, and then cried out that
+somebody was missing! This set each of them counting;
+but each made the same mistake of counting all except
+himself, so that they became certain that one of their
+party was missing! They ran up and down the bank
+of the ravine wringing their hands in great distress
+and looking for signs of their lost comrade. There a
+farmer found them and asked what was the matter.
+&lsquo;Alas!&rsquo; said one, &lsquo;seven of us started from the other
+bank and one must have been drowned on the crossing,
+as we can only find six remaining!&rsquo; The farmer
+eyed them a minute, and then, picking up his stick,
+he dealt each a sounding blow, counting, as he did so,
+&lsquo;One! two! three!&rsquo; and so on up to the seven. When
+the weavers found that there were seven of them they
+were overcome with gratitude to one whom they took for a
+magician as he could thus make seven out of an obvious six.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(<i>From the Pushto.</i>)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>126]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE CLEVER CAT</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there lived an old man who dwelt with
+his son in a small hut on the edge of the plain. He was
+very old, and had worked very hard, and when at last he
+was struck down by illness he felt that he should never
+rise from his bed again.</p>
+
+<p>So, one day, he bade his wife summon their son, when
+he came back from his journey to the nearest town, where
+he had been to buy bread.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Come hither, my son,&rsquo; said he; &lsquo;I know myself well
+to be dying, and I have nothing to leave you but my
+falcon, my cat and my greyhound; but if you make
+good use of them you will never lack food. Be good to
+your mother, as you have been to me. And now farewell!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then he turned his face to the wall and died.</p>
+
+<p>There was great mourning in the hut for many days,
+but at length the son rose up, and calling to his greyhound,
+his cat and his falcon, he left the house saying that he
+would bring back something for dinner. Wandering over
+the plain, he noticed a troop of gazelles, and pointed to
+his greyhound to give chase. The dog soon brought
+down a fine fat beast, and slinging it over his shoulders,
+the young man turned homewards. On the way, however,
+he passed a pond, and as he approached a cloud of
+birds flew into the air. Shaking his wrist, the falcon seated
+on it darted into the air, and swooped down upon the quarry
+he had marked, which fell dead to the ground. The
+young man picked it up, and put it in his pouch and then
+went towards home again.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>127]</a></span>
+Near the hut was a small barn in which he kept the
+produce of the little patch of corn, which grew close to
+the garden. Here a rat ran out almost under his feet,
+followed by another and another; but quick as thought
+the cat was upon them and not one escaped her.</p>
+
+<p>When all the rats were killed, the young man left the
+barn. He took the path leading to the door of the hut,
+but stopped on feeling a hand laid on his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Young man,&rsquo; said the Jew (for such was the stranger),
+&lsquo;you have been a good son, and you deserve the piece of
+luck which has befallen you this day. Come with me to
+that shining lake yonder, and fear nothing.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Wondering a little at what might be going to happen
+to him, the youth did as the Jew bade him, and when they
+reached the shore of the lake, the old man turned and said
+to him:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Step into the water and shut your eyes! You will
+find yourself sinking slowly to the bottom; but take courage,
+all will go well. Only bring up as much silver as you can
+carry, and we will divide it between us.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So the young man stepped bravely into the lake, and
+felt himself sinking, sinking, till he reached firm ground
+at last. In front of him lay four heaps of silver, and in
+the midst of them a curious white shining stone, marked
+over with strange characters, such as he had never seen
+before. He picked it up in order to examine it more closely,
+and as he held it the stone spoke.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;As long as you hold me, all your wishes will come true,&rsquo;
+it said. &lsquo;But hide me in your turban, and then call to
+the Jew that you are ready to come up.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>In a few minutes the young man stood again by the
+shores of the lake.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, where is the silver?&rsquo; asked the Jew, who was
+awaiting him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Ah, my father, how can I tell you! So bewildered
+was I, and so dazzled with the splendours of everything
+I saw, that I stood like a statue, unable to move. Then
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>128]</a></span>
+hearing steps approaching I got frightened, and called to
+you, as you know.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You are no better than the rest,&rsquo; cried the Jew, and
+turned away in a rage.</p>
+
+<p>When he was out of sight the young man took the stone
+from his turban and looked at it. &lsquo;I want the finest camel
+that can be found, and the most splendid garments,&rsquo; said
+he.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Shut your eyes then,&rsquo; replied the stone. And he shut
+them; and when he opened them again the camel that
+he had wished for was standing before him, while the
+festal robes of a desert prince hung from his shoulders.
+Mounting the camel, he whistled the falcon to his wrist,
+and, followed by his greyhound and his cat, he started
+homewards.</p>
+
+<p>His mother was sewing at her door when this magnificent
+stranger rode up, and, filled with surprise, she bowed
+low before him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Don&rsquo;t you know me, mother?&rsquo; he said with a laugh.
+And on hearing his voice the good woman nearly fell to
+the ground with astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;How have you got that camel and those clothes?&rsquo; asked
+she. &lsquo;Can a son of mine have committed murder in order
+to possess them?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Do not be afraid; they are quite honestly come by,&rsquo;
+answered the youth. &lsquo;I will explain all by-and-by; but
+now you must go to the palace and tell the king I wish to
+marry his daughter.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>At these words the mother thought her son had
+certainly gone mad, and stared blankly at him. The
+young man guessed what was in her heart, and replied
+with a smile:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Fear nothing. Promise all that he asks; it will be fulfilled
+somehow.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So she went to the palace, where she found the king
+sitting in the Hall of Justice listening to the petitions of
+his people. The woman waited until all had been heard
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>129]</a></span>
+and the hall was empty, and then went up and knelt before
+the throne.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;My son has sent me to ask for the hand of the princess,&rsquo;
+said she.</p>
+
+<p>The king looked at her and thought that she was mad;
+but, instead of ordering his guards to turn her out, he
+answered gravely:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Before he can marry the princess he must build me a
+palace of ice, which can be warmed with fires, and wherein
+the rarest singing-birds can live!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It shall be done, your Majesty,&rsquo; said she, and got up
+and left the hall.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">Her son was anxiously awaiting her outside the
+palace gates, dressed in the clothes that he wore every
+day.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, what have I got to do?&rsquo; he asked impatiently,
+drawing his mother aside so that no one could overhear
+them.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, something quite impossible; and I hope you will
+put the princess out of your head,&rsquo; she replied.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, but what <em>is</em> it?&rsquo; persisted he.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Nothing but to build a palace of ice wherein fires can
+burn that shall keep it so warm that the most delicate singing-birds
+can live in it!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I thought it would be something much harder than
+that,&rsquo; exclaimed the young man. &lsquo;I will see about it at
+once.&rsquo; And leaving his mother, he went into the country
+and took the stone from his turban.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I want a palace of ice that can be warmed with fires
+and filled with the rarest singing-birds!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Shut your eyes, then,&rsquo; said the stone; and he shut
+them, and when he opened them again there was the
+palace, more beautiful than anything he could have
+imagined, the fires throwing a soft pink glow over the
+ice.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is fit even for the princess,&rsquo; thought he to himself.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>130]</a></span>
+As soon as the king awoke next morning he ran to
+the window, and there across the plain he beheld the
+palace.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 422px;">
+<a name="illo28" id="illo28"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb28.jpg" width="422" height="450"
+alt="The Jew brings the jewels to the princess" />
+</div>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That young man must be a great wizard; he may be
+useful to me.&rsquo; And when the mother came again to tell
+him that his orders had been fulfilled he received her with
+great honour, and bade her tell her son that the wedding
+was fixed for the following day.</p>
+
+<p>The princess was delighted with her new home, and
+with her husband also; and several days slipped happily
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>131]</a></span>
+by, spent in turning over all the beautiful things that the
+palace contained. But at length the young man grew
+tired of always staying inside walls, and he told his wife
+that the next day he must leave her for a few hours, and
+go out hunting. &lsquo;You will not mind?&rsquo; he asked. And
+she answered as became a good wife:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes, of course I shall mind; but I will spend the day
+in planning out some new dresses; and then it will be so
+delightful when you come back, you know!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So the husband went off to hunt, with the falcon on
+his wrist, and the greyhound and the cat behind him&mdash;for
+the palace was so warm that even the cat did not mind
+living in it.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner had he gone, than the Jew, who had been
+watching his chance for many days, knocked at the door
+of the palace.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have just returned from a far country,&rsquo; he said,
+&lsquo;and I have some of the largest and most brilliant
+stones in the world with me. The princess is known
+to love beautiful things, perhaps she might like to buy
+some?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Now the princess had been wondering for many days
+what trimming she should put on her dresses, so that
+they should outshine the dresses of the other ladies at
+the court balls. Nothing that she thought of seemed
+good enough, so, when the message was brought that the
+Jew and his wares were below, she at once ordered that
+he should be brought to her chamber.</p>
+
+<p>Oh! what beautiful stones he laid before her; what
+lovely rubies, and what rare pearls! No other lady
+would have jewels like <em>those</em>&mdash;of that the princess was
+quite sure; but she cast down her eyes so that the Jew
+might not see how much she longed for them.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I fear they are too costly for me,&rsquo; she said carelessly;
+&lsquo;and besides, I have hardly need of any more jewels just
+now.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have no particular wish to sell them myself,&rsquo;
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>132]</a></span>
+answered the Jew, with equal indifference. &lsquo;But I have
+a necklace of shining stones which was left me by my father,
+and one, the largest, engraven with weird characters, is
+missing. I have heard that it is in your husband&rsquo;s
+possession, and if you can get me that stone you shall have
+any of these jewels that you choose. But you will have
+to pretend that you want it for yourself; and, above all, do
+not mention me, for he sets great store by it, and would
+never part with it to a stranger! To-morrow I will return
+with some jewels yet finer than those I have with me to-day.
+So, madam, farewell!&rsquo;</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">Left alone, the princess began to think of many things,
+but chiefly as to whether she would persuade her
+husband to give her the stone or not. At one moment
+she felt he had already bestowed so much upon her that
+it was a shame to ask for the only object he had kept back.
+No, it would be mean; she could not do it! But
+then, those diamonds, and those strings of pearls! After
+all, they had only been married a week, and the pleasure
+of giving it to her ought to be far greater than the pleasure
+of keeping it for himself. And she was sure it <em>would</em>
+be!</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">Well, that evening, when the young man had supped
+off his favourite dishes which the princess took care to
+have specially prepared for him, she sat down close beside
+him, and began stroking his hand. For some time she
+did not speak, but listened attentively to all the adventures
+that had befallen him that day.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;But I was thinking of you all the time,&rsquo; said he at the
+end, &lsquo;and wishing that I could bring you back something
+you would like. But, alas! what is there that you do not
+possess already?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;How good of you not to forget me when you are in
+the midst of such dangers and hardships,&rsquo; answered she.
+&lsquo;Yes, it is true I have many beautiful things; but if you
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>133]</a></span>
+<em>want</em> to give me a present&mdash;and to-morrow is my birthday&mdash;there
+<em>is</em> one thing that I wish for very much.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And what is that? Of course you shall have it directly!&rsquo;
+he asked eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is that bright stone which fell out of the folds of
+your turban a few days ago,&rsquo; she answered, playing with
+his finger; &lsquo;the little stone with all those funny marks upon
+it. I never saw any stone like it before.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The young man did not answer at first; then he said,
+slowly:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have promised, and therefore I must perform. But
+will you swear never to part from it, and to keep it safely
+about you always? More I cannot tell you, but I beg
+you earnestly to take heed to this.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The princess was a little startled by his manner, and
+began to be sorry that she had ever listened to the Jew.
+But she did not like to draw back, and pretended to be
+immensely delighted at her new toy, and kissed and thanked
+her husband for it.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;After all I needn&rsquo;t give it to the Jew,&rsquo; thought she as
+she dropped to sleep.</p>
+
+<p>Unluckily the next morning the young man went
+hunting again, and the Jew, who was watching, knew this,
+and did not come till much later than before. At the
+moment that he knocked at the door of the palace the
+princess had tired of all her employments, and her attendants
+were at their wits&rsquo; end how to amuse her, when
+a tall negro dressed in scarlet came to announce that the
+Jew was below, and desired to know if the princess would
+speak with him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Bring him hither at once!&rsquo; cried she, springing up
+from her cushions, and forgetting all her resolves of the
+previous night. In another moment she was bending with
+rapture over the glittering gems.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Have you got it?&rsquo; asked the Jew in a whisper, for the
+princess&rsquo;s ladies were standing as near as they dared to
+catch a glimpse of the beautiful jewels.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>134]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Yes, here,&rsquo; she answered, slipping the stone from
+her sash and placing it among the rest. Then she
+raised her voice, and began to talk quickly of the prices
+of the chains and necklaces, and after some bargaining,
+to deceive the attendants, she declared that she liked one
+string of pearls better than all the rest, and that the Jew
+might take away the other things, which were not half so
+valuable as he supposed.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;As you please, madam,&rsquo; said he, bowing himself out
+of the palace.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after he had gone a curious thing happened. The
+princess carelessly touched the wall of her room, which
+was wont to reflect the warm red light of the fire
+on the hearth, and found her hand quite wet. She
+turned round, and&mdash;was it her fancy? or did the fire
+burn more dimly than before? Hurriedly she passed
+into the picture gallery, where pools of water showed here
+and there on the floor, and a cold chill ran through her
+whole body. At that instant her frightened ladies came
+running down the stairs, crying:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Madam! madam! what has happened? The palace
+is disappearing under our eyes!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;My husband will be home very soon,&rsquo; answered the
+princess&mdash;who, though nearly as much frightened as her
+ladies, felt that she must set them a good example. &lsquo;Wait
+till then, and he will tell us what to do.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So they waited, seated on the highest chairs they could
+find, wrapped in their warmest garments, and with piles of
+cushions under their feet, while the poor birds flew with
+numbed wings hither and thither, till they were so lucky
+as to discover an open window in some forgotten corner.
+Through this they vanished, and were seen no more.</p>
+
+<p>At last, when the princess and her ladies had been forced
+to leave the upper rooms, where the walls and floors
+had melted away, and to take refuge in the hall, the young
+man came home. He had ridden back along a winding
+road from which he did not see the palace till
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>135]</a></span>
+he was close upon it, and stood horrified at the spectacle
+before him. He knew in an instant that his
+wife must have betrayed his trust, but he would not reproach
+her, as she must be suffering enough already.
+Hurrying on he sprang over all that was left of the palace
+walls, and the princess gave a cry of relief at the sight of
+him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Come quickly,&rsquo; he said, &lsquo;or you will be frozen to
+death!&rsquo; And a dreary little procession set out for the
+king&rsquo;s palace, the greyhound and the cat bringing up the
+rear.</p>
+
+<p>At the gates he left them, though his wife besought him
+to allow her to enter.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You have betrayed me and ruined me,&rsquo; he said sternly;
+&lsquo;I go to seek my fortune alone.&rsquo; And without another
+word he turned and left her.</p>
+
+<p>With his falcon on his wrist, and his greyhound and
+cat behind him, the young man walked a long way, inquiring
+of everyone he met whether they had seen his
+enemy the Jew. But nobody had. Then he bade his
+falcon fly up into the sky&mdash;up, up, and up&mdash;and try if <em>his</em>
+sharp eyes could discover the old thief. The bird had to
+go so high that he did not return for some hours; but he
+told his master that the Jew was lying asleep in a splendid
+palace in a far country on the shores of the sea. This
+was delightful news to the young man, who instantly
+bought some meat for the falcon, bidding him make a
+good meal.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;To-morrow,&rsquo; said he, &lsquo;you will fly to the palace
+where the Jew lies, and while he is asleep you will search
+all about him for a stone on which is engraved strange
+signs; this you will bring to me. In three days I shall
+expect you back here.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, I must take the cat with me,&rsquo; answered the
+bird.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">The sun had not yet risen before the falcon soared high
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>136]</a></span>
+into the air, the cat seated on his back, with his paws tightly
+clasping the bird&rsquo;s neck.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You had better shut your eyes or you may get
+giddy,&rsquo; said the bird; and the cat, who had never before
+been off the ground except to climb a tree, did as she was
+bid.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 391px;">
+<a name="illo29" id="illo29"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb29.jpg" width="391" height="400"
+alt="I go to seek my fortune alone" />
+</div>
+
+<p>All that day and all that night they flew, and in the
+morning they saw the Jew&rsquo;s palace lying beneath them.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Dear me,&rsquo; said the cat, opening her eyes for the first
+time, &lsquo;that looks to me very like a rat city down
+there, let us go down to it; they may be able to help
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>137]</a></span>
+us.&rsquo; So they alighted in some bushes in the heart of the
+rat city. The falcon remained where he was, but the
+cat lay down outside the principal gate, causing terrible
+excitement among the rats.</p>
+
+<p>At length, seeing she did not move, one bolder than
+the rest put its head out of an upper window of the castle,
+and said, in a trembling voice:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Why have you come here? What do you want? If
+it is anything in our power, tell us, and we will do it.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If you would have let me speak to you before, I
+would have told you that I come as a friend,&rsquo; replied the
+cat; &lsquo;and I shall be greatly obliged if you would send
+four of the strongest and cunningest among you, to do
+me a service.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, we shall be delighted,&rsquo; answered the rat, much
+relieved. &lsquo;But if you will inform me what it is you wish
+them to do I shall be better able to judge who is most
+fitted for the post.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I thank you,&rsquo; said the cat. &lsquo;Well, what they have
+to do is this: To-night they must burrow under the
+walls of the castle and go up to the room where a Jew
+lies asleep. Somewhere about him he has hidden a stone,
+on which are engraved strange signs. When they have
+found it they must take it from him without his waking,
+and bring it to me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Your orders shall be obeyed,&rsquo; replied the rat. And
+he went out to give his instructions.</p>
+
+<p>About midnight the cat, who was still sleeping before
+the gate, was awakened by some water flung at him by
+the head rat, who could not make up his mind to open
+the doors.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Here is the stone you wanted,&rsquo; said he, when the cat
+started up with a loud mew; &lsquo;if you will hold up your
+paws I will drop it down.&rsquo; And so he did. &lsquo;And now
+farewell,&rsquo; continued the rat; &lsquo;you have a long way to go,
+and will do well to start before daybreak.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Your counsel is good,&rsquo; replied the cat, smiling to itself;
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>138]</a></span>
+and putting the stone in her mouth she went off to seek
+the falcon.</p>
+
+<p>Now all this time neither the cat nor the falcon had
+had any food, and the falcon soon got tired carrying
+such a heavy burden. When night arrived he declared
+he could go no further, but would spend it on the banks
+of a river.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And it is my turn to take care of the stone,&rsquo; said he,
+&lsquo;or it will seem as if you had done everything and I
+nothing.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No, I got it, and I will keep it,&rsquo; answered the cat, who
+was tired and cross; and they began a fine quarrel. But,
+unluckily, in the midst of it, the cat raised her voice, and
+the stone fell into the ear of a big fish which happened
+to be swimming by, and though both the cat and the falcon
+sprang into the water after it, they were too late.</p>
+
+<p>Half drowned, and more than half choked, the two
+faithful servants scrambled back to land again. The
+falcon flew to a tree and spread his wings in the sun to
+dry, but the cat, after giving herself a good shake, began
+to scratch up the sandy banks and to throw the bits into
+the stream.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What are you doing that for?&rsquo; asked a little fish.
+&lsquo;Do you know that you are making the water quite
+muddy?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That doesn&rsquo;t matter at all to me,&rsquo; answered the cat.
+&lsquo;I am going to fill up all the river, so that the fishes may
+die.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That is very unkind, as we have never done you any
+harm,&rsquo; replied the fish. &lsquo;Why are you so angry with
+us?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Because one of you has got a stone of mine&mdash;a stone
+with strange signs upon it&mdash;which dropped into the water.
+If you will promise to get it back for me, why, perhaps I
+will leave your river alone.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I will certainly try,&rsquo; answered the fish in a great
+hurry; &lsquo;but you must have a little patience, as it may not
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>139]</a></span>
+be an easy task.&rsquo; And in an instant his scales might be
+seen flashing quickly along.</p>
+
+<p>The fish swam as fast as he could to the sea, which
+was not far distant, and calling together all his relations
+who lived in the neighbourhood, he told them of the
+terrible danger which threatened the dwellers in the
+river.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 465px;">
+<a name="illo30" id="illo30"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb30.jpg" width="465" height="300"
+alt="The cat lets fall the stone" />
+</div>
+
+<p>&lsquo;None of us has got it,&rsquo; said the fishes, shaking their
+heads; &lsquo;but in the bay yonder there is a tunny who,
+although he is so old, always goes everywhere. He
+will be able to tell you about it, if anyone can.&rsquo; So the
+little fish swam off to the tunny, and again related his
+story.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Why <em>I</em> was up that river only a few hours ago!&rsquo; cried
+the tunny; &lsquo;and as I was coming back something fell into
+my ear, and there it is still, for I went to sleep when I
+got home and forgot all about it. Perhaps it may be
+what you want.&rsquo; And stretching up his tail he whisked
+out the stone.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>140]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Yes, I think that must be it,&rsquo; said the fish with joy.
+And taking the stone in his mouth he carried it to the
+place where the cat was waiting for him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am much obliged to you,&rsquo; said the cat, as the fish
+laid the stone on the sand, &lsquo;and to reward you, I will let
+your river alone.&rsquo; And she mounted the falcon&rsquo;s back,
+and they flew to their master.</p>
+
+<p>Ah, how glad he was to see them again with the magic
+stone in their possession. In a moment he had wished
+for a palace, but <em>this</em> time it was of green marble; and
+then he wished for the princess and her ladies to occupy
+it. And there they lived for many years, and when the
+old king died the princess&rsquo;s husband reigned in his stead.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(Adapted from <i>Contes Berb&egrave;res</i>.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>141]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE STORY OF MANUS</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>Far away over the sea of the West there reigned a king
+who had two sons; and the name of the one was Oireal,
+and the name of the other was Iarlaid. When the boys
+were still children, their father and mother died, and a
+great council was held, and a man was chosen from among
+them who would rule the kingdom till the boys were old
+enough to rule it themselves.</p>
+
+<p>The years passed on, and by-and-by another council
+was held, and it was agreed that the king&rsquo;s sons were
+now of an age to take the power which rightly belonged
+to them. So the youths were bidden to appear before
+the council, and Oireal the elder was smaller and weaker
+than his brother.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I like not to leave the deer on the hill and the fish
+in the rivers, and sit in judgment on my people,&rsquo; said
+Oireal, when he had listened to the words of the chief
+of the council. And the chief waxed angry, and answered
+quickly:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Not one clod of earth shall ever be yours if this day
+you do not take on yourself the vows that were taken
+by the king your father.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then spake Iarlaid, the younger, and he said: &lsquo;Let
+one half be yours, and the other give to me; then you will
+have fewer people to rule over.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes, I will do that,&rsquo; answered Oireal.</p>
+
+<p>After this, one half of the men of the land of Lochlann
+did homage to Oireal, and the other half to Iarlaid. And
+they governed their kingdoms as they would, and in a
+few years they became grown men with beards on their
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>142]</a></span>
+chins; and Iarlaid married the daughter of the king of
+Greece, and Oireal the daughter of the king of Orkney.
+The next year sons were born to Oireal and Iarlaid; and
+the son of Oireal was big and strong, but the son of Iarlaid
+was little and weak, and each had six foster brothers who
+went everywhere with the princes.</p>
+
+<p>One day Manus, son of Oireal, and his cousin, the
+son of Iarlaid, called to their foster brothers, and bade
+them come and play a game at shinny in the great field
+near the school where they were taught all that princes
+and nobles should know. Long they played, and swiftly
+did the ball pass from one to another, when Manus drove
+the ball at his cousin, the son of Iarlaid. The boy, who
+was not used to be roughly handled, even in jest, cried
+out that he was sorely hurt, and went home with his
+foster brothers and told his tale to his mother. The
+wife of Iarlaid grew white and angry as she listened, and
+thrusting her son aside, sought the council hall where
+Iarlaid was sitting.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Manus has driven a ball at my son, and fain would
+have slain him,&rsquo; said she. &lsquo;Let an end be put to him and
+his ill deeds.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>But Iarlaid answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Nay, I will not slay the son of my brother.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And he shall not slay my son,&rsquo; said the queen. And
+calling to her chamberlain she ordered him to lead the
+prince to the four brown boundaries of the world, and to
+leave him there with a wise man, who would care for
+him, and let no harm befall him. And the wise man
+set the boy on the top of a hill where the sun always
+shone, and he could see every man, but no man could
+see him.</p>
+
+<p>Then she summoned Manus to the castle, and for a
+whole year she kept him fast, and his own mother could
+not get speech of him. But in the end, when the wife
+of Oireal fell sick, Manus fled from the tower which was
+his prison, and stole back to his own home.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>143]</a></span>
+For a few years he stayed there in peace, and then the
+wife of Iarlaid his uncle sent for him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is time that you were married,&rsquo; she said, when
+she saw that Manus had grown tall and strong like unto
+Iarlaid. &lsquo;Tall and strong you are, and comely of face.
+I know a bride that will suit you well, and that is the
+daughter of the mighty earl of Finghaidh, that does
+homage for his lands to me. I myself will go with a
+great following to his house, and you shall go with
+me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Thus it was done; and though the earl&rsquo;s wife was
+eager to keep her daughter with her yet a while, she was
+fain to yield, as the wife of Iarlaid vowed that not a rood
+of land should the earl have, unless he did her bidding.
+But if he would give his daughter to Manus, she would
+bestow on him the third part of her own kingdom, with
+much treasure beside. This she did, not from love to
+Manus, but because she wished to destroy him. So they
+were married, and rode back with the wife of Iarlaid to
+her own palace. And that night, while he was sleeping,
+there came a wise man, who was his father&rsquo;s friend, and
+awoke him saying: &lsquo;Danger lies very close to you, Manus,
+son of Oireal. You hold yourself favoured because you
+have as a bride the daughter of a mighty earl; but do
+you know what bride the wife of Iarlaid sought for her
+own son? It was no worldly wife she found for <em>him</em>,
+but the swift March wind, and never can you prevail
+against her.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Is it thus?&rsquo; answered Manus. And at the first streak
+of dawn he went to the chamber where the queen lay in
+the midst of her maidens.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have come,&rsquo; he said, &lsquo;for the third part of the kingdom,
+and for the treasure which you promised me.&rsquo; But
+the wife of Iarlaid laughed as she heard him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Not a clod shall you have here,&rsquo; spake she. &lsquo;You
+must go to the Old Bergen for that. Mayhap under its
+stones and rough mountains you may find a treasure!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>144]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Then give me your son&rsquo;s six foster brothers as well
+as my own,&rsquo; answered he. And the queen gave them to
+him, and they set out for Old Bergen.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">A year passed by, and found them still in that wild
+land, hunting the reindeer, and digging pits for the mountain
+sheep to fall into. For a time Manus and his twelve
+companions lived merrily, but at length Manus grew
+weary of the strange country, and they all took ship for
+the land of Lochlann. The wind was fierce and cold,
+and long was the voyage; but, one spring day, they sailed
+into the harbour that lay beneath the castle of Iarlaid.
+The queen looked from her window and beheld him mounting
+the hill, with the twelve foster brothers behind him.
+Then she said to her husband: &lsquo;Manus has returned with
+his twelve foster brothers. Would that I could put an
+end to him and his murdering and his slaying.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That were a great pity,&rsquo; answered Iarlaid. &lsquo;And it
+is not I that will do it.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If you will not do it I will,&rsquo; said she. And she called
+the twelve foster brothers and made them vow fealty to
+herself. So Manus was left with no man, and sorrowful
+was he when he returned alone to Old Bergen. It was
+late when his foot touched the shore, and took the path
+towards the forest. On his way there he met him a man
+in a red tunic.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Is it you, Manus, come back again?&rsquo; asked he.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is I,&rsquo; answered Manus; &lsquo;alone have I returned from
+the land of Lochlann.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The man eyed him silently for a moment, and then
+he said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I dreamed that you were girt with a sword and became
+king of Lochlann.&rsquo; But Manus answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have no sword and my bow is broken.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I will give you a new sword if you will make me a promise,&rsquo;
+said the man once more.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;To be sure I will make it, if ever I am king,&rsquo;
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>145]</a></span>
+answered Manus. &lsquo;But speak, and tell me what promise
+I am to make!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I was your grandfather&rsquo;s armourer,&rsquo; replied the man,
+&lsquo;and I wish to be your armourer also.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 426px;">
+<a name="illo31" id="illo31"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb31.jpg" width="426" height="500"
+alt="How Manus got the lion's cub" />
+</div>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That I will promise readily,&rsquo; said Manus; and followed
+the man into his house, which was at a little distance.
+But the house was not like other houses, for the walls
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>146]</a></span>
+of every room were hung so thick with arms that you
+could not see the boards.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Choose what you will,&rsquo; said the man; and Manus unhooked
+a sword and tried it across his knee, and it broke,
+and so did the next, and the next.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Leave off breaking the swords,&rsquo; cried the man, &lsquo;and
+look at this old sword and helmet and tunic that I wore
+in the wars of your grandfather. Perhaps you may find
+them of stouter steel.&rsquo; And Manus bent the sword thrice
+across his knee but he could not break it. So he girded
+it to his side, and put on the old helmet. As he fastened
+the strap his eye fell on a cloth flapping outside the
+window.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What cloth is that?&rsquo; asked he.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is a cloth that was woven by the Little People of
+the forest,&rsquo; said the man; &lsquo;and when you are hungry it
+will give you food and drink, and if you meet a foe, he
+will not hurt you, but will stoop and kiss the back of your
+hand in token of submission. Take it, and use it well.&rsquo;
+Manus gladly wrapped the shawl round his arm, and
+was leaving the house, when he heard the rattling of a
+chain blown by the wind.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What chain is that?&rsquo; asked he.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The creature who has that chain round his neck, need
+not fear a hundred enemies,&rsquo; answered the armourer.
+And Manus wound it round him and passed on into the
+forest.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly there sprang out from the bushes two lions,
+and a lion cub with them. The fierce beasts bounded
+towards him, roaring loudly, and would fain have eaten
+him, but quickly Manus stooped and spread the cloth
+upon the ground. At that the lions stopped, and bowing
+their great heads, kissed the back of his wrist and went
+their ways. But the cub rolled itself up in the cloth; so
+Manus picked them both up, and carried them with him
+to Old Bergen.</p>
+
+<p>Another year went by, and then he took the lion cub
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>147]</a></span>
+and set forth to the land of Lochlann. And the wife of
+Iarlaid came to meet him, and a brown dog, small but
+full of courage, came with her. When the dog beheld
+the lion cub he rushed towards him, thinking to eat him;
+but the cub caught the dog by the neck, and shook him,
+and he was dead. And the wife of Iarlaid mourned him
+sore, and her wrath was kindled, and many times she
+tried to slay Manus and his cub, but she could not. And
+at last they two went back to Old Bergen, and the twelve
+foster brothers went also.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Let them go,&rsquo; said the wife of Iarlaid, when she heard
+of it. &lsquo;My brother the Red Gruagach will take the head
+off Manus as well in Old Bergen as elsewhere.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Now these words were carried by a messenger to the
+wife of Oireal, and she made haste and sent a ship to Old
+Bergen to bear away her son before the Red Gruagach
+should take the head off him. And in the ship was a
+pilot. But the wife of Iarlaid made a thick fog to cover
+the face of the sea, and the rowers could not row, lest
+they should drive the ship on to a rock. And when night
+came, the lion cub, whose eyes were bright and keen,
+stole up to Manus, and Manus got on his back, and the
+lion cub sprang ashore and bade Manus rest on the rock
+and wait for him. So Manus slept, and by-and-by a
+voice sounded in his ears, saying: &lsquo;Arise!&rsquo; And he saw
+a ship in the water beneath him, and in the ship sat the
+lion cub in the shape of the pilot.</p>
+
+<p>Then they sailed away through the fog, and none saw
+them; and they reached the land of Lochlann, and the
+lion cub with the chain round his neck sprang from the
+ship and Manus followed after. And the lion cub killed
+all the men that guarded the castle, and Iarlaid and his
+wife also, so that, in the end, Manus son of Oireal was
+crowned king of Lochlann.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(Shortened from <i>West Highland Tales</i>.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>148]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>PINKEL THE THIEF</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>Long, long ago there lived a widow who had three sons.
+The two eldest were grown up, and though they were
+known to be idle fellows, some of the neighbours had
+given them work to do on account of the respect in
+which their mother was held. But at the time this
+story begins they had both been so careless and idle
+that their masters declared they would keep them no
+longer.</p>
+
+<p>So home they went to their mother and youngest
+brother, of whom they thought little, because he made
+himself useful about the house, and looked after the hens,
+and milked the cow. &lsquo;Pinkel,&rsquo; they called him in scorn,
+and by-and-by &lsquo;Pinkel&rsquo; became his name throughout the
+village.</p>
+
+<p>The two young men thought it was much nicer to live
+at home and be idle than to be obliged to do a quantity
+of disagreeable things they did not like, and they would
+have stayed by the fire till the end of their lives had
+not the widow lost patience with them and said that
+since they would not look for work at home they
+must seek it elsewhere, for she would not have them
+under her roof any longer. But she repented bitterly
+of her words when Pinkel told her that he too was
+old enough to go out into the world, and that when he had
+made a fortune he would send for his mother to keep house
+for him.</p>
+
+<p>The widow wept many tears at parting from her
+youngest son, but as she saw that his heart was set
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>149]</a></span>
+upon going with his brothers, she did not try to keep him.
+So the young men started off one morning in high spirits,
+never doubting that work such as they might be willing
+to do would be had for the asking, as soon as their little
+store of money was spent.</p>
+
+<p>But a very few days of wandering opened their eyes.
+Nobody seemed to want them, or, if they did, the young
+men declared that they were not able to undertake all
+that the farmers or millers or woodcutters required of
+them. The youngest brother, who was wiser, would
+gladly have done some of the work that the others
+refused, but he was small and slight, and no one thought
+of offering him any. Therefore they went from one
+place to another, living only on the fruit and nuts
+they could find in the woods, and getting hungrier every
+day.</p>
+
+<p>One night, after they had been walking for many
+hours and were very tired, they came to a large lake
+with an island in the middle of it. From the island
+streamed a strong light, by which they could see everything
+almost as clearly as if the sun had been shining,
+and they perceived that, lying half hidden in the rushes,
+was a boat.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Let us take it and row over to the island, where
+there must be a house,&rsquo; said the eldest brother; &lsquo;and
+perhaps they will give us food and shelter.&rsquo; And they all
+got in and rowed across in the direction of the light. As
+they drew near the island they saw that it came from a
+golden lantern hanging over the door of a hut, while
+sweet tinkling music proceeded from some bells attached
+to the golden horns of a goat which was feeding near the
+cottage. The young men&rsquo;s hearts rejoiced as they
+thought that at last they would be able to rest their
+weary limbs, and they entered the hut, but were amazed
+to see an ugly old woman inside, wrapped in a cloak of
+gold which lighted up the whole house. They looked
+at each other uneasily as she came forward with her
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>150]</a></span>
+daughter, as they knew by the cloak that this was a famous
+witch.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What do you want?&rsquo; asked she, at the same time
+signing to her daughter to stir the large pot on the
+fire.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;We are tired and hungry, and would fain have shelter
+for the night,&rsquo; answered the eldest brother.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You cannot get it here,&rsquo; said the witch, &lsquo;but you will
+find both food and shelter in the palace on the other side
+of the lake. Take your boat and go; but leave this boy
+with me&mdash;I can find work for him, though something
+tells me he is quick and cunning, and will do me ill.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What harm can a poor boy like me do a great Troll
+like you,&rsquo; answered Pinkel. &lsquo;Let me go, I pray you,
+with my brothers. I will promise never to hurt you.&rsquo;
+And at last the witch let him go, and he followed his brothers
+to the boat.</p>
+
+<p>The way was further than they thought, and it was
+morning before they reached the palace.</p>
+
+<p>Now, at last, their luck seemed to have turned, for
+while the two eldest were given places in the king&rsquo;s stables,
+Pinkel was taken as page to the little prince. He was
+a clever and amusing boy, who saw everything that passed
+under his eyes, and the king noticed this, and often employed
+him in his own service, which made his brothers
+very jealous.</p>
+
+<p>Things went on in this way for some time, and
+Pinkel every day rose in the royal favour. At length the
+envy of his brothers became so great that they could
+bear it no longer, and consulted together how best they
+might ruin his credit with the king. They did not wish
+to kill him&mdash;though, perhaps, they would not have been
+sorry if they had heard he was dead&mdash;but merely wished
+to remind him that he was after all only a child, not half
+so old and wise as they.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 407px;">
+<a name="illo32" id="illo32"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb32.jpg" width="407" height="450"
+alt="Pinkel brings the witch's lantern to the king" />
+</div>
+
+<p>Their opportunity soon came. It happened to be the
+king&rsquo;s custom to visit his stables once a week, so that he
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>151]</a></span>
+might see that his horses were being properly cared for.
+The next time he entered the stables the two brothers
+managed to be in the way, and when the king praised
+the beautiful satin skins of the horses under their charge,
+and remarked how different was their condition when his
+grooms had first come across the lake, the young men at
+once began to speak of the wonderful light which sprang
+from the lantern over the hut. The king, who had a
+passion for collecting all the rarest things he could find,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>152]</a></span>
+fell into the trap directly, and inquired where he could
+get this marvellous lantern.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Send Pinkel for it, Sire,&rsquo; said they. &lsquo;It belongs to
+an old witch, who no doubt came by it in some evil way.
+But Pinkel has a smooth tongue, and he can get the better
+of any woman, old or young.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Then bid him go this very night,&rsquo; cried the king; &lsquo;and
+if he brings me the lantern I will make him one of the
+chief men about my person.&rsquo;</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">Pinkel was much pleased at the thought of his
+adventure, and without more ado he borrowed a little
+boat which lay moored to the shore, and rowed over to
+the island at once. It was late by the time he arrived,
+and almost dark, but he knew by the savoury smell that
+reached him that the witch was cooking her supper. So
+he climbed softly on to the roof, and, peering, watched
+till the old woman&rsquo;s back was turned, when he quickly
+drew a handful of salt from his pocket and threw it into
+the pot. Scarcely had he done this when the witch
+called her daughter and bade her lift the pot off the fire
+and put the stew into a dish, as it had been cooking quite
+long enough and she was hungry. But no sooner had
+she tasted it than she put her spoon down, and declared
+that her daughter must have been meddling with it, for
+it was impossible to eat anything that was all made of
+salt.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Go down to the spring in the valley, and get some
+fresh water, that I may prepare a fresh supper,&rsquo; cried she,
+&lsquo;for I feel half-starved.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;But, mother,&rsquo; answered the girl, &lsquo;how can I find the
+well in this darkness? For you know that the lantern&rsquo;s
+rays shed no light down there.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, then, take the lantern with you,&rsquo; answered the
+witch, &lsquo;for supper I must have, and there is no water
+that is nearer.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So the girl took her pail in one hand and the golden
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>153]</a></span>
+lantern in the other, and hastened away to the well,
+followed by Pinkel, who took care to keep out of the way
+of the rays. When at last she stooped to fill her pail at
+the well Pinkel pushed her into it, and snatching up the
+lantern hurried back to his boat and rowed off from the
+shore.</p>
+
+<p>He was already a long distance from the island when
+the witch, who wondered what had become of her
+daughter, went to the door to look for her. Close around
+the hut was thick darkness, but what was that bobbing
+light that streamed across the water? The witch&rsquo;s
+heart sank as all at once it flashed upon her what had
+happened.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Is that you, Pinkel?&rsquo; cried she; and the youth
+answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes, dear mother, it is I!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And are you not a knave for robbing me?&rsquo; said she.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Truly, dear mother, I am,&rsquo; replied Pinkel, rowing
+faster than ever, for he was half afraid that the witch
+might come after him. But she had no power on the
+water, and turned angrily into the hut, muttering to herself
+all the while:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Take care! take care! A second time you will not
+escape so easily!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The sun had not yet risen when Pinkel returned to
+the palace, and, entering the king&rsquo;s chamber, he held up
+the lantern so that its rays might fall upon the bed. In
+an instant the king awoke, and seeing the golden lantern
+shedding its light upon him, he sprang up, and embraced
+Pinkel with joy.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;O cunning one,&rsquo; cried he, &lsquo;what treasure hast thou
+brought me!&rsquo; And calling for his attendants he ordered
+that rooms next his own should be prepared for Pinkel,
+and that the youth might enter his presence at any
+hour. And besides this, he was to have a seat on the
+council.</p>
+
+<p>It may easily be guessed that all this made the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>154]</a></span>
+brothers more envious than they were before; and they
+cast about in their minds afresh how best they might
+destroy him. At length they remembered the goat with
+the golden horns and the bells, and they rejoiced; &lsquo;For,&rsquo;
+said they, &lsquo;<em>this</em> time the old woman will be on the watch,
+and let him be as clever as he likes, the bells on the
+horns are sure to warn her.&rsquo; So when, as before, the
+king came down to the stables and praised the cleverness
+of their brother, the young men told him of that other
+marvel possessed by the witch, the goat with the golden
+horns.</p>
+
+<p>From this moment the king never closed his eyes at
+night for longing after this wonderful creature. He
+understood something of the danger that there might be
+in trying to steal it, now that the witch&rsquo;s suspicions were
+aroused, and he spent hours in making plans for outwitting
+her. But somehow he never could think of anything
+that would do, and at last, as the brothers had
+foreseen, he sent for Pinkel.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I hear,&rsquo; he said, &lsquo;that the old witch on the island has
+a goat with golden horns, from which hang bells that
+tinkle the sweetest music. That goat I must have!
+But, tell me, how am I to get it? I would give the
+third part of my kingdom to anyone that would bring
+it to me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I will fetch it myself,&rsquo; answered Pinkel.</p>
+
+<p>This time it was easier for Pinkel to approach the island
+unseen, as there was no golden lantern to throw its beams
+over the water. But, on the other hand, the goat slept
+inside the hut, and would therefore have to be taken from
+under the very eyes of the old woman. How was he to
+do it? All the way across the lake he thought and thought,
+till at length a plan came into his head which seemed
+as if it might do, though he knew it would be very difficult
+to carry out.</p>
+
+<p>The first thing he did when he reached the shore
+was to look about for a piece of wood, and when he had
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>155]</a></span>
+found it he hid himself close to the hut, till it grew quite
+dark and near the hour when the witch and her daughter
+went to bed. Then he crept up and fixed the wood
+under the door, which opened outwards, in such a
+manner that the more you tried to shut it the more
+firmly it stuck. And this was what happened when the
+girl went as usual to bolt the door and make all fast for
+the night.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What are you doing?&rsquo; asked the witch, as her daughter
+kept tugging at the handle.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;There is something the matter with the door; it won&rsquo;t
+shut,&rsquo; answered she.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, leave it alone; there is nobody to hurt us,&rsquo; said
+the witch, who was very sleepy; and the girl did as
+she was bid, and went to bed. Very soon they both
+might have been heard snoring, and Pinkel knew that
+his time was come. Slipping off his shoes he stole into
+the hut on tiptoe, and taking from his pockets some food
+of which the goat was particularly fond, he laid it under
+his nose. Then, while the animal was eating it, he
+stuffed each golden bell with wool which he had also
+brought with him, stopping every minute to listen, lest
+the witch should awaken, and he should find himself
+changed into some dreadful bird or beast. But the
+snoring still continued, and he went on with his work as
+quickly as he could. When the last bell was done he
+drew another handful of food out of his pocket, and held
+it out to the goat, which instantly rose to its feet and
+followed Pinkel, who backed slowly to the door, and
+directly he got outside he seized the goat in his arms
+and ran down to the place where he had moored his
+boat.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as he had reached the middle of the lake, Pinkel
+took the wool out of the bells, which began to
+tinkle loudly. Their sound awoke the witch, who cried
+out as before:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Is that you, Pinkel?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>156]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Yes, dear mother, it is I,&rsquo; said Pinkel.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Have you stolen my golden goat?&rsquo; asked she.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes, dear mother, I have,&rsquo; answered Pinkel.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Are you not a knave, Pinkel?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes, dear mother, I am,&rsquo; he replied. And the old
+witch shouted in a rage:</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 388px;">
+<a name="illo33" id="illo33"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb33.jpg" width="388" height="300"
+alt="Pinkel steals the witch's goat" />
+</div>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Ah! beware how you come hither again, for next time
+you shall not escape me!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>But Pinkel only laughed and rowed on.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">The king was so delighted with the goat that he always
+kept it by his side, night and day; and, as he had promised,
+Pinkel was made ruler over the third part of the
+kingdom. As may be supposed, the brothers were more
+furious than ever, and grew quite thin with rage.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;How can we get rid of him?&rsquo; said one to the other.
+And at length they remembered the golden cloak.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>157]</a></span>
+&lsquo;He will need to be clever if he is to steal <em>that</em>!&rsquo; they
+cried, with a chuckle. And when next the king came
+to see his horses they began to speak of Pinkel and his
+marvellous cunning, and how he had contrived to steal
+the lantern and the goat, which nobody else would have
+been able to do.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;But as he <em>was</em> there, it is a pity he could not have brought
+away the golden cloak,&rsquo; added they.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The golden cloak! what is that?&rsquo; asked the king.
+And the young men described its beauties in such glowing
+words that the king declared he should never know a
+day&rsquo;s happiness till he had wrapped the cloak round his
+own shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And,&rsquo; added he, &lsquo;the man who brings it to me shall
+wed my daughter, and shall inherit my throne.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;None can get it save Pinkel,&rsquo; said they; for they did
+not imagine that the witch, after two warnings, could allow
+their brother to escape a third time. So Pinkel was sent
+for, and with a glad heart he set out.</p>
+
+<p>He passed many hours inventing first one plan and
+then another, till he had a scheme ready which he thought
+might prove successful.</p>
+
+<p>Thrusting a large bag inside his coat, he pushed off
+from the shore, taking care this time to reach the island
+in daylight. Having made his boat fast to a tree, he walked
+up to the hut, hanging his head, and putting on a face
+that was both sorrowful and ashamed.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Is that you, Pinkel?&rsquo; asked the witch when she saw
+him, her eyes gleaming savagely.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes, dear mother, it is I,&rsquo; answered Pinkel.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;So you have dared, after all you have done, to put
+yourself in my power!&rsquo; cried she. &lsquo;Well, you sha&rsquo;n&rsquo;t
+escape me <em>this</em> time!&rsquo; And she took down a large knife
+and began to sharpen it.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh! dear mother, spare me!&rsquo; shrieked Pinkel, falling
+on his knees, and looking wildly about him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Spare you, indeed, you thief! Where are my lantern
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>158]</a></span>
+and my goat? No! no! there is only one fate for robbers!&rsquo;
+And she brandished the knife in the air so that it glittered
+in the firelight.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Then, if I <em>must</em> die,&rsquo; said Pinkel, who, by this time,
+was getting really rather frightened, &lsquo;let me at least choose
+the manner of my death. I am very hungry, for
+I have had nothing to eat all day. Put some poison, if
+you like, into the porridge, but at least let me have a good
+meal before I die.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That is not a bad idea,&rsquo; answered the woman; &lsquo;as
+long as you <em>do</em> die, it is all one to me.&rsquo; And ladling out
+a large bowl of porridge, she stirred some poisonous herbs
+into it, and set about some work that had to be done.
+Then Pinkel hastily poured all the contents of the bowl
+into his bag, and made a great noise with his spoon, as if
+he was scraping up the last morsel.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Poisoned or not, the porridge is excellent. I have
+eaten it, every scrap; do give me some more,&rsquo; said Pinkel,
+turning towards her.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, you have a fine appetite, young man,&rsquo; answered
+the witch; &lsquo;however, it is the last time you will
+ever eat it, so I will give you another bowlful.&rsquo; And
+rubbing in the poisonous herbs, she poured him out half
+of what remained, and then went to the window to call
+her cat.</p>
+
+<p>In an instant Pinkel again emptied the porridge into
+the bag, and the next minute he rolled on the floor,
+twisting himself about as if in agony, uttering loud
+groans the while. Suddenly he grew silent and lay still.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Ah! I thought a second dose of that poison would be
+too much for you,&rsquo; said the witch looking at him. &lsquo;I
+warned you what would happen if you came back. I
+wish that all thieves were as dead as you! But why
+does not my lazy girl bring the wood I sent her for, it
+will soon be too dark for her to find her way? I suppose
+I must go and search for her. What a trouble girls are!&rsquo;
+And she went to the door to watch if there were any signs
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>159]</a></span>
+of her daughter. But nothing could be seen of her, and
+heavy rain was falling.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is no night for my cloak,&rsquo; she muttered; &lsquo;it would
+be covered with mud by the time I got back.&rsquo; So she
+took it off her shoulders and hung it carefully up in a
+cupboard in the room. After that she put on her
+clogs and started to seek her daughter. Directly the
+last sound of the clogs had ceased, Pinkel jumped up
+and took down the cloak, and rowed off as fast as he
+could.</p>
+
+<p>He had not gone far when a puff of wind unfolded
+the cloak, and its brightness shed gleams across the
+water. The witch, who was just entering the forest,
+turned round at that moment and saw the golden rays.
+She forgot all about her daughter, and ran down to the
+shore, screaming with rage at being outwitted a third
+time.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Is that you, Pinkel?&rsquo; cried she.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes, dear mother, it is I.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Have you taken my gold cloak?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes, dear mother, I have.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Are you not a great knave?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes, truly dear mother, I am.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And so indeed he was!</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">But, all the same, he carried the cloak to the king&rsquo;s
+palace, and in return he received the hand of the king&rsquo;s
+daughter in marriage. People said that it was the bride
+who ought to have worn the cloak at her wedding feast;
+but the king was so pleased with it that he would not part
+from it; and to the end of his life was never seen without
+it. After his death, Pinkel became king; and let
+us hope that he gave up his bad and thievish ways, and
+ruled his subjects well. As for his brothers, he did not
+punish them, but left them in the stables, where they
+grumbled all day long.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(Thorpe&rsquo;s <i>Yule-Tide Stories</i>.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>160]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE ADVENTURES OF A JACKAL</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>In a country which is full of wild beasts of all sorts
+there once lived a jackal and a hedgehog, and, unlike
+though they were, the two animals made great friends,
+and were often seen in each other&rsquo;s company.</p>
+
+<p>One afternoon they were walking along a road
+together, when the jackal, who was the taller of the two,
+exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh! there is a barn full of corn; let us go and eat
+some.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes, do let us!&rsquo; answered the hedgehog. So they
+went to the barn, and ate till they could eat no more.
+Then the jackal put on his shoes, which he had taken off
+so as to make no noise, and they returned to the high
+road.</p>
+
+<p>After they had gone some way they met a panther,
+who stopped, and bowing politely, said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Excuse my speaking to you, but I cannot help admiring
+those shoes of yours. Do you mind telling me who
+made them?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes, I think they <em>are</em> rather nice,&rsquo; answered the jackal;
+&lsquo;I made them myself, though.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Could you make me a pair like them?&rsquo; asked the panther
+eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I would do my best, of course,&rsquo; replied the jackal;
+&lsquo;but you must kill me a cow, and when we have eaten
+the flesh I will take the skin and make your shoes out
+of it.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So the panther prowled about until he saw a fine
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>161]</a></span>
+cow grazing apart from the rest of the herd. He killed
+it instantly, and then gave a cry to the jackal and hedgehog
+to come to the place where he was. They soon skinned
+the dead beast, and spread its skin out to dry, after which
+they had a grand feast before they curled themselves up
+for the night, and slept soundly.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning the jackal got up early and set to work
+upon the shoes, while the panther sat by and looked on
+with delight. At last they were finished, and the jackal
+arose and stretched himself.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Now go and lay them in the sun out there,&rsquo; said he;
+&lsquo;in a couple of hours they will be ready to put on; but
+do not attempt to wear them before, or you will feel them
+most uncomfortable. But I see the sun is high in the
+heavens, and we must be continuing our journey.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The panther, who always believed what everybody
+told him, did exactly as he was bid, and in two hours&rsquo;
+time began to fasten on the shoes. They certainly set
+off his paws wonderfully, and he stretched out his fore-paws
+and looked at them with pride. But when he
+tried to <em>walk</em>&mdash;ah! that was another story! They were
+so stiff and hard that he nearly shrieked every step he
+took, and at last he sank down where he was, and actually
+began to cry.</p>
+
+<p>After some time some little partridges who were hopping
+about heard the poor panther&rsquo;s groans, and went
+up to see what was the matter. He had never tried to
+make his dinner off <em>them</em>, and they had always been quite
+friendly.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You seem in pain,&rsquo; said one of them, fluttering close
+to him, &lsquo;can we help you?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, it is the jackal! He made me these shoes; they
+are so hard and tight that they hurt my feet, and I cannot
+manage to kick them off.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Lie still, and we will soften them,&rsquo; answered the kind
+little partridge. And calling to his brothers, they all
+flew to the nearest spring, and carried water in their beaks,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>162]</a></span>
+which they poured over the shoes. This they did till
+the hard leather grew soft, and the panther was able to
+slip his feet out of them.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, thank you, thank you,&rsquo; he cried, skipping round
+with joy. &lsquo;I feel a different creature. Now I will go
+after the jackal and pay him my debts.&rsquo; And he bounded
+away into the forest.</p>
+
+<p>But the jackal had been very cunning, and had
+trotted backwards and forwards and in and out, so that
+it was very difficult to know which track he had really
+followed. At length, however, he caught sight of his
+enemy, at the same moment that the jackal had caught
+sight of him. The panther gave a loud roar, and sprung
+forward, but the jackal was too quick for him and
+plunged into a dense thicket, where the panther could
+not follow.</p>
+
+<p>Disgusted with his failure, but more angry than ever,
+the panther lay down for a while to consider what he
+should do next, and as he was thinking, an old man
+came by.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh! father, tell me how I can repay the jackal for
+the way he has served me!&rsquo; And without more ado he
+told his story.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If you take my advice,&rsquo; answered the old man, &lsquo;you
+will kill a cow, and invite all the jackals in the forest to
+the feast. Watch them carefully while they are eating,
+and you will see that most of them keep their eyes on
+their food. But if one of them glances at <em>you</em>, you will
+know that is the traitor.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The panther, whose manners were always good,
+thanked the old man, and followed his counsel. The
+cow was killed, and the partridges flew about with
+invitations to the jackals, who gathered in large numbers
+to the feast. The wicked jackal came amongst them;
+but as the panther had only seen him once he could not
+distinguish him from the rest. However, they all took
+their places on wooden seats placed round the dead cow,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>163]</a></span>
+which was laid across the boughs of a fallen tree, and
+began their dinner, each jackal fixing his eyes greedily
+on the piece of meat before him. Only one of them
+seemed uneasy, and every now and then glanced in the
+direction of his host. This the panther noticed, and
+suddenly made a bound at the culprit and seized his tail;
+but again the jackal was too quick for him, and catching
+up a knife he cut off his tail and darted into the forest,
+followed by all the rest of the party. And before the
+panther had recovered from his surprise he found himself
+alone.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What am I to do <em>now</em>?&rsquo; he asked the old man, who
+soon came back to see how things had turned out.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is very unfortunate, certainly,&rsquo; answered he; &lsquo;but
+I think I know where you can find him. There is a melon
+garden about two miles from here, and as jackals are
+very fond of melons they are nearly sure to have gone
+there to feed. If you see a tailless jackal you will know
+that he is the one you want.&rsquo; So the panther thanked
+him and went his way.</p>
+
+<p>Now the jackal had guessed what advice the old man
+would give his enemy, and so, while his friends were greedily
+eating the ripest melons in the sunniest corner of the garden,
+he stole behind them and tied their tails together.
+He had only just finished when his ears caught the sound
+of breaking branches; and he cried: &lsquo;Quick! quick! here
+comes the master of the garden!&rsquo; And the jackals sprang
+up and ran away in all directions, leaving their tails behind
+them. And how was the panther to know which
+was his enemy?</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;They none of them had any tails,&rsquo; he said sadly to
+the old man, &lsquo;and I am tired of hunting them. I shall
+leave them alone and go and catch something for
+supper.&rsquo;</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">Of course the hedgehog had not been able to take
+part in any of these adventures; but as soon as all danger
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>164]</a></span>
+was over, the jackal went to look for his friend whom
+he was lucky enough to find at home.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Ah, there you are,&rsquo; he said gaily. &lsquo;I have lost my
+tail since I saw you last. And other people have lost
+theirs too; but that is no matter! I am hungry, so come
+with me to the shepherd who is sitting over there, and
+we will ask him to sell us one of his sheep.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes, that is a good plan,&rsquo; answered the hedgehog.
+And he walked as fast as his little legs would go to keep
+up with the jackal. When they reached the shepherd
+the jackal pulled out his purse from under his foreleg,
+and made his bargain.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Only wait till to-morrow,&rsquo; said the shepherd, &lsquo;and I
+will give you the biggest sheep you ever saw. But he
+always feeds at some distance from the rest of the flock,
+and it would take me a long time to catch him.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, it is very tiresome, but I suppose I must wait,&rsquo;
+replied the jackal. And he and the hedgehog looked about
+for a nice dry cave in which to make themselves comfortable
+for the night. But, after they had gone, the
+shepherd killed one of his sheep, and stripped off his skin,
+which he sewed tightly round a greyhound he had with
+him, and put a cord round its neck. Then he lay down
+and went to sleep.</p>
+
+<p>Very, very early, before the sun was properly up, the
+jackal and the hedgehog were pulling at the shepherd&rsquo;s
+cloak.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Wake up,&rsquo; they said, &lsquo;and give us that sheep. We
+have had nothing to eat all night, and are very hungry.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The shepherd yawned, and rubbed his eyes. &lsquo;He is tied
+up to that tree; go and take him.&rsquo; So they went to the
+tree and unfastened the cord, and turned to go back to
+the cave where they had slept, dragging the greyhound
+after them. When they reached the cave the jackal said
+to the hedgehog:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Before I kill him let me see whether he is fat or
+thin.&rsquo; And he stood a little way back, so that he might
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>165]</a></span>
+the better examine the animal. After looking at him,
+with his head on one side, for a minute or two, he nodded
+gravely.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;He is quite fat enough; he is a good sheep.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>But the hedgehog, who sometimes showed more cunning
+than anyone would have guessed, answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;My friend, you are talking nonsense. The wool is
+indeed a sheep&rsquo;s wool, but the paws of my uncle the greyhound
+peep out from underneath.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;He is a <em>sheep</em>,&rsquo; repeated the jackal, who did not like
+to think anyone cleverer than himself.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Hold the cord while <em>I</em> look at him,&rsquo; answered the
+hedgehog.</p>
+
+<p>Very unwillingly the jackal held the rope, while the
+hedgehog walked slowly round the greyhound till he
+reached the jackal again. He knew quite well by the
+paws and tail that it was a greyhound and not a sheep,
+that the shepherd had sold them; and as he could not tell
+what turn affairs might take, he resolved to get out of the
+way.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh! yes, you are right,&rsquo; he said to the jackal; &lsquo;but I
+never can eat till I have first drunk. I will just go and
+quench my thirst from that spring at the edge of the wood,
+and then I shall be ready for breakfast.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Don&rsquo;t be long, then,&rsquo; called the jackal, as the hedgehog
+hurried off at his best pace. And he lay down under
+a rock to wait for him.</p>
+
+<p>More than an hour passed by and the hedgehog had
+had plenty of time to go to the spring and back, and still
+there was no sign of him. And this was very natural,
+as he had hidden himself in some long grass under a
+tree!</p>
+
+<p>At length the jackal guessed that for some reason his
+friend had run away, and determined to wait for his
+breakfast no longer. So he went up to the place where
+the greyhound had been tethered and untied the rope.
+But just as he was about to spring on his back and give
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>166]</a></span>
+him a deadly bite, the jackal heard a low growl, which
+never proceeded from the throat of any sheep. Like a
+flash of lightning the jackal threw down the cord and
+was flying across the plain; but though his legs were long,
+the greyhound&rsquo;s legs were longer still, and he soon came
+up with his prey. The jackal turned to fight, but he
+was no match for the greyhound, and in a few minutes
+he was lying dead on the ground, while the greyhound
+was trotting peacefully back to the shepherd.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(<i>Nouveaux Contes Berb&egrave;res</i> par Ren&eacute; Basset.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>167]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE ADVENTURES OF THE JACKAL&rsquo;S ELDEST SON</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>Now, though the jackal was dead, he had left two sons
+behind him, every whit as cunning and tricky as their
+father. The elder of the two was a fine handsome
+creature, who had a pleasant manner and made many
+friends. The animal he saw most of was a hyena; and
+one day, when they were taking a walk together, they
+picked up a beautiful green cloak, which had evidently
+been dropped by some one riding across the plain on a
+camel. Of course each wanted to have it, and they
+almost quarrelled over the matter; but at length it was
+settled that the hyena should wear the cloak by day and
+the jackal by night. After a little while, however, the
+jackal became discontented with this arrangement, declaring
+that none of his friends, who were quite different
+from those of the hyena, could see the splendour of the
+mantle, and that it was only fair that he should sometimes
+be allowed to wear it by day. To this the hyena would
+by no means consent, and they were on the eve of a
+quarrel when the hyena proposed that they should ask
+the lion to judge between them. The jackal agreed to
+this, and the hyena wrapped the cloak about him, and
+they both trotted off to the lion&rsquo;s den.</p>
+
+<p>The jackal, who was fond of talking, at once told the
+story; and when it was finished the lion turned to the hyena
+and asked if it was true.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Quite true, your majesty,&rsquo; answered the hyena.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Then lay the cloak on the ground at my feet,&rsquo; said the
+lion, &lsquo;and I will give my judgment.&rsquo; So the mantle
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>168]</a></span>
+was spread upon the red earth, the hyena and the jackal
+standing on each side of it.</p>
+
+<p>There was silence for a few moments, and then the
+lion sat up, looking very great and wise.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;My judgment is that the garment shall belong
+wholly to whoever first rings the bell of the nearest
+mosque at dawn to-morrow. Now go; for much business
+awaits me!&rsquo;</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">All that night the hyena sat up, fearing lest the
+jackal should reach the bell before him, for the mosque
+was close at hand. With the first streak of dawn he
+bounded away to the bell, just as the jackal, who had
+slept soundly all night, was rising to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Good luck to you,&rsquo; cried the jackal. And throwing
+the cloak over his back he darted away across the plain,
+and was seen no more by his friend the hyena.</p>
+
+<p>After running several miles the jackal thought he was
+safe from pursuit, and seeing a lion and another hyena
+talking together, he strolled up to join them.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Good morning,&rsquo; he said; &lsquo;may I ask what is the matter?
+You seem very serious about something.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Pray sit down,&rsquo; answered the lion. &lsquo;We were wondering
+in which direction we should go to find the best dinner.
+The hyena wishes to go to the forest, and I to the mountains.
+What do you say?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, as I was sauntering over the plain, just now,
+I noticed a flock of sheep grazing, and some of them had
+wandered into a little valley quite out of sight of the
+shepherd. If you keep among the rocks you will never
+be observed. But perhaps you will allow me to go with
+you and show you the way?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You are really very kind,&rsquo; answered the lion. And
+they crept stealthily along till at length they reached the
+mouth of the valley where a ram, a sheep and a lamb
+were feeding on the rich grass, unconscious of their
+danger.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>169]</a></span>
+&lsquo;How shall we divide them?&rsquo; asked the lion in a whisper
+to the hyena.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, it is easily done,&rsquo; replied the hyena. &lsquo;The lamb
+for me, the sheep for the jackal, and the ram for the lion.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;So I am to have that lean creature, which is nothing
+but horns, am I?&rsquo; cried the lion in a rage. &lsquo;I will teach
+you to divide things in that manner!&rsquo; And he gave the
+hyena two great blows, which stretched him dead in a
+moment. Then he turned to the jackal and said: &lsquo;How
+would you divide them?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Quite differently from the hyena,&rsquo; replied the jackal.
+&lsquo;You will breakfast off the lamb, you will dine off the
+sheep, and you will sup off the ram.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Dear me, how clever you are! Who taught you such
+wisdom?&rsquo; exclaimed the lion, looking at him admiringly.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The fate of the hyena,&rsquo; answered the jackal, laughing,
+and running off at his best speed; for he saw two men
+armed with spears coming close behind the lion!</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">The jackal continued to run till at last he could run no
+longer. He flung himself under a tree panting for breath,
+when he heard a rustle amongst the grass, and his father&rsquo;s
+old friend the hedgehog appeared before him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, is it you?&rsquo; asked the little creature; &lsquo;how strange
+that we should meet so far from home!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have just had a narrow escape of my life,&rsquo; gasped the
+jackal, &lsquo;and I need some sleep. After that we must think
+of something to do to amuse ourselves.&rsquo; And he lay down
+again and slept soundly for a couple of hours.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Now I am ready,&rsquo; said he; &lsquo;have you anything to
+propose?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;In a valley beyond those trees,&rsquo; answered the hedgehog,
+&lsquo;there is a small farm-house where the best butter
+in the world is made. I know their ways, and in an
+hour&rsquo;s time the farmer&rsquo;s wife will be off to milk the cows,
+which she keeps at some distance. We could easily get
+in at the window of the shed where she keeps the butter,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>170]</a></span>
+and I will watch, lest some one should come unexpectedly,
+while you have a good meal. Then you shall watch, and
+I will eat.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That sounds a good plan,&rsquo; replied the jackal; and they
+set off together.</p>
+
+<p>But when they reached the farm-house the jackal said
+to the hedgehog: &lsquo;Go in and fetch the pots of butter, and
+I will hide them in a safe place.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh no,&rsquo; cried the hedgehog, &lsquo;I really couldn&rsquo;t. They
+would find out directly! And, besides, it is so different
+just eating a little now and then.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Do as I bid you <em>at once</em>,&rsquo; said the jackal, looking at the
+hedgehog so sternly that the little fellow dared say no more,
+and soon rolled the jars to the window where the jackal
+lifted them out one by one.</p>
+
+<p>When they were all in a row before him he gave a sudden
+start.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Run for your life,&rsquo; he whispered to his companion; &lsquo;I
+see the woman coming over the hill!&rsquo; And the hedgehog,
+his heart beating, set off as fast as he could. The
+jackal remained where he was, shaking with laughter, for
+the woman was not in sight at all, and he had only sent
+the hedgehog away because he did not want him to know
+where the jars of butter were buried. But every day he
+stole out to their hiding-place and had a delicious feast.</p>
+
+<p>At length, one morning, the hedgehog suddenly said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You never told me what you did with those jars?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, I hid them safely till the farm people should have
+forgotten all about them,&rsquo; replied the jackal. &lsquo;But as
+they are still searching for them we must wait a little longer,
+and then I&rsquo;ll bring them home, and we will share them between
+us.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So the hedgehog waited and waited; but every time
+he asked if there was no chance of getting the jars of
+butter the jackal put him off with some excuse. After a
+while the hedgehog became suspicious, and said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I should like to know where you have hidden them.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>171]</a></span>
+To-night, when it is quite dark, you shall show me the
+place.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I really <em>can&rsquo;t</em> tell you,&rsquo; answered the jackal. &lsquo;You
+talk so much that you would be sure to confide the secret
+to somebody, and then we should have had our trouble
+for nothing, besides running the risk of our necks being
+broken by the farmer. I can see that he is getting
+disheartened, and very soon he will give up the search.
+Have patience just a little longer.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The hedgehog said no more, and pretended to be
+satisfied; but when some days had gone by he woke the
+jackal, who was sleeping soundly after a hunt which had
+lasted several hours.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have just had notice,&rsquo; remarked the hedgehog,
+shaking him, &lsquo;that my family wish to have a banquet
+to-morrow, and they have invited you to it. Will you
+come?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Certainly,&rsquo; answered the jackal, &lsquo;with pleasure. But
+as I have to go out in the morning you can meet me on the
+road.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That will do very well,&rsquo; replied the hedgehog. And
+the jackal went to sleep again, for he was obliged to be
+up early.</p>
+
+<p>Punctual to the moment the hedgehog arrived at the
+place appointed for their meeting, and as the jackal was
+not there he sat down and waited for him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Ah, there you are!&rsquo; he cried, when the dusky yellow
+form at last turned the corner. &lsquo;I had nearly given you
+up! Indeed, I almost wish you had not come, for I hardly
+know where I shall hide you.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Why should you hide me anywhere?&rsquo; asked the jackal.
+&lsquo;What is the matter with you?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, so many of the guests have brought their dogs
+and mules with them, that I fear it may hardly be safe
+for you to go amongst them. No; don&rsquo;t run off that
+way,&rsquo; he added quickly, &lsquo;because there is another troop
+that are coming over the hill. Lie down here, and I will
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>172]</a></span>
+throw these sacks over you; and keep still for your life,
+whatever happens.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And what did happen was, that when the jackal was
+lying covered up, under a little hill, the hedgehog set a
+great stone rolling, which crushed him to death.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(<i>Contes Berb&egrave;res.</i>)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>173]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE ADVENTURES OF THE YOUNGER SON OF THE JACKAL</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>Now that the father and elder brother were both dead,
+all that was left of the jackal family was one son, who
+was no less cunning than the others had been. He did
+not like staying in the same place any better than they,
+and nobody ever knew in what part of the country he might
+be found next.</p>
+
+<p>One day, when he was wandering about he beheld a
+nice fat sheep, which was cropping the grass and seemed
+quite contented with her lot.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Good morning,&rsquo; said the jackal, &lsquo;I am so glad to see
+you. I have been looking for you everywhere.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;For <em>me</em>?&rsquo; answered the sheep, in an astonished voice;
+&lsquo;but we have never met before!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No; but I have <em>heard</em> of you. Oh! you don&rsquo;t know
+<em>what</em> fine things I have heard! Ah, well, some people
+have all the luck!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You are very kind, I am sure,&rsquo; answered the sheep,
+not knowing which way to look. &lsquo;Is there any way in
+which I can help you?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;There <em>is</em> something that I had set my heart on, though
+I hardly like to propose it on so short an acquaintance;
+but from what people have told me, I thought that you
+and I might keep house together comfortably, if you
+would only agree to try. I have several fields belonging
+to me, and if they are kept well watered they bear
+wonderful crops.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>174]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Perhaps I might come for a short time,&rsquo; said the sheep,
+with a little hesitation; &lsquo;and if we do not get on, we can
+but part company.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, thank you, thank you,&rsquo; cried the jackal; &lsquo;do not
+let us lose a moment.&rsquo; And he held out his paw in such
+an inviting manner that the sheep got up and trotted beside
+him till they reached home.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Now,&rsquo; said the jackal, &lsquo;you go to the well and fetch
+the water, and I will pour it into the trenches that run
+between the patches of corn.&rsquo; And as he did so he sang
+lustily. The work was very hard, but the sheep did not
+grumble, and by-and-by was rewarded at seeing the little
+green heads poking themselves through earth. After
+that the hot sun ripened them quickly, and soon harvest
+time was come. Then the grain was cut and ground and
+ready for sale.</p>
+
+<p>When everything was complete, the jackal said to the
+sheep:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Now let us divide it, so that we can each do what we
+like with his share.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You do it,&rsquo; answered the sheep; &lsquo;here are the scales.
+You must weigh it carefully.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So the jackal began to weigh it, and when he had finished,
+he counted out loud:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;One, two, three, four, five, six, seven parts for the jackal,
+and one part for the sheep. If she likes it she can take
+it, if not, she can leave it.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The sheep looked at the two heaps in silence&mdash;one so
+large, the other so small; and then she answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Wait for a minute, while I fetch some sacks to carry
+away my share.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>But it was not sacks that the sheep wanted; for as soon
+as the jackal could no longer see her she set forth at her
+best pace for the home of the greyhound, where she arrived
+panting with the haste she had made.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, good uncle, help me, I pray you!&rsquo; she cried, as
+soon as she could speak.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>175]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Why, what is the matter?&rsquo; asked the greyhound, looking
+up in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I beg you to return with me, and frighten the jackal
+into paying me what he owes me,&rsquo; answered the sheep.
+&lsquo;For months we have lived together, and I have twice
+every day drawn the water, while he only poured it into
+the trenches. Together we have reaped our harvest;
+and now, when the moment to divide our crop has come,
+he has taken seven parts for himself, and only left one
+for me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>She finished, and giving herself a twist, passed her woolly
+tail across her eyes; while the greyhound watched her,
+but held his peace. Then he said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Bring me a sack.&rsquo; And the sheep hastened away to
+fetch one. Very soon she returned, and laid the sack down
+before him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Open it wide, that I may get in,&rsquo; cried he; and when
+he was comfortably rolled up inside he bade the sheep
+take him on her back, and hasten to the place where she
+had left the jackal.</p>
+
+<p>She found him waiting for her, and pretending to be
+asleep, though she clearly saw him wink one of his eyes.
+However, she took no notice, but throwing the sack roughly
+on the ground, she exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Now measure!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>At this the jackal got up, and going to the heap of grain
+which lay close by, he divided it as before into eight portions&mdash;seven
+for himself and one for the sheep.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What are you doing that for?&rsquo; asked she indignantly.
+&lsquo;You know quite well that it was I who drew the water,
+and you who only poured it into the trenches.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You are mistaken,&rsquo; answered the jackal. &lsquo;It was <em>I</em>
+who drew the water, and <em>you</em> who poured it into the
+trenches. Anybody will tell you that! If you like, I
+will ask those people who are digging there.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Very well,&rsquo; replied the sheep. And the jackal called
+out:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>176]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Ho! you diggers, tell me: Who was it you heard singing
+over the work?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Why, it was you, of course, jackal! You sang so loud
+that the whole world might have heard you!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And who is it that sings&mdash;he who draws the water,
+or he who empties it?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Why, certainly he who draws the water!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You hear?&rsquo; said the jackal, turning to the sheep. &lsquo;Now
+come and carry away your own portion, or else I shall take
+it for myself.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You have got the better of me,&rsquo; answered the sheep;
+&lsquo;and I suppose I must confess myself beaten! But as
+I bear no malice, go and eat some of the dates that I
+have brought in that sack.&rsquo; And the jackal, who loved
+dates, ran instantly back, and tore open the mouth of the
+sack. But just as he was about to plunge his nose in
+he saw two brown eyes calmly looking at him. In an
+instant he had let fall the flap of the sack and bounded
+back to where the sheep was standing.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I was only in fun; and you have brought my uncle
+the greyhound. Take away the sack, we will make the
+division over again.&rsquo; And he began re-arranging the
+heaps.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, for my mother
+the sheep, and one for the jackal,&rsquo; counted he; casting
+timid glances all the while at the sack.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Now you can take your share and go,&rsquo; said the sheep.
+And the jackal did not need twice telling! Whenever
+the sheep looked up, she still saw him flying, flying across
+the plain; and, for all I know, he may be flying across
+it still.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(<i>Contes Berb&egrave;res</i>, par Ren&eacute; Basset.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>177]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE THREE TREASURES OF THE GIANTS</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>Long, long ago, there lived an old man and his wife
+who had three sons; the eldest was called Martin, the
+second Michael, while the third was named Jack.</p>
+
+<p>One evening they were all seated round the table, eating
+their supper of bread and milk.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Martin,&rsquo; said the old man suddenly, &lsquo;I feel that I cannot
+live much longer. You, as the eldest, will inherit
+this hut; but, if you value my blessing, be good to your
+mother and brothers.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Certainly, father; how can you suppose I should
+do them wrong?&rsquo; replied Martin indignantly, helping
+himself to all the best bits in the dish as he spoke. The
+old man saw nothing, but Michael looked on in surprise,
+and Jack was so astonished that he quite forgot to eat
+his own supper.</p>
+
+<p>A little while after, the father fell ill, and sent for his
+sons, who were out hunting, to bid him farewell. After
+giving good advice to the two eldest, he turned to Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;My boy,&rsquo; he said, &lsquo;you have not got quite as much
+sense as other people, but if Heaven has deprived you of
+some of your wits, it has given you a kind heart. Always
+listen to what it says, and take heed to the words of
+your mother and brothers, as well as you are able!&rsquo;
+So saying the old man sank back on his pillows and
+died.</p>
+
+<p>The cries of grief uttered by Martin and Michael
+sounded through the house, but Jack remained by the
+bedside of his father, still and silent, as if he were dead
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>178]</a></span>
+also. At length he got up, and going into the garden,
+hid himself in some trees, and wept like a child, while his
+two brothers made ready for the funeral.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner was the old man buried than Martin and
+Michael agreed that they would go into the world
+together to seek their fortunes, while Jack stayed at
+home with their mother. Jack would have liked nothing
+better than to sit and dream by the fire, but the mother,
+who was very old herself, declared that there was no work
+for him to do, and that he must seek it with his brothers.</p>
+
+<p>So, one fine morning, all three set out; Martin and
+Michael carried two great bags full of food, but Jack
+carried nothing. This made his brothers very angry, for
+the day was hot and the bags were heavy, and about
+noon they sat down under a tree and began to eat. Jack
+was as hungry as they were, but he knew that it was no
+use asking for anything; and he threw himself under
+another tree, and wept bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Another time perhaps you won&rsquo;t be so lazy, and will
+bring food for yourself,&rsquo; said Martin, but to his surprise
+Jack answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You are a nice pair! You talk of seeking your
+fortunes, so as not to be a burden on our mother, and
+you begin by carrying off all the food she has in the
+house!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>This reply was so unexpected that for some moments
+neither of the brothers made any answer. Then they
+offered their brother some of their food, and when he
+had finished eating they went their way once more.</p>
+
+<p>Towards evening they reached a small hut, and knocking
+at the door, asked if they might spend the night there.
+The man, who was a wood-cutter, invited them in, and
+begged them to sit down to supper. Martin thanked
+him, but being very proud, explained that it was only
+shelter they wanted, as they had plenty of food with them;
+and he and Michael as once opened their bags and began
+to eat, while Jack hid himself in a corner. The wife,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>179]</a></span>
+on seeing this, took pity on him, and called him to come
+and share their supper, which he gladly did, and very good
+he found it. At this, Martin regretted deeply that he
+had been so foolish as to refuse, for his bits of bread and
+cheese seemed very hard when he smelt the savoury soup
+his brother was enjoying.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;He shan&rsquo;t have such a chance again,&rsquo; thought he; and
+the next morning he insisted on plunging into a thick forest
+where they were likely to meet nobody.</p>
+
+<p>For a long time they wandered hither and thither,
+for they had no path to guide them; but at last they
+came upon a wide clearing, in the midst of which stood
+a castle. Jack shouted with delight, but Martin, who
+was in a bad temper, said sharply:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;We must have taken the wrong turning! Let us go
+back.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Idiot!&rsquo; replied Michael, who was hungry too, and,
+like many people when they are hungry, very cross also.
+&lsquo;We set out to travel through the world, and what does
+it matter if we go to the right or to the left?&rsquo; And,
+without another word, took the path to the castle, closely
+followed by Jack, and after a moment by Martin likewise.</p>
+
+<p>The door of the castle stood open, and they entered
+a great hall, and looked about them. Not a creature
+was to be seen, and suddenly Martin&mdash;he did not know
+why&mdash;felt a little frightened. He would have left the
+castle at once, but stopped when Jack boldly walked up
+to a door in the wall and opened it. He could not for
+very shame be outdone by his younger brother, and
+passed behind him, into another splendid hall, which
+was filled from floor to ceiling with great pieces of
+copper money.</p>
+
+<p>The sight quite dazzled Martin and Michael, who
+emptied all the provisions that remained out of their
+bags, and heaped them up instead with handfuls of
+copper.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>180]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 408px;">
+<a name="illo34" id="illo34"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb34.jpg" width="408" height="400"
+alt="The brothers ill-treat poor Jack" />
+</div>
+
+<p>Scarcely had they done this when Jack threw open
+another door, and this time it led to a hall filled with
+silver. In an instant his brothers had turned their bags
+upside down, so that the copper money tumbled out on
+to the floor, and were shovelling in handfuls of the silver
+instead. They had hardly finished, when Jack opened
+yet a third door, and all three fell back in amazement,
+for this room was a mass of gold, so bright that their eyes
+grew sore as they looked at them. However, they soon
+recovered from their surprise, and quickly emptied their
+bags of silver, and filled them with gold instead. When
+they would hold no more, Martin said:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>181]</a></span>
+&lsquo;We had better hurry off now lest somebody else
+should come, and we might not know what to do&rsquo;; and,
+followed by Michael, he hastily left the castle. Jack
+lingered behind for a few minutes to put a piece of gold,
+silver, and copper into his pocket, and to eat the food
+that his brothers had thrown down in the first room.
+Then he went after them, and found them lying down
+to rest in the midst of a forest. It was near sunset, and
+Martin began to feel hungry, so, when Jack arrived, he
+bade him return to the castle and bring the bread and
+cheese that they had left there.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is hardly worth doing that,&rsquo; answered Jack; &lsquo;for
+I picked up the pieces and ate them myself.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>At this reply both brothers were beside themselves with
+anger, and fell upon the boy, beating him, and calling him
+names, till they were quite tired.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Go where you like,&rsquo; cried Martin with a final kick; &lsquo;but
+never come near us again.&rsquo; And poor Jack ran weeping
+into the woods.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning his brothers went home, and bought
+a beautiful house, where they lived with their mother like
+great lords.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">Jack remained for some hours in hiding, thankful to
+be safe from his tormentors; but when no one came to
+trouble him, and his back did not ache so much, he
+began to think what he had better do. At length he
+made up his mind to go to the castle and take away as
+much money with him as would enable him to live in
+comfort for the rest of his life. This being decided, he
+sprang up, and set out along the path which led to the
+castle. As before, the door stood open, and he went on
+till he had reached the hall of gold, and there he took
+off his jacket and tied the sleeves together so that it
+might make a kind of bag. He then began to pour in
+the gold by handfuls, when, all at once, a noise like
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>182]</a></span>
+thunder shook the castle. This was followed by a voice,
+hoarse as that of a bull, which cried:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I smell the smell of a man.&rsquo; And two giants entered.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;So, little worm! it is <em>you</em> who steal our treasures!&rsquo;
+exclaimed the biggest. &lsquo;Well, we have got you now,
+and we will cook you for supper!&rsquo; But here the other
+giant drew him aside, and for a moment or two they
+whispered together. At length the first giant spoke:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;To please my friend I will spare your life on condition
+that, for the future, you shall guard our treasures.
+If you are hungry take this little table and rap on it,
+saying, as you do so: &ldquo;The dinner of an emperor!&rdquo; and
+you will get as much food as you want.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>With a light heart Jack promised all that was asked
+of him, and for some days enjoyed himself mightily. He
+had everything he could wish for, and did nothing from
+morning till night; but by-and-by he began to get very
+tired of it all.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Let the giants guard their treasures themselves,&rsquo; he
+said to himself at last; &lsquo;I am going away. But I will
+leave all the gold and silver behind me, and will take
+nought but you, my good little table.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So, tucking the table under his arm, he started off for
+the forest, but he did not linger there long, and soon
+found himself in the fields on the other side. There he
+saw an old man, who begged Jack to give him something
+to eat.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You could not have asked a better person,&rsquo; answered
+Jack cheerfully. And signing to him to sit down with
+him under a tree, he set the table in front of them, and
+struck it three times, crying:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The dinner of an emperor!&rsquo; He had hardly uttered
+the words when fish and meat of all kinds appeared
+on it!</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 368px;">
+<a name="illo35" id="illo35"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb35.jpg" width="368" height="600"
+alt="The giants find Jack in the treasure room" />
+</div>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That is a clever trick of yours,&rsquo; said the old man, when
+he had eaten as much as he wanted. &lsquo;Give it to me in
+exchange for a treasure I have which is still better. Do
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183"><!-- full page illustration in original --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184"><!-- blank page --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>185]</a></span>
+you see this cornet? Well, you have only to tell it that
+you wish for an army, and you will have as many soldiers
+as you require.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Now, since he had been left to himself, Jack had
+grown ambitious, so, after a moment&rsquo;s hesitation, he
+took the cornet and gave the table in exchange. The
+old man bade him farewell, and set off down one path,
+while Jack chose another, and for a long time he was quite
+pleased with his new possession. Then, as he felt hungry,
+he wished for his table back again, as no house was in
+sight, and he wanted some supper badly. All at once
+he remembered his cornet, and a wicked thought entered
+his mind.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Two hundred hussars, forward!&rsquo; cried he. And the
+neighing of horses and the clanking of swords was heard
+close at hand. The officer who rode at their head
+approached Jack, and politely inquired what he wished
+them to do.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;A mile or two along that road,&rsquo; answered Jack, &lsquo;you
+will find an old man carrying a table. Take the table
+from him and bring it to me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The officer saluted and went back to his men, who
+started at a gallop to do Jack&rsquo;s bidding.</p>
+
+<p>In ten minutes they had returned, bearing the table
+with them.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That is all, thank you,&rsquo; said Jack; and the soldiers
+disappeared inside the cornet.</p>
+
+<p>Oh, what a good supper Jack had that night, quite forgetting
+that he owed it to a mean trick. The next
+day he breakfasted early, and then walked on towards
+the nearest town. On the way thither he met another
+old man, who begged for something to eat.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Certainly you shall have something to eat,&rsquo; replied
+Jack. And placing the table on the ground, he cried:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The dinner of an emperor!&rsquo; when all sorts of good
+dishes appeared. At first the old man ate greedily, and
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>186]</a></span>
+said nothing; but, after his hunger was satisfied, he turned
+to Jack and said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That is a very clever trick of yours. Give the table
+to me, and you shall have something still better.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I don&rsquo;t believe there <em>is</em> anything better,&rsquo; answered
+Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes, there is. Here is my bag; it will give you as many
+castles as you can possibly want.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Jack thought for a moment; then he replied: &lsquo;Very
+well, I will exchange with you.&rsquo; And passing the table to
+the old man, he hung the bag over his arm.</p>
+
+<p>Five minutes later he summoned five hundred lancers
+out of the cornet and bade them go after the old man and
+fetch back the table.</p>
+
+<p>Now that by his cunning he had obtained possession
+of the three magic objects, he resolved to return to his
+native place. Smearing his face with dirt, and tearing
+his clothes so as to look like a beggar, he stopped the
+passers by and, on pretence of seeking money or food,
+he questioned them about the village gossip. In this
+manner he learned that his brothers had become great
+men, much respected in all the country round. When
+he heard that, he lost no time in going to the door of
+their fine house and imploring them to give him food
+and shelter; but the only thing he got was hard words,
+and a command to beg elsewhere. At length, however,
+at their mother&rsquo;s entreaty, he was told that he might
+pass the night in the stable. Here he waited until
+everybody in the house was sound asleep, when he drew
+his bag from under his cloak, and desired that a castle
+might appear in that place; and the cornet gave him
+soldiers to guard the castle, while the table furnished him
+with a good supper. In the morning, he caused it all to
+vanish, and when his brothers entered the stable they found
+him lying on the straw.</p>
+
+<p>Jack remained here for many days, doing nothing,
+and&mdash;as far as anybody knew&mdash;eating nothing. This
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>187]</a></span>
+conduct puzzled his brothers greatly, and they put such
+constant questions to him, that at length he told them
+the secret of the table, and even gave a dinner to them,
+which far outdid any they had ever seen or heard of.
+But though they had solemnly promised to reveal nothing,
+somehow or other the tale leaked out, and before long
+reached the ears of the king himself. That very evening
+his chamberlain arrived at Jack&rsquo;s dwelling, with a
+request from the king that he might borrow the table for
+three days.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Very well,&rsquo; answered Jack, &lsquo;you can take it back
+with you. But tell his majesty that if he does not
+return it at the end of the three days I will make war
+upon him.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So the chamberlain carried away the table and took
+it straight to the king, telling him at the same time of
+Jack&rsquo;s threat, at which they both laughed till their sides
+ached.</p>
+
+<p>Now the king was so delighted with the table, and
+the dinners it gave him, that when the three days were
+over he could not make up his mind to part with it.
+Instead, he sent for his carpenter, and bade him copy it
+exactly, and when it was done he told his chamberlain
+to return it to Jack with his best thanks. It happened
+to be dinner time, and Jack invited the chamberlain, who
+knew nothing of the trick, to stay and dine with him.
+The good man, who had eaten several excellent meals
+provided by the table in the last three days, accepted the
+invitation with pleasure, even though he was to dine in a
+stable, and sat down on the straw beside Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The dinner of an emperor!&rsquo; cried Jack. But not even
+a morsel of cheese made its appearance.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The dinner of an emperor!&rsquo; shouted Jack in a voice
+of thunder. Then the truth dawned upon him; and,
+crushing the table between his hands, he turned to the
+chamberlain, who, bewildered and half-frightened, was
+wondering how to get away.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>188]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Tell your false king that to-morrow I will destroy his
+castle as easily as I have broken this table.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The chamberlain hastened back to the palace, and
+gave the king Jack&rsquo;s message, at which he laughed more
+than before, and called all his courtiers to hear the story.
+But they were not quite so merry when they woke next
+morning and beheld ten thousand horsemen, and as many
+archers, surrounding the palace. The king saw it was
+useless to hold out, and he took the white flag of truce in
+one hand, and the real table in the other, and set out to
+look for Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I committed a crime,&rsquo; said he; &lsquo;but I will do my
+best to make up for it. Here is your table, which I own
+with shame that I tried to steal, and you shall have besides,
+my daughter as your wife!&rsquo;</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">There was no need to delay the marriage when the
+table was able to furnish the most splendid banquet that
+ever was seen, and after everyone had eaten and drunk
+as much as they wanted, Jack took his bag and commanded
+a castle filled with all sorts of treasures to arise
+in the park for himself and his bride.</p>
+
+<p>At this proof of his power the king&rsquo;s heart died within
+him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Your magic is greater than mine,&rsquo; he said; &lsquo;and you
+are young and strong, while I am old and tired. Take,
+therefore, the sceptre from my hand, and my crown from
+my head, and rule my people better than I have done.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So at last Jack&rsquo;s ambition was satisfied. He could
+not hope to be more than a king, and as long as he had his
+cornet to provide him with soldiers he was secure against
+his enemies. He never forgave his brothers for the
+way they had treated him, though he presented his mother
+with a beautiful castle, and everything she could possibly
+wish for. In the centre of his own palace was a treasure
+chamber, and in this chamber the table, the cornet, and
+the bag were kept as the most prized of all his possessions,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>189]</a></span>
+and not a week passed without a visit from king John to
+make sure they were safe. He reigned long and well,
+and died a very old man, beloved by his people. But
+his good example was not followed by his sons and his
+grandsons. They grew so proud that they were ashamed
+to think that the founder of their race had once been a
+poor boy; and as they and all the world could not fail to
+remember it, as long as the table, the cornet, and the bag
+were shown in the treasure chamber, one king, more
+foolish than the rest, thrust them into a dark and damp
+cellar.</p>
+
+<p>For some time the kingdom remained, though it
+became weaker and weaker every year that passed.
+Then, one day, a rumour reached the king that a large
+army was marching against him. Vaguely he recollected
+some tales he had heard about a magic cornet which
+could provide as many soldiers as would serve to conquer
+the earth, and which had been removed by his grandfather
+to a cellar. Thither he hastened that he might
+renew his power once more, and in that black and slimy
+spot he found the treasures indeed. But the table fell
+to pieces as he touched it, in the cornet there remained
+only a few fragments of leathern belts which the rats
+had gnawed, and in the bag nothing but broken bits of
+stone.</p>
+
+<p>And the king bowed his head to the doom that awaited
+him, and in his heart cursed the ruin wrought by the
+pride and foolishness of himself and his forefathers.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(From <i>Contes Populaires Slaves</i>, par Louis Leger.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>190]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE ROVER OF THE PLAIN</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>A long way off, near the sea coast of the east of Africa,
+there dwelt, once upon a time, a man and his wife. They
+had two children, a son and a daughter, whom they
+loved very much, and, like parents in other countries,
+they often talked of the fine marriages the young people
+would make some day. Out there both boys and girls
+marry early, and very soon, it seemed to the mother, a
+message was sent by a rich man on the other side of the
+great hills offering a fat herd of oxen in exchange for the
+daughter. Everyone in the house and in the village rejoiced,
+and the maiden was despatched to her new home. When
+all was quiet again the father said to his son:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Now that we own such a splendid troop of oxen you
+had better hasten and get yourself a wife, lest some
+illness should overtake them. Already we have seen in
+the villages round about one or two damsels whose
+parents would gladly part with them for less than half
+the herd. Therefore tell us which you like best, and we
+will buy her for you.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>But the son answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Not so; the maidens I have seen do not please me.
+If, indeed, I must marry, let me travel and find a wife for
+myself.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It shall be as you wish,&rsquo; said his parents; &lsquo;but if by-and-by
+trouble should come of it, it will be your fault and
+not ours.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The youth, however, would not listen; and bidding
+his father and mother farewell, set out on his search.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>191]</a></span>
+Far, far away he wandered, over mountains and across
+rivers, till he reached a village where the people were
+quite different to those of his own race. As he glanced
+about him he noticed that the girls were fair to look
+upon, as they pounded maize or stewed something that
+smelt very nice in earthen pots&mdash;especially if you were
+hot and tired; and when one of the maidens turned round
+and offered the stranger some dinner, he made up his
+mind that he would wed her and nobody else.</p>
+
+<p>So he sent a message to her parents asking their leave
+to take her for his wife, and they came next day to bring
+their answer.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;We will give you our daughter,&rsquo; said they, &lsquo;if you can
+pay a good price for her. Never was there so hard-working
+a girl; and how we shall do without her we cannot
+tell! Still no doubt your father and mother will come
+themselves and bring the dowry?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No; I have the dowry with me,&rsquo; replied the young
+man; laying down a handful of gold pieces. &lsquo;Here it is&mdash;take
+it.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The old couple&rsquo;s eyes glittered greedily; but custom
+forbade them to touch the dowry before all was arranged.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;At least,&rsquo; said they, after a moment&rsquo;s pause, &lsquo;we may
+expect them to fetch your wife to her new home?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No; they are not used to travelling,&rsquo; answered the
+bridegroom. &lsquo;Let the ceremony be performed without
+delay, and we will set forth at once. It is a long
+journey.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then the parents called in the girl, who was lying in
+the sun outside the hut, and, in the presence of all the
+village, a goat was killed, the sacred dance took place,
+and a blessing was said over the heads of the young
+people. After that the bride was led aside by her father,
+whose duty it was to bestow on her some parting advice
+as to her conduct in her married life.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Be good to your husband&rsquo;s parents,&rsquo; added he, &lsquo;and
+always do the will of your husband.&rsquo; And the girl
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>192]</a></span>
+nodded her head obediently. Next it was the mother&rsquo;s
+turn; and, as was the custom of the tribe, she spoke to
+her daughter:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Will you choose which of your sisters shall go with
+you to cut your wood and carry your water?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I do not want any of them,&rsquo; answered she; &lsquo;they
+are no use. They will drop the wood and spill the
+water.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Then will you have any of the other children? There
+are enough and to spare,&rsquo; asked the mother again. But
+the bride said quickly:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I will have none of them! You must give me our
+buffalo, the Rover of the Plain; he alone shall serve
+me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What folly you talk!&rsquo; cried the parents. &lsquo;Give you
+our buffalo, the Rover of the Plain? Why, you know
+that our life depends on him. Here he is well fed and
+lies on soft grass; but how can you tell what will befall
+him in another country? The food may be bad, he will
+die of hunger; and, if he dies we die also.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No, no,&rsquo; said the bride; &lsquo;I can look after him as well
+as you. Get him ready, for the sun is sinking and it is
+time we set forth.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So she went away and put together a small pot filled
+with healing herbs, a horn that she used in tending sick
+people, a little knife, and a calabash containing deer fat;
+and, hiding these about her, took leave of her father and
+mother and started across the mountains by the side of her
+husband.</p>
+
+<p>But the young man did not see the buffalo that followed
+them, which had left his home to be the servant of
+his wife.</p>
+
+<p>No one ever knew how the news spread to the kraal
+that the young man was coming back, bringing a wife
+with him; but, somehow or other, when the two entered
+the village, every man and woman was standing in the
+road uttering shouts of welcome.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>193]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Ah, you are not dead after all,&rsquo; cried they; &lsquo;and have
+found a wife to your liking, though you would have
+none of our girls. Well, well, you have chosen your
+own path; and if ill comes of it beware lest you
+grumble.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Next day the husband took his wife to the fields and
+showed her which were his, and which belonged to his
+mother. The girl listened carefully to all he told her,
+and walked with him back to the hut; but close to the
+door she stopped, and said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have dropped my necklace of beads in the field,
+and I must go back and look for it.&rsquo; But in truth she had
+done nothing of the sort, and it was only an excuse to go
+and seek the buffalo.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 404px;">
+<a name="illo36" id="illo36"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb36.jpg" width="404" height="300"
+alt="The Rover of the Plain does the girl's work" />
+</div>
+
+<p>The beast was crouching under a tree when she came
+up, and snorted with pleasure at the sight of her.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You can roam about this field, and this, and this,&rsquo;
+she said, &lsquo;for they belong to my husband; and that is
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>194]</a></span>
+his wood, where you may hide yourself. But the other
+fields are his mother&rsquo;s, so beware lest you touch them.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I will beware,&rsquo; answered the buffalo; and, patting his
+head, the girl left him.</p>
+
+<p>Oh, how much better a servant he was than any of
+the little girls the bride had refused to bring with her!
+If she wanted water, she had only to cross the patch of
+maize behind the hut and seek out the place where the
+buffalo lay hidden, and put down her pail beside him.
+Then she would sit at her ease while he went to the
+lake and brought the bucket back brimming over. If
+she wanted wood, he would break the branches off the
+trees and lay them at her feet. And the villagers watched
+her return laden, and said to each other:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Surely the girls of her country are stronger than our
+girls, for none of <em>them</em> could cut so quickly or carry so
+much!&rsquo; But then, nobody knew that she had a buffalo
+for a servant.</p>
+
+<p>Only, all this time she never gave the poor buffalo
+anything to eat, because she had just one dish, out of
+which she and her husband ate; while in her old home
+there was a dish put aside expressly for the Rover of the
+Plain. The buffalo bore it as long as he could; but, one
+day, when his mistress bade him go to the lake and fetch
+water, his knees almost gave way from hunger. He kept
+silence, however, till the evening, when he said to his
+mistress:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am nearly starved; I have not touched food since
+I came here. I can work no more.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Alas!&rsquo; answered she, &lsquo;what can I do? I have only
+one dish in the house. You will have to steal some beans
+from the fields. Take a few here and a few there; but
+be sure not to take too many from one place, or the owner
+may notice it.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Now the buffalo had always lived an honest life, but
+if his mistress did not feed him, he must get it for himself.
+So that night, when all the village was asleep, he came
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>195]</a></span>
+out from the wood and ate a few beans here and a few
+there, as his mistress had bidden him. And when at
+last his hunger was satisfied, he crept back to his lair.
+But a buffalo is not a fairy, and the next morning, when
+the women arrived to work in the fields, they stood still
+with astonishment, and said to each other:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Just look at this; a savage beast has been destroying
+our crops, and we can see traces of his feet!&rsquo; And they
+hurried to their homes to tell their tale.</p>
+
+<p>In the evening the girl crept out to the buffalo&rsquo;s hiding-place,
+and said to him:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;They perceived what happened, of course; so to-night
+you had better seek your supper further off.&rsquo; And the
+buffalo nodded his head and followed her counsel; but in
+the morning, when these women also went out to work,
+the traces of hoofs were plainly to be seen, and they hastened
+to tell their husbands, and begged them to bring their
+guns, and to watch for the robber.</p>
+
+<p>It happened that the stranger girl&rsquo;s husband was the
+best marksman in all the village, and he hid himself behind
+the trunk of a tree and waited.</p>
+
+<p>The buffalo, thinking that they would probably make
+a search for him in the fields he had laid waste the evening
+before, returned to the bean patch belonging to his
+mistress.</p>
+
+<p>The young man saw him coming with amazement.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Why, it is a buffalo!&rsquo; cried he; &lsquo;I never have beheld
+one in this country before!&rsquo; And raising his gun, he
+aimed just behind the ear.</p>
+
+<p>The buffalo gave a leap into the air, and then fell
+dead.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It was a good shot,&rsquo; said the young man. And he
+ran to the village to tell them that the thief was
+punished.</p>
+
+<p>When he entered his hut he found his wife, who had
+somehow heard the news, twisting herself to and fro and
+shedding tears.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>196]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Are you ill?&rsquo; asked he. And she answered: &lsquo;Yes; I
+have pains all over my body.&rsquo; But she was not ill at all,
+only very unhappy at the death of the buffalo which had
+served her so well. Her husband felt anxious, and sent for
+the medicine man; but though she pretended to listen
+to him, she threw all his medicine out of the door directly
+he had gone away.</p>
+
+<p>With the first rays of light the whole village was
+awake, and the women set forth armed with baskets and
+the men with knives in order to cut up the buffalo. Only
+the girl remained in her hut; and after a while she too
+went to join them, groaning and weeping as she walked
+along.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What are you doing here?&rsquo; asked her husband when
+he saw her. &lsquo;If you are ill you are better at home.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh! I could not stay alone in the village,&rsquo; said she.
+And her mother-in-law left off her work to come and
+scold her, and to tell her that she would kill herself if
+she did such foolish things. But the girl would not
+listen and sat down and looked on.</p>
+
+<p>When they had divided the buffalo&rsquo;s flesh, and each
+woman had the family portion in her basket, the stranger
+wife got up and said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Let me have the head.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You could never carry anything so heavy,&rsquo; answered
+the men, &lsquo;and now you are ill besides.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You do not know how strong I am,&rsquo; answered she.
+And at last they gave it her.</p>
+
+<p>She did not walk to the village with the others, but
+lingered behind, and, instead of entering her hut, she
+slipped into the little shed where the pots for cooking
+and storing maize were kept. Then she laid down the
+buffalo&rsquo;s head and sat beside it. Her husband came to
+seek her, and begged her to leave the shed and go to bed,
+as she must be tired out; but the girl would not stir,
+neither would she attend to the words of her mother-in-law.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>197]</a></span>
+&lsquo;I wish you would leave me alone!&rsquo; she answered
+crossly. &lsquo;It is impossible to sleep if somebody is always
+coming in.&rsquo; And she turned her back on them, and
+would not even eat the food they had brought. So they
+went away, and the young man soon stretched himself
+out on his mat; but his wife&rsquo;s odd conduct made him
+anxious, and he lay awake all night, listening.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 353px;">
+<a name="illo37" id="illo37"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb37.jpg" width="353" height="500"
+alt="Last of all she sang in a low voice a dirge over the Rover of the Plain" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>198]</a></span>
+When all was still the girl made a fire and boiled
+some water in a pot. As soon as it was quite hot she
+shook in the medicine that she had brought from home,
+and then, taking the buffalo&rsquo;s head, she made incisions
+with her little knife behind the ear, and close to the
+temple where the shot had struck him. Next she applied
+the horn to the spot and blew with all her force till, at
+length, the blood began to move. After that she spread
+some of the deer fat out of the calabash over the wound,
+which she held in the steam of the hot water. Last of
+all, she sang in a low voice a dirge over the Rover of the
+Plain.</p>
+
+<p>As she chanted the final words the head moved, and
+the limbs came back. The buffalo began to feel alive
+again and shook his horns, and stood up and stretched
+himself. Unluckily it was just at this moment that the
+husband said to himself:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I wonder if she is crying still, and what is the matter
+with her! Perhaps I had better go and see.&rsquo; And he got
+up and, calling her by name, went out to the shed.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Go away! I don&rsquo;t want you!&rsquo; she cried angrily. But
+it was too late. The buffalo had fallen to the ground,
+dead, and with the wound in his head as before.</p>
+
+<p>The young man who, unlike most of his tribe, was
+afraid of his wife, returned to his bed without having seen
+anything, but wondering very much what she could be
+doing all this time. After waiting a few minutes, she
+began her task over again, and at the end the buffalo
+stood on his feet as before. But just as the girl was
+rejoicing that her work was completed, in came the
+husband once more to see what his wife was doing; and
+this time he sat himself down in the hut, and said that
+he wished to watch whatever was going on. Then the
+girl took up the pitcher and all her other things and left
+the shed, trying for the third time to bring the buffalo
+back to life.</p>
+
+<p>She was too late; the dawn was already breaking,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>199]</a></span>
+and the head fell to the ground, dead and corrupt as it
+was before.</p>
+
+<p>The girl entered the hut, where her husband and his
+mother were getting ready to go out.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I want to go down to the lake, and bathe,&rsquo; said she.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;But you could never walk so far,&rsquo; answered they.
+&lsquo;You are so tired, as it is, that you can hardly stand!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>However, in spite of their warnings, the girl left the
+hut in the direction of the lake. Very soon she came
+back weeping, and sobbed out:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I met some one in the village who lives in my
+country, and he told me that my mother is very, very ill,
+and if I do not go to her at once she will be dead before
+I arrive. I will return as soon as I can, and now farewell.&rsquo;
+And she set forth in the direction of the mountains.
+But this story was not true; she knew nothing about
+her mother, only she wanted an excuse to go home and
+tell her family that their prophecies had come true, and
+that the buffalo was dead.</p>
+
+<p>Balancing her basket on her head, she walked along,
+and directly she had left the village behind her she
+broke out into the song of the Rover of the Plain, and at
+last, at the end of the day, she came to the group of huts
+where her parents lived. Her friends all ran to meet her,
+and, weeping, she told them that the buffalo was dead.</p>
+
+<p>This sad news spread like lightning through the country,
+and the people flocked from far and near to bewail the
+loss of the beast who had been their pride.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If you only had listened to <em>us</em>,&rsquo; they cried, &lsquo;he would
+be alive now. But you refused all the little girls we offered
+you, and would have nothing but the buffalo. And remember
+what the medicine-man said: &ldquo;If the buffalo dies
+you die also!&rdquo;&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So they bewailed their fate, one to the other, and for
+a while they did not perceive that the girl&rsquo;s husband was
+sitting in their midst, leaning his gun against a tree.
+Then one man, turning, beheld him, and bowed mockingly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>200]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Hail, murderer! hail! you have slain us all!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The young man stared, not knowing what he meant,
+and answered, wonderingly:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I shot a buffalo; is that why you call me a murderer?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;A buffalo&mdash;yes; but the servant of your wife! It
+was he who carried the wood and drew the water. Did
+you not know it?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No; I did not know it,&rsquo; replied the husband in surprise.
+&lsquo;Why did no one tell me? Of course I should not have
+shot him!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, he is dead,&rsquo; answered they, &lsquo;and we must die
+too.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>At this the girl took a cup in which some poisonous
+herbs had been crushed, and holding it in her hands, she
+wailed: &lsquo;O my father, Rover of the Plain!&rsquo; Then drinking
+a deep draught from it, fell back dead. One by
+one her parents, her brothers and her sisters, drank
+also and died, singing a dirge to the memory of the
+buffalo.</p>
+
+<p>The girl&rsquo;s husband looked on with horror; and
+returned sadly home across the mountains, and, entering
+his hut, threw himself on the ground. At first he was
+too tired to speak; but at length he raised his head and
+told all the story to his father and mother, who sat
+watching him. When he had finished they shook their
+heads and said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Now you see that we spoke no idle words when we
+told you that ill would come of your marriage! We
+offered you a good and hard-working wife, and you would
+have none of her. And it is not only your wife you have
+lost, but your fortune also. For who will give you back
+your dowry if they are all dead?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is true, O my father,&rsquo; answered the young man. But
+in his heart he thought more of the loss of his wife than of
+the money he had given for her.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(From <i>L&rsquo;Etude Ethnographique sur Les Baronga</i>, par Henri Junod.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>201]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE WHITE DOE</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there lived a king and queen who
+loved each other dearly, and would have been perfectly
+happy if they had only had a little son or daughter to
+play with. They never talked about it, and always
+pretended that there was nothing in the world to wish
+for; but, sometimes, when they looked at other people&rsquo;s
+children, their faces grew sad, and their courtiers and
+attendants knew the reason why.</p>
+
+<p>One day the queen was sitting alone by the side of a
+waterfall which sprung from some rocks in the large
+park adjoining the castle. She was feeling more than
+usually miserable, and had sent away her ladies so that
+no one might witness her grief. Suddenly she heard a
+rustling movement in the pool below the waterfall, and,
+on glancing up, she saw a large crab climbing on to a
+stone beside her.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Great queen,&rsquo; said the crab, &lsquo;I am here to tell you
+that the desire of your heart will soon be granted. But
+first you must permit me to lead you to the palace of the
+fairies, which, though hard by, has never been seen by
+mortal eyes because of the thick clouds that surround it.
+When there you will know more; that is, if you will trust,
+yourself to me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The queen had never before heard an animal speak
+and was struck dumb with surprise. However, she was
+so enchanted at the words of the crab that she smiled
+sweetly and held out her hand; it was taken, not by the
+crab, which had stood there only a moment before, but by
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>202]</a></span>
+a little old woman smartly dressed in white and crimson
+with green ribbons in her grey hair. And, wonderful to
+say, not a drop of water fell from her clothes.</p>
+
+<p>The old woman ran lightly down a path along which
+the queen had been a hundred times before, but it
+seemed so different she could hardly believe it was the
+same. Instead of having to push her way through
+nettles and brambles, roses and jasmine hung about her
+head, while under her feet the ground was sweet with
+violets. The orange trees were so tall and thick that,
+even at midday, the sun was never too hot, and at the
+end of the path was a glimmer of something so dazzling
+that the queen had to shade her eyes, and peep at it only
+between her fingers.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What can it be?&rsquo; she asked, turning to her guide; who
+answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, that is the fairies&rsquo; palace, and here are some of
+them coming to meet us.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>As she spoke the gates swung back and six fairies approached,
+each bearing in her hand a flower made of
+precious stones, but so like a real one that it was only by
+touching you could tell the difference.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Madam,&rsquo; they said, &lsquo;we know not how to thank you
+for this mark of your confidence, but have the happiness
+to tell you that in a short time you will have a little
+daughter.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The queen was so enchanted at this news that she
+nearly fainted with joy; but when she was able to speak,
+she poured out all her gratitude to the fairies for their
+promised gift.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And now,&rsquo; she said, &lsquo;I ought not to stay any longer,
+for my husband will think that I have run away, or that
+some evil beast has devoured me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">In a little while it happened just as the fairies had foretold,
+and a baby girl was born in the palace. Of course
+both the king and queen were delighted, and the child
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>203]</a></span>
+was called D&eacute;sir&eacute;e, which means &lsquo;desired,&rsquo; for she had
+been &lsquo;desired&rsquo; for five long years before her birth.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 375px;">
+<a name="illo38" id="illo38"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb38.jpg" width="375" height="600"
+alt="The queen and the crab" />
+</div>
+
+<p>At first the queen could think of nothing but her new
+plaything, but then she remembered the fairies who had
+sent it to her. Bidding her ladies bring her the posy of
+jewelled flowers which had been given her at the palace,
+she took each flower in her hand and called it by name,
+and, in turn, each fairy appeared before her. But, as
+unluckily often happens, the one to whom she owed
+most, the crab-fairy, was forgotten, and by this, as in
+the case of other babies you have read about, much mischief
+was wrought.</p>
+
+<p>However, for the moment all was gaiety in the palace,
+and everybody inside ran to the windows to watch the
+fairies&rsquo; carriages, for no two were alike. One had a car
+of ebony, drawn by white pigeons, another was lying back
+in her ivory chariot, driving ten black crows, while the rest
+had chosen rare woods or many-coloured sea-shells, with
+scarlet and blue macaws, long-tailed peacocks, or green
+love-birds for horses. These carriages were only used
+on occasions of state, for when they went to war flying
+dragons, fiery serpents, lions or leopards, took the place
+of the beautiful birds.</p>
+
+<p>The fairies entered the queen&rsquo;s chamber followed by
+little dwarfs who carried their presents and looked much
+prouder than their mistresses. One by one their burdens
+were spread upon the ground, and no one had ever seen
+such lovely things. Everything a baby could possibly
+wear or play with was there, and, besides, they had other
+and more precious gifts to give her, which only children
+who have fairies for godmothers can ever hope to possess.</p>
+
+<p>They were all gathered round the heap of pink
+cushions on which the baby lay asleep, when a shadow
+seemed to fall between them and the sun, while a cold
+wind blew through the room. Everybody looked up, and
+there was the crab-fairy, who had grown as tall as the ceiling
+in her anger.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>204]</a></span>
+&lsquo;So I am forgotten!&rsquo; cried she, in a voice so loud
+that the queen trembled as she heard it. &lsquo;Who was it
+soothed you in your trouble? Who was it led you to
+the fairies? Who was it brought you back in safety to
+your home again? Yet I&mdash;I&mdash;am overlooked, while
+<em>these</em> who have done nothing in comparison, are petted
+and thanked.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The queen, almost dumb with terror, in vain tried to
+think of some explanation or apology; but there was none,
+and she could only confess her fault and implore forgiveness.
+The fairies also did their best to soften the wrath
+of their sister, and knowing that, like many plain people,
+who are <em>not</em> fairies, she was very vain, they entreated her
+to drop her crab&rsquo;s disguise, and to become once more the
+charming person they were accustomed to see.</p>
+
+<p>For some time the enraged fairy would listen to
+nothing; but at length the flatteries began to take effect.
+The crab&rsquo;s shell fell from her, she shrank into her usual
+size, and lost some of her fierce expression.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well,&rsquo; she said, &lsquo;I will not cause the princess&rsquo; death,
+as I had meant to do, but at the same time she will have
+to bear the punishment of her mother&rsquo;s fault, as many
+other children have done before her. The sentence I
+pass upon her is, that if she is allowed to see one ray of
+daylight before her fifteenth birthday she will rue it
+bitterly, and it may perhaps cost her her life.&rsquo; And
+with these words she vanished by the window through
+which she came, while the fairies comforted the weeping
+queen and took counsel how best the princess might be
+kept safe during her childhood.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 384px;">
+<a name="illo39" id="illo39"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb39.jpg" width="384" height="600"
+alt="The uninvited fairy" />
+</div>
+
+<p>At the end of half an hour they had made up their
+minds what to do, and at the command of the fairies, a
+beautiful palace sprung up, close to that of the king and
+queen, but different from every other palace in the world, in
+having no windows, and only a door right under the earth.
+However, once within, daylight was hardly missed, so
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205"><!-- full page illustration in original --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206"><!-- blank page --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>207]</a></span>
+brilliant were the multitudes of tapers that were burning
+on the walls.</p>
+
+<p>Now up to this time the princess&rsquo;s history has been
+like the history of many a princess that you have read
+about; but, when the period of her imprisonment was
+nearly over, her fortunes took another turn. For almost
+fifteen years the fairies had taken care of her, and amused
+her and taught her, so that when she came into the world
+she might be no whit behind the daughters of other kings
+in all that makes a princess charming and accomplished.
+They all loved her dearly, but the fairy Tulip loved her
+most of all; and as the princess&rsquo;s fifteenth birthday drew
+near, the fairy began to tremble lest something terrible
+should happen&mdash;some accident which had not been foreseen.
+&lsquo;Do not let her out of your sight,&rsquo; said Tulip to
+the queen, &lsquo;and meanwhile, let her portrait be painted
+and carried to the neighbouring Courts, as is the custom,
+in order that the kings may see how far her beauty exceeds
+that of every other princess, and that they may demand
+her in marriage for their sons.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And so it was done; and as the fairy had prophesied,
+all the young princes fell in love with the picture; but
+the last one to whom it was shown could think of nothing
+else, and refused to let it be removed from his chamber,
+where he spent whole days gazing at it.</p>
+
+<p>The king his father was much surprised at the
+change which had come over his son, who generally
+passed all his time in hunting or hawking, and his
+anxiety was increased by a conversation he overheard
+between two of his courtiers that they feared the prince
+must be going out of his mind, so moody had he become.
+Without losing a moment the king went to visit his son,
+and no sooner had he entered the room than the young
+man flung himself at his father&rsquo;s feet.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You have betrothed me already to a bride I can
+never love!&rsquo; cried he; &lsquo;but if you will not consent to break
+off the match, and ask for the hand of the princess
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>208]</a></span>
+D&eacute;sir&eacute;e, I shall die of misery, thankful to be alive no
+longer.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>These words much displeased the king, who felt that,
+in breaking off the marriage already arranged, he would
+almost certainly be bringing on his subjects a long and
+bloody war; so, without answering, he turned away,
+hoping that a few days might bring his son to reason.
+But the prince&rsquo;s condition grew rapidly so much worse
+that the king, in despair, promised to send an embassy at
+once to D&eacute;sir&eacute;e&rsquo;s father.</p>
+
+<p>This news cured the young man in an instant of all
+his ills; and he began to plan out every detail of dress
+and of horses and carriages which were necessary to
+make the train of the envoy, whose name was Becasigue,
+as splendid as possible. He longed to form part of the
+embassy himself, if only in the disguise of a page; but
+this the king would not allow, and so the prince had to
+content himself with searching the kingdom for everything
+that was rare and beautiful to send to the princess.
+Indeed, he arrived, just as the embassy was starting,
+with his portrait, which had been painted in secret by the
+court painter.</p>
+
+<p>The king and queen wished for nothing better than
+that their daughter should marry into such a great and
+powerful family, and received the ambassador with every
+sign of welcome. They even wished him to see the princess
+D&eacute;sir&eacute;e, but this was prevented by the fairy Tulip,
+who feared some ill might come of it.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And be sure you tell him,&rsquo; added she, &lsquo;that the
+marriage cannot be celebrated till she is fifteen years
+old, or else some terrible misfortune will happen to the
+child.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So when Becasigue, surrounded by his train, made a
+formal request that the princess D&eacute;sir&eacute;e might be given
+in marriage to his master&rsquo;s son, the king replied that he
+was much honoured, and would gladly give his consent;
+but that no one could even see the princess till her
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>209]</a></span>
+fifteenth birthday, as the spell laid upon her in her
+cradle by a spiteful fairy, would not cease to work till
+that was past. The ambassador was greatly surprised
+and disappointed, but he knew too much about fairies to
+venture to disobey them, therefore he had to content
+himself with presenting the prince&rsquo;s portrait to the queen,
+who lost no time in carrying it to the princess. As the
+girl took it in her hands it suddenly spoke, as it had been
+taught to do, and uttered a compliment of the most delicate
+and charming sort, which made the princess flush with
+pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;How would you like to have a husband like that?&rsquo; asked
+the queen, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;As if I knew anything about husbands!&rsquo; replied
+D&eacute;sir&eacute;e, who had long ago guessed the business of the
+ambassador.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, he will be your husband in three months,&rsquo;
+answered the queen, ordering the prince&rsquo;s presents to be
+brought in. The princess was very pleased with them,
+and admired them greatly, but the queen noticed that all
+the while her eyes constantly strayed from the softest
+silks and most brilliant jewels to the portrait of the
+prince.</p>
+
+<p>The ambassador, finding that there was no hope of
+his being allowed to see the princess, took his leave, and
+returned to his own court; but here a new difficulty
+appeared. The prince, though transported with joy at
+the thought that D&eacute;sir&eacute;e was indeed to be his bride, was
+bitterly disappointed that she had not been allowed to
+return with Becasigue, as he had foolishly expected; and
+never having been taught to deny himself anything or
+to control his feelings, he fell as ill as he had done before.
+He would eat nothing nor take pleasure in anything, but
+lay all day on a heap of cushions, gazing at the picture of
+the princess.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If I have to wait three months before I can marry
+the princess I shall die!&rsquo; was all this spoilt boy would
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>210]</a></span>
+say; and at length the king, in despair, resolved to send
+a fresh embassy to D&eacute;sir&eacute;e&rsquo;s father to implore him to
+permit the marriage to be celebrated at once. &lsquo;I would
+have presented my prayer in person,&rsquo; he added in his
+letter, &lsquo;but my great age and infirmities do not suffer me
+to travel; however my envoy has orders to agree to any
+arrangement that you may propose.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>On his arrival at the palace Becasigue pleaded his
+young master&rsquo;s cause as fervently as the king his father
+could have done, and entreated that the princess might
+be consulted in the matter. The queen hastened to the
+marble tower, and told her daughter of the sad state of
+the prince. D&eacute;sir&eacute;e sank down fainting at the news,
+but soon came to herself again, and set about inventing
+a plan which would enable her to go to the prince without
+risking the doom pronounced over her by the wicked
+fairy.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I see!&rsquo; she exclaimed joyfully at last. &lsquo;Let a
+carriage be built through which no light can come, and
+let it be brought into my room. I will then get into it,
+and we can travel swiftly during the night and arrive
+before dawn at the palace of the prince. Once there,
+I can remain in some underground chamber, where no
+light can come.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Ah, how clever you are,&rsquo; cried the queen, clasping her
+in her arms. And she hurried away to tell the king.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What a wife our prince will have!&rsquo; said Becasigue
+bowing low; &lsquo;but I must hasten back with the tidings,
+and to prepare the underground chamber for the princess.&rsquo;
+And so he took his leave.</p>
+
+<p>In a few days the carriage commanded by the
+princess was ready. It was of green velvet, scattered
+over with large golden thistles, and lined inside with
+silver brocade embroidered with pink roses. It had no
+windows, of course; but the fairy Tulip, whose counsel
+had been asked, had managed to light it up with a soft
+glow that came no one knew whither.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>211]</a></span>
+It was carried straight up into the great hall of the
+tower, and the princess stepped into it, followed by her
+faithful maid of honour, Eglantine, and by her lady in
+waiting C&eacute;risette, who also had fallen in love with the
+prince&rsquo;s portrait and was bitterly jealous of her mistress.
+The fourth place in the carriage was filled by C&eacute;risette&rsquo;s
+mother, who had been sent by the queen to look after
+the three young people.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">Now the Fairy of the Fountain was the godmother
+of the princess Nera, to whom the prince had been
+betrothed before the picture of D&eacute;sir&eacute;e had made him
+faithless. She was very angry at the slight put upon her
+godchild, and from that moment kept careful watch
+on the princess. In this journey she saw her chance,
+and it was she who, invisible, sat by C&eacute;risette, and put
+bad thoughts into the minds of both her and her mother.</p>
+
+<p>The way to the city where the prince lived ran for
+the most part through a thick forest, and every night
+when there was no moon, and not a single star could be
+seen through the trees, the guards who travelled with
+the princess opened the carriage to give it an airing.
+This went on for several days, till only twelve hours
+journey lay between them and the palace. Then C&eacute;risette
+persuaded her mother to cut a great hole in the side of
+the carriage with a sharp knife which she herself had
+brought for the purpose. In the forest the darkness was
+so intense that no one perceived what she had done, but
+when they left the last trees behind them, and emerged
+into the open country, the sun was up, and for the first
+time since her babyhood, D&eacute;sir&eacute;e found herself in the
+light of day.</p>
+
+<p>She looked up in surprise at the dazzling brilliance
+that streamed through the hole; then gave a sigh which
+seemed to come from her heart. The carriage door
+swung back, as if by magic, and a white doe sprung out,
+and in a moment was lost to sight in the forest. But,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>212]</a></span>
+quick as she was, Eglantine, her maid of honour, had
+time to see where she went, and jumped from the
+carriage in pursuit of her, followed at a distance by the
+guards.</p>
+
+<p>C&eacute;risette and her mother looked at each other in
+surprise and joy. They could hardly believe in their
+good fortune, for everything had happened exactly as
+they wished. The first thing to be done was to conceal
+the hole which had been cut, and when this was managed
+(with the help of the angry fairy, though they did not
+know it), C&eacute;risette hastened to take off her own clothes,
+and put on those of the princess, placing the crown of
+diamonds on her head. She found this heavier than she
+expected; but then, she had never been accustomed to
+wear crowns, which makes all the difference.</p>
+
+<p>At the gates of the city the carriage was stopped by
+a guard of honour sent by the king as an escort to his
+son&rsquo;s bride. Though C&eacute;risette and her mother could of
+course see nothing of what was going on outside, they
+heard plainly the shouts of welcome from the crowds
+along the streets.</p>
+
+<p>The carriage stopped at length in the vast hall which
+Becasigue had prepared for the reception of the princess.
+The grand chamberlain and the lord high steward were
+awaiting her, and when the false bride stepped into the
+brilliantly lighted room, they bowed low, and said they
+had orders to inform his highness the moment she arrived.
+The prince, whom the strict etiquette of the court had
+prevented from being present in the underground hall,
+was burning with impatience in his own apartments.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;So she has come!&rsquo; cried he, throwing down the bow
+he had been pretending to mend. &lsquo;Well, was I not
+right? Is she not a miracle of beauty and grace? And
+has she her equal in the whole world?&rsquo; The ministers
+looked at each other, and made no reply; till at length
+the chamberlain, who was the bolder of the two, observed:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>213]</a></span>
+&lsquo;My lord, as to her beauty, you can judge of that for
+yourself. No doubt it is as great as you say; but at
+present it seems to have suffered, as is natural, from the
+fatigues of the journey.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>This was certainly not what the prince expected to hear.
+Could the portrait have flattered her? He had known
+of such things before, and a cold shiver ran through him;
+but with an effort he kept silent from further questioning,
+and only said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Has the king been told that the princess is in the
+palace?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes, your highness; and he has probably already
+joined her.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Then I will go too,&rsquo; said the prince.</p>
+
+<p>Weak as he was from his long illness, the prince
+descended the staircase, supported by the ministers, and
+entered the room just in time to hear his father&rsquo;s loud
+cry of astonishment and disgust at the sight of C&eacute;risette.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;There has been treachery at work,&rsquo; he exclaimed,
+while the prince leant, dumb with horror, against the doorpost.
+But the lady in waiting, who had been prepared
+for something of the sort, advanced, holding in her hand
+the letters which the king and queen had entrusted to
+her.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;This is the princess D&eacute;sir&eacute;e,&rsquo; said she, pretending to
+have heard nothing, &lsquo;and I have the honour to present
+to you these letters from my liege lord and lady, together
+with the casket containing the princess&rsquo; jewels.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The king did not move or answer her; so the prince,
+leaning on the arm of Becasigue, approached a little closer
+to the false princess, hoping against hope that his eyes
+had deceived him. But the longer he looked the more
+he agreed with his father that there was some treason somewhere,
+for in no single respect did the portrait resemble
+the woman before him. C&eacute;risette was so tall that the
+dress of the princess did not reach her ankles, and so
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>214]</a></span>
+thin that her bones showed through the stuff. Besides
+that her nose was hooked, and her teeth black and ugly.</p>
+
+<p>In his turn, the prince stood rooted to the spot. At
+last he spoke, and his words were addressed to his father
+and not to the bride who had come so far to marry him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;We have been deceived,&rsquo; he said, &lsquo;and it will cost me
+my life.&rsquo; And he leaned so heavily on the envoy that
+Becasigue feared he was going to faint, and hastily laid
+him on the floor. For some minutes no one could attend
+to anybody but the prince; but as soon as he revived the
+lady in waiting made herself heard.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, my lovely princess, why did we ever leave
+home?&rsquo; cried she. &lsquo;But the king your father will avenge
+the insults that have been heaped on you when we tell
+him how you have been treated.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I will tell him myself,&rsquo; replied the king in wrath;
+&lsquo;he promised me a wonder of beauty, he has sent me a
+skeleton! I am not surprised that he has kept her for
+fifteen years hidden from the eyes of the world. Take
+them both away,&rsquo; he continued, turning to his guards, &lsquo;and
+lodge them in the state prison. There is something more
+I have to learn of this matter.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>His orders were obeyed, and the prince, loudly
+bewailing his sad fate, was led back to his bed, where
+for many days he lay in a high fever. At length he
+slowly began to gain strength, but his sorrow was still
+so great that he could not bear the sight of a strange
+face, and shuddered at the notion of taking his proper
+part in the court ceremonies. Unknown to the king, or
+to anybody but Becasigue, he planned that, as soon as he
+was able, he would make his escape and pass the rest of
+his life in some solitary place. It was some weeks
+before he had regained his health sufficiently to carry
+out his design; but finally, one beautiful starlight night,
+the two friends stole away, and when the king woke next
+morning he found a letter lying by his bed, saying that
+his son had gone, he knew not whither. He wept bitter
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>215]</a></span>
+tears at the news, for he loved the prince dearly; but he
+felt that perhaps the young man had done wisely, and he
+trusted to time and Becasigue&rsquo;s influence to bring the
+wanderer home.</p>
+
+<p>And while these things were happening, what had
+become of the white doe? Though when she sprang
+from the carriage she was aware that some unkind fate
+had changed her into an animal, yet, till she saw herself
+in a stream, she had no idea what it was.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Is it really, I, D&eacute;sir&eacute;e?&rsquo; she said to herself, weeping.
+&lsquo;What wicked fairy can have treated me so; and shall I
+never, never take my own shape again? My only comfort
+that, in this great forest, full of lions and serpents, my life
+will be a short one.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Now the fairy Tulip was as much grieved at the sad
+fate of the princess as D&eacute;sir&eacute;e&rsquo;s own mother could have
+been if she had known of it. Still, she could not help
+feeling that if the king and queen had listened to her
+advice the girl would by this time be safely in the walls
+of her new home. However, she loved D&eacute;sir&eacute;e too much
+to let her suffer more than could be helped, and it was
+she who guided Eglantine to the place where the white
+doe was standing, cropping the grass which was her
+dinner.</p>
+
+<p>At the sound of footsteps the pretty creature lifted
+her head, and when she saw her faithful companion
+approaching she bounded towards her, and rubbed her
+head on Eglantine&rsquo;s shoulder. The maid of honour was
+surprised; but she was fond of animals, and stroked the
+white doe tenderly, speaking gently to her all the while.
+Suddenly the beautiful creature lifted her head, and
+looked up into Eglantine&rsquo;s face, with tears streaming
+from her eyes. A thought flashed through her mind,
+and quick as lightning the girl flung herself on her
+knees, and lifting the animal&rsquo;s feet kissed them one by
+one. &lsquo;My princess! O my dear princess!&rsquo; cried she;
+and again the white doe rubbed her head against her, for
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>216]</a></span>
+though the spiteful fairy had taken away her power of
+speech, she had not deprived her of her reason!</p>
+
+<p>All day long the two remained together, and when
+Eglantine grew hungry she was led by the white doe to
+a part of the forest where pears and peaches grew in abundance;
+but, as night came on, the maid of honour was
+filled with the terrors of wild beasts which had beset the
+princess during her first night in the forest.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Is there no hut or cave we could go into?&rsquo; asked she.
+But the doe only shook her head; and the two sat down
+and wept with fright.</p>
+
+<p>The fairy Tulip who, in spite of her anger, was very softhearted,
+was touched at their distress, and flew quickly
+to their help.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I cannot take away the spell altogether,&rsquo; she said,
+&lsquo;for the Fairy of the Fountain is stronger than I; but I
+can shorten the time of your punishment, and am able
+to make it less hard, for as soon as darkness falls you shall
+resume your own shape.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>To think that by-and-by she would cease to be a
+white doe&mdash;indeed, that she would at once cease to be one
+during the night&mdash;was for the present joy enough for
+D&eacute;sir&eacute;e, and she skipped about on the grass in the
+prettiest manner.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Go straight down the path in front of you,&rsquo; continued
+the fairy, smiling as she watched her; &lsquo;go straight
+down the path and you will soon reach a little hut
+where you will find shelter.&rsquo; And with these words she
+vanished, leaving her hearers happier than they ever
+thought they could be again.</p>
+
+<p>An old woman was standing at the door of the hut when
+Eglantine drew near, with the white doe trotting by her
+side.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Good evening!&rsquo; she said; &lsquo;could you give me a
+night&rsquo;s lodging for myself and my doe?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Certainly I can,&rsquo; replied the old woman. And she
+led them into a room with two little white beds, so
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>217]</a></span>
+clean and comfortable that it made you sleepy even to
+look at them.</p>
+
+<p>The door had hardly closed behind the old woman
+when the sun sank below the horizon, and D&eacute;sir&eacute;e became
+a girl again.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, Eglantine! what should I have done if you had
+not followed me,&rsquo; she cried. And she flung herself into
+her friend&rsquo;s arms in a transport of delight.</p>
+
+<p>Early in the morning Eglantine was awakened by the
+sound of someone scratching at the door, and on opening
+her eyes she saw the white doe struggling to get out.
+The little creature looked up and into her face, and nodded
+her head as the maid of honour unfastened the latch, but
+bounded away into the woods, and was lost to sight in a
+moment.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">Meanwhile, the prince and Becasigue were wandering
+through the wood, till at last the prince grew so tired,
+that he lay down under a tree, and told Becasigue that
+he had better go in search of food, and of some place
+where they could sleep. Becasigue had not gone very
+far, when a turn of the path brought him face to face
+with the old woman, who was feeding her doves before her
+cottage.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Could you give me some milk and fruit?&rsquo; asked he.
+&lsquo;I am very hungry myself, and, besides, I have left a
+friend behind me who is still weak from illness.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Certainly I can,&rsquo; answered the old woman. &lsquo;But
+come and sit down in my kitchen while I catch the goat
+and milk it.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Becasigue was glad enough to do as he was bid, and
+in a few minutes the old woman returned with a basket
+brimming over with oranges and grapes.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If your friend has been ill he should not pass the night
+in the forest,&rsquo; said she. &lsquo;I have a room in my hut&mdash;tiny
+enough, it is true; but better than nothing, and to that
+you are both heartily welcome.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>218]</a></span>
+Becasigue thanked her warmly, and by this time it
+was almost sunset, he set out to fetch the prince. It was
+while he was absent that Eglantine and the white doe
+entered the hut, and having, of course, no idea that in the
+very next room was the man whose childish impatience
+had been the cause of all their troubles.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of his fatigue, the prince slept badly, and
+directly it was light he rose, and bidding Becasigue
+remain where he was, as he wished to be alone, he
+strolled out into the forest. He walked on slowly, just
+as his fancy led him, till, suddenly, he came to a wide
+open space, and in the middle was the white doe quietly
+eating her breakfast. She bounded off at the sight of a
+man, but not before the prince, who had fastened on his
+bow without thinking, had let fly several arrows, which
+the fairy Tulip took care should do her no harm. But,
+quickly as she ran, she soon felt her strength failing her,
+for fifteen years of life in a tower had not taught her
+how to exercise her limbs.</p>
+
+<p>Luckily, the prince was too weak to follow her far,
+and a turn of a path brought her close to the hut,
+where Eglantine was awaiting her. Panting for breath,
+she entered their room, and flung herself down on the
+floor.</p>
+
+<p>When it was dark again, and she was once more the
+princess D&eacute;sir&eacute;e, she told Eglantine what had befallen her.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I feared the Fairy of the Fountain, and the cruel
+beasts,&rsquo; said she; &lsquo;but somehow I never thought of the
+dangers that I ran from men. I do not know now what
+saved me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You must stay quietly here till the time of your
+punishment is over,&rsquo; answered Eglantine. But when the
+morning dawned, and the girl turned into a doe, the
+longing for the forest came over her, and she sprang away
+as before.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the prince was awake he hastened to the
+place where, only the day before, he had found the white
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>219]</a></span>
+doe feeding; but of course she had taken care to go in the
+opposite direction. Much disappointed, he tried first one
+green path and then another, and at last, wearied with
+walking, he threw himself down and went fast asleep.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 435px;">
+<a name="illo40" id="illo40"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb40.jpg" width="435" height="400"
+alt="For a minute they looked at each other" />
+</div>
+
+<p>Just at this moment the white doe sprang out of a
+thicket near by, and started back trembling when she
+beheld her enemy lying there. Yet, instead of turning to
+fly, something bade her go and look at him unseen. As
+she gazed a thrill ran through her, for she felt that, worn
+and wasted though he was by illness, it was the face of
+her destined husband. Gently stooping over him she
+kissed his forehead, and at her touch he awoke.</p>
+
+<p>For a minute they looked at each other, and to his
+amazement he recognised the white doe which had
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>220]</a></span>
+escaped him the previous day. But in an instant the
+animal was aroused to a sense of her danger, and she
+fled with all her strength into the thickest part of the
+forest. Quick as lightning the prince was on her track,
+but this time it was with no wish to kill or even wound
+the beautiful creature.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Pretty doe! pretty doe! stop! I won&rsquo;t hurt you,&rsquo;
+cried he, but his words were carried away by the wind.</p>
+
+<p>At length the doe could run no more, and when the
+prince reached her, she was lying stretched out on the
+grass, waiting for her death blow. But instead the prince
+knelt at her side, and stroked her, and bade her fear
+nothing, as he would take care of her. So he fetched a
+little water from the stream in his horn hunting cup,
+then, cutting some branches from the trees, he twisted
+them into a litter which he covered with moss, and laid
+the white doe gently on it.</p>
+
+<p>For a long time they remained thus, but when
+D&eacute;sir&eacute;e saw by the way that the light struck the trees,
+that the sun must be near its setting, she was filled with
+alarm lest the darkness should fall, and the prince should
+behold her in her human shape.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No, he must not see me for the first time here,&rsquo; she
+thought, and instantly began to plan how to get rid of
+him. Then she opened her mouth and let her tongue
+hang out, as if she were dying of thirst, and the prince,
+as she expected, hastened to the stream to get her some
+more water.</p>
+
+<p>When he returned, the white doe was gone.</p>
+
+<p>That night D&eacute;sir&eacute;e confessed to Eglantine that her
+pursuer was no other than the prince, and that far from
+flattering him, the portrait had never done him justice.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Is it not hard to meet him in this shape,&rsquo; wept she,
+&lsquo;when we both love each other so much?&rsquo; But Eglantine
+comforted her, and reminded her that in a short time all
+would be well.</p>
+
+<p>The prince was very angry at the flight of the white
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>221]</a></span>
+doe, for whom he had taken so much trouble, and returning
+to the cottage he poured out his adventures and
+his wrath to Becasigue, who could not help smiling.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;She shall not escape me again,&rsquo; cried the prince. &lsquo;If
+I hunt her every day for a year, I will have her at last.&rsquo;
+And in this frame of mind he went to bed.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">When the white doe entered the forest next morning,
+she had not made up her mind whether she would go
+and meet the prince, or whether she would shun him,
+and hide in the thickets of which he knew nothing. She
+decided that the last plan was the best; and so it would
+have been if the prince had not taken the very same
+direction in search of her.</p>
+
+<p>Quite by accident he caught sight of her white skin
+shining through the bushes, and at the same instant she
+heard a twig snap under his feet. In a moment she
+was up and away, but the prince, not knowing how else
+to capture her, aimed an arrow at her leg, which brought
+her to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>The young man felt like a murderer as he ran hastily
+up to where the white doe lay, and did his best to soothe
+the pain she felt, which, in reality, was the last part of
+the punishment sent by the Fairy of the Fountain. First
+he brought her some water, and then he fetched some
+healing herbs, and having crushed them in his hands, laid
+them on the wound.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Ah! what a wretch I was to have hurt you,&rsquo; cried he,
+resting her head upon his knees; &lsquo;and now you will hate
+me and fly from me for ever!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>For some time the doe lay quietly where she was, but,
+as before, she remembered that the hour of her transformation
+was near. She struggled to her feet, but the
+prince would not hear of her walking, and thinking the
+old woman might be able to dress her wound better than
+he could, he took her in his arms to carry her back to
+the hut. But, small as she was, she made herself so heavy
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>222]</a></span>
+that, after staggering a few steps under her weight, he
+laid her down, and tied her fast to a tree with some of the
+ribbons off his hat. This done he went away to get
+help.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Eglantine had grown very uneasy at the long
+absence of her mistress, and had come out to look for
+her. Just as the prince passed out of sight the fluttering
+ribbons danced before her eyes, and she descried
+her beautiful princess bound to a tree. With all her
+might she worked at the knots, but not a single one could
+she undo, though all appeared so easy. She was still busy
+with them when a voice behind her said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Pardon me, fair lady, but it is <em>my</em> doe you are trying
+to steal!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Excuse me, good knight,&rsquo; answered Eglantine, hardly
+glancing at him, &lsquo;but it is <em>my</em> doe that is tied up here!
+And if you wish for a proof of it, you can see if she knows
+me or not. Touch my heart, my little one,&rsquo; she continued,
+dropping on her knees. And the doe lifted up
+its fore-foot and laid it on her side. &lsquo;Now put your
+arms round my neck, and sigh.&rsquo; And again the doe did
+as she was bid.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You are right,&rsquo; said the prince; &lsquo;but it is with sorrow
+I give her up to you, for though I have wounded her yet
+I love her deeply.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>To this Eglantine answered nothing; but carefully
+raising up the doe, she led her slowly to the hut.</p>
+
+<p>Now both the prince and Becasigue were quite unaware
+that the old woman had any guests besides themselves,
+and, following afar, were much surprised to behold
+Eglantine and her charge enter the cottage. They
+lost no time in questioning the old woman, who replied
+that she knew nothing about the lady and her white doe,
+who slept next the chamber occupied by the prince and
+his friend, but that they were very quiet, and paid her
+well. Then she went back to her kitchen.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Do you know,&rsquo; said Becasigue, when they were alone,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>223]</a></span>
+&lsquo;I am certain that the lady that we saw is the maid of honour
+to the Princess D&eacute;sir&eacute;e, whom I met at the palace. And,
+as her room is next to this, it will be easy to make a small
+hole through which I can satisfy myself whether I am right
+or not.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So, taking a knife out of his pocket, he began to saw
+away the woodwork. The girls heard the grating noise,
+but fancying it was a mouse, paid no attention, and
+Becasigue was left in peace to pursue his work. At length
+the hole was large enough for him to peep through, and
+the sight was one to strike him dumb with amazement.
+He had guessed truly: the tall lady was Eglantine herself;
+but the other&mdash;where had he seen her? Ah! now he
+knew&mdash;it was the lady of the portrait!</p>
+
+<p>D&eacute;sir&eacute;e, in a flowing dress of green silk, was lying
+stretched out upon cushions, and as Eglantine bent over
+her to bathe the wounded leg, she began to talk:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh! let me die!&rsquo; cried she, &lsquo;rather than go on
+leading this life. You cannot tell the misery of being a
+beast all the day, and unable to speak to the man I love,
+to whose impatience I owe my cruel fate. Yet, even so,
+I cannot bring myself to hate him.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>These words, low though they were spoken, reached
+Becasigue, who could hardly believe his ears. He stood
+silent for a moment; then, crossing to the window out
+of which the prince was gazing, he took his arm and led
+him across the room. A single glance was sufficient to
+show the prince that it was indeed D&eacute;sir&eacute;e; and how another
+had come to the palace bearing her name, at that
+instant he neither knew nor cared. Stealing on tiptoe
+from the room, he knocked at the next door, which was
+opened by Eglantine, who thought it was the old woman
+bearing their supper.</p>
+
+<p>She started back at the sight of the prince, whom this
+time she also recognised. But he thrust her aside, and
+flung himself at the feet of D&eacute;sir&eacute;e, to whom he poured
+out all his heart!</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>224]</a></span>
+Dawn found them still conversing; and the sun was
+high in the heavens before the princess perceived that
+she retained her human form. Ah! how happy she was
+when she knew that the days of her punishment were over;
+and with a glad voice she told the prince the tale of her
+enchantment.</p>
+
+<p>So the story ended well after all; and the fairy Tulip,
+who turned out to be the old woman of the hut, made
+the young couple such a wedding feast as had never
+been seen since the world began. And everybody was
+delighted, except C&eacute;risette and her mother, who were put
+in a boat and carried to a small island, where they had
+to work hard for their living.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(<i>Contes des F&eacute;es</i>, par Madame d&rsquo;Aulnoy.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>225]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE GIRL-FISH</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there lived, on the bank of a stream, a
+man and a woman who had a daughter. As she was an
+only child, and very pretty besides, they never could make
+up their minds to punish her for her faults or to teach
+her nice manners; and as for work&mdash;she laughed in her
+mother&rsquo;s face if she asked her to help cook the dinner or
+to wash the plates. All the girl would do was to spend
+her days in dancing and playing with her friends; and
+for any use she was to her parents they might as well have
+had no daughter at all.</p>
+
+<p>However, one morning her mother looked so tired that
+even the selfish girl could not help seeing it, and asked
+if there was anything she was able to do, so that her mother
+might rest a little.</p>
+
+<p>The good woman looked so surprised and grateful for
+this offer that the girl felt rather ashamed, and at that
+moment would have scrubbed down the house if she had
+been requested; but her mother only begged her to take
+the fishing-net out to the bank of the river and mend
+some holes in it, as her father intended to go fishing that
+night.</p>
+
+<p>The girl took the net and worked so hard that soon
+there was not a hole to be found. She felt quite pleased
+with herself, though she had had plenty to amuse her, as
+everybody who passed by had stopped and had a chat
+with her. But by this time the sun was high over head,
+and she was just folding her net to carry it home again,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>226]</a></span>
+when she heard a splash behind her, and looking round
+she saw a big fish jump into the air. Seizing the net with
+both hands, she flung it into the water where the circles
+were spreading one behind the other, and, more by luck
+than skill, drew out the fish.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, you are a beauty!&rsquo; she cried to herself; but the
+fish looked up to her and said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You had better not kill me, for, if you do, I will turn
+you into a fish yourself!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The girl laughed contemptuously, and ran straight in
+to her mother.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Look what I have caught,&rsquo; she said gaily; &lsquo;but it is
+almost a pity to eat it, for it can talk, and it declares that,
+if I kill it, it will turn me into a fish too.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, put it back, put it back!&rsquo; implored the mother.
+&lsquo;Perhaps it is skilled in magic. And I should die, and
+so would your father, if anything should happen to
+you.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, nonsense, mother; what power could a creature
+like that have over me? Besides, I am hungry, and
+if I don&rsquo;t have my dinner very soon, I shall be cross.&rsquo;
+And off she went to gather some flowers to stick in her
+hair.</p>
+
+<p>About an hour later the blowing of a horn told her that
+dinner was ready.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Didn&rsquo;t I say that fish would be delicious?&rsquo; she cried;
+and plunging her spoon into the dish the girl helped herself
+to a large piece. But the instant it touched her mouth
+a cold shiver ran through her. Her head seemed to flatten,
+and her eyes to look oddly round the corners; her legs and
+her arms were stuck to her sides, and she gasped wildly
+for breath. With a mighty bound she sprang through
+the window and fell into the river, where she soon felt
+better, and was able to swim to the sea, which was
+close by.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner had she arrived there than the sight of her
+sad face attracted the notice of some of the other fishes,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>227]</a></span>
+and they pressed round her, begging her to tell them her
+story.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am not a fish at all,&rsquo; said the new-comer, swallowing
+a great deal of salt water as she spoke; for you
+cannot learn how to be a proper fish all in a moment.
+&lsquo;I am not a fish at all, but a girl; at least I was a
+girl a few minutes ago, only&mdash;&mdash;&rsquo; And she ducked her
+head under the waves so that they should not see her
+crying.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Only you did not believe that the fish you caught
+had power to carry out its threat,&rsquo; said an old tunny.
+&lsquo;Well, never mind, that has happened to all of us, and it
+really is not a bad life. Cheer up and come with us and
+see our queen, who lives in a palace that is much more
+beautiful than any <em>your</em> queens can boast of.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The new fish felt a little afraid of taking such a
+journey; but as she was still more afraid of being left
+alone, she waved her tail in token of consent, and off
+they all set, hundreds of them together. The people on
+the rocks and in the ships that saw them pass said to each
+other:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Look what a splendid shoal!&rsquo; and had no idea that
+they were hastening to the queen&rsquo;s palace; but, then,
+dwellers on land have so little notion of what goes on in
+the bottom of the sea! Certainly the little new fish had
+none. She had watched jelly-fish and nautilus swimming
+a little way below the surface, and beautiful coloured
+sea-weeds floating about; but that was all. <em>Now</em>,
+when she plunged deeper her eyes fell upon strange
+things.</p>
+
+<p>Wedges of gold, great anchors, heaps of pearl,
+inestimable stones, unvalued jewels&mdash;all scattered in the
+bottom of the sea! Dead men&rsquo;s bones were there also,
+and long white creatures who had never seen the light,
+for they mostly dwelt in the clefts of rocks where the sun&rsquo;s
+rays could not come. At first our little fish felt as if she
+were blind also, but by-and-by she began to make
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>228]</a></span>
+out one object after another in the green dimness, and
+by the time she had swum for a few hours all became
+clear.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Here we are at last,&rsquo; cried a big fish, going down
+into a deep valley, for the sea has its mountains and valleys
+just as much as the land. &lsquo;That is the palace of the
+queen of the fishes, and I think you must confess that
+the emperor himself has nothing so fine.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is beautiful indeed,&rsquo; gasped the little fish, who was
+very tired with trying to swim as fast as the rest, and
+beautiful beyond words the palace was. The walls were
+made of pale pink coral, worn smooth by the waters,
+and round the windows were rows of pearls; the great
+doors were standing open, and the whole troop floated
+into a chamber of audience, where the queen, who was
+half a woman after all, was seated on a throne made of
+a green and blue shell.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Who are you, and where do you come from?&rsquo; said
+she to the little fish, whom the others had pushed in
+front. And in a low, trembling voice, the visitor told her
+story.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I was once a girl too,&rsquo; answered the queen, when the
+fish had ended; &lsquo;and my father was the king of a great
+country. A husband was found for me, and on my
+wedding-day my mother placed her crown on my head
+and told me that as long as I wore it I should likewise
+be queen. For many months I was as happy as a girl
+could be, especially when I had a little son to play with.
+But, one morning, when I was walking in my gardens,
+there came a giant and snatched the crown from my
+head. Holding me fast, he told me that he intended
+to give the crown to his daughter, and to enchant my
+husband the prince, so that he should not know the
+difference between us. Since then she has filled my
+place and been queen in my stead. As for me, I was so
+miserable that I threw myself into the sea, and my ladies,
+who loved me, declared that they would die too; but,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>229]</a></span>
+instead of dying, some wizard, who pitied my fate, turned
+us all into fishes, though he allowed me to keep the face
+and body of a woman. And fishes we must remain till
+someone brings me back my crown again!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;<em>I</em> will bring it back if you will tell me what to do!&rsquo; cried
+the little fish; who would have promised anything that
+was likely to carry her up to earth again. And the queen
+answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes, I will tell you what to do.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>She sat silent for a moment, and then went on:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;There is no danger if you will only follow my
+counsel; and first you must return to earth, and go up to
+the top of a high mountain, where the giant has built his
+castle. You will find him sitting on the steps weeping
+for his daughter, who has just died while the prince was
+away hunting. At the last she sent her father my
+crown by a faithful servant. But I warn you to be careful,
+for if he sees you he may kill you. Therefore I will
+give you the power to change yourself into any creature
+that may help you best. You have only to strike your
+forehead, and call out its name.&rsquo;</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">This time the journey to land seemed much shorter
+than before, and when once the fish reached the shore
+she struck her forehead sharply with her tail, and cried:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Deer, come to me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>In a moment the small slimy body disappeared, and
+in its place stood a beautiful beast with branching horns
+and slender legs, quivering with longing to be gone.
+Throwing back her head and snuffing the air, she broke
+into a run, leaping easily over the rivers and walls that
+stood in her way.</p>
+
+<p>It happened that the king&rsquo;s son had been hunting
+since daybreak, but had killed nothing, and when the
+deer crossed his path as he was resting under a tree he
+determined to have her. He flung himself on his horse,
+which went like the wind, and as the prince had often
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>230]</a></span>
+hunted the forest before, and knew all the short cuts, he
+at last came up with the panting beast.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;By your favour let me go, and do not kill me,&rsquo; said
+the deer, turning to the prince with tears in her eyes,
+&lsquo;for I have far to run and much to do.&rsquo; And as the
+prince, struck dumb with surprise, only looked at her,
+the deer cleared the next wall and was soon out of
+sight.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That can&rsquo;t <em>really</em> be a deer,&rsquo; thought the prince to
+himself, reining in his horse and not attempting to follow
+her. &lsquo;No deer ever had eyes like that. It must be an
+enchanted maiden, and I will marry her and no other.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So, turning his horse&rsquo;s head, he rode slowly back to his
+palace.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">The deer reached the giant&rsquo;s castle quite out of breath,
+and her heart sank as she gazed at the tall, smooth walls
+which surrounded it. Then she plucked up courage and
+cried:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Ant, come to me!&rsquo; And in a moment the branching
+horns and beautiful shape had vanished, and a tiny
+brown ant, invisible to all who did not look closely, was
+climbing up the walls.</p>
+
+<p>It was wonderful how fast she went, that little creature!
+The wall must have appeared miles high in
+comparison with her own body; yet, in less time than
+would have seemed possible, she was over the top and
+down in the courtyard on the other side. Here she
+paused to consider what had best be done next, and looking
+about her she saw that one of the walls had a
+tall tree growing by it, and in this corner was a window
+very nearly on a level with the highest branches of the
+tree.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Monkey, come to me!&rsquo; cried the ant; and before you
+could turn round a monkey was swinging herself from
+the topmost branches into the room where the giant lay
+snoring.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>231]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Perhaps he will be so frightened at the sight of me
+that he may die of fear, and I shall never get the crown,&rsquo;
+thought the monkey. &lsquo;I had better become something
+else.&rsquo; And she called softly: &lsquo;Parrot, come to me!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then a pink and grey parrot hopped up to the giant,
+who by this time was stretching himself and giving
+yawns which shook the castle. The parrot waited a little
+until he was really awake, and then she said boldly
+that she had been sent to take away the crown, which
+was not his any longer, now his daughter the queen was
+dead.</p>
+
+<p>On hearing these words the giant leapt out of bed
+with an angry roar, and sprang at the parrot in order to
+wring her neck with his great hands. But the bird was
+too quick for him, and, flying behind his back, begged the
+giant to have patience, as her death would be of no use
+to him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That is true,&rsquo; answered the giant; &lsquo;but I am not so
+foolish as to give you that crown for nothing. Let me
+think what I will have in exchange!&rsquo; And he scratched
+his huge head for several minutes, for giants&rsquo; minds always
+move slowly.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Ah, yes, that will do!&rsquo; exclaimed the giant at last,
+his face brightening. &lsquo;You shall have the crown if you
+will bring me a collar of blue stones from the Arch of St.
+Martin, in the great City.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Now when the parrot had been a girl she had often
+heard of this wonderful arch and the precious stones and
+marbles that had been let into it. It sounded as if it
+would be a very hard thing to get them away from the
+building of which they formed a part, but all had gone
+well with her so far, and at any rate she could but try.
+So she bowed to the giant, and made her way back to
+the window where the giant could not see her. Then she
+called quickly:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Eagle, come to me!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Before she had even reached the tree she felt herself
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>232]</a></span>
+borne up on strong wings ready to carry her to the clouds
+if she wished to go there, and, seeming a mere speck in
+the sky, she was swept along till she beheld the Arch of
+St. Martin far below, with the rays of the sun shining on
+it. Then she swooped down, and, hiding herself behind
+a buttress so that she could not be detected from below,
+she set herself to dig out the nearest blue stones with
+her beak. It was even harder work than she had expected;
+but at last it was done, and hope arose in her
+heart. She next drew out a piece of string that she had
+found hanging from a tree, and sitting down to rest
+strung the stones together. When the necklace was finished
+she hung it round her neck, and called: &lsquo;Parrot,
+come to me!&rsquo; And a little later the pink and grey parrot
+stood before the giant.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Here is the necklace you asked for,&rsquo; said the parrot.
+And the eyes of the giant glistened as he took the heap
+of blue stones in his hand. But for all that he was not
+minded to give up the crown.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;They are hardly as blue as I expected,&rsquo; he grumbled,
+though the parrot knew as well as he did that he was
+not speaking the truth; &lsquo;so you must bring me something
+else in exchange for the crown you covet so much.
+If you fail it will cost you not only the crown but your
+life also.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What is it you want now?&rsquo; asked the parrot; and the
+giant answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If I give you my crown I must have another still
+more beautiful; and this time you shall bring me a crown
+of stars.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The parrot turned away, and as soon as she was outside
+she murmured:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Toad, come to me!&rsquo; And sure enough a toad she
+was, and off she set in search of the starry crown.</p>
+
+<p>She had not gone far before she came to a clear
+pool, in which the stars were reflected so brightly that
+they looked quite real to touch and handle. Stooping
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>233]</a></span>
+down she filled a bag she was carrying with the shining
+water and, returning to the castle, wove a crown out of
+the reflected stars. Then she cried as before:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Parrot, come to me!&rsquo; And in the shape of a parrot
+she entered the presence of the giant.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Here is the crown you asked for,&rsquo; she said; and this
+time the giant could not help crying out with admiration.
+He knew he was beaten, and still holding the chaplet of
+stars, he turned to the girl.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Your power is greater than mine: take the crown; you
+have won it fairly!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The parrot did not need to be told twice. Seizing
+the crown, she sprang on to the window, crying: &lsquo;Monkey,
+come to me!&rsquo; And to a monkey, the climb down the tree
+into the courtyard did not take half a minute. When
+she had reached the ground she said again: &lsquo;Ant, come
+to me!&rsquo; And a little ant at once began to crawl over the
+high wall. How glad the ant was to be out of the giant&rsquo;s
+castle, holding fast the crown which had shrunk into almost
+nothing, as she herself had done, but grew quite big
+again when the ant exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Deer, come to me!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Surely no deer ever ran so swiftly as that one! On
+and on she went, bounding over rivers and crashing
+through tangles till she reached the sea. Here she cried:
+for the last time:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Fish, come to me!&rsquo; And, plunging in, she swam along
+the bottom as far as the palace, where the queen and all
+the fishes were gathered together awaiting her.</p>
+
+<p>The hours since she had left had gone very slowly&mdash;as
+they always do to people that are waiting&mdash;and many of
+them had quite given up hope.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am tired of staying here,&rsquo; grumbled a beautiful
+little creature, whose colours changed with every movement
+of her body, &lsquo;I want to see what is going on in the
+upper world. It must be <em>months</em> since that fish went
+away.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>234]</a></span>
+&lsquo;It was a very difficult task, and the giant must
+certainly have killed her or she would have been back
+long ago,&rsquo; remarked another.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The young flies will be coming out now,&rsquo; murmured
+a third, &lsquo;and they will all be eaten up by the river fish!
+It is really <em>too</em> bad!&rsquo; When, suddenly, a voice was heard
+from behind: &lsquo;Look! look! what is that bright thing
+that is moving so swiftly towards us?&rsquo; And the queen
+started up, and stood on her tail, so excited was she.</p>
+
+<p>A silence fell on all the crowd, and even the grumblers
+held their peace and gazed like the rest. On and on
+came the fish, holding the crown tightly in her mouth,
+and the others moved back to let her pass. On she went
+right up to the queen, who bent, and taking the crown,
+placed it on her own head. Then a wonderful thing
+happened. Her tail dropped away or, rather, it divided
+and grew into two legs and a pair of the prettiest feet in
+the world, while her maidens, who were grouped around
+her, shed their scales and became girls again. They all
+turned and looked at each other first, and next at the
+little fish who had regained her own shape and was more
+beautiful than any of them.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is <em>you</em> who have given us back our life; <em>you</em>, <em>you</em>!&rsquo;
+they cried; and fell to weeping for very joy.</p>
+
+<p>So they all went back to earth and the queen&rsquo;s palace,
+and quite forgot the one that lay under the sea. But
+they had been so long away that they found many
+changes. The prince, the queen&rsquo;s husband, had died some
+years since, and in his place was her son, who had grown
+up and was king! Even in his joy at seeing his mother
+again an air of sadness clung to him, and at last the queen
+could bear it no longer, and begged him to walk with her
+in the garden. Seated together in a bower of jessamine&mdash;where
+she had passed long hours as a bride&mdash;she took
+her son&rsquo;s hand and entreated him to tell her the cause of
+his sorrow. &lsquo;For,&rsquo; said she, &lsquo;if I can give you happiness
+you shall have it.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 384px;">
+<a name="illo41" id="illo41"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb41.jpg" width="384" height="600"
+alt="The crown returns to the queen of the fishes" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>235]</a></span>
+&lsquo;It is no use,&rsquo; answered the prince; &lsquo;nobody can help
+me. I must bear it alone.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;But at least let me share your grief,&rsquo; urged the
+queen.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No one can do that,&rsquo; said he. &lsquo;I have fallen in love
+with what I can never marry, and I must get on as best
+I can.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It may not be so impossible as you think,&rsquo; answered
+the queen. &lsquo;At any rate, tell me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>There was silence between them for a moment, then,
+turning away his head, the prince answered gently:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have fallen in love with a beautiful deer!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Ah, if <em>that</em> is all,&rsquo; exclaimed the queen joyfully. And
+she told him in broken words that, as he had guessed, it
+was no deer but an enchanted maiden who had won back
+the crown and brought her home to her own people.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;She is here, in my palace,&rsquo; added the queen. &lsquo;I will
+take you to her.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>But when the prince stood before the girl, who was
+so much more beautiful than anything he had ever
+dreamed of, he lost all his courage, and stood with bent
+head before her.</p>
+
+<p>Then the maiden drew near, and her eyes, as she looked
+at him, were the eyes of the deer that day in the forest.
+She whispered softly:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;By your favour let me go, and do not kill me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And the prince remembered her words, and his heart
+was filled with happiness. And the queen, his mother,
+watched them and smiled.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(From <i>Cuentos Populars Catalans</i> por lo Dr. D. Francisco de S. Maspons y Labros.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>236]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE OWL AND THE EAGLE</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time, in a country where the snow lies deep
+for many months in the year, there lived an owl and an
+eagle. Though they were so different in many ways
+they became great friends, and at length set up house
+together, one passing the day in hunting and the other
+the night. In this manner they did not see very much
+of each other&mdash;and perhaps agreed all the better for that;
+but at any rate they were perfectly happy, and only
+wanted one thing, or, rather, two things, and that was a
+wife for each.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I really am too tired when I come home in the evening
+to clean up the house,&rsquo; said the eagle.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And I am much too sleepy at dawn after a long
+night&rsquo;s hunting to begin to sweep and dust,&rsquo; answered
+the owl. And they both made up their minds that wives
+they must have.</p>
+
+<p>They flew about in their spare moments to the young
+ladies of their acquaintance, but the girls all declared
+they preferred one husband to two. The poor birds
+began to despair, when, one evening, after they had been
+for a wonder hunting together, they found two sisters
+fast asleep on their two beds. The eagle looked at the
+owl and the owl looked at the eagle.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;They will make capital wives if they will only stay
+with us,&rsquo; said they. And they flew off to give themselves
+a wash, and to make themselves smart before the girls
+awoke.</p>
+
+<p>For many hours the sisters slept on, for they had
+come a long way, from a town where there was scarcely
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>237]</a></span>
+anything to eat, and felt weak and tired. But by-and-by
+they opened their eyes and saw the two birds watching
+them.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I hope you are rested?&rsquo; asked the owl politely.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, yes, thank you,&rsquo; answered the girls. &lsquo;Only we
+are so very hungry. Do you think we could have something
+to eat?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Certainly!&rsquo; replied the eagle. And he flew away to
+a farm-house a mile or two off, and brought back a nest
+of eggs in his strong beak; while the owl, catching up a
+tin pot, went to a cottage where lived an old woman and
+her cow, and entering the shed by the window dipped
+the pot into the pail of new milk that stood there.</p>
+
+<p>The girls were so much delighted with the kindness
+and cleverness of their hosts that, when the birds
+inquired if they would marry them and stay there for
+ever, they accepted without so much as giving it a
+second thought. So the eagle took the younger sister to
+wife, and the owl the elder, and never was a home more
+peaceful than theirs!</p>
+
+<p>All went well for several months, and then the
+eagle&rsquo;s wife had a son, while, on the same day, the owl&rsquo;s
+wife gave birth to a frog, which she placed directly on
+the banks of a stream near by, as he did not seem to like
+the house. The children both grew quickly, and were
+never tired of playing together, or wanted any other companions.</p>
+
+<p>One night in the spring, when the ice had melted,
+and the snow was gone, the sisters sat spinning in the
+house, awaiting their husbands&rsquo; return. But long though
+they watched, neither the owl nor the eagle ever came;
+neither that day nor the next, nor the next, nor the next.
+At last the wives gave up all hope of their return; but,
+being sensible women, they did not sit down and cry,
+but called their children, and set out, determined to seek
+the whole world over till the missing husbands were
+found.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>238]</a></span>
+Now the women had no idea in which direction the
+lost birds had gone, but they knew that some distance
+off was a thick forest, where good hunting was to be
+found. It seemed a likely place to find them, or, at any
+rate, they might hear something of them, and they walked
+quickly on, cheered by the thought that they were doing
+something. Suddenly the young sister, who was a little
+in front, gave a cry of surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh! look at that lake!&rsquo; she said, &lsquo;we shall never get
+across it.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes we shall,&rsquo; answered the elder; &lsquo;I know what to
+do.&rsquo; And taking a long piece of string from her pocket,
+fastened it into the frog&rsquo;s mouth, like a bit.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You must swim across the lake,&rsquo; she said, stooping
+to put him in, &lsquo;and we will walk across on the line behind
+you.&rsquo; And so they did, till they got to about the middle of
+the lake, when the frog boy stopped.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I don&rsquo;t like it, and I won&rsquo;t go any further,&rsquo; cried he
+sulkily. And his mother had to promise him all sorts of
+nice things before he would go on again.</p>
+
+<p>When at last they reached the other side, the owl&rsquo;s wife
+untied the line from the frog&rsquo;s mouth and told him he might
+rest and play by the lake till they got back from the forest.
+Then she and her sister and the boy walked on, with the
+great forest looming before them. But they had by this
+time come far and were very tired, and felt glad enough
+to see some smoke curling up from a little hut in
+front of them.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Let us go in and ask for some water,&rsquo; said the eagle&rsquo;s
+wife; and in they went.</p>
+
+<p>The inside of the hut was so dark that at first they
+could see nothing at all; but presently they heard a
+feeble croak from one corner. Both sisters turned to look,
+and there, tied by wings and feet, and their eyes sunken,
+were the husbands that they sought. Quick as lightning
+the wives cut the deer-thongs which bound them; but the
+poor birds were too weak from pain and starvation to do
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>239]</a></span>
+more than utter soft sounds of joy. Hardly, however,
+were they set free, than a voice of thunder made the two
+sisters jump, while the little boy clung tightly round his
+mother&rsquo;s neck.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What are you doing in my house?&rsquo; cried she. And
+the wives answered boldly that now they had found their
+husbands they meant to save them from such a wicked
+witch.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, I will give you your chance,&rsquo; answered the
+ogress, with a hideous grin; &lsquo;we will see if you can slide
+down this mountain. If you can reach the bottom of the
+cavern, you shall have your husbands back again.&rsquo; And
+as she spoke she pushed them before her out of the door
+to the edge of a precipice, which went straight down several
+hundreds of feet. Unseen by the witch, the frog&rsquo;s mother
+fastened one end of the magic line about her, and whispered
+to the little boy to hold fast to the other. She had
+scarcely done so when the witch turned round.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You don&rsquo;t seem to like your bargain,&rsquo; said she; but
+the girl answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, yes, I am quite ready. I was only waiting for
+you!&rsquo; And sitting down she began her slide. On, on,
+she went, down to such a depth that even the witch&rsquo;s eyes
+could not follow her; but she took for granted that the
+woman was dead, and told the sister to take her place.
+At that instant, however, the head of the elder appeared,
+above the rock, brought upwards by the magic line. The
+witch gave a howl of disgust, and hid her face in her hands;
+thus giving the younger sister time to fasten the cord to
+her waist before the ogress looked up.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You can&rsquo;t expect such luck twice,&rsquo; she said; and the
+girl sat down and slid over the edge. But in a few
+minutes she too was back again, and the witch saw that
+she had failed, and feared lest her power was going.
+Trembling with rage though she was, she dared not show
+it, and only laughed hideously.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I sha&rsquo;n&rsquo;t let my prisoners go as easily as all that!&rsquo;
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>240]</a></span>
+she said. &lsquo;Make my hair grow as thick and as black as
+yours, or else your husbands shall never see daylight
+again.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That is quite simple,&rsquo; replied the elder sister; &lsquo;only
+you must do as we did&mdash;and perhaps you won&rsquo;t like the
+treatment.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If <em>you</em> can bear it, of course <em>I</em> can,&rsquo; answered the
+witch. And so the girls told her they had first smeared
+their heads with pitch and then laid hot stones upon
+them.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is very painful,&rsquo; said they, &lsquo;but there is no other
+way that we know of. And in order to make sure that all
+will go right, one of us will hold you down while the
+other pours on the pitch.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And so they did; and the elder sister let down her hair
+till it hung over the witch&rsquo;s eyes, so that she might believe
+it was her own hair growing. Then the other brought
+a huge stone and clove in her skull, and she died, groaning
+terribly.</p>
+
+<p>So when the sisters saw that she was dead they went
+to the hut and nursed their husbands till they grew
+strong. Then they picked up the frog, and all went to
+make another home on the other side of the great lake.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(From the <i>Journal of the Anthropological Institute</i>.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>241]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE FROG AND THE LION FAIRY</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there lived a king who was always at
+war with his neighbours, which was very strange, as he
+was a good and kind man, quite content with his own
+country, and not wanting to seize land belonging to other
+people. Perhaps he may have tried too much to please
+everybody, and that often ends in pleasing nobody; but, at
+any rate, he found himself, at the end of a hard struggle,
+defeated in battle, and obliged to fall back behind the
+walls of his capital city. Once there, he began to make
+preparations for a long siege, and the first thing he did
+was to plan how best to send his wife to a place of
+security.</p>
+
+<p>The queen, who loved her husband dearly, would
+gladly have remained with him and share his dangers,
+but he would not allow it. So they parted, with many
+tears, and the queen set out with a strong guard to a fortified
+castle on the outskirts of a great forest, some two
+hundred miles distant. She cried nearly all the way, and
+when she arrived she cried still more, for everything in
+the castle was dusty and old, and outside there was only
+a gravelled courtyard, and the king had forbidden her to
+go beyond the walls without at least two soldiers to take
+care of her.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">Now the queen had only been married a few months,
+and in her own home she had been used to walk and ride
+all over the hills without any attendants at all; so she felt
+very dull at her being shut up in this way. However,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>242]</a></span>
+she bore it for a long while because it was the king&rsquo;s wish,
+but when time passed and there were no signs of the war
+drifting in the direction of the castle, she grew bolder,
+and sometimes strayed outside the walls, in the direction
+of the forest.</p>
+
+<p>Then came a dreadful period, when news from the
+king ceased entirely.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;He must surely be ill or dead,&rsquo; thought the poor girl,
+who even now was only sixteen. &lsquo;I can bear it no longer,
+and if I do not get a letter from him soon I shall leave
+this horrible place, and go back to see what is the matter.
+Oh! I do wish I had never come away!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So, without telling anyone what she intended to do,
+she ordered a little low carriage to be built, something
+like a sledge, only it was on two wheels&mdash;just big enough
+to hold one person.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am tired of being always in the castle,&rsquo; she said to
+her attendants; &lsquo;and I mean to hunt a little. Quite close
+by, of course,&rsquo; she added, seeing the anxious look on their
+faces. &lsquo;And there is no reason that you should not hunt
+too.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>All the faces brightened at that, for, to tell the truth,
+they were nearly as dull as their mistress; so the queen
+had her way, and two beautiful horses were brought from
+the stable to draw the little chariot. At first the queen
+took care to keep near the rest of the hunt, but gradually
+she stayed away longer and longer, and at last, one morning,
+she took advantage of the appearance of a wild boar, after
+which her whole court instantly galloped, to turn into a
+path in the opposite direction.</p>
+
+<p>Unluckily, it did not happen to lead towards the king&rsquo;s
+palace, where she intended to go, but she was so afraid
+her flight would be noticed that she whipped up her horses
+till they ran away.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 378px;">
+<a name="illo42" id="illo42"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb42.jpg" width="378" height="600"
+alt="How the queen met the lion-fairy" />
+</div>
+
+<p>When she understood what was happening the poor
+young queen was terribly frightened, and, dropping the
+reins, clung to the side of the chariot. The horses, thus
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243"><!-- full page illustration in original --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244"><!-- blank page --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>245]</a></span>
+left without any control, dashed blindly against a tree,
+and the queen was flung out on the ground, where she
+lay for some minutes unconscious.</p>
+
+<p>A rustling sound near her at length caused her to
+open her eyes; before her stood a huge woman, almost a
+giantess, without any clothes save a lion&rsquo;s skin, which
+was thrown over her shoulders, while a dried snake&rsquo;s
+skin was plaited into her hair. In one hand she held a
+club on which she leaned, and in the other a quiver full
+of arrows.</p>
+
+<p>At the sight of this strange figure the queen thought
+she must be dead, and gazing on an inhabitant of another
+world. So she murmured softly to herself:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am not surprised that people are so loth to die when
+they know that they will see such horrible creatures.&rsquo;
+But, low as she spoke, the giantess caught the words, and
+began to laugh.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, don&rsquo;t be afraid; you are still alive, and perhaps,
+after all, you may be sorry for it. I am the Lion Fairy,
+and you are going to spend the rest of your days with me
+in my palace, which is quite near this. So come along.&rsquo;
+But the queen shrank back in horror.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, Madam Lion, take me back, I pray you, to my
+castle; and fix what ransom you like, for my husband
+will pay it, whatever it is.&rsquo; But the giantess shook her
+head.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am rich enough already,&rsquo; she answered, &lsquo;but I am
+often dull, and I think you may amuse me a little.&rsquo; And,
+so saying, she changed her shape into that of a lion, and
+throwing the queen across her back, she went down the
+ten thousand steps that led to her palace. The lion had
+reached the centre of the earth before she stopped in front
+of a house, lighted with lamps, and built on the edge of
+a lake of quicksilver. In this lake various huge monsters
+might be seen playing or fighting&mdash;the queen did not
+know which&mdash;and around flew rooks and ravens, uttering
+dismal croaks. In the distance was a mountain down
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>246]</a></span>
+whose sides waters slowly course&mdash;these were the tears
+of unhappy lovers&mdash;and nearer the gate were trees without
+either fruit or flowers, while nettles and brambles covered
+the ground. If the castle had been gloomy, what did the
+queen feel about this?</p>
+
+<p>For some days the queen was so much shaken by all
+she had gone through that she lay with her eyes closed,
+unable either to move or speak. When she got better,
+the Lion Fairy told her that if she liked she could build
+herself a cabin, as she would have to spend her life in
+that place. At these words the queen burst into tears,
+and implored her gaoler to put her to death rather than
+condemn her to such a life; but the Lion Fairy only laughed,
+and counselled her to try and make herself pleasant, as
+many worse things might befall her.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Is there <em>no</em> way in which I can touch your heart?&rsquo;
+asked the poor girl in despair.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, if you <em>really</em> wish to please me you will make
+me a pasty out of the stings of bees, and be sure it is
+good.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;But I don&rsquo;t see any bees,&rsquo; answered the queen, looking
+round.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, no, there aren&rsquo;t any,&rsquo; replied her tormentor; &lsquo;but
+you will have to find them all the same.&rsquo; And, so saying,
+she went away.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;After all, what does it matter?&rsquo; thought the queen to
+herself, &lsquo;I have only one life, and I can but lose it.&rsquo; And
+not caring what she did, she left the palace and seating
+herself under a yew tree, poured out all her grief.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, my dear husband,&rsquo; wept she, &lsquo;what will you think
+when you come to the castle to fetch me and find me gone?
+Rather a thousand times that you should fancy me dead
+than imagine that I had forgotten you! Ah, how fortunate
+that the broken chariot should be lying in the wood, for
+then you may grieve for me as one devoured by wild beasts.
+And if another should take my place in your heart&mdash;&mdash;&nbsp;Well,
+at least I shall never know it.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>247]</a></span>
+She might have continued for long in this fashion had
+not the voice of a crow directly overhead attracted her
+attention. Looking up to see what was the matter she
+beheld, in the dim light, a crow holding a fat frog in his
+claws, which he evidently intended for his supper. The
+queen rose hastily from the seat, and striking the bird
+sharply on the claws with the fan which hung from her
+side, she forced him to drop the frog, which fell to the
+ground more dead than alive. The crow, furious at his
+disappointment, flew angrily away.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the frog had recovered her senses she hopped
+up to the queen, who was still sitting under the yew.
+Standing on her hind legs, and bowing low before her, she
+said gently:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Beautiful lady, by what mischance do you come here?
+You are the only creature that I have seen do a kind deed
+since a fatal curiosity lured me to this place.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What sort of a frog can you be that knows the language
+of mortals?&rsquo; asked the queen in her turn. &lsquo;But
+if you do, tell me, I pray, if I alone am a captive, for
+hitherto I have beheld no one but the monsters of the
+lake.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Once upon a time they were men and women like
+yourself,&rsquo; answered the frog, &lsquo;but having power in their
+hands, they used it for their own pleasure. Therefore
+fate has sent them here for a while to bear the punishment
+of their misdoings.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;But you, friend frog, you are not one of these wicked
+people, I am sure?&rsquo; asked the queen.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am half a fairy,&rsquo; replied the frog; &lsquo;but, although I
+have certain magic gifts, I am not able to do all I wish.
+And if the Lion Fairy were to know of my presence in
+her kingdom she would hasten to kill me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;But if you are a fairy, how was it that you were so
+nearly slain by the crow?&rsquo; said the queen, wrinkling her
+forehead.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Because the secret of my power lies in my little cap
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>248]</a></span>
+that is made of rose leaves; but I had laid it aside for the
+moment, when that horrible crow pounced upon me.
+Once it is on my head I fear nothing. But let me repeat;
+had it not been for you I could not have escaped death,
+and if I can do anything to help you, or soften your hard
+fate, you have only to tell me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Alas,&rsquo; sighed the queen, &lsquo;I have been commanded by
+the Lion Fairy to make her a pasty out of the stings of
+bees, and, as far as I can discover, there are none here;
+as how should there be, seeing there are no flowers for
+them to feed on? And, even if there were, how could I
+catch them?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Leave it to me,&rsquo; said the frog, &lsquo;I will manage it for
+you.&rsquo; And, uttering a strange noise, she struck the ground
+thrice with her foot. In an instant six thousand frogs
+appeared before her, one of them bearing a little cap.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Cover yourselves with honey, and hop round by the
+bee-hives,&rsquo; commanded the frog, putting on the cap which
+her friend was holding in her mouth. And turning to the
+queen, he added:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The Lion Fairy keeps a store of bees in a secret place
+near to the bottom of the ten thousand steps leading into
+the upper world. Not that she wants them for herself,
+but they are sometimes useful to her in punishing her
+victims. However, this time we will get the better of
+her.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Just as she had finished speaking the six thousand
+frogs returned, looking so strange with bees sticking to
+every part of them that, sad as she felt, the poor queen
+could not help laughing. The bees were all so stupefied
+with what they had eaten that it was possible to draw
+their stings without hunting them. So, with the help of
+her friend, the queen soon made ready her pasty and
+carried it to the Lion Fairy.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is not bad,&rsquo; said the giantess, gulping down large
+morsels, in order to hide the surprise she felt. &lsquo;Well,
+you have escaped this time, and I am glad to find I have
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>249]</a></span>
+got a companion a little more intelligent than the others
+I have tried. Now, you had better go and build yourself
+a house.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 405px;">
+<a name="illo43" id="illo43"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb43.jpg" width="405" height="320"
+alt="A small dragon crept in and terrified her" />
+</div>
+
+<p>So the queen wandered away, and picking up a small
+axe which lay near the door she began with the help of
+her friend the frog to cut down some cypress trees for
+the purpose. And not content with that the six thousand
+froggy servants were told to help also, and it was not long
+before they had built the prettiest little cabin in the world,
+and made a bed in one corner of dried ferns which they
+fetched from the top of the ten thousand steps. It looked
+soft and comfortable, and the queen was very glad to
+lie down upon it, so tired was she with all that had happened
+since the morning. Scarcely, however, had she
+fallen asleep when the lake monsters began to make the
+most horrible noises just outside, while a small dragon
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>250]</a></span>
+crept in and terrified her so that she ran away, which was
+just what the dragon wanted!</p>
+
+<p>The poor queen crouched under a rock for the rest of
+the night, and the next morning, when she woke from her
+troubled dreams, she was cheered at seeing the frog watching
+by her.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I hear we shall have to build you another palace,&rsquo;
+said she. &lsquo;Well, this time we won&rsquo;t go so near the lake.&rsquo;
+And she smiled with her funny wide mouth, till the queen
+took heart, and they went together to find wood for the
+new cabin.</p>
+
+<p>The tiny palace was soon ready, and a fresh bed made
+of wild thyme, which smelt delicious. Neither the queen
+nor the frog said anything about it, but somehow, as always
+happens, the story came to the ears of the Lion Fairy,
+and she sent a raven to fetch the culprit.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What gods or men are protecting you?&rsquo; she asked,
+with a frown. &lsquo;This earth, dried up by a constant rain
+of sulphur and fire, produces nothing, yet I hear that
+<em>your</em> bed is made of sweet smelling herbs. However, as
+you can get flowers for yourself, of course you can get
+them for me, and in an hour&rsquo;s time I must have in my
+room a nosegay of the rarest flowers. If not&mdash;&mdash;! Now
+you can go.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The poor queen returned to her house looking so sad
+that the frog, who was waiting for her, noticed it directly.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What is the matter?&rsquo; said she, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, how can you laugh!&rsquo; replied the queen. &lsquo;This
+time I have to bring her in an hour a posy of the rarest
+flowers, and where am I to find them? If I fail I know
+she will kill me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, I must see if <em>I</em> can&rsquo;t help you,&rsquo; answered the
+frog. &lsquo;The only person I have made friends with here
+is a bat. She is a good creature, and always does what I
+tell her, so I will just lend her my cap, and if she puts it
+on, and flies into the world, she will bring back all we
+want. I would go myself, only she will be quicker.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>251]</a></span>
+Then the queen dried her eyes, and waited patiently,
+and long before the hour had gone by the bat flew in with
+all the most beautiful and sweetest flowers that grew on
+the earth. The girl sprang up overjoyed at the sight,
+and hurried with them to the Lion Fairy, who was so
+astonished that for once she had nothing to say.</p>
+
+<p>Now the smell and touch of the flowers had made the
+queen sick with longing for her home, and she told the
+frog that she would certainly die if she did not manage to
+escape somehow.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Let me consult my cap,&rsquo; said the frog; and taking it
+off she laid it in a box, and threw in after it a few sprigs
+of juniper, some capers, and two peas, which she carried
+under her right leg; she then shut down the lid of the
+box, and murmured some words which the queen did not
+catch.</p>
+
+<p>In a few moments a voice was heard speaking from the
+box.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Fate, who rules us all,&rsquo; said the voice, &lsquo;forbids your
+leaving this place till the time shall come when certain
+things are fulfilled. But, instead, a gift shall be given
+you, which will comfort you in all your troubles.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And the voice spoke truly, for, a few days after, when
+the frog peeped in at the door she found the most
+beautiful baby in the world lying by the side of the
+queen.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;So the cap has kept its word,&rsquo; cried the frog with delight.
+&lsquo;How soft its cheeks are, and what tiny feet it
+has got! What shall we call it?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>This was a very important point, and needed much
+discussion. A thousand names were proposed and rejected
+for a thousand silly reasons. One was too long,
+and one was too short. One was too harsh, and another
+reminded the queen of somebody she did not like; but
+at length an idea flashed into the queen&rsquo;s head, and she
+called out:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I know! We will call her Muffette.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>252]</a></span>
+&lsquo;That is the very thing,&rsquo; shouted the frog, jumping high
+into the air; and so it was settled.</p>
+
+<p>The princess Muffette was about six months old when
+the frog noticed that the queen had begun to grow sad
+again.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Why do you have that look in your eyes?&rsquo; she asked
+one day, when she had come in to play with the baby,
+who could now crawl.</p>
+
+<p>The way they played their game was to let Muffette
+creep close to the frog, and then for the frog to bound
+high into the air and alight on the child&rsquo;s head, or back,
+or legs, when she always set up a shout of pleasure.
+There is no playfellow like a frog; but then it must be
+a <em>fairy</em> frog, or else you might hurt it, and if you did
+something dreadful might happen to you. Well, as I
+have said, our frog was struck with the queen&rsquo;s sad face,
+and lost no time in asking her what was the reason.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I don&rsquo;t see what you have to complain of now;
+Muffette is quite well and quite happy, and even the
+Lion Fairy is kind to her when she sees her. What <em>is</em>
+it?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh! if her father could only see her!&rsquo; broke forth
+the queen, clasping her hands. &lsquo;Or if I could only tell
+him all that has happened since we parted. But they
+will have brought him tidings of the broken carriage, and
+he will have thought me dead, or devoured by wild
+beasts. And though he will mourn for me long&mdash;I know
+that well&mdash;yet in time they will persuade him to take a
+wife, and she will be young and fair, and he will forget me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And in all this the queen guessed truly, save that nine
+long years were to pass before he would consent to put
+another in her place.</p>
+
+<p>The frog answered nothing at the time, but stopped
+her game and hopped away among the cypress trees.
+Here she sat and thought and thought, and the next morning
+she went back to the queen and said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have come, madam, to make you an offer. Shall
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>253]</a></span>
+I go to the king instead of you, and tell him of your
+sufferings, and that he has the most charming baby in
+the world for his daughter? The way is long, and I
+travel slowly; but, sooner or later, I shall be sure to
+arrive. Only, are you not afraid to be left without my
+protection? Ponder the matter carefully; it is for you to
+decide.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, it needs no pondering,&rsquo; cried the queen joyfully,
+holding up her clasped hands, and making Muffette do
+likewise, in token of gratitude. &lsquo;But in order that he may
+know that you have come from me I will send him a letter.&rsquo;
+And pricking her arm, she wrote a few words with her
+blood on the corner of her handkerchief. Then tearing
+it off, she gave it to the frog, and they bade each other
+farewell.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">It took the frog a year and four days to mount the ten
+thousand steps that led to the upper world, but that was
+because she was still under the spell of a wicked fairy.
+By the time she reached the top, she was so tired that
+she had to remain for another year on the banks of a stream
+to rest, and also to arrange the procession with which she
+was to present herself before the king. For she knew far
+too well what was due to herself and her relations, to
+appear at Court as if she was a mere nobody. At length,
+after many consultations with her cap, the affair was
+settled, and at the end of the second year after her parting
+with the queen they all set out.</p>
+
+<p>First walked her bodyguard of grasshoppers, followed
+by her maids of honour, who were those tiny green frogs
+you see in the fields, each one mounted on a snail, and
+seated on a velvet saddle. Next came the water-rats,
+dressed as pages, and lastly the frog herself, in a litter
+borne by eight toads, and made of tortoiseshell. Here
+she could lie at her ease, with her cap on her head, for it
+was quite large and roomy, and could easily have held
+two eggs when the frog was not in it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>254]</a></span>
+The journey lasted seven years, and all this time the
+queen suffered tortures of hope, though Muffette did her
+best to comfort her. Indeed, she would most likely have
+died had not the Lion Fairy taken a fancy that the child
+and her mother should go hunting with her in the upper
+world, and, in spite of her sorrows, it was always a joy
+to the queen to see the sun again. As for little Muffette,
+by the time she was seven her arrows seldom missed their
+mark. So, after all, the years of waiting passed more
+quickly than the queen had dared to hope.</p>
+
+<p>The frog was always careful to maintain her dignity,
+and nothing would have persuaded her to show her face
+in public places, or even along the high road, where there
+was a chance of meeting anyone. But sometimes, when
+the procession had to cross a little stream, or go over a
+piece of marshy ground, orders would be given for a halt;
+fine clothes were thrown off, bridles were flung aside, and
+grasshoppers, water-rats, even the frog herself, spent a
+delightful hour or two playing in the mud.</p>
+
+<p>But at length the end was in sight, and the hardships
+were forgotten in the vision of the towers of the king&rsquo;s
+palace; and, one bright morning, the cavalcade entered
+the gates with all the pomp and circumstance of a royal
+embassy. And surely no ambassador had ever created
+such a sensation! Doors and windows, even the roofs of
+houses, were filled with people, whose cheers reached the
+ears of the king. However, he had no time to attend to
+such matters just then, as, after nine years, he had at
+last consented to the entreaties of his courtiers, and was
+on the eve of celebrating his second marriage.</p>
+
+<p>The frog&rsquo;s heart beat high when her litter drew up
+before the steps of the palace, and leaning forward she
+beckoned to her side one of the guards who were standing
+in his doorway.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I wish to see his Majesty,&rsquo; said he.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;His Majesty is engaged, and can see no one,&rsquo; answered
+the soldier.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>255]</a></span>
+&lsquo;His Majesty will see <em>me</em>,&rsquo; returned the frog, fixing
+her eye upon him; and somehow the man found himself
+leading the procession along the gallery into the Hall of
+Audience, where the king sat surrounded by his nobles
+arranging the dresses which everyone was to wear at his
+marriage ceremony.</p>
+
+<p>All stared in surprise as the procession advanced, and
+still more when the frog gave one bound from the litter on
+to the floor, and with another landed on the arm of the
+chair of state.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am only just in time, sire,&rsquo; began the frog; &lsquo;had I
+been a day later you would have broken your faith which
+you swore to the queen nine years ago.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Her remembrance will always be dear to me,&rsquo; answered
+the king gently, though all present expected him to rebuke
+the frog severely for her impertinence. &lsquo;But know, Lady
+Frog, that a king can seldom do as he wishes, but must
+be bound by the desires of his subjects. For nine years
+I have resisted them; now I can do so no longer, and have
+made choice of the fair young maiden playing at ball
+yonder.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You cannot wed her, however fair she may be, for
+the queen your wife is still alive, and sends you this letter
+written in her own blood,&rsquo; said the frog, holding out the
+square of handkerchief as she spoke. &lsquo;And, what is more,
+you have a daughter who is nearly nine years old, and
+more beautiful than all the other children in the world
+put together.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The king turned pale when he heard these words, and
+his hand trembled so that he could hardly read what the
+queen had written. Then he kissed the handkerchief
+twice or thrice, and burst into tears, and it was some
+minutes before he could speak. When at length he found
+his voice he told his councillors that the writing was indeed
+that of the queen, and now that he had the joy of knowing
+she was alive he could, of course, proceed no further with
+his second marriage. This naturally displeased the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>256]</a></span>
+ambassadors who had conducted the bride to court, and one
+of them inquired indignantly if he meant to put such an
+insult on the princess on the word of a mere frog.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am not a &ldquo;mere frog,&rdquo; and I will give you proof
+of it,&rsquo; retorted the angry little creature. And putting on
+her cap, she cried: &lsquo;Fairies that are my friends, come
+hither!&rsquo; And in a moment a crowd of beautiful creatures,
+each one with a crown on her head, stood before her.
+Certainly none could have guessed that they were the
+snails, water-rats, and grasshoppers, from which she had
+chosen her retinue.</p>
+
+<p>At a sign from the frog the fairies danced a ballet, with
+which everyone was so delighted that they begged to have
+it repeated; but now it was not youths and maidens who
+were dancing, but flowers. Then these again melted
+into fountains, whose waters interlaced and, rushing
+down the sides of the hall, poured out in a cascade down
+the steps, and formed a river round the castle, with the
+most beautiful little boats upon it, all painted and
+gilded.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, let us go in them for a sail!&rsquo; cried the princess,
+who had long ago left her game of ball for a sight of these
+marvels; and, as she was bent upon it, the ambassadors,
+who had been charged never to lose sight of her, were
+obliged to go also, though they never entered a boat if
+they could help it.</p>
+
+<p>But the moment they and the princess had seated themselves
+on the soft cushions, river and boats vanished, and
+the princess and the ambassadors vanished too. Instead,
+the snails and grasshoppers and water-rats stood round
+the frog in their natural shapes.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Perhaps,&rsquo; said she, &lsquo;your Majesty may now be convinced
+that I am a fairy and speak the truth. Therefore
+lose no time in setting in order the affairs of your kingdom
+and go in search of your wife. Here is a ring that
+will admit you into the presence of the queen, and will
+likewise allow you to address unharmed the Lion Fairy,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>257]</a></span>
+though she is the most terrible creature that ever
+existed.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>By this time the king had forgotten all about the
+princess, whom he had only chosen to please his people,
+and was as eager to depart on his journey as the frog
+was for him to go. He made one of his ministers regent
+of the kingdom, and gave the frog everything her heart
+could desire; and with her ring on his finger he rode away
+to the outskirts of the forest. Here he dismounted,
+and bidding his horse go home, he pushed forward on
+foot.</p>
+
+<p>Having nothing to guide him as to where he was likely
+to find the entrance of the under-world, the king wandered
+hither and thither for a long while, till, one day, while he
+was resting under a tree, a voice spoke to him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Why do you give yourself so much trouble for nought,
+when you might know what you want to know for the
+asking? Alone you will never discover the path that leads
+to your wife.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Much startled, the king looked about him. He could
+see nothing, and somehow, when he thought about it, the
+voice seemed as if it were part of himself. Suddenly his
+eyes fell on the ring, and he understood.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Fool that I was!&rsquo; cried he; &lsquo;and how much precious
+time have I wasted? Dear ring, I beseech you, grant
+me a vision of my wife and my daughter!&rsquo; And even as
+he spoke there flashed past him a huge lioness, followed
+by a lady and a beautiful young maid mounted on fairy
+horses.</p>
+
+<p>Almost fainting with joy he gazed after them, and then
+sank back trembling on the ground.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, lead me to them, lead me to them!&rsquo; he exclaimed.
+And the ring, bidding him take courage, conducted him
+safely to the dismal place where his wife had lived for
+ten years.</p>
+
+<p>Now the Lion Fairy knew beforehand of his expected
+presence in her dominions, and she ordered a palace of
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>258]</a></span>
+crystal to be built in the middle of the lake of quicksilver;
+and in order to make it more difficult of approach she
+let it float whither it would. Immediately after their
+return from the chase, where the king had seen them,
+she conveyed the queen and Muffette into the palace, and
+put them under the guard of the monsters of the lake,
+who one and all had fallen in love with the princess. They
+were horribly jealous, and ready to eat each other up
+for her sake, so they readily accepted the charge. Some
+stationed themselves round the floating palace, some sat
+by the door, while the smallest and lightest perched themselves
+on the roof.</p>
+
+<p>Of course the king was quite ignorant of these arrangements,
+and boldly entered the palace of the Lion Fairy,
+who was waiting for him, with her tail lashing furiously,
+for she still kept her lion&rsquo;s shape. With a roar that shook
+the walls she flung herself upon him; but he was on the
+watch, and a blow from his sword cut off the paw she
+had put forth to strike him dead. She fell back, and with
+his helmet still down and his shield up, he set his foot on
+her throat.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Give me back the wife and the child you have stolen
+from me,&rsquo; he said, &lsquo;or you shall not live another second!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>But the fairy answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Look through the window at that lake and see if it
+is in my power to give them to you.&rsquo; And the king looked,
+and through the crystal walls he beheld his wife and daughter
+floating on the quicksilver. At that sight the Lion Fairy
+and all her wickedness was forgotten. Flinging off his
+helmet, he shouted to them with all his might. The
+queen knew his voice, and she and Muffette ran to the
+window and held out their hands. Then the king swore
+a solemn oath that he would never leave the spot without
+them if it should cost him his life; and he meant it, though
+at the moment he did not know what he was undertaking.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 600px;">
+<a name="illo44" id="illo44"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb44.jpg" width="600" height="393"
+alt="The king on his dragon fights his way through the monsters to the queen and Muffette" />
+</div>
+
+<p>Three years passed by, and the king was no nearer to
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259"><!-- full page illustration in original --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260"><!-- blank page --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>261]</a></span>
+obtaining his heart&rsquo;s desire. He had suffered every hardship
+that could be imagined&mdash;nettles had been his bed,
+wild fruits more bitter than gall his food, while his days
+had been spent in fighting the hideous monsters which
+kept him from the palace. He had not advanced one
+single step, nor gained one solitary advantage. Now he
+was almost in despair, and ready to defy everything and
+throw himself into the lake.</p>
+
+<p>It was at this moment of his blackest misery that, one
+night, a dragon who had long watched him from the roof
+crept to his side.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You thought that love would conquer all obstacles,&rsquo;
+said he; &lsquo;well, you have found it hasn&rsquo;t! But if you will
+swear to me by your crown and sceptre that you will give
+me a dinner of the food that I never grow tired of, whenever
+I choose to ask for it, I will enable you to reach your
+wife and daughter.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Ah, how glad the king was to hear that! What oath
+would he not have taken so as to clasp his wife and child
+in his arms? Joyfully he swore whatever the dragon
+asked of him; then he jumped on his back, and in another
+instant would have been carried by the strong wings into
+the castle if the nearest monster had not happened to
+awake and hear the noise of talking and swum to the
+shore to give battle. The fight was long and hard, and
+when the king at last beat back his foes another struggle
+awaited him. At the entrance gigantic bats, owls, and
+crows set upon him from all sides; but the dragon had
+teeth and claws, while the queen broke off sharp bits of
+glass and stabbed and cut in her anxiety to help her husband.
+At length the horrible creatures flew away; a sound
+like thunder was heard, the palace and the monsters vanished,
+while, at the same moment&mdash;no one knew how&mdash;the
+king found himself standing with his wife and daughter
+in the hall of his own home.</p>
+
+<p>The dragon had disappeared with all the rest, and for
+some years no more was heard or thought of him.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>262]</a></span>
+Muffette grew every day more beautiful, and when she
+was fourteen the kings and emperors of the neighbouring
+countries sent to ask her in marriage for themselves or
+their sons. For a long time the girl turned a deaf ear
+to all their prayers; but at length a young prince of rare
+gifts touched her heart, and though the king had left her
+free to choose what husband she would, he had secretly
+hoped that out of all the wooers this one might be his
+son-in-law. So they were betrothed that same day with
+great pomp, and then, with many tears, the prince set
+out for his father&rsquo;s court, bearing with him a portrait of
+Muffette.</p>
+
+<p>The days passed slowly to Muffette, in spite of her
+brave efforts to occupy herself and not to sadden other
+people by her complaints. One morning she was playing
+on her harp in the queen&rsquo;s chamber when the king burst
+into the room and clasped his daughter in his arms with
+an energy that almost frightened her.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, my child! my dear child! why were you ever born?&rsquo;
+cried he, as soon as he could speak.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Is the prince dead?&rsquo; faltered Muffette, growing white
+and cold.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No, no; but&mdash;oh, how can I tell you!&rsquo; And he sank
+down on a pile of cushions while his wife and daughter
+knelt beside him.</p>
+
+<p>At length he was able to tell his tale, and a terrible one
+it was! There had just arrived at court a huge giant,
+as ambassador from the dragon by whose help the king
+had rescued the queen and Muffette from the crystal
+palace. The dragon had been very busy for many years
+past, and had quite forgotten the princess till the news of
+her betrothal had reached his ears. Then he remembered
+the bargain he had made with her father; and the more
+he heard of Muffette the more he felt sure she would make
+a delicious dish. So he had ordered the giant who was
+his servant to fetch her at once.</p>
+
+<p>No words would paint the horror of both the queen
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>263]</a></span>
+and the princess as they listened to this dreadful doom.
+They rushed instantly to the hall, where the giant was
+awaiting them, and flinging themselves at his feet
+implored him to take the kingdom if he would, but to
+have pity on the princess. The giant looked at them
+kindly, for he was not at all hard-hearted, but said that
+he had no power to do anything, and that if the princess
+did not go with him quietly the dragon would come
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>Several days went by, and the king and queen hardly
+ceased from entreating the aid of the giant, who by this
+time was getting weary of waiting.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;There is only one way of helping you,&rsquo; he said at
+last, &lsquo;and that is to marry the princess to my nephew,
+who, besides being young and handsome, has been trained
+in magic, and will know how to keep her safe from the
+dragon.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, thank you, thank you!&rsquo; cried the parents, clasping
+his great hands to their breasts. &lsquo;You have indeed
+lifted a load from us. She shall have half the kingdom
+for her dowry.&rsquo; But Muffette stood up and thrust them
+aside.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I will not buy my life with faithlessness,&rsquo; she said proudly;
+&lsquo;and I will go with you this moment to the dragon&rsquo;s abode.&rsquo;
+And all her father&rsquo;s and mother&rsquo;s tears and prayers availed
+nothing to move her.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning Muffette was put into a litter, and,
+guarded by the giant and followed by the king and queen
+and the weeping maids of honour, they started for the
+foot of the mountain where the dragon had his castle.
+The way, though rough and stony, seemed all too short,
+and when they reached the spot appointed by the dragon
+the giant ordered the men who bore the litter to stand
+still.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is time for you to bid farewell to your daughter,&rsquo;
+said he; &lsquo;for I see the dragon coming to us.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>It was true; a cloud appeared to pass over the sun, for
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>264]</a></span>
+between them and it they could all discern dimly a huge
+body half a mile long approaching nearer and nearer.
+At first the king could not believe that this was the small
+beast who had seemed so friendly on the shore of the lake
+of quicksilver; but then he knew very little of necromancy,
+and had never studied the art of expanding and contracting
+his body. But it was the dragon and nothing else, whose
+six wings were carrying him forward as fast as might be,
+considering his great weight and the length of his tail,
+which had fifty twists and a half.</p>
+
+<p>He came quickly, yes; but the frog, mounted on a greyhound,
+and wearing her cap on her head, went quicker
+still. Entering a room where the prince was sitting gazing
+at the portrait of his betrothed, she cried to him:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What are you doing lingering here, when the life of
+the princess is nearing its last moment? In the courtyard
+you will find a green horse with three heads and
+twelve feet, and by its side a sword eighteen yards long.
+Hasten, lest you should be too late!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The fight lasted all day, and the prince&rsquo;s strength was
+well-nigh spent, when the dragon, thinking that the victory
+was won, opened his jaws to give a roar of triumph.
+The prince saw his chance, and before his foe could shut
+his mouth again had plunged his sword far down his adversary&rsquo;s
+throat. There was a desperate clutching of the
+claws to the earth, a slow flagging of the great wings, then
+the monster rolled over on his side and moved no more.
+Muffette was delivered.</p>
+
+<p>After this they all went back to the palace. The marriage
+took place the following day, and Muffette and her
+husband lived happy for ever after.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(From <i>Les Contes des F&eacute;es</i>, par Madame d&rsquo;Aulnoy.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>265]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE ADVENTURES OF COVAN THE BROWN-HAIRED</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>On the shores of the west, where the great hills stand
+with their feet in the sea, dwelt a goat-herd and his wife,
+together with their three sons and one daughter. All
+day long the young men fished and hunted, while their
+sister took out the kids to pasture on the mountain, or
+stayed at home helping her mother and mending the
+nets.</p>
+
+<p>For several years they all lived happily together, when,
+one day, as the girl was out on the hill with the kids,
+the sun grew dark and an air cold as a thick white mist
+came creeping, creeping up from the sea. She rose with
+a shiver, and tried to call to her kids, but the voice
+died away in her throat, and strong arms seemed to hold
+her.</p>
+
+<p>Loud were the wails in the hut by the sea when the
+hours passed on and the maiden came not. Many times
+the father and brothers jumped up, thinking they heard
+her steps, but in the thick darkness they could scarcely
+see their own hands, nor could they tell where the river
+lay, nor where the mountain. One by one the kids came
+home, and at every bleat someone hurried to open the
+door, but no sound broke the stillness. Through the night
+no one slept, and when morning broke and the mist rolled
+back, they sought the maiden by sea and by land, but
+never a trace of her could be found anywhere.</p>
+
+<p>Thus a year and a day slipped by, and at the end of
+it Gorla of the Flocks and his wife seemed suddenly to
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>266]</a></span>
+have grown old. Their sons too were sadder than before,
+for they loved their sister well, and had never ceased to
+mourn for her. At length Ardan the eldest spoke and
+said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is now a year and a day since our sister was taken
+from us, and we have waited in grief and patience for her
+to return. Surely some evil has befallen her, or she would
+have sent us a token to put our hearts at rest; and I have
+vowed to myself that my eyes shall not know sleep till,
+living or dead, I have found her.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If you have vowed, then must you keep your vow,&rsquo;
+answered Gorla. &lsquo;But better had it been if you had first
+asked your father&rsquo;s leave before you made it. Yet, since
+it is so, your mother will bake you a cake for you to carry
+with you on your journey. Who can tell how long it
+may be?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So the mother arose and baked not one cake but two,
+a big one and a little one.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Choose, my son,&rsquo; said she. &lsquo;Will you have the little
+cake with your mother&rsquo;s blessing, or the big one without
+it, in that you have set aside your father and taken on
+yourself to make a vow?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I will have the large cake,&rsquo; answered the youth; &lsquo;for
+what good would my mother&rsquo;s blessing do for me if I was
+dying of hunger?&rsquo; And taking the big cake he went
+his way.</p>
+
+<p>Straight on he strode, letting neither hill nor river hinder
+him. Swiftly he walked&mdash;swiftly as the wind that blew
+down the mountain. The eagles and the gulls looked
+on from their nests as he passed, leaving the deer behind
+him; but at length he stopped, for hunger had seized
+on him, and he could walk no more. Trembling with
+fatigue he sat himself on a rock and broke a piece off his
+cake.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Spare me a morsel, Ardan son of Gorla,&rsquo; asked a raven,
+fluttering down towards him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Seek food elsewhere, O bearer of ill-news,&rsquo; answered
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>267]</a></span>
+Ardan son of Gorla; &lsquo;it is but little I have for myself.&rsquo;
+And he stretched himself out for a few moments, then
+rose to his feet again. On and on went he till the little
+birds flew to their nests, and the brightness died out of
+the sky, and a darkness fell over the earth. On and on,
+and on, till at last he saw a beam of light streaming from
+a house and hastened towards it.</p>
+
+<p>The door was opened and he entered, but paused when
+he beheld an old man lying on a bench by the fire, while
+seated opposite him was a maiden combing out the locks
+of her golden hair with a comb of silver.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Welcome, fair youth,&rsquo; said the old man, turning his
+head. &lsquo;Sit down and warm yourself, and tell me how
+fares the outer world. It is long since I have seen it.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;All my news is that I am seeking service,&rsquo; answered
+Ardan son of Gorla; &lsquo;I have come from far since sunrise,
+and glad was I to see the rays of your lamp stream into
+the darkness.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I need someone to herd my three dun cows, which
+are hornless,&rsquo; said the old man. &lsquo;If, for the space of a
+year, you can bring them back to me each evening before
+the sun sets, I will make you payment that will satisfy
+your soul.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>But here the girl looked up and answered quickly:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Ill will come of it if he listens to your offer.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Counsel unsought is worth nothing,&rsquo; replied, rudely,
+Ardan son of Gorla. &lsquo;It would be little indeed that I
+am fit for if I cannot drive three cows out to pasture and
+keep them safe from the wolves that may come down from
+the mountains. Therefore, good father, I will take service
+with you at daybreak, and ask no payment till the new
+year dawns.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Next morning the bell of the deer was not heard amongst
+the fern before the maiden with the hair of gold had
+milked the cows, and led them in front of the cottage
+where the old man, and Ardan son of Gorla awaited
+them.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>268]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Let them wander where they will,&rsquo; he said to his servant,
+&lsquo;and never seek to turn them from their way, for
+well they know the fields of good pasture. But take heed
+to follow always behind them, and suffer nothing that you
+see, and nought that you hear, to draw you into leaving
+them. Now go, and may wisdom go with you.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>As he ceased speaking he touched one of the cows on
+her forehead, and she stepped along the path, with the
+two others one on each side. As he had been bidden,
+behind them came Ardan son of Gorla, rejoicing in his
+heart that work so easy had fallen to his lot. At the year&rsquo;s
+end, thought he, enough money would lie in his pocket
+to carry him into far countries where his sister might be,
+and, in the meanwhile, someone might come past who
+could give him tidings of her.</p>
+
+<p>Thus he spoke to himself, when his eyes fell on a golden
+cock and a silver hen running swiftly along the grass in
+front of him. In a moment the words that the old man
+had uttered vanished from his mind and he gave chase.
+They were so near that he could almost seize their tails,
+yet each time he felt sure he could catch them his fingers
+closed on the empty air. At length he could run no more,
+and stopped to breathe, while the cock and hen went on
+as before. Then he remembered the cows, and, somewhat
+frightened, turned back to seek them. Luckily they had
+not strayed far, and were quietly feeding on the thick
+green grass.</p>
+
+<p>Ardan son of Gorla was sitting under a tree, when he
+beheld a staff of gold and a staff of silver doubling themselves
+in strange ways on the meadow in front of him,
+and starting up he hastened towards them. Though he
+followed them till he was tired he could not catch them,
+though they seemed ever within his reach. When at last
+he gave up the quest his knees trembled beneath him
+for very weariness, and glad was he to see a tree growing
+close by laden with fruits of different sorts, of which he
+ate greedily.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>269]</a></span>
+The sun was by now low in the heavens, and the cows
+left off feeding, and turned their faces home again, followed
+by Ardan son of Gorla. At the door of their stable the
+maiden stood awaiting them, and saying nought to their
+herd, she sat down and began to milk. But it was not
+milk that flowed into her pail; instead it was filled with a
+thin stream of water, and as she rose up from the last cow
+the old man appeared outside.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 396px;">
+<a name="illo45" id="illo45"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb45.jpg" width="396" height="250"
+alt="Ardan pursues the golden cock and the silver hen" />
+</div>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Faithless one, you have betrayed your trust!&rsquo; he said
+to Ardan son of Gorla. &lsquo;Not even for one day could you
+keep true! Well, you shall have your reward at once
+that others may take warning from you.&rsquo; And waving
+his wand he touched with it the chest of the youth, who
+became a pillar of stone.</p>
+
+<p>Now Gorla of the Flocks and his wife were full of grief
+that they had lost a son as well as a daughter, for no tidings
+had come to them of Ardan their eldest born. At length,
+when two years and two days had passed since the maiden
+had led her kids to feed on the mountain and had been
+seen no more, Ruais, second son of Gorla, rose up one
+morning, and said:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>270]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Time is long without my sister and Ardan my
+brother. So I have vowed to seek them wherever they
+may be.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And his father answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Better it had been if you had first asked my consent
+and that of your mother; but as you have vowed so must
+you do.&rsquo; Then he bade his wife make a cake, but instead
+she made two, and offered Ruais his choice, as she had
+done to Ardan. Like Ardan, Ruais chose the large, unblessed
+cake, and set forth on his way, doing always,
+though he knew it not, that which Ardan had done; so,
+needless is it to tell what befell him till he too stood, a
+pillar of stone, on the hill behind the cottage, so that all
+men might see the fate that awaited those who broke
+their faith.</p>
+
+<p>Another year and a day passed by, when Covan the
+Brown-haired, youngest son of Gorla of the Flocks, one
+morning spake to his parents, saying:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is more than three years since my sister left us. My
+brothers have also gone, no one knows whither, and of
+us four none remains but I. Now, therefore, I long to
+seek them, and I pray you and my mother to place no
+hindrance in my way.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And his father answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Go, then, and take our blessing with you.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So the wife of Gorla of the Flocks baked two cakes,
+one large, and one small; and Covan took the small one,
+and started on his quest. In the wood he felt hungry,
+for he had walked far, and he sat down to eat. Suddenly
+a voice behind him cried:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;A bit for me! a bit for me!&rsquo; And looking round he
+beheld the black raven of the wilderness.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes, you shall have a bit,&rsquo; said Covan the Brown-haired;
+and breaking off a piece he stretched it upwards
+to the raven, who ate it greedily. Then Covan arose and
+went forward, till he saw the light from the cottage streaming
+before him, and glad was he, for night was at hand.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>271]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Maybe I shall find some work there,&rsquo; he thought, &lsquo;and
+at least I shall gain money to help me in my search; for
+who knows how far my sister and my brothers may have
+wandered?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The door stood open and he entered, and the old man
+gave him welcome, and the golden-haired maiden likewise.
+As happened before, he was offered by the old man to
+herd his cows; and, as she had done to his brothers, the
+maiden counselled him to leave such work alone. But,
+instead of answering rudely, like both Ardan and Ruais,
+he thanked her, with courtesy, though he had no mind to
+heed her; and he listened to the warnings and words of his
+new master.</p>
+
+<p>Next day he set forth at dawn with the dun cows in
+front of him, and followed patiently wherever they might
+lead him. On the way he saw the gold cock and silver
+hen, which ran even closer to him than they had done
+to his brothers. Sorely tempted, he longed to give them
+chase; but, remembering in time that he had been bidden
+to look neither to the right nor to the left, with a mighty
+effort he turned his eyes away. Then the gold and silver
+staffs seemed to spring from the earth before him, but
+this time also he overcame; and though the fruit from
+the magic tree almost touched his mouth, he brushed it
+aside and went steadily on.</p>
+
+<p>That day the cows wandered farther than ever they
+had done before, and never stopped till they had reached
+a moor where the heather was burning. The fire was
+fierce, but the cows took no heed, and walked steadily
+through it, Covan the Brown-haired following them. Next
+they plunged into a foaming river, and Covan plunged in
+after them, though the water came high above his waist.
+On the other side of the river lay a wide plain, and here
+the cows lay down, while Covan looked about him. Near
+him was a house built of yellow stone, and from it came
+sweet songs, and Covan listened, and his heart grew light
+within him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>272]</a></span>
+While he was thus waiting there ran up to him a youth,
+scarcely able to speak so swiftly had he sped; and he cried
+aloud:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Hasten, hasten, Covan the Brown-haired, for your cows
+are in the corn, and you must drive them out!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Nay,&rsquo; said Covan smiling, &lsquo;it had been easier for you
+to have driven them out than to come here to tell me.&rsquo;
+And he went on listening to the music.</p>
+
+<p>Very soon the same youth returned, and cried with
+panting breath:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Out upon you, Covan son of Gorla, that you stand
+there agape. For our dogs are chasing your cows, and
+you must drive them off!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Nay, then,&rsquo; answered Covan as before, &lsquo;it had been
+easier for you to call off your dogs than to come here to
+tell me.&rsquo; And he stayed where he was till the music
+ceased.</p>
+
+<p>Then he turned to look for his cows, and found them
+all lying in the place where he had left them; but when
+they saw Covan they rose up and walked homewards,
+taking a different path to that they had trod in the morning.
+This time they passed over a plain so bare that a pin
+could not have lain there unnoticed, yet Covan beheld
+with surprise a foal and its mother feeding there, both
+as fat as if they had pastured on the richest grass. Further
+on they crossed another plain, where the grass was thick
+and green, but on it were feeding a foal and its mother,
+so lean that you could have counted their ribs. And
+further again the path led them by the shores of a lake
+whereon were floating two boats; one full of gay and happy
+youths, journeying to the land of the Sun, and another
+with grim shapes clothed in black, travelling to the land
+of Night.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What can these things mean?&rsquo; said Covan to himself,
+as he followed his cows.</p>
+
+<p>Darkness now fell, the wind howled, and torrents of rain
+poured upon them. Covan knew not how far they might
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>273]</a></span>
+yet have to go, or indeed if they were on the right road.
+He could not even see his cows, and his heart sank lest,
+after all, he should have failed to bring them safely back.
+What was he to do?</p>
+
+<p>He waited thus, for he could go neither forwards nor
+backwards, till he felt a great friendly paw laid on his
+shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;My cave is just here,&rsquo; said the Dog of Maol-m&oacute;r, of
+whom Covan son of Gorla had heard much. &lsquo;Spend
+the night here, and you shall be fed on the flesh of lamb,
+and shall lay aside three-thirds of thy weariness.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And Covan entered, and supped, and slept, and in the
+morning rose up a new man.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Farewell, Covan,&rsquo; said the Dog of Maol-m&oacute;r. &lsquo;May
+success go with you, for you took what I had to give and
+did not mock me. So, when danger is your companion,
+wish for me, and I will not fail you.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>At these words the Dog of Maol-m&oacute;r disappeared
+into the forest, and Covan went to seek his cows, which
+were standing in the hollow where the darkness had come
+upon them.</p>
+
+<p>At the sight of Covan the Brown-haired, they walked
+onwards, Covan followed ever behind them, and looking
+neither to the right nor to the left. All that day they
+walked, and when night fell they were in a barren plain,
+with only rocks for shelter.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;We must rest here as best we can,&rsquo; spoke Covan to
+the cows. And they bowed their heads and lay down in
+the place where they stood. Then came the black raven
+of Corri-nan-creag, whose eyes never closed, and whose
+wings never tired; and he fluttered before the face of
+Covan and told him that he knew of a cranny in the rock
+where there was food in plenty, and soft moss for a
+bed.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Go with me thither,&rsquo; he said to Covan, &lsquo;and you
+shall lay aside three-thirds of your weariness, and depart
+in the morning refreshed.&rsquo; And Covan listened thankfully
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>274]</a></span>
+to his words, and at dawn he rose up to seek his
+cows.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Farewell!&rsquo; cried the black raven. &lsquo;You trusted me,
+and took all I had to offer in return for the food you once
+gave me. So if in time to come you need a friend, wish
+for me, and I will not fail you.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>As before, the cows were standing in the spot where
+he had left them, ready to set out. All that day they
+walked, on and on, and on, Covan son of Gorla walking
+behind them, till night fell while they were on the banks
+of a river.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;We can go no further,&rsquo; spake Covan to the cows. And
+they began to eat the grass by the side of the stream, while
+Covan listened to them, and longed for some supper also,
+for they had travelled far, and his limbs were weak
+under him. Then there was a swish of water at his feet,
+and out peeped the head of the famous otter Doran-donn
+of the stream.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Trust to me and I will find you warmth and shelter,&rsquo;
+said Doran-donn; &lsquo;and for food fish in plenty.&rsquo; And
+Covan went with him thankfully, and ate and rested,
+and laid aside three-thirds of his weariness. At sunrise
+he left his bed of dried sea-weed, which had floated up
+with the tide, and with grateful heart bade farewell to
+Doran-donn.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Because you trusted me and took what I had to offer,
+you have made me your friend, Covan,&rsquo; said Doran-donn.
+&lsquo;And if you should be in danger, and need help from one
+who can swim a river or dive beneath a wave, call to me
+and I will come to you.&rsquo; Then he plunged into the stream,
+and was seen no more.</p>
+
+<p>The cows were standing ready in the place where Covan
+had left them, and they journeyed on all that day, till,
+when night fell, they reached the cottage. Joyful indeed
+was the old man as the cows went into their stables, and
+he beheld the rich milk that flowed into the pail of the
+golden-haired maiden with the silver comb.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>275]</a></span>
+&lsquo;You have done well indeed,&rsquo; he said to Covan son
+of Gorla. &lsquo;And now, what would you have as a reward?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I want nothing for myself,&rsquo; answered Covan the
+Brown-haired; &lsquo;but I ask you to give me back my
+brothers and my sister who have been lost to us for
+three years past. You are wise and know the lore of
+fairies and witches; tell me where I can find them, and
+what I must do to bring them back to life again.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The old man looked grave at the words of Covan.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes, truly I know where they are,&rsquo; answered he, &lsquo;and
+I say not that they may not be brought to life again. But
+the perils are great&mdash;too great for you to overcome.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Tell me what they are,&rsquo; said Covan again, &lsquo;and I
+shall know better if I may overcome them.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Listen, then, and judge. In the mountain yonder
+there dwells a roe, white of foot, with horns that branch
+like the antlers of a deer. On the lake that leads to the
+land of the Sun floats a duck whose body is green and
+whose neck is of gold. In the pool of Corri-Bui swims
+a salmon with a skin that shines like silver, and whose
+gills are red&mdash;bring them all to me, and then you shall
+know where dwell your brothers and your sister!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;To-morrow at cock-crow I will begone!&rsquo; answered
+Covan.</p>
+
+<p>The way to the mountain lay straight before him, and
+when he had climbed high he caught sight of the roe
+with the white feet and the spotted sides, on the peak in
+front.</p>
+
+<p>Full of hope he set out in pursuit of her, but by the
+time he had reached that peak she had left it and was to be
+seen on another. And so it always happened, and Covan&rsquo;s
+courage had well-nigh failed him, when the thought of
+the Dog of Maol-m&oacute;r darted into his mind.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, that he was here!&rsquo; he cried. And looking up he
+saw him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Why did you summon me?&rsquo; asked the Dog of Maol-m&oacute;r.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>276]</a></span>
+And when Covan had told him of his trouble, and
+how the roe always led him further and further, the Dog
+only answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Fear nothing; I will soon catch her for you.&rsquo; And in
+a short while he laid the roe unhurt at Covan&rsquo;s feet.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What will you wish me to do with her?&rsquo; said the Dog.
+And Covan answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The old man bade me bring her, and the duck
+with the golden neck, and the salmon with the silver
+sides, to his cottage; if I shall catch them, I know not.
+But carry you the roe to the back of the cottage, and tether
+her so that she cannot escape.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It shall be done,&rsquo; said the Dog of Maol-m&oacute;r.</p>
+
+<p>Then Covan sped to the lake which led to the land of
+the Sun, where the duck with the green body and the golden
+neck was swimming among the water-lilies.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Surely I can catch him, good swimmer as I am,&rsquo;
+to himself. But, if he could swim well, the duck could swim
+better, and at length his strength failed him, and he was
+forced to seek the land.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh that the black raven were here to help me!&rsquo; he
+thought to himself. And in a moment the black raven
+was perched on his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;How can I help you?&rsquo; asked the raven. And Covan
+answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Catch me the green duck that floats on the water.&rsquo;
+And the raven flew with his strong wings, and picked
+him up in his strong beak, and in another moment the
+bird was laid at the feet of Covan.</p>
+
+<p>This time it was easy for the young man to carry his
+prize, and after giving thanks to the raven for his aid,
+he went on to the river.</p>
+
+<p>In the deep dark pool of which the old man had spoken
+the silver-sided salmon was lying under a rock.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 307px;">
+<a name="illo46" id="illo46"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb46.jpg" width="307" height="600"
+alt="Doran-donn brings the salmon to Covan the Brown-haired" />
+</div>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Surely I, good fisher as I am, can catch him,&rsquo; said
+Covan son of Gorla. And cutting a slender pole from a
+bush, he fastened a line to the end of it. But cast with
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277"><!-- full page illustration in original --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278"><!-- blank page --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>279]</a></span>
+what skill he might, it availed nothing, for the salmon
+would not even look at the bait.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am beaten at last, unless the Doran-donn can deliver
+me,&rsquo; he cried. And as he spoke there was a swish
+of the water, and the face of the Doran-donn looked up
+at him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;O catch me, I pray you, that salmon under the rock!&rsquo;
+said Covan son of Gorla. And the Doran-donn dived,
+and laying hold of the salmon by his tail, bore it back to
+the place where Covan was standing.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">&lsquo;The roe, and the duck, and the salmon are here,&rsquo;
+said Covan to the old man, when he reached the cottage.
+And the old man smiled on him and bade him eat and
+drink, and after he hungered no more, he would speak
+with him.</p>
+
+<p>And this was what the old man said: &lsquo;You began well,
+my son, so things have gone well with you. You set store
+by your mother&rsquo;s blessing, therefore you have been blest.
+You gave food to the raven when it hungered, you were
+true to the promise you had made to me, and did not
+suffer yourself to be turned aside by vain shows. You
+were skilled to perceive that the boy who tempted you
+to leave the temple was a teller of false tales, and took with
+a grateful heart what the poor had to offer you. Last of
+all, difficulties gave you courage, instead of lending you
+despair.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And now, as to your reward, you shall in truth take
+your sister home with you, and your brothers I will restore
+to life; but idle and unfaithful as they are their lot
+is to wander for ever. And so farewell, and may wisdom
+be with you.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;First tell me your name?&rsquo; asked Covan softly.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am the Spirit of Age,&rsquo; said the old man.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(<i>Taken from a Celtic Story.</i> Translated by Norman Macleod.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>280]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE PRINCESS BELLA-FLOR</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there lived a man who had two sons.
+When they grew up the elder went to seek his fortune in
+a far country, and for many years no one heard anything
+about him. Meanwhile the younger son stayed at home
+with his father, who died at last in a good old age, leaving
+great riches behind him.</p>
+
+<p>For some time the son who stayed at home spent his
+father&rsquo;s wealth freely, believing that he alone remained
+to enjoy it. But, one day, as he was coming down stairs,
+he was surprised to see a stranger enter the hall, looking
+about as if the house belonged to him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Have you forgotten me?&rsquo; asked the man.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I can&rsquo;t forget a person I have never known,&rsquo; was the
+rude answer.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am your brother,&rsquo; replied the stranger, &lsquo;and I have
+returned home without the money I hoped to have made.
+And, what is worse, they tell me in the village that my
+father is dead. I would have counted my lost gold as
+nothing if I could have seen him once more.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;He died six months ago,&rsquo; said the rich brother,&lsquo;and
+he left you, as your portion, the old wooden chest that
+stands in the loft. You had better go there and look for
+it; I have no more time to waste.&rsquo; And he went his way.</p>
+
+<p>So the wanderer turned his steps to the loft, which was
+at the top of the storehouse, and there he found the wooden
+chest, so old that it looked as if it were dropping to
+pieces.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What use is this old thing to me?&rsquo; he said to
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>281]</a></span>
+himself. &lsquo;Oh, well, it will serve to light a fire at which I
+can warm myself; so things might be worse after all.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Placing the chest on his back, the man, whose name
+was Jos&eacute;, set out for his inn, and, borrowing a hatchet,
+began to chop up the box. In doing so he discovered a
+secret drawer, and in it lay a paper. He opened the
+paper, not knowing what it might contain, and was
+astonished to find that it was the acknowledgment of a
+large debt that was owing to his father. Putting the
+precious writing in his pocket, he hastily inquired of the
+landlord where he could find the man whose name was
+written inside, and he ran out at once in search of
+him.</p>
+
+<p>The debtor proved to be an old miser, who lived at the
+other end of the village. He had hoped for many months
+that the paper he had written had been lost or destroyed,
+and, indeed, when he saw it, was very unwilling to pay
+what he owed. However, the stranger threatened to
+drag him before the king, and when the miser saw that
+there was no help for it he counted out the coins one by
+one. The stranger picked them up and put them in his
+pocket, and went back to his inn feeling that he was now a
+rich man.</p>
+
+<p>A few weeks after this he was walking through the
+streets of the nearest town, when he met a poor woman
+crying bitterly. He stopped and asked her what was the
+matter, and she answered between her sobs that her husband
+was dying, and, to make matters worse, a creditor
+whom he could not pay was anxious to have him taken
+to prison.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Comfort yourself,&rsquo; said the stranger kindly; &lsquo;they
+shall neither send your husband to prison nor sell your
+goods. I will not only pay his debts but, if he dies, the
+cost of his burial also. And now go home, and nurse him
+as well as you can.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And so she did; but, in spite of her care, the husband
+died, and was buried by the stranger. But everything
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>282]</a></span>
+cost more than he had expected, and when all was paid
+he found that only three gold pieces were left.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What am I to do now?&rsquo; said he to himself. &lsquo;I
+think I had better go to court, and enter into the service
+of the king.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>At first he was only a servant, who carried the king
+the water for his bath, and saw that his bed was made in
+a particular fashion. But he did his duties so well that
+his master soon took notice of him, and in a short time
+he rose to be a gentleman of the bedchamber.</p>
+
+<p>Now, when this happened the younger brother had
+spent all the money he had inherited, and did not know
+how to make any for himself. He then bethought him
+of the king&rsquo;s favourite, and went whining to the palace to
+beg that his brother, whom he had so ill-used, would
+give him his protection, and find him a place. The elder,
+who was always ready to help everyone, spoke to the king
+on his behalf, and the next day the young man took up his
+work at court.</p>
+
+<p>Unfortunately, the new-comer was by nature spiteful
+and envious, and could not bear anyone to have better
+luck than himself. By dint of spying through keyholes
+and listening at doors, he learned that the king, old and
+ugly though he was, had fallen in love with the Princess
+Bella-Flor, who would have nothing to say to him, and had
+hidden herself in some mountain castle, no one knew where.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That will do nicely,&rsquo; thought the scoundrel, rubbing
+his hands. &lsquo;It will be quite easy to get the king to send
+my brother in search of her, and if he returns without
+finding her, his head will be the forfeit. Either way, he
+will be out of <em>my</em> path.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So he went at once to the Lord High Chamberlain and
+craved an audience of the king, to whom he declared
+he wished to tell some news of the highest importance.
+The king admitted him into the presence chamber without
+delay, and bade him state what he had to say, and to
+be quick about it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>283]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Oh, sire! the Princess Bella-Flor&mdash;&mdash;&rsquo; answered the
+man, and then stopped as if afraid.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What of the Princess Bella-Flor?&rsquo; asked the king impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have heard&mdash;it is whispered at court&mdash;that your
+majesty desires to know where she lies in hiding.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I would give half my kingdom to the man who
+will bring her to me,&rsquo; cried the king, eagerly. &lsquo;Speak
+on, knave; has a bird of the air revealed to you the
+secret?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is not I, but my brother, who knows,&rsquo; replied the
+traitor; &lsquo;if your majesty would ask him&mdash;&mdash;&rsquo; But before
+the words were out of his mouth the king had struck a
+blow with his sceptre on a golden plate that hung on the
+wall.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Order Jos&eacute; to appear before me instantly,&rsquo; he shouted
+to the servant who ran to obey his orders, so great was
+the noise his majesty had made; and when Jos&eacute; entered
+the hall, wondering what in the world could be the
+matter, the king was nearly dumb with rage and excitement.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Bring me the Princess Bella-Flor this moment,&rsquo;
+stammered he, &lsquo;for if you return without her I will have
+you drowned!&rsquo; And without another word he left the
+hall, leaving Jos&eacute; staring with surprise and horror.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;How can I find the Princess Bella-Flor when I
+have never even seen her?&rsquo; thought he. &lsquo;But it is no
+use staying here, for I shall only be put to death.&rsquo; And
+he walked slowly to the stables to choose himself a
+horse.</p>
+
+<p>There were rows upon rows of fine beasts with their
+names written in gold above their stalls, and Jos&eacute; was
+looking uncertainly from one to the other, wondering
+which he should choose, when an old white horse turned
+its head and signed to him to approach.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Take me,&rsquo; it said in a gentle whisper, &lsquo;and all will go
+well.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>284]</a></span>
+Jos&eacute; still felt so bewildered with the mission that the
+king had given him that he forgot to be astonished at
+hearing a horse talk. Mechanically he laid his hand on
+the bridle and led the white horse out of the stable. He
+was about to mount on his back, when the animal spoke
+again:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Pick up those three loaves of bread which you see
+there, and put them in your pocket.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Jos&eacute; did as he was told, and being in a great hurry to
+get away, asked no questions, but swung himself into the
+saddle.</p>
+
+<p>They rode far without meeting any adventures, but at
+length they came to an ant-hill, and the horse stopped.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Crumble those three loaves for the ants,&rsquo; he said. But
+Jos&eacute; hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Why, we may want them ourselves!&rsquo; answered he.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Never mind that; give them to the ants all the
+same. Do not lose any chance of helping others.&rsquo; And
+when the loaves lay in crumbs on the road, the horse
+galloped on.</p>
+
+<p>By-and-by they entered a rocky pass between two
+mountains, and here they saw an eagle which had been
+caught in a hunter&rsquo;s net.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Get down and cut the meshes of that net, and set the
+poor bird free,&rsquo; said the horse.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;But it will take so long,&rsquo; objected Jos&eacute;, &lsquo;and we may
+miss the princess.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Never mind that; do not miss a chance of helping
+others,&rsquo; answered the horse. And when the meshes were
+cut, and the eagle was free, the horse galloped on.</p>
+
+<p>They had ridden many miles, and at last they came
+to a river, where they beheld a little fish lying gasping on
+the sand, and the horse said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Do you see that little fish? it will die if you do not put
+it back in the water.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;But, really, we shall never find the Princess Bella-Flor,
+if we waste our time like this!&rsquo; cried Jos&eacute;.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>285]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 409px;">
+<a name="illo47" id="illo47"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb47.jpg" width="409" height="600"
+alt="Do not lose a chance of helping others; we never waste time when we are helping others" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286"><!-- blank page --></a></span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>287]</a></span>
+&lsquo;We never waste time when we are helping others,&rsquo;
+answered the horse. And soon the little fish was swimming
+happily away.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">A little while after they reached a castle, which was
+built in the middle of a very thick wood, and right
+in front was the Princess Bella-Flor feeding her hens.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Now listen,&rsquo; said the horse. &lsquo;I am going to give all
+sorts of little hops and skips, which will amuse the
+Princess Bella-Flor. Then she will tell you that she
+would like to ride a little way, and you must help her to
+mount. When she is seated I shall begin to neigh and
+kick, and you must say that I have never carried a
+woman before, and that you had better get up behind so
+as to be able to manage me. Once on my back we will
+go like wind to the king&rsquo;s palace.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Jos&eacute; did exactly as the horse told him, and everything
+fell out as the animal prophesied; so that it was not
+until they were galloping breathlessly toward the palace that
+the princess knew that she was taken captive. She said
+nothing, however, but quietly opened her apron which
+contained the bran for the chickens, and in a moment it
+lay scattered on the ground.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, I have let fall my bran!&rsquo; cried she; &lsquo;please get
+down and pick it up for me.&rsquo; But Jos&eacute; only answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;We shall find plenty of bran where we are going.&rsquo; And
+the horse galloped on.</p>
+
+<p>They were now passing through a forest, and the princess
+took out her handkerchief and threw it upwards, so
+that it stuck in one of the topmost branches of a
+tree.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Dear me; how stupid! I have let my handkerchief
+blow away,&rsquo; said she. &lsquo;Will you climb up and get it for
+me?&rsquo; But Jos&eacute; answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;We shall find plenty of handkerchiefs where we are
+going.&rsquo; And the horse galloped on.</p>
+
+<p>After the wood they reached a river, and the princess
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>288]</a></span>
+slipped a ring off her finger and let it roll into the
+water.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;How careless of me,&rsquo; gasped she, beginning to sob.
+&lsquo;I have lost my favourite ring; <em>do</em> stop for a moment and
+look if you can see it.&rsquo; But Jos&eacute; answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You will find plenty of rings where you are going.&rsquo;
+And the horse galloped on.</p>
+
+<p>At last they entered the palace gates, and the king&rsquo;s heart
+bounded with joy at beholding his beloved Bella-Flor.
+But the princess brushed him aside as if he had been a
+fly, and locked herself into the nearest room, which she
+would not open for all his entreaties.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Bring me the three things I lost on the way, and perhaps
+I may think about it,&rsquo; was all she would say. And,
+in despair, the king was driven to take counsel of Jos&eacute;.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;There is no remedy that I can see,&rsquo; said his majesty,
+&lsquo;but that you, who know where they are, should go and
+bring them back. And if you return without them I
+will have you drowned.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Poor Jos&eacute; was much troubled at these words. He
+thought that he had done all that was required of him,
+and that his life was safe. However, he bowed low, and
+went out to consult his friend the horse.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Do not vex yourself,&rsquo; said the horse, when he had
+heard the story; &lsquo;jump up, and we will go back and look for
+the things.&rsquo; And Jos&eacute; mounted at once.</p>
+
+<p>They rode on till they came to the ant-hill, and then
+the horse asked:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Would you like to have the bran?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What is the use of liking?&rsquo; answered Jos&eacute;.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, call the ants, and tell them to fetch it for you;
+and, if some of it has been scattered by the wind, to bring
+in its stead the grains that were in the cakes you
+gave them.&rsquo; Jos&eacute; listened in surprise. He did not much
+believe in the horse&rsquo;s plan; but he could not think of
+anything better, so he called to the ants, and bade them
+collect the bran as fast as they could.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 398px;">
+<a name="illo48" id="illo48"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb48.jpg" width="398" height="600"
+alt="How Jose found the princess Bella-Flor" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>289]</a></span>
+Then he sat under a tree and waited, while his horse
+cropped the green turf.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Look there!&rsquo; said the animal, suddenly raising its head;
+and Jos&eacute; looked behind him and saw a little mountain
+of bran, which he put into a bag that was hung over his
+saddle.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Good deeds bear fruit sooner or later,&rsquo; observed the
+horse; &lsquo;but mount again, as we have far to go.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>When they arrived at the tree, they saw the handkerchief
+fluttering like a flag from the topmost branch, and
+Jos&eacute;&rsquo;s spirits sank again.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;How am I to get that handkerchief?&rsquo; cried he;
+&lsquo;why I should need Jacob&rsquo;s ladder!&rsquo; But the horse
+answered:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Do not be frightened; call to the eagle you set free
+from the net, he will bring it to you.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So Jos&eacute; called to the eagle, and the eagle flew to the top
+of the tree and brought back the handkerchief in its beak.
+Jos&eacute; thanked him, and vaulting on his horse they rode on
+to the river.</p>
+
+<p>A great deal of rain had fallen in the night, and the
+river, instead of being clear as it was before, was dark
+and troubled.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;How am I to fetch the ring from the bottom of this
+river when I do not know exactly where it was dropped,
+and cannot even see it?&rsquo; asked Jos&eacute;. But the horse
+answered: &lsquo;Do not be frightened; call the little fish whose
+life you saved, and she will bring it to you.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So he called to the fish, and the fish dived to the bottom
+and slipped behind big stones, and moved little ones with
+its tail till it found the ring, and brought it to Jos&eacute; in its
+mouth.</p>
+
+<p>Well pleased with all he had done, Jos&eacute; returned to
+the palace; but when the king took the precious objects
+to Bella-Flor, she declared that she would never open
+her door till the bandit who had carried her off had been
+fried in oil.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>290]</a></span>
+&lsquo;I am very sorry,&rsquo; said the king to Jos&eacute;, &lsquo;I really would
+rather not; but you see I have no choice.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 403px;">
+<a name="illo49" id="illo49"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb49.jpg" width="403" height="500"
+alt="The king jumps into the cauldron" />
+</div>
+
+<p>While the oil was being heated in the great caldron,
+Jos&eacute; went to the stables to inquire of his friend the horse
+if there was no way for him to escape.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>291]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Do not be frightened,&rsquo; said the horse. &lsquo;Get on my
+back, and I will gallop till my whole body is wet with
+perspiration, then rub it all over your skin, and no matter
+how hot the oil may be you will never feel it.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Jos&eacute; did not ask any more questions, but did as the
+horse bade him; and men wondered at his cheerful face
+as they lowered him into the caldron of boiling oil. He
+was left there till Bella-Flor cried that he must be cooked
+enough. Then out came a youth so young and handsome,
+that everyone fell in love with him, and Bella-Flor most
+of all.</p>
+
+<p>As for the old king, he saw that he had lost the game;
+and in despair he flung himself into the caldron, and was
+fried instead of Jos&eacute;. Then Jos&eacute; was proclaimed king,
+on condition that he married Bella-Flor, which he promised
+to do the next day. But first he went to the stables
+and sought out the horse, and said to him: &lsquo;It is to you
+that I owe my life and my crown. Why have you done
+all this for me?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>And the horse answered: &lsquo;I am the soul of that unhappy
+man for whom you spent all your fortune. And when
+I saw you in danger of death I begged that I might help
+you, as you had helped me. For, as I told you, Good
+deeds bear their own fruit!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(From <i>Cuentos, Oraciones, y Adivinas</i>, por Fernan Caballero.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>292]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE BIRD OF TRUTH</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there lived a poor fisher who built a
+hut on the banks of a stream which, shunning the glare
+of the sun and the noise of towns, flowed quietly past
+trees and under bushes, listening to the songs of the birds
+overhead.</p>
+
+<p>One day, when the fisherman had gone out as usual
+to cast his nets, he saw borne towards him on the current
+a cradle of crystal. Slipping his net quickly beneath it
+he drew it out and lifted the silk coverlet. Inside, lying
+on a soft bed of cotton, were two babies, a boy and a girl,
+who opened their eyes and smiled at him. The man was
+filled with pity at the sight, and throwing down his lines
+he took the cradle and the babies home to his wife.</p>
+
+<p>The good woman flung up her hands in despair when
+she beheld the contents of the cradle.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Are not eight children enough,&rsquo; she cried, &lsquo;without
+bringing us two more? How do you think we can feed
+them?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You would not have had me leave them to die of hunger,&rsquo;
+answered he, &lsquo;or be swallowed up by the waves of
+the sea? What is enough for eight is also enough for
+ten.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The wife said no more; and in truth her heart yearned
+over the little creatures. Somehow or other food was
+never lacking in the hut, and the children grew up and
+were so good and gentle that, in time, their foster-parents
+loved them as well or better than their own, who were
+quarrelsome and envious. It did not take the orphans
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>293]</a></span>
+long to notice that the boys did not like them, and were
+always playing tricks on them, so they used to go away
+by themselves and spend whole hours by the banks of
+the river. Here they would take out the bits of bread
+they had saved from their breakfast and crumble them
+for the birds. In return, the birds taught them many
+things: how to get up early in the morning, how to sing,
+and how to talk their language, which very few people
+knew.</p>
+
+<p>But though the little orphans did their best to avoid
+quarrelling with their foster-brothers, it was very difficult
+always to keep the peace. Matters got worse and worse
+till, one morning, the eldest boy said to the twins:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is all very well for you to pretend that you have
+such good manners, and are so much better than we, but
+we have at least a father and mother, while <em>you</em> have only
+got the river, like the toads and the frogs.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The poor children did not answer the insult; but it
+made them very unhappy. And they told each other in
+whispers that they could not stay there any longer, but
+must go into the world and seek their fortunes.</p>
+
+<p>So next day they arose as early as the birds and stole
+downstairs without anybody hearing them. One window
+was open, and they crept softly out and ran to the side of
+the river. Then, feeling as if they had found a friend,
+they walked along its banks, hoping that by-and-by they
+should meet some one to take care of them.</p>
+
+<p>The whole of that day they went steadily on without
+seeing a living creature, till, in the evening, weary and
+footsore, they saw before them a small hut. This raised
+their spirits for a moment; but the door was shut, and
+the hut seemed empty, and so great was their disappointment
+that they almost cried. However, the boy fought
+down his tears, and said cheerfully:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, at any rate here is a bench where we can sit down,
+and when we are rested we will think what is best to do
+next.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>294]</a></span>
+Then they sat down, and for some time they were too
+tired even to notice anything; but by-and-by they saw
+that under the tiles of the roof a quantity of swallows
+were sitting, chattering merrily to each other. Of course
+the swallows had no idea that the children understood
+their language, or they would not have talked so freely;
+but, as it was, they said whatever came into their heads.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Good evening, my fine city madam,&rsquo; remarked a
+swallow, whose manners were rather rough and countryfied,
+to another who looked particularly distinguished.
+&lsquo;Happy, indeed, are the eyes that behold you! Only
+think of your having returned to your long-forgotten
+country friends, after you have lived for years in a
+palace!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have inherited this nest from my parents,&rsquo; replied
+the other, &lsquo;and as they left it to me I certainly shall make
+it my home. But,&rsquo; she added politely, &lsquo;I hope that you
+and all your family are well?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Very well indeed, I am glad to say. But my poor
+daughter had, a short time ago, such bad inflammation in
+her eyes that she would have gone blind had I not been
+able to find the magic herb, which cured her at once.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And how is the nightingale singing? Does the lark
+soar as high as ever? And does the linnet dress herself
+as smartly?&rsquo; But here the country swallow drew herself
+up.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I never talk gossip,&rsquo; she said severely. &lsquo;Our people,
+who were once so innocent and well-behaved, have been
+corrupted by the bad examples of men. It is a thousand
+pities.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What! innocence and good behaviour are not to be
+met with among birds, nor in the country! My dear
+friend, what are you saying?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The truth and nothing more. Imagine, when we
+returned here, we met some linnets who, just as the spring
+and the flowers and the long days had come, were setting
+out for the north and the cold? Out of pure compassion
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>295]</a></span>
+we tried to persuade them to give up this folly; but they
+only replied with the utmost insolence.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;How shocking!&rsquo; exclaimed the city swallow.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes, it was. And, worse than that, the crested lark,
+that was formerly so timid and shy, is now no better than
+a thief, and steals maize and corn whenever she can find
+them.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am astonished at what you say.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You will be more astonished when I tell you that on
+my arrival here for the summer I found my nest occupied
+by a shameless sparrow! &ldquo;This is <em>my</em> nest,&rdquo; I said.
+&ldquo;<em>Yours?</em>&rdquo; he answered, with a rude laugh. &ldquo;Yes,
+mine; my ancestors were born here, and my sons will be
+born here also.&rdquo; And at that my husband set upon him
+and threw him out of the nest. I am sure nothing of this
+sort ever happens in a town.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Not exactly, perhaps. But I have seen a great deal&mdash;if
+you only knew!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh! do tell us! do tell us!&rsquo; cried they all. And when
+they had settled themselves comfortably, the city swallow
+began:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You must know, then, that our king fell in love with
+the youngest daughter of a tailor, who was as good and
+gentle as she was beautiful. His nobles hoped that he
+would have chosen a queen from one of their daughters,
+and tried to prevent the marriage; but the king would not
+listen to them, and it took place. Not many months
+later a war broke out, and the king rode away at the head
+of his army, while the queen remained behind, very unhappy
+at the separation. When peace was made, and
+the king returned, he was told that his wife had had two
+babies in his absence, but that both were dead; that she
+herself had gone out of her mind and was obliged to be
+shut up in a tower in the mountains, where, in time, the
+fresh air might cure her.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And was this not true?&rsquo; asked the swallows
+eagerly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>296]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Of course not,&rsquo; answered the city lady, with some
+contempt for their stupidity. &lsquo;The children were alive
+at that very moment in the gardener&rsquo;s cottage; but at
+night the chamberlain came down and put them in a
+cradle of crystal, which he carried to the river.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;For a whole day they floated safely, for though the
+stream was deep it was very still, and the children took
+no harm. In the morning&mdash;so I am told by my friend
+the kingfisher&mdash;they were rescued by a fisherman who
+lived near the river bank.&rsquo;</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">The children had been lying on the bench, listening
+lazily to the chatter up to this point; but when they heard
+the story of the crystal cradle which their foster-mother
+had always been fond of telling them, they sat upright
+and looked at each other.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, how glad I am I learnt the birds&rsquo; language!&rsquo; said
+the eyes of one to the eyes of the other.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the swallows had spoken again.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That was indeed good fortune!&rsquo; cried they.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And when the children are grown up they can return
+to their father and set their mother free.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It will not be so easy as you think,&rsquo; answered the
+city swallow, shaking her head; &lsquo;for they will have to
+prove that they <em>are</em> the king&rsquo;s children, and also that
+their mother never went mad at all. In fact, it is so
+difficult that there is only one way of proving it to the
+king.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And what is that?&rsquo; cried all the swallows at once.
+&lsquo;And how do you know it?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I know it,&rsquo; answered the city swallow &lsquo;because, one
+day, when I was passing through the palace garden, I
+met a cuckoo, who, as I need not tell you, always
+pretends to be able to see into the future. We began to
+talk about certain things which were happening in the
+palace, and of the events of past years. &ldquo;Ah,&rdquo; said he,
+&ldquo;the only person who can expose the wickedness of the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>297]</a></span>
+ministers and show the king how wrong he has been
+is the Bird of Truth, who can speak the language of
+men.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;&ldquo;And where can this bird be found?&rdquo; I asked.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;&ldquo;It is shut up in a castle guarded by a fierce giant,
+who only sleeps one quarter of an hour out of the whole
+twenty-four,&rdquo; replied the cuckoo.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And where is this castle?&rsquo; inquired the country swallow,
+who, like all the rest, and the children most of all, had
+been listening with deep attention.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That is just what I don&rsquo;t know,&rsquo; answered her friend.
+&lsquo;All I can tell you is that not far from here is a tower,
+where dwells an old witch, and it is she who knows the
+way, and she will only teach it to the person who
+promises to bring her the water from the fountain of
+many colours, which she uses for her enchantments.
+But never will she betray the place where the Bird of
+Truth is hidden, for she hates him, and would kill him if
+she could; knowing well, however, that this bird cannot
+die, as he is immortal, she keeps him closely shut up,
+and guarded night and day by the Birds of Bad Faith,
+who seek to gag him so that his voice should not be
+heard.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And is there no one else who can tell the poor boy
+where to find the bird, if he should ever manage to reach
+the tower?&rsquo; asked the city swallows.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No one,&rsquo; replied she, &lsquo;except an owl, who lives a hermit&rsquo;s
+life in that desert, and he knows only one word of man&rsquo;s
+speech, and that is &ldquo;cross.&rdquo; So that even if the prince
+did succeed in getting there, he could never understand
+what the owl said. But, look, the sun is sinking to his
+nest in the depths of the sea, and I must go to mine. Good-night,
+friends, good-night!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then the swallow flew away, and the children, who
+had forgotten both hunger and weariness in the joy of this
+strange news, rose up and followed in the direction of
+her flight. After two hours&rsquo; walking, they arrived at a
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>298]</a></span>
+large city, which they felt sure must be the capital of their
+father&rsquo;s kingdom. Seeing a good-natured looking woman
+standing at the door of a house, they asked her if she would
+give them a night&rsquo;s lodging, and she was so pleased with
+their pretty faces and nice manners that she welcomed
+them warmly.</p>
+
+<p>It was scarcely light the next morning before the girl
+was sweeping out the rooms, and the boy watering the
+garden, so that by the time the good woman came downstairs
+there was nothing left for her to do. This so delighted
+her that she begged the children to stay with her
+altogether, and the boy answered that he would leave his
+sister with her gladly, but that he himself had serious
+business on hand and must not linger in pursuit of it.
+So he bade them farewell and set out.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">For three days he wandered by the most out-of-the-way
+paths, but no signs of a tower were to be seen anywhere.
+On the fourth morning it was just the same, and, filled
+with despair, he flung himself on the ground under a
+tree and hid his face in his hands. In a little while he
+heard a rustling over his head, and looking up, he saw a
+turtle dove watching him with her bright eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh dove!&rsquo; cried the boy, addressing the bird in her
+own language, &lsquo;Oh dove! tell me, I pray you, where is
+the castle of Come-and-never-go?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Poor child,&rsquo; answered the dove, &lsquo;who has sent you on
+such a useless quest?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;My good or evil fortune,&rsquo; replied the boy, &lsquo;I know
+not which.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;To get there,&rsquo; said the dove, &lsquo;you must follow the
+wind, which to-day is blowing towards the castle.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The boy thanked her, and followed the wind, fearing
+all the time that it might change its direction and lead
+him astray. But the wind seemed to feel pity for him
+and blew steadily on.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 426px;">
+<a name="illo50" id="illo50"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb50.jpg" width="426" height="600"
+alt="Who are you who dare to knock at my door?" />
+</div>
+
+<p>With each step the country became more and more
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299"><!-- full page illustration in original --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300"><!-- blank page --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>301]</a></span>
+dreary, but at nightfall the child could see behind the
+dark and bare rocks something darker still. This was
+the tower in which dwelt the witch; and seizing the knocker
+he gave three loud knocks, which were echoed in the hollows
+of the rocks around.</p>
+
+<p>The door opened slowly, and there appeared on the
+threshold an old woman holding up a candle to her face,
+which was so hideous that the boy involuntarily stepped
+backwards, almost as frightened by the troop of lizards,
+beetles, and such creatures that surrounded her, as by
+the woman herself.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Who are you who dare to knock at my door and wake
+me?&rsquo; cried she. &lsquo;Be quick and tell me what you want,
+or it will be the worse for you.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Madam,&rsquo; answered the child, &lsquo;I believe that you alone
+know the way to the castle of Come-and-never-go, and I
+pray you to show it to me.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Very good,&rsquo; replied the witch, with something that
+she meant for a smile, &lsquo;but to-day it is late. To-morrow
+you shall go. Now enter, and you shall sleep with my
+lizards.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I cannot stay,&rsquo; said he. &lsquo;I must go back at once,
+so as to reach the road from which I started before day
+dawns.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If I tell you, will you promise me that you will bring
+me this jar full of the many-coloured water from the spring
+in the courtyard of the castle?&rsquo; asked she. &lsquo;If you fail
+to keep your word I will change you into a lizard for
+ever.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I promise,&rsquo; answered the boy.</p>
+
+<p>Then the old woman called to a very thin dog, and
+said to him:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Conduct this pig of a child to the castle of Come-and-never-go,
+and take care that you warn my friend of
+his arrival.&rsquo; And the dog arose and shook itself, and set
+out.</p>
+
+<p>At the end of two hours they stopped in front of a large
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>302]</a></span>
+castle, big and black and gloomy, whose doors stood wide
+open, although neither sound nor light gave sign of any
+presence within. The dog, however, seemed to know
+what to expect, and, after a wild howl, went on; but the
+boy, who was uncertain whether this was the quarter
+of an hour when the giant was asleep, hesitated to follow
+him, and paused for a moment under a wild olive that
+grew near by, the only tree which he had beheld since
+he had parted from the dove. &lsquo;Oh, heaven, help me!&rsquo;
+cried he.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Cross! cross!&rsquo; answered a voice.</p>
+
+<p>The boy leapt for joy as he recognised the note of the
+owl of which the swallow had spoken, and he said softly
+in the bird&rsquo;s language:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, wise owl, I pray you to protect and guide me, for
+I have come in search of the Bird of Truth. And first I
+must fill this jar with the many-coloured water in the
+courtyard of the castle.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Do not do that,&rsquo; answered the owl, &lsquo;but fill the jar
+from the spring which bubbles close by the fountain with
+the many-coloured water. Afterwards, go into the aviary
+opposite the great door, but be careful not to touch any
+of the bright-plumaged birds contained in it, which will
+cry to you, each one, that he is the Bird of Truth. Choose
+only a small white bird that is hidden in a corner, which
+the others try incessantly to kill, not knowing that it cannot
+die. And, be quick!&mdash;for at this very moment the giant
+has fallen asleep, and you have only a quarter of an hour
+to do everything.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The boy ran as fast as he could and entered the
+courtyard, where he saw the two springs close together.
+He passed by the many-coloured water without casting
+a glance at it, and filled the jar from the fountain whose
+water was clear and pure. He next hastened to the
+aviary, and was almost deafened by the clamour that
+rose as he shut the door behind him. Voices of peacocks,
+voices of ravens, voices of magpies, each claiming to be
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>303]</a></span>
+the Bird of Truth. With steadfast face the boy walked
+by them all, to the corner where, hemmed in by a band
+of fierce crows, was the small white bird he sought.
+Putting her safely in his breast, he passed out, followed
+by the screams of the Birds of Bad Faith which he left
+behind him.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 417px;">
+<a name="illo51" id="illo51"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb51.jpg" width="417" height="500"
+alt="How the boy found the bird of truth" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>304]</a></span>
+Once outside, he ran without stopping to the witch&rsquo;s
+tower, and handed to the old woman the jar she had given
+him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Become a parrot!&rsquo; cried she, flinging the water over
+him. But instead of losing his shape, as so many had
+done before, he only grew ten times handsomer; for the
+water was enchanted for good and not ill. Then the
+creeping multitude around the witch hastened to roll
+themselves in the water, and stood up, human beings
+again.</p>
+
+<p>When the witch saw what was happening, she took a
+broomstick and flew away.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">Who can guess the delight of the sister at the sight of
+her brother, bearing the Bird of Truth? But although
+the boy had accomplished much, something very difficult
+yet remained, and that was how to carry the Bird of Truth
+to the king without her being seized by the wicked courtiers,
+who would be ruined by the discovery of their plot.</p>
+
+<p>Soon&mdash;no one knew how&mdash;the news spread abroad that
+the Bird of Truth was hovering round the palace, and
+the courtiers made all sorts of preparations to hinder her
+reaching the king.</p>
+
+<p>They got ready weapons that were sharpened, and
+weapons that were poisoned; they sent for eagles and
+falcons to hunt her down, and constructed cages and
+boxes in which to shut her up if they were not able to
+kill her. They declared that her white plumage was
+really put on to hide her black feathers&mdash;in fact there was
+nothing they did not do in order to prevent the king from
+seeing the bird or from paying attention to her words if
+he did.</p>
+
+<p>As often happens in these cases, the courtiers brought
+about that which they feared. They talked so much
+about the Bird of Truth that at last the king heard of it,
+and expressed a wish to see her. The more difficulties
+that were put in his way the stronger grew his desire,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>305]</a></span>
+and in the end the king published a proclamation that
+whoever found the Bird of Truth should bring her to him
+without delay.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as he saw this proclamation the boy called
+his sister, and they hastened to the palace. The bird
+was buttoned inside his tunic, but, as might have been
+expected, the courtiers barred the way, and told the child
+that he could not enter. It was in vain that the boy
+declared that he was only obeying the king&rsquo;s commands;
+the courtiers only replied that his majesty was not yet
+out of bed, and it was forbidden to wake him.</p>
+
+<p>They were still talking, when, suddenly, the bird
+settled the question by flying upwards through an open
+window into the king&rsquo;s own room. Alighting on the
+pillow, close to the king&rsquo;s head, she bowed respectfully,
+and said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;My lord, I am the Bird of Truth whom you wished
+to see, and I have been obliged to approach you in this
+manner because the boy who brought me is kept out of
+the palace by your courtiers.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;They shall pay for their insolence,&rsquo; said the king. And
+he instantly ordered one of his attendants to conduct the
+boy at once to his apartments; and in a moment more the
+prince entered, holding his sister by the hand.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Who are you?&rsquo; asked the king; &lsquo;and what has the
+Bird of Truth to do with you?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;If it please your majesty, the Bird of Truth will explain
+that herself,&rsquo; answered the boy.</p>
+
+<p>And the bird <em>did</em> explain; and the king heard for the
+first time of the wicked plot that had been successful for
+so many years. He took his children in his arms, with
+tears in his eyes, and hurried off with them to the tower
+in the mountains where the queen was shut up. The
+poor woman was as white as marble, for she had been
+living almost in darkness; but when she saw her husband
+and children, the colour came back to her face, and she
+was as beautiful as ever.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>306]</a></span>
+They all returned in state to the city, where great
+rejoicings were held. The wicked courtiers had their
+heads cut off, and all their property was taken away.
+As for the good old couple, they were given riches and
+honour, and were loved and cherished to the ends of their
+lives.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(From <i>Cuentos, Oraciones, y Adivinas</i>, por Fernan Caballero.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>307]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE MINK AND THE WOLF</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>In the big forest in the north of America lived a quantity
+of wild animals of all sorts. They were always very
+polite when they met; but, in spite of that, they kept a
+close watch one upon the other, as each was afraid of
+being killed and eaten by somebody else. But their
+manners were so good that no one would ever have
+guessed that.</p>
+
+<p>One day a smart young wolf went out to hunt,
+promising his grandfather and grandmother that he
+would be sure to be back before bedtime. He trotted
+along quite happily through the forest till he came to a
+favourite place of his, just where the river runs into the
+sea. There, just as he had hoped, he saw the chief mink
+fishing in a canoe.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I want to fish too,&rsquo; cried the wolf. But the mink said
+nothing, and pretended not to hear.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I wish you would take me into your boat!&rsquo; shouted
+the wolf, louder than before, and he continued to beseech
+the mink so long that at last he grew tired of it, and
+paddled to the shore close enough for the wolf to jump
+in.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Sit down quietly at that end or we shall be upset,&rsquo;
+said the mink; &lsquo;and if you care about sea-urchins&rsquo; eggs,
+you will find plenty in that basket. But be sure you eat
+only the white ones, for the red ones would kill you.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So the wolf, who was always hungry, began to eat the
+eggs greedily; and when he had finished he told the mink
+he thought he would have a nap.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>308]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Well, then, stretch yourself out, and rest your head
+on that piece of wood,&rsquo; said the mink. And the wolf did
+as he was bid, and was soon fast asleep. Then the mink
+crept up to him and stabbed him to the heart with his
+knife, and he died without moving. After that he landed
+on the beach, skinned the wolf, and taking the skin to
+his cottage, he hung it up before the fire to dry.</p>
+
+<p>Not many days later the wolf&rsquo;s grandmother who, with
+the help of her relations, had been searching for him
+everywhere, entered the cottage to buy some sea-urchins&rsquo;
+eggs, and saw the skin, which she at once guessed to be
+that of her grandson.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I knew he was dead&mdash;I knew it! I knew it!&rsquo; she
+cried, weeping bitterly, till the mink told her rudely that
+if she wanted to make so much noise she had better do
+it outside as he liked to be quiet. So, half-blinded by
+her tears, the old woman went home the way she had come,
+and running in at the door, she flung herself down in front
+of the fire.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What are you crying for?&rsquo; asked the old wolf and
+some friends who had been spending the afternoon with
+him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I shall never see my grandson any more!&rsquo; answered
+she. &lsquo;Mink has killed him, oh! oh!&rsquo; And putting her
+head down, she began to weep as loudly as ever.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;There! there!&rsquo; said her husband, laying his paw on
+her shoulder. &lsquo;Be comforted; if he <em>is</em> dead, we will
+avenge him.&rsquo; And calling to the others they proceeded
+to talk over the best plan. It took them a long time to
+make up their minds, as one wolf proposed one thing and
+one another; but at last it was agreed that the old wolf
+should give a great feast in his house, and that the mink
+should be invited to the party. And in order that no
+time should be lost it was further agreed that each wolf
+should bear the invitations to the guests that lived nearest
+to him.</p>
+
+<p>Now the wolves thought they were very cunning, but
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>309]</a></span>
+the mink was more cunning still; and though he sent a
+message by a white hare, that was going that way, saying
+he should be delighted to be present, he determined that
+he would take his precautions. So he went to a mouse
+who had often done him a good turn, and greeted her with
+his best bow.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 295px;">
+<a name="illo52" id="illo52"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb52.jpg" width="295" height="400"
+alt="The mink is very rude to the grandmother wolf" />
+</div>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have a favour to ask of you, friend mouse,&rsquo; said he,
+&lsquo;and if you will grant it I will carry you on my back
+every night for a week to the patch of maize right up the
+hill.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The favour is <em>mine</em>,&rsquo; answered the mouse. &lsquo;Tell me
+what it is that I can have the honour of doing for you.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>310]</a></span>
+&lsquo;Oh, something quite easy,&rsquo; replied the mink. &lsquo;I only
+want you&mdash;between to-day and the next full moon&mdash;to
+gnaw through the bows and paddles of the wolf people,
+so that directly they use them they will break. But of
+course you must manage it so that they notice nothing.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Of course,&rsquo; answered the mouse, &lsquo;nothing is easier;
+but as the full moon is to-morrow night, and there is not
+much time, I had better begin at once.&rsquo; Then the mink
+thanked her, and went his way; but before he had gone
+far he came back again.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Perhaps, while you are about the wolf&rsquo;s house seeing
+after the bows, it would do no harm if you were to make
+that knot-hole in the wall a little bigger,&rsquo; said he. &lsquo;Not
+large enough to draw attention, of course; but it <em>might</em>
+come in handy.&rsquo; And with another nod he left her.</p>
+
+<p>The next evening the mink washed and brushed himself
+carefully and set out for the feast. He smiled to
+himself as he looked at the dusty track, and perceived
+that though the marks of wolves&rsquo; feet were many, not a
+single guest was to be seen anywhere. He knew very
+well what <em>that</em> meant; but he had taken his precautions
+and was not afraid.</p>
+
+<p>The house door stood open, but through a crack the
+mink could see the wolves crowding in the corner behind
+it. However, he entered boldly, and as soon as he was
+fairly inside the door was shut with a bang, and the whole
+herd sprang at him, with their red tongues hanging out
+of their mouths. Quick as they were they were too late,
+for the mink was already through the knot-hole and racing
+for his canoe.</p>
+
+<p>The knot-hole was too small for the wolves, and
+there were so many of them in the hut that it was some
+time before they could get the door open. Then they
+seized the bows and arrows which were hanging on the
+walls and, once outside, aimed at the flying mink; but
+as they pulled the bows broke in their paws, so they
+threw them away, and bounded to the shore, with all their
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>311]</a></span>
+speed, to the place where their canoes were drawn up on
+the beach.</p>
+
+<p>Now, although the mink could not run as fast as the
+wolves, he had had a good start, and was already afloat
+when the swiftest among them threw themselves into
+the nearest canoe. They pushed off, but as they dipped
+the paddles into the water, they snapped as the bows had
+done, and were quite useless.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I know where there are some new ones,&rsquo; cried a
+young fellow, leaping on shore and rushing to a little
+cave at the back of the beach. And the mink&rsquo;s heart
+smote him when he heard, for he had not known of this
+secret store.</p>
+
+<p>After a long chase the wolves managed to surround
+their prey, and the mink, seeing it was no good resisting
+any more, gave himself up. Some of the older wolves
+brought out some cedar bands, which they always carried
+wound round their bodies, but the mink laughed scornfully
+at the sight of them.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Why I could snap those in a moment,&rsquo; said he; &lsquo;if
+you want to make sure that I cannot escape, better take
+a line of kelp and bind me with that.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You are right,&rsquo; answered the grandfather; &lsquo;your
+wisdom is greater than ours.&rsquo; And he bade his servants
+gather enough kelp from the rocks to make a line, as they
+had brought none with them.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;While the line is being made you might as well let
+me have one last dance,&rsquo; remarked the mink. And the
+wolves replied: &lsquo;Very good, you may have your dance;
+perhaps it may amuse us as well as you.&rsquo; So they brought
+two canoes and placed them one beside the other. The
+mink stood up on his hind legs and began to dance, first
+in one canoe and then in the other; and so graceful was
+he, that the wolves forgot they were going to put him to
+death, and howled with pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Pull the canoes a little apart; they are too close for
+this new dance,&rsquo; he said, pausing for a moment. And the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>312]</a></span>
+wolves separated them while he gave a series of little
+springs, sometimes pirouetting while he stood with one
+foot on the prow of both. &lsquo;Now nearer, now further
+apart,&rsquo; he would cry as the dance went on. &lsquo;No! further
+still.&rsquo; And springing into the air, amidst howls of applause,
+he came down head foremost, and dived to the bottom.
+And though the wolves, whose howls had now changed
+into those of rage, sought him everywhere, they never
+found him, for he hid behind a rock till they were out of
+sight, and then made his home in another forest.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(From the <i>Journal of the Anthropological Institute</i>.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>313]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>ADVENTURES OF AN INDIAN BRAVE</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>A long, long way off, right away in the west of America,
+there once lived an old man who had one son. The
+country round was covered with forests, in which dwelt
+all kinds of wild beasts, and the young man and his companions
+used to spend whole days in hunting them, and
+he was the finest hunter of all the tribe.</p>
+
+<p>One morning, when winter was coming on, the youth
+and his companions set off as usual to bring back some
+of the mountain goats and deer to be salted down, as he
+was afraid of a snow-storm; and if the wind blew and the
+snow drifted the forest might be impassable for some
+weeks. The old man and the wife, however, would not
+go out, but remained in the wigwam making bows and
+arrows.</p>
+
+<p>It soon grew so cold in the forest that at last one of
+the men declared they could walk no more, unless they
+could manage to warm themselves.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;That is easily done,&rsquo; said the leader, giving a kick to a
+large tree. Flames broke out in the trunk, and before it
+had burnt up they were as hot as if it had been summer.
+Then they started off to the place where the goats and
+deer were to be found in the greatest numbers, and soon
+had killed as many as they wanted. But the leader killed
+most, as he was the best shot.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Now we must cut up the game and divide it,&rsquo; said
+he; and so they did, each one taking his own share; and,
+walking one behind the other, set out for the village.
+But when they reached a great river the young man did
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>314]</a></span>
+not want the trouble of carrying his pack any further,
+and left it on the bank.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am going home another way,&rsquo; he told his companions.
+And taking another road he reached the village long
+before they did.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Have you returned with empty hands?&rsquo; asked the old
+man, as his son opened the door.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Have I <em>ever</em> done that, that you put me such a
+question?&rsquo; asked the youth. &lsquo;No; I have slain enough
+to feast us for many moons, but it was heavy, and I left
+the pack on the bank of the great river. Give me the
+arrows, I will finish making them, and you can go to the
+river and bring home the pack!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So the old man rose and went, and strapped the
+meat on his shoulder; but as he was crossing the ford
+the strap broke and the pack fell into the river. He
+stooped to catch it, but it swirled past him. He clutched
+again; but in doing so he over-balanced himself and was
+hurried into some rapids, where he was knocked against
+some rocks, and he sank and was drowned, and his body
+was carried down the stream into smoother water when
+it rose to the surface again. But by this time it had lost
+all likeness to a man, and was changed into a piece of
+wood.</p>
+
+<p>The wood floated on, and the river got bigger and
+bigger and entered a new country. There it was borne
+by the current close to the shore, and a woman who was
+down there washing her clothes caught it as it passed,
+and drew it out, saying to herself: &lsquo;What a nice smooth
+plank! I will use it as a table to put my food upon.&rsquo; And
+gathering up her clothes she took the plank with her into
+her hut.</p>
+
+<p>When her supper time came she stretched the board
+across two strings which hung from the roof, and set upon
+it the pot containing a stew that smelt very good.
+The woman had been working hard all day and was very
+hungry, so she took her biggest spoon and plunged it
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>315]</a></span>
+into the pot. But what was her astonishment and
+disgust when both pot and food vanished instantly
+before her.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, you horrid plank, you have brought me ill-luck!&rsquo;
+she cried. And taking it up she flung it away from her.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">The woman had been surprised before at the disappearance
+of her food, but she was more astonished
+still when, instead of the plank, she beheld a baby.
+However, she was fond of children and had none of her
+own, so she made up her mind that she would keep it
+and take care of it. The baby grew and throve as no
+baby in that country had ever done, and in four days he
+was a man, and as tall and strong as any brave of the
+tribe.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You have treated me well,&rsquo; he said, &lsquo;and meat shall
+never fail in your house. But now I must go, for I have
+much work to do.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then he set out for his home.</p>
+
+<p>It took him many days to get there, and when he saw
+his son sitting in his place his anger was kindled, and
+his heart was stirred to take vengeance upon him. So
+he went out quickly into the forest and shed tears, and
+each tear became a bird. &lsquo;Stay there till I want you,&rsquo;
+said he; and he returned to the hut.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I saw some pretty new birds, high up in a tree
+yonder,&rsquo; he remarked. And the son answered: &lsquo;Show me
+the way and I will get them for dinner.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The two went out together, and after walking for
+about half an hour the old man stopped. &lsquo;That is the
+tree,&rsquo; he said. And the son began to climb it.</p>
+
+<p>Now a strange thing happened. The higher the young
+man climbed the higher the birds seemed to be, and when
+he looked down the earth below appeared no bigger than
+a star. Still he tried to go back, but he could not, and
+though he could not see the birds any longer he felt as
+if something were dragging him up and up.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>316]</a></span>
+He thought that he had been climbing that tree for
+days, and perhaps he had, for suddenly a beautiful country,
+yellow with fields of maize, stretched before him, and he
+gladly left the top of the tree and entered it. He walked
+through the maize without knowing where he was going,
+when he heard a sound of knocking, and saw two old
+blind women crushing their food between two stones.
+He crept up to them on tiptoe, and when one old woman
+passed her dinner to the other he held out his hand and
+took it and ate it for himself.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;How slow you are kneading that cake,&rsquo; cried the
+other old woman at last.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Why, I have given you your dinner, and what more
+do you want?&rsquo; replied the second.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You didn&rsquo;t; at least I never got it,&rsquo; said the other.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I certainly thought you took it from me; but here is
+some more.&rsquo; And again the young man stretched out his
+hand; and the two old women fell to quarrelling afresh.
+But when it happened for the third time the old women
+suspected some trick, and one of them exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am sure there is a man here; tell me, are you not
+my grandson?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes,&rsquo; answered the young man, who wished to please
+her, &lsquo;and in return for your good dinner I will see if I
+cannot restore your sight; for I was taught the art of
+healing by the best medicine men in the tribe.&rsquo; And with
+that he left them, and wandered about till he found the
+herb which he wanted. Then he hastened back to the
+old women, and begging them to boil him some water, he
+threw the herb in. As soon as the pot began to sing he
+took off the lid, and sprinkled the eyes of the women the
+sight came back to them once more.</p>
+
+<p>There was no night in that country, so, instead of going
+to bed very early, as he would have done in his own
+hut, the young man took another walk. A splashing
+noise near by drew him down to a valley through which
+ran a large river, and up a waterfall some salmon were
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>317]</a></span>
+leaping. How their silver sides glistened in the light,
+and how he longed to catch some of the great fellows!
+But how could he do it? He had beheld no one except
+the old women, and it was not very likely that they would
+be able to help him. So with a sigh he turned away and
+went back to them, but, as he walked, a thought struck
+him. He pulled out one of his hairs which hung nearly
+to his waist, and it instantly became a strong line, nearly
+a mile in length.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Weave me a net that I may catch some salmon,&rsquo; said
+he. And they wove him the net he asked for, and for
+many weeks he watched by the river, only going back to
+the old women when he wanted a fish cooked.</p>
+
+<p>At last, one day, when he was eating his dinner, the old
+woman who always spoke first, said to him:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;We have been very glad to see you, grandson, but
+now it is time that you went home.&rsquo; And pushing aside a
+rock, he saw a deep hole, <em>so</em> deep that he could not see
+to the bottom. Then they dragged a basket out of the
+house, and tied a rope to it. &lsquo;Get in, and wrap this blanket
+round your head,&rsquo; said they; &lsquo;and, whatever happens,
+don&rsquo;t uncover it till you get to the bottom.&rsquo; Then they
+bade him farewell, and he curled himself up in the
+basket.</p>
+
+<p>Down, down, down he went; would he <em>ever</em> stop going?
+But when the basket <em>did</em> stop, the young man forgot what
+he had been told, and put his head out to see what was
+the matter. In an instant the basket moved, but, to his
+horror, instead of going down, he felt himself being drawn
+upwards, and shortly after he beheld the faces of the old
+women.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You will never see your wife and son if you will not
+do as you are bid,&rsquo; said they. &lsquo;Now get in, and do not
+stir till you hear a crow calling.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>This time the young man was wiser, and though the
+basket often stopped, and strange creatures seemed to
+rest on him and to pluck at his blanket, he held it tight
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>318]</a></span>
+till he heard the crow calling. Then he flung off the
+blanket and sprang out, while the basket vanished in the
+sky.</p>
+
+<p>He walked on quickly down the track that led to the
+hut, when, before him, he saw his wife with his little son
+on her back.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh! there is father at last,&rsquo; cried the boy; but the
+mother bade him cease from idle talking.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;But, mother, it is true; father is coming!&rsquo; repeated the
+child. And, to satisfy him, the woman turned round and
+perceived her husband.</p>
+
+<p>Oh, how glad they all were to be together again! And
+when the wind whistled through the forest, and the snow
+stood in great banks round the door, the father used to
+take the little boy on his knee and tell him how he caught
+salmon in the Land of the Sun.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(From the <i>Journal of the Anthropological Institute</i>.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>319]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>HOW THE STALOS WERE TRICKED</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>&lsquo;Mother, I have seen such a wonderful man,&rsquo; said a
+little boy one day, as he entered a hut in Lapland, bearing
+in his arms the bundle of sticks he had been sent out
+to gather.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Have you, my son; and what was he like?&rsquo; asked the
+mother, as she took off the child&rsquo;s sheep-skin coat and
+shook it on the doorstep.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, I was tired of stooping for the sticks, and was
+leaning against a tree to rest, when I heard a noise of
+&rsquo;sh-&rsquo;sh, among the dead leaves. I thought perhaps it
+was a wolf, so I stood very still. But soon there came
+past a tall man&mdash;oh! twice as tall as father&mdash;with a long
+red beard and a red tunic fastened with a silver girdle,
+from which hung a big silver-handled knife. Behind
+him followed a great dog, which looked stronger than
+any wolf, or even a bear. But why are you so pale,
+mother?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It was the Stalo,&rsquo; replied she, her voice trembling;
+&lsquo;Stalo the man-eater! You did well to hide, or you might
+never have come back. But, remember that, though
+he is so tall and strong, he is very stupid, and many a Lapp
+has escaped from his clutches by playing him some clever
+trick.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Not long after the mother and son had held this talk,
+it began to be whispered in the forest that the children
+of an old man called Patto had vanished one by one, no
+one knew whither. The unhappy father searched the
+country for miles round without being able to find as
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>320]</a></span>
+much as a shoe or a handkerchief, to show him where
+they had passed, but at length a little boy came with news
+that he had seen the Stalo hiding behind a well, near
+which the children used to play. The boy had waited
+behind a clump of bushes to see what would happen,
+and by-and-by he noticed that the Stalo had laid a
+cunning trap in the path to the well, and that anybody
+who fell over it would roll into the water and drown
+there.</p>
+
+<p>And, as he watched, Patto&rsquo;s youngest daughter ran
+gaily down the path, till her foot caught in the strings
+that were stretched across the steepest place. She
+slipped and fell, and in another instant had rolled into
+the water within reach of the Stalo.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as Patto heard this tale his heart was filled with
+rage, and he vowed to have his revenge. So he straightway
+took an old fur coat from the hook where it hung,
+and putting it on went out into the forest. When he
+reached the path that led to the well he looked hastily
+round to be sure that no one was watching him, then
+laid himself down as if he had been caught in the snare
+and had rolled into the well, though he took care to keep
+his head out of the water.</p>
+
+<p>Very soon he heard the &rsquo;sh-&rsquo;sh of the leaves, and there
+was the Stalo pushing his way through the undergrowth
+to see what chance he had of a dinner. At the first
+glimpse of Patto&rsquo;s head in the well, he laughed loudly,
+crying:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Ha! ha! This time it is the old ass! I wonder
+how <em>he</em> will taste?&rsquo; And drawing Patto out of the well,
+he flung him across his shoulders and carried him home.
+Then he tied a cord round him and hung him over the
+fire to roast, while he finished a box that he was making
+before the door of the hut, which he meant to hold
+Patto&rsquo;s flesh when it was cooked. In a very short time
+the box was so nearly done that it only wanted a little
+more chipping out with an axe; but this part of the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321"><!-- full page illustration in original --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322"><!-- blank page --></a></span>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>323]</a></span>
+work was easier accomplished indoors, and he called to
+one of his sons, who were lounging inside, to bring him
+the tool.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 425px;">
+<a name="illo53" id="illo53"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb53.jpg" width="425" height="600"
+alt="The little boy sees the Stalo in the wood" />
+</div>
+
+<p>The young man looked everywhere, but he could not
+find the axe, for the very good reason that Patto had
+managed to pick it up and hide it in his clothes.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Stupid fellow! what is the use of you?&rsquo; grumbled his
+father angrily; and he bade first one and then another of
+his sons to fetch him the tool, but they had no better success
+than their brother.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I must come myself, I suppose!&rsquo; said Stalo, putting
+aside the box. But, meanwhile, Patto had slipped from
+the hook and concealed himself behind the door, so that,
+as Stalo stepped in, his prisoner raised the axe, and with
+one blow the ogre&rsquo;s head was rolling on the ground.
+His sons were so frightened at the sight that they all ran
+away.</p>
+
+<p>And in this manner Patto avenged his dead children.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">But though Stalo was dead, his three sons were still
+living, and not very far off either. They had gone to their
+mother, who was tending some reindeer on the pastures,
+and told her that by some magic, they knew not what,
+their father&rsquo;s head had rolled from his body, and they
+had been so afraid that something dreadful would happen
+to them that they had come to take refuge with her. The
+ogress said nothing. Long ago she had found out how
+stupid her sons were, so she just sent them out to milk
+the reindeer, while she returned to the other house to
+bury her husband&rsquo;s body.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">Now, three days&rsquo; journey from the hut on the pastures
+two brothers named Sodno dwelt in a small cottage with
+their sister Lyma, who tended a large herd of reindeer
+while they were out hunting. Of late it had been
+whispered from one to another that the three young
+Stalos were to be seen on the pastures, but the Sodno
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>324]</a></span>
+brothers did not disturb themselves, the danger seemed
+too far away.</p>
+
+<p>Unluckily, however, one day, when Lyma was left by
+herself in the hut, the three Stalos came down and carried
+her and the reindeer off to their own cottage. The country
+was very lonely, and perhaps no one would have known
+in which direction she had gone had not the girl managed
+to tie a ball of thread to the handle of a door at the
+back of the cottage and let it trail behind her. Of course
+the ball was not long enough to go all the way, but it lay
+on the edge of a snowy track which led straight to the
+Stalos&rsquo; house.</p>
+
+<p>When the brothers returned from their hunting they
+found both the hut and the sheds empty. Loudly they
+cried: &lsquo;Lyma! Lyma!&rsquo; But no voice answered them; and
+they fell to searching all about, lest perchance their sister
+might have dropped some clue to guide them. At length
+their eyes dropped on the thread which lay on the snow,
+and they set out to follow it.</p>
+
+<p>On and on they went, and when at length the thread
+stopped the brothers knew that another day&rsquo;s journey
+would bring them to the Stalos&rsquo; dwelling. Of course
+they did not dare to approach it openly, for the Stalos
+had the strength of giants, and besides, there were three
+of them; so the two Sodnos climbed into a big bushy tree
+which overhung a well.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Perhaps our sister may be sent to draw water here,&rsquo;
+they said to each other.</p>
+
+<p>But it was not till the moon had risen that the sister
+came, and as she let down her bucket into the well, the
+leaves seemed to whisper &lsquo;Lyma! Lyma!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The girl started and looked up, but could see nothing,
+and in a moment the voice came again.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Be careful&mdash;take no notice, fill your buckets, but
+listen carefully all the while, and we will tell you what
+to do so that you may escape yourself and set free the
+reindeer also.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>325]</a></span>
+So Lyma bent over the well lower than before, and
+seemed busier than ever.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You know,&rsquo; said her brother, &lsquo;that when a Stalo finds
+that anything has been dropped into his food he will not
+eat a morsel, but throws it to his dogs. Now, after the
+pot has been hanging some time over the fire, and the
+broth is nearly cooked, just rake up the log of wood so
+that some of the ashes fly into the pot. The Stalo will
+soon notice this, and will call you to give all the food to
+the dogs; but, instead, you must bring it straight to us, as
+it is three days since we have eaten or drunk. That is
+all you need do for the present.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then Lyma took up her buckets and carried them
+into the house, and did as her brothers had told her. They
+were so hungry that they ate the food up greedily without
+speaking, but when there was nothing left in the pot, the
+eldest one said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Listen carefully to what I have to tell you. After
+the eldest Stalo has cooked and eaten a fresh supper, he
+will go to bed and sleep so soundly that not even a witch
+could wake him. You can hear him snoring a mile off,
+and then you must go into his room and pull off the iron
+mantle that covers him, and put it on the fire till it is almost
+red hot. When that is done, come to us and we will give
+you further directions.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I will obey you in everything, dear brothers,&rsquo; answered
+Lyma; and so she did.</p>
+
+<p>It had happened that on this very evening the Stalos
+had driven in some of the reindeer from the pasture, and
+had tied them up to the wall of the house so that they
+might be handy to kill for next day&rsquo;s dinner. The two
+Sodnos had seen what they were doing, and where the
+beasts were secured; so, at midnight, when all was still,
+they crept down from their tree and seized the reindeer
+by the horns which were locked together. The animals
+were frightened, and began to neigh and kick, as if they
+were fighting together, and the noise became so great
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>326]</a></span>
+that even the eldest Stalo was awakened by it, and <em>that</em>
+was a thing which had never occurred before. Raising
+himself in his bed, he called to his youngest brother to go
+out and separate the reindeer or they would certainly kill
+themselves.</p>
+
+<p>The young Stalo did as he was bid, and left the house;
+but no sooner was he out of the door than he was stabbed
+to the heart by one of the Sodnos, and fell without a groan.
+Then they went back to worry the reindeer, and the noise
+became as great as ever, and a second time the Stalo
+awoke.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The boy does not seem able to part the beasts,&rsquo; he
+cried to his second brother; &lsquo;go and help him, or I shall
+never get to sleep.&rsquo; So the brother went, and in an instant
+was struck dead as he left the house by the sword of the
+eldest Sodno. The Stalo waited in bed a little longer
+for things to get quiet, but as the clatter of the reindeers&rsquo;
+horns was as bad as ever, he rose angrily from his bed
+muttering to himself:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is extraordinary that they cannot unlock themselves;
+but as no one else seems able to help them I suppose I
+must go and do it.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Rubbing his eyes, he stood up on the floor and stretched
+his great arms and gave a yawn which shook the walls.
+The Sodnos heard it below, and posted themselves, one
+at the big door and one at the little door at the back, for
+they did not know which their enemy would come
+out at.</p>
+
+<p>The Stalo put out his hand to take his iron mantle from
+the bed, where it always lay, but the mantle was not
+there. He wondered where it could be, and who could
+have moved it, and after searching through all the rooms,
+he found it hanging over the kitchen fire. But the first
+touch burnt him so badly that he let it alone, and went
+with nothing, except a stick in his hand, through the back
+door.</p>
+
+<p>The young Sodno was standing ready for him, and as
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>327]</a></span>
+the Stalo passed the threshold struck him such a blow
+on the head that he rolled over with a crash and never
+stirred again. The two Sodnos did not trouble about
+him, but quickly stripped the younger Stalos of their
+clothes, in which they dressed themselves. Then they
+sat still till the dawn should break and they could find
+out from the Stalos&rsquo; mother where the treasure was
+hidden.</p>
+
+<p>With the first rays of the sun the young Sodno went
+upstairs and entered the old woman&rsquo;s room. She was
+already up and dressed, and sitting by the window knitting,
+and the young man crept in softly and crouched down
+on the floor, laying his head on her lap. For a while he
+kept silence, then he whispered gently:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Tell me, dear mother, where did my eldest brother
+conceal his riches?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What a strange question! Surely you must know,&rsquo;
+answered she.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No, I have forgotten; my memory is so bad.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;He dug a hole under the doorstep and placed it there,&rsquo;
+said she. And there was another pause.</p>
+
+<p>By-and-by the Sodno asked again:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And where may my second brother&rsquo;s money be?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Don&rsquo;t you know that either?&rsquo; cried the mother in
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, yes; I did once. But since I fell upon my head
+I can remember nothing.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is behind the oven,&rsquo; answered she. And again was
+silence.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Mother, dear mother,&rsquo; said the young man at last, &lsquo;I
+am almost afraid to ask you; but I really have grown so
+stupid of late. Where did I hide my own money?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>But at this question the old woman flew into a passion,
+and vowed that if she could find a rod she would bring
+his memory back to him. Luckily, no rod was within her
+reach, and the Sodno managed, after a little, to coax her
+back into good humour, and at length she told him that the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>328]</a></span>
+youngest Stalo had buried his treasure under the very
+place where she was sitting.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">&lsquo;Dear mother,&rsquo; said Lyma, who had come in unseen,
+and was kneeling in front of the fire. &lsquo;Dear mother, do
+you know who it is you have been talking with?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The old woman started, but answered quietly:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is a Sodno, I suppose?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You have guessed right,&rsquo; replied Lyma.</p>
+
+<p>The mother of the Stalos looked round for her iron
+cane, which she always used to kill her victims, but it
+was not there, for Lyma had put it in the fire.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Where is my iron cane?&rsquo; asked the old woman.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;There!&rsquo; answered Lyma, pointing to the flames.</p>
+
+<p>The old woman sprang forward and seized it, but her
+clothes caught fire, and in a few minutes she was burned
+to ashes.</p>
+
+<p>So the Sodno brothers found the treasure, and they
+carried it, and their sister and the reindeer, to their own
+home, and were the richest men in all Lapland.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(From <i>Lappl&auml;ndische M&auml;hrchen</i>, J.&nbsp;C. Poestion.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>329]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>ANDRAS BAIVE</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there lived in Lapland a man who
+was so very strong and swift of foot that nobody in his
+native town of Vads&ouml; could come near him if they were
+running races in the summer evenings. The people of
+Vads&ouml; were very proud of their champion, and thought
+that there was no one like him in the world, till, by-and-by,
+it came to their ears that there dwelt among the mountains
+a Lapp, Andras Baive by name, who was said by his friends
+to be even stronger and swifter than the bailiff. Of course
+not a creature in Vads&ouml; believed <em>that</em>, and declared that
+if it made the mountaineers happier to talk such nonsense,
+why, let them!</p>
+
+<p>The winter was long and cold, and the thoughts of the
+villagers were much busier with wolves than with Andras
+Baive, when suddenly, on a frosty day, he made his appearance
+in the little town of Vads&ouml;. The bailiff was delighted
+at this chance of trying his strength, and at once went
+out to seek Andras and to coax him into giving proof of
+his vigour. As he walked along his eyes fell upon a big
+eight-oared boat that lay upon the shore, and his face
+shone with pleasure. &lsquo;That is the very thing,&rsquo; laughed
+he, &lsquo;I will make him jump over that boat.&rsquo; Andras was
+quite ready to accept the challenge, and they soon settled
+the terms of the wager. He who could jump over the
+boat without so much as touching it with his heel was to
+be the winner, and would get a large sum of money as
+the prize. So, followed by many of the villagers, the two
+men walked down to the sea.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>330]</a></span>
+An old fisherman was chosen to stand near the boat
+to watch fair play, and to hold the stakes, and Andras,
+as the stranger, was told to jump first. Going back to
+the flag which had been stuck into the sand to mark the
+starting place, he ran forward, with his head well thrown
+back, and cleared the boat with a mighty bound. The
+lookers on cheered him, and indeed he well deserved it;
+but they waited anxiously all the same to see what the
+bailiff would do. On he came, taller than Andras by
+several inches, but heavier of build. He too sprang high
+and well, but as he came down his heel just grazed the edge
+of the boat. Dead silence reigned amidst the townsfolk,
+but Andras only laughed and said carelessly:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Just a little too short, bailiff; next time you must do
+better than that.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The bailiff turned red with anger at his rival&rsquo;s scornful
+words, and answered quickly: &lsquo;Next time you will have
+something harder to do.&rsquo; And turning his back on his
+friends, he went sulkily home. Andras, putting the money
+he had earned in his pocket, went home also.</p>
+
+<p>In the following spring Andras happened to be driving
+his reindeer along a great fiord to the west of Vads&ouml;. A
+boy who had met him hastened to tell the bailiff that his
+enemy was only a few miles off; and the bailiff, disguising
+himself as a Stalo, or ogre, called his son and his dog and
+rowed away across the fiord to the place where the boy
+had met Andras.</p>
+
+<p>Now the mountaineer was lazily walking along the
+sands, thinking of the new hut that he was building with
+the money that he had won on the day of his lucky jump.
+He wandered on, his eyes fixed on the sands, so that he
+did not see the bailiff drive his boat behind a rock, while
+he changed himself into a heap of wreckage which floated
+in on the waves. A stumble over a stone recalled Andras
+to himself, and looking up he beheld the mass of wreckage.
+&lsquo;Dear me! I may find some use for that,&rsquo; he said; and
+hastened down to the sea, waiting till he could lay hold
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>331]</a></span>
+of some stray rope which might float towards him. Suddenly&mdash;he
+could not have told why&mdash;a nameless fear
+seized upon him, and he fled away from the shore as if
+for his life. As he ran he heard the sound of a pipe, such
+as only ogres of the Stalo kind were wont to use; and there
+flashed into his mind what the bailiff had said when they
+jumped the boat: &lsquo;Next time you will have something
+harder to do.&rsquo; So it was no wreckage after all that he
+had seen, but the bailiff himself.</p>
+
+<p>It happened that in the long summer nights up in the
+mountain, where the sun never set, and it was very
+difficult to get to sleep, Andras had spent many hours in
+the study of magic, and this stood him in good stead now.
+The instant he heard the Stalo music he wished himself
+to become the feet of a reindeer, and in this guise he galloped
+like the wind for several miles. Then he stopped
+to take breath and find out what his enemy was doing.
+Nothing could he see, but to his ears the notes of a pipe
+floated over the plain, and ever, as he listened, it drew
+nearer.</p>
+
+<p>A cold shiver shook Andras, and this time he wished
+himself the feet of a reindeer calf. For when a reindeer
+calf has reached the age when he begins first to lose his
+hair he grows so swift that neither beast nor bird can
+come near him. A reindeer calf is the swiftest of all
+things living. Yes; but not so swift as a Stalo, as Andras
+found out when he stopped to rest, and heard the pipe
+playing!</p>
+
+<p>For a moment his heart sank, and he gave himself up
+for dead, till he remembered that, not far off, were two
+little lakes joined together by a short though very broad
+river. In the middle of the river lay a stone that was
+always covered by water, except in very dry seasons, and
+as the winter rains had been very heavy, he felt quite
+sure that not even the top of it could be seen. The next
+minute, if anyone had been looking that way, he would
+have beheld a small reindeer calf speeding northwards,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>332]</a></span>
+and by-and-by give a great spring, which landed him in
+the midst of the stream. But, instead of sinking to the
+bottom, he paused to steady himself, then gave a second
+spring which landed him on the further shore. He next
+ran on to a little hill where he sat down and began to neigh
+loudly, so that the Stalo might know exactly where he
+was.</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">&lsquo;Ah! <em>there</em> you are,&rsquo; cried the Stalo, appearing on the
+opposite bank; &lsquo;for a moment I really thought I had lost
+you.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No such luck,&rsquo; answered Andras, shaking his head
+sorrowfully. By this time he had taken his own shape
+again.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, but I don&rsquo;t see how I am to get to you!&rsquo; said the
+Stalo, looking up and down.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Jump over, as I did,&rsquo; answered Andras; &lsquo;it is quite
+easy.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;But I could not jump this river; and I don&rsquo;t know how
+you did,&rsquo; replied the Stalo.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I should be ashamed to say such things,&rsquo; exclaimed
+Andras. &lsquo;Do you mean to tell me that a jump, which the
+weakest Lapp boy would make nothing of, is beyond your
+strength?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The Stalo grew red and angry when he heard these
+words, just as Andras meant him to do. He bounded
+into the air and fell straight into the river. Not that
+<em>that</em> would have mattered, for he was a good swimmer;
+but Andras drew out the bow and arrows which every
+Lapp carries, and took aim at him. His aim was good,
+but the Stalo sprang so high into the air that the arrow
+flew between his feet. A second shot, directed at his
+forehead, fared no better, for this time the Stalo jumped
+so high to the other side that the arrow passed between
+his finger and thumb. Then Andras aimed his third
+arrow a little over the Stalo&rsquo;s head, and when he
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>333]</a></span>
+sprang up, just an instant too soon, it hit him between the
+ribs.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 365px;">
+<a name="illo54" id="illo54"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb54.jpg" width="365" height="500"
+alt="Andras Baive shoots the Stalo" />
+</div>
+
+<p>Mortally wounded as he was, the Stalo was not yet
+dead, and managed to swim to the shore. Stretching
+himself on the sand, he said slowly to Andras:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Promise that you will give me honourable burial, and
+when my body is laid in the grave go in my boat across
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>334]</a></span>
+the fiord, and take whatever you find in my house which
+belongs to me. My dog you must kill, but spare my son,
+Andras.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then he died; and Andras sailed in his boat away
+across the fiord and found the dog and boy. The dog, a
+fierce, wicked-looking creature, he slew with one blow
+from his fist, for it is well-known that if a Stalo&rsquo;s dog licks
+the blood that flows from his dead master&rsquo;s wounds
+the Stalo comes to life again. That is why no <em>real</em>
+Stalo is ever seen without his dog; but the bailiff, being
+only half a Stalo, had forgotten his, when he went to the
+little lakes in search of Andras. Next, Andras put all the
+gold and jewels which he found in the boat into his pockets,
+and bidding the boy get in, pushed it off from the shore,
+leaving the little craft to drift as it would, while he himself
+ran home. With the treasures he possessed he was able
+to buy a great herd of reindeer; and he soon married a
+rich wife, whose parents would not have him as a son-in-law
+when he was poor, and the two lived happy for
+ever after.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(From <i>Lappl&auml;ndische M&auml;hrchen</i>, J.&nbsp;C. Poestion.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>335]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE WHITE SLIPPER</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>Once upon a time there lived a king who had a daughter
+just fifteen years old. And <em>what</em> a daughter!</p>
+
+<p>Even the mothers who had daughters of their own
+could not help allowing that the princess was much
+more beautiful and graceful than any of them; and
+as for the fathers, if one of them ever beheld her by
+accident he could talk of nothing else for a whole day
+afterwards.</p>
+
+<p>Of course the king, whose name was Balancin, was
+the complete slave of his little girl from the moment he
+lifted her from the arms of her dead mother; indeed, he
+did not seem to know that there was anyone else in the
+world to love.</p>
+
+<p>Now Diamantina, for that was her name, did not
+reach her fifteenth birthday without proposals of marriage
+from every country under heaven; but be the suitor who
+he might, the king always said him nay.</p>
+
+<p>Behind the palace a large garden stretched away to
+the foot of some hills, and more than one river flowed
+through. Hither the princess would come each evening
+towards sunset, attended by her ladies, and gather herself
+the flowers that were to adorn her rooms. She also brought
+with her a pair of scissors to cut off the dead blooms, and
+a basket to put them in, so that when the sun rose next
+morning he might see nothing unsightly. When she had
+finished this task she would take a walk through the town,
+so that the poor people might have a chance of speaking
+with her, and telling her of their troubles; and then she
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>336]</a></span>
+would seek out her father, and together they would consult
+over the best means of giving help to those who needed
+it.</p>
+
+<p>But what has all this to do with the White Slipper?
+my readers will ask.</p>
+
+<p>Have patience, and you will see.</p>
+
+<p>Next to his daughter, Balancin loved hunting, and it
+was his custom to spend several mornings every week
+chasing the boars which abounded in the mountains a
+few miles from the city. One day, rushing downhill as
+fast as he could go, he put his foot into a hole and fell,
+rolling into a rocky pit full of brambles. The king&rsquo;s
+wounds were not very severe, but his face and hands were
+cut and torn, while his feet were in a worse plight still, for,
+instead of proper hunting boots, he only wore sandals, to
+enable him to run more swiftly.</p>
+
+<p>In a few days the king was as well as ever, and the
+signs of the scratches were almost gone; but one foot still
+remained very sore, where a thorn had pierced deeply
+and had festered. The best doctors in the kingdom
+treated it with all their skill; they bathed, and poulticed,
+and bandaged, but it was in vain. The foot only grew
+worse and worse, and became daily more swollen and
+painful.</p>
+
+<p>After everyone had tried his own particular cure, and
+found it fail, there came news of a wonderful doctor in
+some distant land who had healed the most astonishing
+diseases. On inquiring, it was found that he never left the
+walls of his own city, and expected his patients to come to
+see <em>him</em>; but, by dint of offering a large sum of money,
+the king persuaded the famous physician to undertake the
+journey to his own court.</p>
+
+<p>On his arrival the doctor was led at once into the
+king&rsquo;s presence, and made a careful examination of his
+foot.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Alas! your majesty,&rsquo; he said, when he had finished,
+&lsquo;the wound is beyond the power of man to heal; but
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>337]</a></span>
+though I cannot cure it, I can at least deaden the pain,
+and enable you to walk without so much suffering.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, if you can only do that,&rsquo; cried the king, &lsquo;I shall
+be grateful to you for life! Give your own orders; they
+shall be obeyed.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Then let your majesty bid the royal shoemaker
+make you a shoe of goat-skin very loose and comfortable,
+while I prepare a varnish to paint over it of which I alone
+have the secret!&rsquo; So saying, the doctor bowed himself
+out, leaving the king more cheerful and hopeful than he
+had been for long.</p>
+
+<p>The days passed very slowly with him during the
+making of the shoe and the preparation of the varnish,
+but on the eighth morning the physician appeared,
+bringing with him the shoe in a case. He drew it out to
+slip it on the king&rsquo;s foot, and over the goat-skin he had
+rubbed a polish so white that the snow itself was not more
+dazzling.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;While you wear this shoe you will not feel the slightest
+pain,&rsquo; said the doctor. &lsquo;For the balsam with which I
+have rubbed it inside and out has, besides its healing balm,
+the quality of strengthening the material it touches, so that,
+even were your majesty to live a thousand years, you would
+find the slipper just as fresh at the end of that time as it is
+now.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The king was so eager to put it on that he hardly gave
+the physician time to finish. He snatched it from the case
+and thrust his foot into it, nearly weeping for joy when
+he found he could walk and run as easily as any beggar
+boy.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What can I give you?&rsquo; he cried, holding out both
+hands to the man who had worked this wonder.
+&lsquo;Stay with me, and I will heap on you riches greater than
+ever you dreamed of.&rsquo; But the doctor said he would accept
+nothing more than had been agreed on, and must
+return at once to his own country, where many sick
+people were awaiting him. So king Balancin had to
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>338]</a></span>
+content himself with ordering the physician to be treated
+with royal honours, and desiring that an escort should
+attend him on his journey home.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 409px;">
+<a name="illo55" id="illo55"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb55.jpg" width="409" height="320"
+alt="Balancin's delight at the white slipper" />
+</div>
+
+<p>For two years everything went smoothly at court,
+and to king Balancin and his daughter the sun no
+sooner rose than it seemed time for it to set. Now, the
+king&rsquo;s birthday fell in the month of June, and as the
+weather happened to be unusually fine, he told the
+princess to celebrate it in any way that pleased her.
+Diamantina was very fond of being on the river, and
+she was delighted at this chance of indulging her tastes.
+She would have a merry-making such as never had been
+seen before, and in the evening, when they were tired of
+sailing and rowing, there should be music and dancing, plays
+and fireworks. At the very end, before the people went
+home, every poor person should be given a loaf of bread,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>339]</a></span>
+and every girl who was to be married within the year a
+new dress.</p>
+
+<p>The great day appeared to Diamantina to be long in
+coming, but, like other days, it came at last. Before
+the sun was fairly up in the heavens the princess, too full
+of excitement to stay in the palace, was walking about
+the streets so covered with precious stones that you
+had to shade your eyes before you could look at
+her. By-and-by a trumpet sounded, and she hurried
+home, only to appear again in a few moments walking
+by the side of her father down to the river. Here a
+splendid barge was waiting for them, and from it they
+watched all sorts of races and feats of swimming and
+diving. When these were over the barge proceeded up
+the river to the field where the dancing and concerts were
+to take place, and after the prizes had been given away to
+the winners, and the loaves and the dresses had been distributed
+by the princess, they bade farewell to their guests,
+and turned to step into the barge which was to carry them
+back to the palace.</p>
+
+<p>Then a dreadful thing happened. As the king
+stepped on board the boat one of the sandals of the white
+slipper, which had got loose, caught in a nail that was
+sticking out, and caused the king to tumble. The pain
+was great, and unconsciously he turned and shook his foot,
+so that the sandals gave way, and in a moment the precious
+shoe was in the river.</p>
+
+<p>It had all occurred so quickly that nobody had noticed
+the loss of the slipper, not even the princess, whom the
+king&rsquo;s cries speedily brought to his side.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;What is the matter, dear father?&rsquo; asked she. But
+the king could not tell her; and only managed to gasp
+out: &lsquo;My shoe! my shoe!&rsquo; While the sailors stood round
+staring, thinking that his majesty had suddenly gone
+mad.</p>
+
+<p>Seeing her father&rsquo;s eyes fixed on the stream, Diamantina
+looked hastily in that direction. There, dancing on
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>340]</a></span>
+the current, was the point of something white, which
+became more and more distant the longer they watched
+it. The king could bear the sight no more, and, besides,
+now that the healing ointment in the shoe had been
+removed the pain in his foot was as bad as ever; he gave
+a sudden cry, staggered, and fell over the bulwarks into
+the water.</p>
+
+<p>In an instant the river was covered with bobbing
+heads all swimming their fastest towards the king, who
+had been carried far down by the swift current. At length
+one swimmer, stronger than the rest, seized hold of his
+tunic, and drew him to the bank, where a thousand eager
+hands were ready to haul him out. He was carried, unconscious,
+to the side of his daughter, who had fainted with
+terror on seeing her father disappear below the surface,
+and together they were placed in a coach and driven to
+the palace, where the best doctors in the city were awaiting
+their arrival.</p>
+
+<p>In a few hours the princess was as well as ever; but
+the pain, the wetting, and the shock of the accident, all
+told severely on the king, and for three days he lay in
+a high fever. Meanwhile, his daughter, herself nearly
+mad with grief, gave orders that the white slipper should
+be sought for far and wide; and so it was, but even the
+cleverest divers could find no trace of it at the bottom of the
+river.</p>
+
+<p>When it became clear that the slipper must have been
+carried out to sea by the current, Diamantina turned her
+thoughts elsewhere, and sent messengers in search of
+the doctor who had brought relief to her father, begging
+him to make another slipper as fast as possible, to supply
+the place of the one which was lost. But the messengers
+returned with the sad news that the doctor had died some
+weeks before, and, what was worse, his secret had died
+with him.</p>
+
+<p>In his weakness this intelligence had such an effect
+on the king that the physicians feared he would become
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>341]</a></span>
+as ill as before. He could hardly be persuaded to touch
+food, and all night long he lay moaning, partly with pain,
+and partly over his own folly in not having begged the
+doctor to make him several dozens of white slippers, so
+that in case of accidents he might always have one to put
+on. However, by-and-by he saw that it was no use weeping
+and wailing, and commanded that they should search
+for his lost treasure more diligently than ever.</p>
+
+<p>What a sight the river banks presented in those days!
+It seemed as if all the people in the country were
+gathered on them. But this second search was no more
+fortunate than the first, and at last the king issued a
+proclamation that whoever found the missing slipper
+should be made heir to the crown, and should marry the
+princess.</p>
+
+<p>Now many daughters would have rebelled at being
+disposed of in this manner; and it must be admitted that
+Diamantina&rsquo;s heart sank when she heard what the king
+had done. Still, she loved her father so much that she
+desired his comfort more than anything else in the world,
+so she said nothing, and only bowed her head.</p>
+
+<p>Of course the result of the proclamation was that the
+river banks became more crowded than before; for
+all the princess&rsquo;s suitors from distant lands flocked to
+the spot, each hoping that he might be the lucky finder.
+Many times a shining stone at the bottom of the
+stream was taken for the slipper itself, and every evening
+saw a band of dripping downcast men returning homewards.
+But one youth always lingered longer than the
+rest, and night would still see him engaged in the search,
+though his clothes stuck to his skin and his teeth
+chattered.</p>
+
+<p>One day, when the king was lying on his bed racked
+with pain, he heard the noise of a scuffle going on in his
+antechamber, and rang a golden bell that stood by his
+side to summon one of his servants.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Sire,&rsquo; answered the attendant, when the king inquired
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>342]</a></span>
+what was the matter, &lsquo;the noise you heard was caused
+by a young man from the town, who has had the
+impudence to come here to ask if he may measure your
+majesty&rsquo;s foot, so as to make you another slipper in place
+of the lost one.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And what have you done to the youth?&rsquo; said the
+king.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The servants pushed him out of the palace, and
+added a few blows to teach him not to be insolent,&rsquo;
+replied the man.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Then they did very ill,&rsquo; answered the king, with a frown.
+&lsquo;He came here from kindness, and there was no reason
+to maltreat him.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, my lord, he had the audacity to wish to touch
+your majesty&rsquo;s sacred person&mdash;he, good-for-nothing boy,
+a mere shoemaker&rsquo;s apprentice, perhaps! And even if
+he could make shoes to perfection they would be no use
+without the healing balsam.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The king remained silent for a few moments, then he
+said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Never mind. Go and fetch the youth and bring him
+to me. I would gladly try any remedy that may relieve
+my pain.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>So, soon afterwards, the youth, who had not gone far
+from the palace, was caught and ushered into the king&rsquo;s
+presence.</p>
+
+<p>He was tall and handsome and, though he professed
+to make shoes, his manners were good and modest, and
+he bowed low as he begged the king not only to allow
+him to take the measure of his foot, but also to suffer him
+to place a healing plaster over the wound.</p>
+
+<p>Balancin was pleased with the young man&rsquo;s voice and
+appearance, and thought that he looked as if he knew
+what he was doing. So he stretched out his bad foot
+which the youth examined with great attention, and then
+gently laid on the plaster.</p>
+
+<p>Very shortly the ointment began to soothe the sharp
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>343]</a></span>
+pain, and the king, whose confidence increased every
+moment, begged the young man to tell him his name.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have no parents; they died when I was six, sire,&rsquo;
+replied the youth, modestly. &lsquo;Everyone in the town calls
+me Gilguerillo,<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> because, when I was little, I went singing
+through the world in spite of my misfortunes. Luckily
+for me I was born happy.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+<p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a>
+Linnet.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And you really think you can cure me?&rsquo; asked the
+king.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Completely, my lord,&rsquo; answered Gilguerillo.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;And how long do you think it will take?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It is not an easy task; but I will try to finish it in a
+fortnight,&rsquo; replied the youth.</p>
+
+<p>A fortnight seemed to the king a long time to make one
+slipper. But he only said:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Do you need anything to help you?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Only a good horse, if your majesty will be kind enough
+to give me one,&rsquo; answered Gilguerillo. And the reply was
+so unexpected that the courtiers could hardly restrain
+their smiles, while the king stared silently.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You shall have the horse,&rsquo; he said at last, &lsquo;and I shall
+expect you back in a fortnight. If you fulfil your promise
+you know your reward; if not, I will have you flogged
+for your impudence.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Gilguerillo bowed, and turned to leave the palace, followed
+by the jeers and scoffs of everyone he met. But
+he paid no heed, for he had got what he wanted.</p>
+
+<p>He waited in front of the gates till a magnificent horse
+was led up to him, and vaulting into the saddle with an
+ease which rather surprised the attendant, rode quickly
+out of the town amidst the jests of the assembled crowd,
+who had heard of his audacious proposal. And while he
+is on his way let us pause for a moment and tell who he
+is.</p>
+
+<p>Both father and mother had died before the boy was
+six years old; and he had lived for many years with his
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>344]</a></span>
+uncle, whose life had been passed in the study of chemistry.
+He could leave no money to his nephew, as he
+had a son of his own; but he taught him all he knew,
+and at his death Gilguerillo entered an office, where he
+worked for many hours daily. In his spare time, instead
+of playing with the other boys, he passed hours poring
+over books, and because he was timid and liked to be alone
+he was held by every one to be a little mad. Therefore,
+when it became known that he had promised to cure
+the king&rsquo;s foot, and had ridden away&mdash;no one knew
+where&mdash;a roar of laughter and mockery rang through
+the town, and jeers and scoffing words were sent after
+him.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 422px;">
+<a name="illo56" id="illo56"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb56.jpg" width="422" height="320"
+alt="Gilguerillo falls in love with Princess Diamantina" />
+</div>
+
+<p>But if they had only known what were Gilguerillo&rsquo;s
+thoughts they would have thought him madder than
+ever.</p>
+
+<p>The real truth was that, on the morning when the princess
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>345]</a></span>
+had walked through the streets before making holiday
+on the river, Gilguerillo had seen her from his window,
+and had straightway fallen in love with her. Of course
+he felt quite hopeless. It was absurd to imagine that the
+apothecary&rsquo;s nephew could ever marry the king&rsquo;s daughter;
+so he did his best to forget her, and study harder than
+before, till the royal proclamation suddenly filled him with
+hope. When he was free he no longer spent the precious
+moments poring over books, but, like the rest, he might
+have been seen wandering along the banks of the river,
+or diving into the stream after something that lay glistening
+in the clear water, but which turned out to be a white
+pebble or a bit of glass.</p>
+
+<p>And at the end he understood that it was not by the
+river that he would win the princess; and, turning to his
+books for comfort, he studied harder than ever.</p>
+
+<p>There is an old proverb which says: &lsquo;Everything
+comes to him who knows how to wait.&rsquo; It is not all men
+who know how to wait, any more than it is all men who
+can learn by experience; but Gilguerillo was one of the
+few, and instead of thinking his life wasted because he
+could not have the thing he wanted most, he tried to busy
+himself in other directions. So, one day, when he expected
+it least, his reward came to him.</p>
+
+<p>He happened to be reading a book many hundreds of
+years old, which told of remedies for all kinds of diseases.
+Most of them, he knew, were merely invented by old women,
+who sought to prove themselves wiser than other people;
+but at length he came to something which caused him
+to sit up straight in his chair, and made his eyes brighten.
+This was a description of a balsam&mdash;which would cure
+every kind of a sore or wound&mdash;distilled from a
+plant only to be found in a country so distant that it
+would take a man on foot two months to go and
+come back again.</p>
+
+<p>When I say that the book declared that the balsam
+could heal <em>every</em> sort of sore or wound, there were a few
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>346]</a></span>
+against which it was powerless, and it gave certain signs
+by which these might be known. This was the reason
+why Gilguerillo demanded to see the king&rsquo;s foot before he
+would undertake to cure it; and to obtain admittance
+he gave out that he was a shoemaker. However, the
+dreaded signs were absent, and his heart bounded
+at the thought that the princess was within his
+reach.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps she was; but a great deal had to be accomplished
+yet, and he had allowed himself a very short time
+in which to do it.</p>
+
+<p>He spared his horse only so much as was needful,
+yet it took him six days to reach the spot where the
+plant grew. A thick wood lay in front of him, and,
+fastening the bridle tightly to a tree, he flung himself on
+his hands and knees and began to hunt for the treasure.
+Many times he fancied it was close to him, and many
+times it turned out to be something else; but, at last,
+when light was fading, and he had almost given up hope,
+he came upon a large bed of the plant, right under his
+feet! Trembling with joy, he picked every scrap he could
+see, and placed it in his wallet. Then, mounting his horse,
+he galloped quickly back towards the city.</p>
+
+<p>It was night when he entered the gates, and the
+fifteen days allotted were not up till the next day. His
+eyes were heavy with sleep, and his body ached with the
+long strain, but, without pausing to rest, he kindled a fire
+on his hearth, and quickly filling a pot with water, threw in
+the herbs and left them to boil. After that he lay down
+and slept soundly.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was shining when he awoke, and he jumped
+up and ran to the pot. The plant had disappeared and in
+its stead was a thick syrup, just as the book had said that
+there would be. He lifted the syrup out with a spoon, and
+after spreading it in the sun till it was partly dry, poured
+it into a small flask of crystal. He next washed himself
+thoroughly, and dressed himself in his best clothes, and
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>347]</a></span>
+putting the flask in his pocket, set out for the palace, and
+begged to see the king without delay.</p>
+
+<p>Now Balancin, whose foot had been much less painful
+since Gilguerillo had wrapped it in the plaster, was counting
+the days to the young man&rsquo;s return; and when he was told
+Gilguerillo was there, ordered him to be admitted at once.
+As he entered, the king raised himself eagerly on his pillows,
+but his face fell when he saw no signs of a slipper.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You have failed, then?&rsquo; he said, throwing up his hands
+in despair.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I hope not, your majesty; I think not,&rsquo; answered the
+youth. And drawing the flask from his pocket, he poured
+two or three drops on the wound.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Repeat this for three nights, and you will find yourself
+cured,&rsquo; said he. And before the king had time to thank
+him he had bowed himself out.</p>
+
+<p>Of course the news soon spread through the city, and
+men and women never tired of calling Gilguerillo an
+impostor, and prophesying that the end of the three days
+would see him in prison, if not on the scaffold. But Gilguerillo
+paid no heed to their hard words, and no more
+did the king, who took care that no hand but his own
+should put on the healing balsam.</p>
+
+<p>On the fourth morning the king awoke and instantly
+stretched out his wounded foot that he might prove the
+truth or falsehood of Gilguerillo&rsquo;s remedy. The wound
+was certainly cured on that side, but how about the
+other? Yes, that was cured also; and not even a scar
+was left to show where it had been!</p>
+
+<p>Was ever any king so happy as Balancin when he satisfied
+himself of this?</p>
+
+<p>Lightly as a deer he jumped from his bed, and began
+to turn head over heels, and to perform all sorts of antics,
+so as to make sure that his foot was in truth as well as it
+looked. And when he was quite tired he sent for his
+daughter, and bade the courtiers bring the lucky young
+man to his room.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>348]</a></span>
+&lsquo;He is <em>really</em> young and handsome,&rsquo; said the princess
+to herself, heaving a sigh of relief that it was not some
+dreadful old man who had healed her father; and while
+the king was announcing to his courtiers the wonderful
+cure that had been made, Diamantina was thinking that if
+Gilguerillo looked so well in his common dress, how
+much he would be improved by the splendid garments of
+a king&rsquo;s son. However, she held her peace, and only
+watched with amusement when the courtiers, knowing
+there was no help for it, did homage and obeisance to the
+chemist&rsquo;s boy.</p>
+
+<p>Then they brought to Gilguerillo a magnificent tunic
+of green velvet bordered with gold, and a cap with three
+white plumes stuck in it; and at the sight of him so arrayed,
+the princess fell in love with him in a moment.
+The wedding was fixed to take place in eight days, and
+at the ball afterwards nobody danced so long or so
+lightly as king Balancin.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(From <i>Capullos de Rosa</i>, por D. Enrique Ceballos Quintana.)</p>
+
+
+
+<p class="padtop"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>349]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><i>THE MAGIC BOOK</i></h2>
+
+
+<p>There was once an old couple named Peder and Kirsten
+who had an only son called Hans. From the time he
+was a little boy he had been told that on his sixteenth
+birthday he must go out into the world and serve his
+apprenticeship. So, one fine summer morning, he started
+off to seek his fortune with nothing but the clothes he wore
+on his back.</p>
+
+<p>For many hours he trudged on merrily, now and then
+stopping to drink from some clear spring or to pick some
+ripe fruit from a tree. The little wild creatures peeped
+at him from beneath the bushes, and he nodded and smiled,
+and wished them &lsquo;Good-morning.&rsquo; After he had been
+walking for some time he met an old white-bearded man
+who was coming along the foot-path. The boy would
+not step aside, and the man was determined not to do so
+either, so they ran against one another with a bump.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;It seems to me,&rsquo; said the old fellow, &lsquo;that a boy should
+give way to an old man.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;The path is for me as well as for you,&rsquo; answered young
+Hans saucily, for he had never been taught politeness.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, that&rsquo;s true enough,&rsquo; answered the other mildly.
+&lsquo;And where are you going?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am going into service,&rsquo; said Hans.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Then you can come and serve me,&rsquo; replied the man.</p>
+
+<p>Well, Hans could do that; but what would his wages
+be?</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Two pounds a year, and nothing to do but keep some
+rooms clean,&rsquo; said the new-comer.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>350]</a></span>
+This seemed to Hans to be easy enough; so he agreed
+to enter the old man&rsquo;s service, and they set out together.
+On their way they crossed a deep valley and came to a
+mountain, where the man opened a trap-door, and bidding
+Hans follow him, he crept in and began to go down a long
+flight of steps. When they got to the bottom Hans saw
+a large number of rooms lit by many lamps and full of
+beautiful things. While he was looking round the old
+man said to him:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Now you know what you have to do. You must
+keep these rooms clean, and strew sand on the floor every
+day. Here is a table where you will always find food
+and drink, and there is your bed. You see there are a
+great many suits of clothes hanging on the wall, and you
+may wear any you please; but remember that you are
+never to open this locked door. If you do ill will befall
+you. Farewell, for I am going away again and cannot
+tell when I may return.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>No sooner had the old man disappeared than Hans
+sat down to a good meal, and after that went to bed and
+slept until the morning. At first he could not remember
+what had happened to him, but by-and-by he jumped up
+and went into all the rooms, which he examined carefully.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;How foolish to bid me to put sand on the floors,&rsquo; he
+thought, &lsquo;when there is nobody here but myself! I shall
+do nothing of the sort.&rsquo; And so he shut the doors quickly,
+and only cleaned and set in order his own room. And
+after the first few days he felt that that was unnecessary
+too, because no one came there to see if the rooms were
+clean or not. At last he did no work at all, but just sat
+and wondered what was behind the locked door, till he
+determined to go and look for himself.</p>
+
+<p>The key turned easily in the lock. Hans entered, half
+frightened at what he was doing, and the first thing he
+beheld was a heap of bones. That was not very cheerful;
+and he was just going out again when his eye fell on a
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>351]</a></span>
+shelf of books. Here was a good way of passing the time,
+he thought, for he was fond of reading, and he took one
+of the books from the shelf. It was all about magic, and
+told you how you could change yourself into anything
+in the world you liked. Could anything be more exciting
+or more useful? So he put it in his pocket, and ran
+quickly away out of the mountain by a little door which
+had been left open.</p>
+
+<p>When he got home his parents asked him what he
+had been doing and where he had got the fine clothes he
+wore.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Oh, I earned them myself,&rsquo; answered he.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You never earned them in this short time,&rsquo; said his
+father. &lsquo;Be off with you; I won&rsquo;t keep you here. I will
+have no thieves in my house!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well I only came to help you,&rsquo; replied the boy sulkily.
+&lsquo;Now I&rsquo;ll be off, as you wish; but to-morrow morning
+when you rise you will see a great dog at the door. Do
+not drive it away, but take it to the castle and sell it to
+the duke, and they will give you ten dollars for it; only
+you must bring the strap you lead it with, back to
+the house.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Sure enough the next day the dog was standing at the
+door waiting to be let in. The old man was rather afraid
+of getting into trouble, but his wife urged him to sell the
+dog as the boy had bidden him, so he took it up to the
+castle and sold it to the duke for ten dollars. But he did
+not forget to take off the strap with which he had led the
+animal, and to carry it home. When he got there old
+Kirsten met him at the door.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, Peder, and have you sold the dog?&rsquo; asked
+she.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Yes, Kirsten; and I have brought back ten dollars, as
+the boy told us,&rsquo; answered Peder.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Ay! but that&rsquo;s fine!&rsquo; said his wife. &lsquo;Now you see
+what one gets by doing as one is bid; if it had not been
+for me you would have driven the dog away again,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>352]</a></span>
+and we should have lost the money. After all, I always
+know what is best.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Nonsense!&rsquo; said her husband; &lsquo;women always think
+they know best. I should have sold the dog just the same
+whatever you had told me. Put the money away in a safe
+place, and don&rsquo;t talk so much.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The next day Hans came again; but though everything
+had turned out as he had foretold, he found that his father
+was still not quite satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Be off with you!&rsquo; said he, &lsquo;you&rsquo;ll get us into trouble.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I haven&rsquo;t helped you enough yet,&rsquo; replied the boy.
+&lsquo;To-morrow there will come a great fat cow, as big as the
+house. Take it to the king&rsquo;s palace and you&rsquo;ll get as
+much as a thousand dollars for it. Only you must
+unfasten the halter you lead it with and bring it back,
+and don&rsquo;t return by the high road, but through the
+forest.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The next day, when the couple arose, they saw an
+enormous head looking in at their bedroom window, and
+behind it was a cow which was nearly as big as their hut.
+Kirsten was wild with joy to think of the money the cow
+would bring them.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;But how are you going to put the rope over her head?&rsquo;
+asked she.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Wait and you&rsquo;ll see, mother,&rsquo; answered her husband.
+Then Peder took the ladder that led up to the hayloft
+and set it against the cow&rsquo;s neck, and he climbed up and
+slipped the rope over her head. When he had made
+sure that the noose was fast they started for the palace,
+and met the king himself walking in his grounds.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I heard that the princess was going to be married,&rsquo;
+said Peder, &lsquo;so I&rsquo;ve brought your majesty a cow which is
+bigger than any cow that was ever seen. Will your
+majesty deign to buy it?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 301px;">
+<a name="illo57" id="illo57"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb57.jpg" width="301" height="420"
+alt="Just as he was going to strike" />
+</div>
+
+<p>The king had, in truth, never seen so large a beast,
+and he willingly paid the thousand dollars, which was the
+price demanded; but Peder remembered to take off the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>353]</a></span>
+halter before he left. After he was gone the king sent for
+the butcher and told him to kill the animal for the wedding
+feast. The butcher got ready his pole-axe; but just as he
+was going to strike, the cow changed itself into a dove
+and flew away; and the butcher stood staring after it as
+if he were turned to stone. However, as the dove could
+not be found, he was obliged to tell the king what had
+happened, and the king in his turn despatched messengers
+to capture the old man and bring him back. But Peder
+was safe in the woods, and could not be found. When
+at last he felt the danger was over, and he might go home,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>354]</a></span>
+Kirsten nearly fainted with joy at the sight of all the
+money he brought with him.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Now that we are rich people we must build a bigger
+house,&rsquo; cried she; and was vexed to find that Peder only
+shook his head and said: &lsquo;No; if they did that people
+would talk, and say that they got their wealth by ill-doing.&rsquo;</p>
+
+
+<p class="break">A few mornings later Hans came again.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Be off before you get us into trouble,&rsquo; said his father.
+&lsquo;So far the money has come right enough, but I don&rsquo;t
+trust it.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Don&rsquo;t worry over that, father,&rsquo; said Hans. &lsquo;To-morrow
+you will find a horse outside by the gate. Ride it to market
+and you will get a thousand dollars for it. Only don&rsquo;t
+forget to loosen the bridle when you sell it.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Well, in the morning there was the horse; Kirsten had
+never seen so fine an animal. &lsquo;Take care it doesn&rsquo;t hurt
+you, Peder,&rsquo; said she.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Nonsense, wife,&rsquo; answered he crossly. &lsquo;When I was
+a lad I lived with horses, and could ride anything for twenty
+miles round.&rsquo; But that was not quite the truth, for he
+had never mounted a horse in his life.</p>
+
+<p>Still, the animal was quiet enough, so Peder got safely
+to market on its back. There he met a man who offered
+nine hundred and ninety-nine dollars for it, but Peder
+would take nothing less than a thousand. At last there
+came an old, grey-bearded man who looked at the horse
+and agreed to buy it; but the moment he touched it the
+horse began to kick and plunge. &lsquo;I must take the bridle
+off,&rsquo; said Peder. &lsquo;It is not to be sold with the animal as
+is usually the case.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I&rsquo;ll give you a hundred dollars for the bridle,&rsquo; said the
+old man, taking out his purse.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No, I can&rsquo;t sell it,&rsquo; replied Hans&rsquo;s father.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Five hundred dollars!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;No.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;A thousand!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>355]</a></span>
+At this splendid offer Peder&rsquo;s prudence gave way; it
+was a shame to let so much money go. So he agreed to
+accept it. But he could hardly hold the horse, it became
+so unmanageable. So he gave the animal in charge to
+the old man, and went home with his two thousand
+dollars.</p>
+
+<p>Kirsten, of course, was delighted at this new piece of
+good fortune, and insisted that the new house should be
+built and land bought. This time Peder consented, and
+soon they had quite a fine farm.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the old man rode off on his new purchase,
+and when he came to a smithy he asked the smith to
+forge shoes for the horse. The smith proposed that they
+should first have a drink together, and the horse was tied
+up by the spring whilst they went indoors. The day
+was hot, and both men were thirsty, and, besides, they
+had much to say; and so the hours slipped by and found
+them still talking. Then the servant girl came out to
+fetch a pail of water, and, being a kind-hearted lass, she
+gave some to the horse to drink. What was her surprise
+when the animal said to her: &lsquo;Take off my bridle and you
+will save my life.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I dare not,&rsquo; said she; &lsquo;your master will be so angry.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;He cannot hurt you,&rsquo; answered the horse, &lsquo;and you
+will save my life.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>At that she took off the bridle; but nearly fainted with
+astonishment when the horse turned into a dove and flew
+away just as the old man came out of the house. Directly
+he saw what had happened he changed himself into a
+hawk and flew after the dove. Over the woods and
+fields they went, and at length they reached a king&rsquo;s
+palace surrounded by beautiful gardens. The princess
+was walking with her attendants in the rose garden when
+the dove turned itself into a gold ring and fell at her
+feet.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Why, here is a ring!&rsquo; she cried, &lsquo;where could it have
+come from?&rsquo; And picking it up she put it on her finger.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>356]</a></span>
+As she did so the hill-man lost his power over Hans&mdash;for
+of course you understand that it was he who had been
+the dog, the cow, the horse and the dove.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, that is really strange,&rsquo; said the princess. &lsquo;It
+fits me as though it had been made for me!&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Just at that moment up came the king.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Look what I have found!&rsquo; cried his daughter.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Well, that is not worth much, my dear,&rsquo; said he. &lsquo;Besides,
+you have rings enough, I should think.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Never mind, I like it,&rsquo; replied the princess.</p>
+
+<p>But as soon as she was alone, to her amazement,
+the ring suddenly left her finger and became a man.
+You can imagine how frightened she was, as, indeed,
+anybody would have been; but in an instant the man
+became a ring again, and then turned back into a man,
+and so it went on for some time until she began to get used
+to these sudden changes.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I am sorry I frightened you,&rsquo; said Hans, when he
+thought he could safely speak to the princess without
+making her scream. &lsquo;I took refuge with you because
+the old hill-man, whom I have offended, was trying to
+kill me, and here I am safe.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You had better stay here then,&rsquo; said the princess. So
+Hans stayed, and he and she became good friends; though,
+of course, he only became a man when no one else was
+present.</p>
+
+<p>This was all very well; but, one day, as they were talking
+together, the king happened to enter the room, and
+although Hans quickly changed himself into a ring again
+it was too late.</p>
+
+<p>The king was terribly angry.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;So this is why you have refused to marry all the kings
+and princes who have sought your hand?&rsquo; he cried.</p>
+
+<p>And, without waiting for her to speak, he commanded
+that his daughter should be walled up in the summer-house
+and starved to death with her lover.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter ipadboth" style="width: 367px;">
+<a name="illo58" id="illo58"></a>
+<img src="images/ofb58.jpg" width="367" height="600"
+alt="The princess imprisoned in the summer-house" />
+</div>
+
+<p>That evening the poor princess, still wearing her
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>357]</a></span>
+ring, was put into the summer-house with enough food
+to last for three days, and the door was bricked up. But
+at the end of a week or two the king thought it
+time to give her a grand funeral, in spite of her bad
+behaviour, and he had the summer-house opened. He
+could hardly believe his eyes when he found that the princess
+was not there, nor Hans either. Instead, there lay
+at his feet a large hole, big enough for two people to pass
+through.</p>
+
+<p>Now what had happened was this.</p>
+
+<p>When the princess and Hans had given up hope, and
+cast themselves down on the ground to die, they fell
+down into this hole, and right through the earth as well,
+and at last they stumbled into a castle built of pure
+gold, at the other side of the world, and there they
+lived happily. But of this, of course, the king knew
+nothing.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Will any one go down and see where the passage leads
+to?&rsquo; he asked, turning to his guards and courtiers. &lsquo;I
+will reward splendidly the man who is brave enough to
+explore it.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>For a long time nobody answered. The hole was dark
+and deep, and if it had a bottom no one could see
+it. At length a soldier, who was a careless sort of fellow,
+offered himself for the service, and cautiously lowered
+himself into the darkness. But in a moment he, too, fell
+down, down, down. Was he going to fall for ever, he
+wondered! Oh, how thankful he was in the end to reach
+the castle, and to meet the princess and Hans, looking
+quite well and not at all as if they had been starved.
+They began to talk, and the soldier told them that the
+king was very sorry for the way he had treated his daughter,
+and wished day and night that he could have her back
+again.</p>
+
+<p>Then they all took ship and sailed home, and when
+they came to the princess&rsquo;s country, Hans disguised himself
+as the sovereign of a neighbouring kingdom, and
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">[<span class="hidden">Pg </span>358]</a></span>
+went up to the palace alone. He was given a hearty welcome
+by the king, who prided himself on his hospitality,
+and a banquet was commanded in his honour. That
+evening, whilst they sat drinking their wine, Hans said
+to the king:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;I have heard the fame of your majesty&rsquo;s wisdom, and
+I have travelled from far to ask your counsel. A man
+in my country has buried his daughter alive because
+she loved a youth who was born a peasant. How shall
+I punish this unnatural father, for it is left to me to give
+judgment?&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>The king, who was still truly grieved for his daughter&rsquo;s
+loss, answered quickly:</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;Burn him alive, and strew his ashes all over the
+kingdom.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Hans looked at him steadily for a moment, and then
+threw off his disguise.</p>
+
+<p>&lsquo;You are the man,&rsquo; said he; &lsquo;and I am he who loved
+your daughter, and became a gold ring on her finger.
+She is safe, and waiting not far from here; but you have
+pronounced judgment on yourself.&rsquo;</p>
+
+<p>Then the king fell on his knees and begged for mercy;
+and as he had in other respects been a good father, they
+forgave him. The wedding of Hans and the princess
+was celebrated with great festivities which lasted a
+month. As for the hill-man he intended to be present;
+but whilst he was walking along a street which led to
+the palace a loose stone fell on his head and killed him.
+So Hans and the princess lived in peace and happiness
+all their days, and when the old king died they reigned
+instead of him.</p>
+
+<p class="center smlfont">(From <i>Eventyr fra Jylland samlede og optegnede af Tang Kristensen</i>.<br />
+Translated from the Danish by Mrs. Skavgaard-Pedersen.)</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="bbox">
+<p><b>Transcriber's Note</b></p>
+
+<p>The book includes both by-and-by and by-and-bye. Both forms are
+preserved as printed.</p>
+
+<p>One of the illustrations refers to a cauldron, while the story uses
+caldron. These are preserved as printed.</p>
+
+<p>Punctuation errors have been repaired. Hyphenation and use of accents
+has been made consistent within stories. Archaic spelling is preserved
+as printed.</p>
+
+<p>The following typographic errors have been repaired:</p>
+
+<div class="amends">
+<p>Page <a href="#Page_58">58</a>&mdash;he amended to be&mdash;"... it would be unreasonable of me to
+object to your satisfying your appetite ..."</p>
+
+<p>Page <a href="#Page_60">60</a>&mdash;undertsanding amended to understanding&mdash;"And the wolf,
+understanding all that might happen ..."</p>
+
+<p>Page <a href="#Page_134">134</a>&mdash;windding amended to winding&mdash;"He had ridden back along a
+winding road from which he did not see the palace ..."</p>
+
+<p>Page <a href="#Page_137">137</a>&mdash;principle amended to principal&mdash;"... but the cat lay down
+outside the principal gate, ..."</p>
+
+<p>Page <a href="#Page_143">143</a>&mdash;kindgom amended to kingdom&mdash;"... she would bestow on him the
+third part of her own kingdom, ..."</p>
+
+<p>Page <a href="#Page_148">148</a>&mdash;thoughout amended to throughout&mdash;"... and by-and-by &lsquo;Pinkel&rsquo;
+became his name throughout the village."</p>
+
+<p>Page <a href="#Page_166">166</a>&mdash;Bassel amended to Basset&mdash;"(<i>Nouveaux Contes Berb&egrave;res</i> par
+Ren&eacute; Basset.)"</p>
+
+<p>Page <a href="#Page_185">185</a>&mdash;forforgetting amended to forgetting&mdash;"... quite forgetting
+that he owed it to a mean trick."</p>
+
+<p>Page <a href="#Page_186">186</a>&mdash;summonned amended to summoned&mdash;"Five minutes later he
+summoned five hundred lancers ..."</p>
+
+<p>Page <a href="#Page_202">202</a>&mdash;belive amended to believe&mdash;"... but it seemed so different
+she could hardly believe it was the same."</p>
+
+<p>Page <a href="#Page_202">202</a>&mdash;apapproached amended to approached&mdash;"As she spoke the gates
+swung back and six fairies approached, ..."</p>
+
+<p>Page <a href="#Page_211">211</a>&mdash;bethrothed amended to betrothed&mdash;"... of the princess Nera,
+to whom the prince had been betrothed ..."</p>
+
+<p>Page <a href="#Page_324">324</a>&mdash;Sodons amended to Sodnos&mdash;"... so the two Sodnos climbed
+into a big bushy tree which overhung a well."</p>
+
+<p>Page <a href="#Page_349">349</a>&mdash;Kristen amended to Kirsten&mdash;"There was once an
+old couple named Peder and Kirsten ..."</p>
+
+<p>Page <a href="#Page_355">355</a>&mdash;Se amended to So&mdash;"So he agreed to accept it."</p>
+
+<p>Page <a href="#Page_357">357</a>&mdash;himhimself amended to himself&mdash;"... Hans disguised himself
+as the sovereign of a neighbouring kingdom, ..."</p>
+
+<p>Page <a href="#Page_358">358</a>&mdash;&AElig;ventyr amended to Eventyr, and Zylland amended to
+Jylland&mdash;"From <i>Eventyr fra Jylland samlede og optegnede af Tang
+Kristensen</i>."</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>The frontispiece has been moved to follow the title page. Other
+illustrations have been moved where necessary so that they are not in
+the middle of a paragraph.</p>
+
+<p>Omitted page numbers were either the original location of illustrations
+which have been moved in this ebook, or blank pages.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Orange Fairy Book, by Various
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@@ -0,0 +1,11821 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Orange Fairy Book, by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Orange Fairy Book
+
+Author: Various
+
+Editor: Andrew Lang
+
+Illustrator: H. J. Ford
+
+Release Date: June 27, 2011 [EBook #36532]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ORANGE FAIRY BOOK ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note
+
+Illustration captions in {brackets} have been added by the transcriber
+from the list of illustrations, for the convenience of the reader.
+
+
+
+
+                 THE ORANGE
+                 FAIRY BOOK
+
+
+                 Edited by
+                ANDREW LANG
+
+
+       With Numerous Illustrations by
+                 H. J. FORD
+
+
+              _Crown Edition_
+
+          LONGMANS, GREEN AND CO.
+        LONDON . NEW YORK . TORONTO
+
+
+
+
+          LONGMANS, GREEN AND CO.
+
+         114 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK
+       221 EAST 20TH STREET, CHICAGO
+         88 TREMONT STREET, BOSTON
+        215 VICTORIA STREET, TORONTO
+
+        LONGMANS, GREEN AND CO. LTD.
+
+     39 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E C 4
+           53 NICOL ROAD, BOMBAY
+     6 OLD COURT HOUSE STREET, CALCUTTA
+           36A MOUNT ROAD, MADRAS
+
+
+                    LANG
+           THE ORANGE FAIRY BOOK
+
+              COPYRIGHT . 1906
+         BY LONGMANS, GREEN AND CO.
+
+
+           _All Rights Reserved_
+
+
+         First Edition August 1906
+     Reprinted March 1911, August 1914
+   January 1917, February 1919, May 1922
+  January 1925, November 1927, August 1929
+             February 1937
+
+
+  PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
+
+
+
+
+    THE LANG FAIRY BOOKS
+    Crown Edition
+
+    THE ARABIAN NIGHTS ENTERTAINMENTS. _With 4 Coloured
+        Plates and 63 Illustrations._
+
+    THE BLUE FAIRY BOOK. _With 4 Coloured Plates and 128
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE BOOK OF ROMANCE. _With 8 Coloured Plates and 43
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE BROWN FAIRY BOOK. _With 8 Coloured Plates and 42
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE CRIMSON FAIRY BOOK. _With 8 Coloured Plates and 45
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE GREEN FAIRY BOOK. _With 4 Coloured Plates and 100
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE GREY FAIRY BOOK. _With 4 Coloured Plates and 56
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE LILAC FAIRY BOOK. _With 6 Coloured Plates and 46
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE OLIVE FAIRY BOOK. _With 8 Coloured Plates and 43
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE ORANGE FAIRY BOOK. _With 8 Coloured Plates and 50
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE PINK FAIRY BOOK. _With 4 Coloured Plates and 68
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE RED BOOK OF HEROES. _By Mrs. Lang. With 8 Coloured
+        Plates and 40 Illustrations._
+
+    THE RED FAIRY BOOK. _With 4 Coloured Plates and 91
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE VIOLET FAIRY BOOK. _With 8 Coloured Plates and 59
+        Illustrations._
+
+    THE YELLOW FAIRY BOOK. _With 4 Coloured Plates and 105
+        Illustrations._
+
+
+
+
+  [Illustration: IAN AND THE BLUE FALCON]
+
+
+
+
+_PREFACE_
+
+
+The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them,
+do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who
+give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and _cousines_, leave
+prefaces unread. For whom, then, are prefaces written? When an author
+publishes a book 'out of his own head,' he writes the preface for his
+own pleasure. After reading over his book in print--to make sure that
+all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in
+the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what
+he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he
+means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it
+is. But, perhaps, nobody reads prefaces except other authors; and
+critics, who hope that they will find enough in the preface to enable
+them to do without reading any of the book.
+
+This appears to be the philosophy of prefaces in general, and perhaps
+authors might be more daring and candid than they are with advantage,
+and write regular criticisms of their own books in their prefaces, for
+nobody can be so good a critic of himself as the author--if he has a
+sense of humour. If he has not, the less he says in his preface the
+better.
+
+These Fairy Books, however, are not written by the Editor, as he has
+often explained, 'out of his own head.' The stories are taken from
+those told by grannies to grandchildren in many countries and in many
+languages--French, Italian, Spanish, Catalan, Gaelic, Icelandic,
+Cherokee, African, Indian, Australian, Slavonic, Eskimo, and what not.
+The stories are not literal, or word by word translations, but have
+been altered in many ways to make them suitable for children. Much has
+been left out in places, and the narrative has been broken up into
+conversations, the characters telling each other how matters stand,
+and speaking for themselves, as children, and some older people,
+prefer them to do. In many tales, fairly cruel and savage deeds are
+done, and these have been softened down as much as possible; though it
+is impossible, even if it were desirable, to conceal the circumstance
+that popular stories were never intended to be tracts and nothing
+else. Though they usually take the side of courage and kindness, and
+the virtues in general, the old story-tellers admire successful
+cunning as much as Homer does in the Odyssey. At least, if the cunning
+hero, human or animal, is the weaker, like Odysseus, Brer Rabbit, and
+many others, the story-teller sees little in intellect but superior
+cunning, by which tiny Jack gets the better of the giants. In the
+fairy tales of no country are 'improper' incidents common, which is to
+the credit of human nature, as they were obviously composed mainly for
+children. It is not difficult to get rid of this element when it does
+occur in popular tales.
+
+The old puzzle remains a puzzle--why do the stories of the remotest
+people so closely resemble each other? Of course, in the immeasurable
+past, they have been carried about by conquering races, and learned by
+conquering races from vanquished peoples. Slaves carried far from home
+brought their stories with them into captivity. Wanderers, travellers,
+shipwrecked men, merchants, and wives stolen from alien tribes have
+diffused the stories; gipsies and Jews have peddled them about; Roman
+soldiers of many different races, moved here and there about the
+Empire, have trafficked in them. From the remotest days men have been
+wanderers, and wherever they went their stories accompanied them. The
+slave trade might take a Greek to Persia, a Persian to Greece; an
+Egyptian woman to Phoenicia; a Babylonian to Egypt; a Scandinavian
+child might be carried with the amber from the Baltic to the Adriatic;
+or a Sidonian to Ophir, wherever Ophir may have been; while the
+Portuguese may have borne their tales to South Africa, or to Asia, and
+thence brought back other tales to Egypt. The stories wandered
+wherever the Buddhist missionaries went, and the earliest French
+_voyageurs_ told them to the Red Indians. These facts help to account
+for the sameness of the stories everywhere; and the uniformity of
+human fancy in early societies must be the cause of many other
+resemblances.
+
+In this volume there are stories from the natives of Rhodesia,
+collected by Mr. Fairbridge, who speaks the native language, and one
+is brought by Mr. Cripps from another part of Africa, Uganda. Three
+tales from the Punjaub were collected and translated by Major
+Campbell. Various savage tales, which needed a good deal of editing,
+are derived from the learned pages of the 'Journal of the
+Anthropological Institute.' With these exceptions, and 'The Magic
+Book,' translated by Mrs. Pedersen, from 'Eventyr fra Jylland,' by Mr.
+Ewald Tang Kristensen (Stories from Jutland), all the tales have been
+done, from various sources, by Mrs. Lang, who has modified, where it
+seemed desirable, all the narratives.
+
+
+
+
+_CONTENTS_
+
+
+                                                                  PAGE
+    _The Story of the Hero Makoma_                                   1
+
+    _The Magic Mirror_                                              16
+
+    _Story of the King who Would See Paradise_                      24
+
+    _How Isuro the Rabbit Tricked Gudu_                             29
+
+    _Ian, the Soldier's Son_                                        37
+
+    _The Fox and the Wolf_                                          56
+
+    _How Ian Direach Got the Blue Falcon_                           63
+
+    _The Ugly Duckling_                                             79
+
+    _The Two Caskets_                                               90
+
+    _The Goldsmith's Fortune_                                      106
+
+    _The Enchanted Wreath_                                         110
+
+    _The Foolish Weaver_                                           124
+
+    _The Clever Cat_                                               126
+
+    _The Story of Manus_                                           141
+
+    _Pinkel the Thief_                                             148
+
+    _The Adventures of a Jackal_                                   160
+
+    _The Adventures of the Jackal's Eldest Son_                    167
+
+    _The Adventures of the Younger Son of the Jackal_              173
+
+    _The Three Treasures of the Giants_                            177
+
+    _The Rover of the Plain_                                       190
+
+    _The White Doe_                                                201
+
+    _The Girl-Fish_                                                225
+
+    _The Owl and the Eagle_                                        236
+
+    _The Frog and the Lion Fairy_                                  241
+
+    _The Adventures of Covan the Brown-haired_                     265
+
+    _The Princess Bella-Flor_                                      280
+
+    _The Bird of Truth_                                            292
+
+    _The Mink and the Wolf_                                        307
+
+    _Adventures of an Indian Brave_                                313
+
+    _How the Stalos Were Tricked_                                  319
+
+    _Andras Baive_                                                 329
+
+    _The White Slipper_                                            335
+
+    _The Magic Book_                                               349
+
+
+
+
+_ILLUSTRATIONS_
+
+
+COLOURED PLATES
+
+    _Ian and the Blue Falcon_                           _Frontispiece_
+
+    _The Three Maidens Sitting on the Rocks_          _Facing page_ 38
+
+    _'Ashes, Ashes!' Twittered the Sparrows_                        98
+
+    _Standing in the Shelter of a Tree, He Watched
+        Her a Long While_                                          114
+
+    _The Queen and the Crab_                                       202
+
+    _The Crown Returns to the Queen of the Fishes_                 234
+
+    _How Jose Found the Princess Bella-Flor_                       288
+
+    _The Princess Imprisoned in the Summer-house_                  356
+
+
+FULL-PAGE PLATES
+
+    _Makoma Leaps into the Pool of Crocodiles_         _Facing page_ 2
+
+    _Makoma Gets Entangled by a Hair of Chin-debou
+        Mau-giri_                                                    8
+
+    _Makoma in the Hands of Sakatirina_                             12
+
+    _The Knight and the Raven_                                      38
+
+    _Ian Breaks the Giant's Chain_                                  44
+
+    _The Princess Finds Herself a Prisoner on the Ship_             68
+
+    _How Ian Direach Returned Home, and How His
+        Stepmother Fell as a Bundle of Sticks_                      74
+
+    _'That is an End of You,' She Said. But She Was
+        Wrong, for it Was only the Beginning_                       90
+
+    _The Princess Returns from the Sea_                            120
+
+    _The Giants Find Jack in the Treasure Room_                    182
+
+    _The Uninvited Fairy_                                          204
+
+    _How the Queen Met the Lion-Fairy_                             242
+
+    _The King on his Dragon Fights his Way through the
+        Monsters to the Queen and Muffette_                        258
+
+    _Doran-Donn Brings the Salmon to Covan the
+        Brown-Haired_                                              276
+
+    _'We Never Waste Time When We Are Helping Others'_             284
+
+    _'Who Are You who Dare to Knock at my Door?'_                  298
+
+    _The Little Boy Sees the Stalo in the Wood_                    320
+
+
+IN TEXT
+
+                                                                  PAGE
+    _Makoma Throws his Hammer at the Fire-eater_                     7
+
+    _Gopani-Kufa Sees a Strange Sight_                              17
+
+    _Shasasa Hides the Mirror_                                      21
+
+    _No One Knows What Was there Shown to the King_                 25
+
+    _The Old King Sees Himself Reflected in the Shields of
+        the Bodyguard_                                              28
+
+    _Gudu Drops a Stone into the Water_                             30
+
+    _'Where Did You Get that from?' Asked Isuro_                    31
+
+    _How Gudu Danced and the Bones Rattled_                         35
+
+    _Ian Finds the Youngest Sister_                                 43
+
+    _The Seven Big Women Fall over the Crag_                        72
+
+    _She Found Sitting Round Her a Whole Circle of Cats_            95
+
+    _'Take the Black! Take the Black!' Cried the Cats_             100
+
+    _Three Little Doves Were Seated on the Handle of
+        the Axe_                                                   111
+
+    _The Stepmother Tries to Drown the Princess_                   116
+
+    _The Jew Brings the Jewels to the Princess_                    130
+
+    _I Go to Seek my Fortune Alone_                                136
+
+    _The Cat Lets Fall the Stone_                                  139
+
+    _How Manus Got the Lion's Cub_                                 145
+
+    _Pinkel Brings the Witch's Lantern to the King_                151
+
+    _Pinkel Steals the Witch's Goat_                               156
+
+    _The Brothers Ill-treat Poor Jack_                             180
+
+    _The Rover of the Plain Does the Girl's Work_                  193
+
+    _Last of All She Sang in a Low Voice a Dirge over
+        the Rover of the Plain_                                    197
+
+    _For a Minute They Looked at Each Other_                       219
+
+    _'A Small Dragon Crept in and Terrified Her'_                  249
+
+    _Ardan Pursues the Golden Cock and the Silver Hen_             269
+
+    _The King Jumps into the Cauldron_                             290
+
+    _How the Boy Found the Bird of Truth_                          303
+
+    _The Mink is Very Rude to the Grandmother Wolf_                309
+
+    _Andras Baive Shoots the Stalo_                                333
+
+    _Balancin's Delight at the White Slipper_                      338
+
+    _Gilguerillo Falls in Love with Princess Diamantina_           344
+
+    _'Just as He Was Going to Strike'_                             353
+
+
+
+
+THE ORANGE FAIRY BOOK
+
+
+
+
+_THE STORY OF THE HERO MAKOMA_
+
+_From the Senna (Oral Tradition)_
+
+
+Once upon a time, at the town of Senna on the banks of the Zambesi,
+was born a child. He was not like other children, for he was very tall
+and strong; over his shoulder he carried a big sack, and in his hand
+an iron hammer. He could also speak like a grown man, but usually he
+was very silent.
+
+One day his mother said to him: 'My child, by what name shall we know
+you?'
+
+And he answered: 'Call all the head men of Senna here to the river's
+bank.' And his mother called the head men of the town, and when they
+had come he led them down to a deep black pool in the river where all
+the fierce crocodiles lived.
+
+'O great men!' he said, while they all listened, 'which of you will
+leap into the pool and overcome the crocodiles?' But no one would come
+forward. So he turned and sprang into the water and disappeared.
+
+The people held their breath, for they thought: 'Surely the boy is
+bewitched and throws away his life, for the crocodiles will eat him!'
+Then suddenly the ground trembled, and the pool, heaving and swirling,
+became red with blood, and presently the boy rising to the surface
+swam on shore.
+
+But he was no longer just a boy! He was stronger than any man and very
+tall and handsome, so that the people shouted with gladness when they
+saw him.
+
+'Now, O my people!' he cried waving his hand, 'you know my name--I am
+Makoma, "the Greater"; for have I not slain the crocodiles in the pool
+where none would venture?'
+
+Then he said to his mother: 'Rest gently, my mother, for I go to make
+a home for myself and become a hero.' Then, entering his hut, he took
+Nu-endo, his iron hammer, and throwing the sack over his shoulder, he
+went away.
+
+Makoma crossed the Zambesi, and for many moons he wandered towards the
+north and west until he came to a very hilly country where, one day,
+he met a huge giant making mountains.
+
+'Greeting,' shouted Makoma, 'who are you?'
+
+'I am Chi-eswa-mapiri, who makes the mountains,' answered the giant,
+'and who are you?'
+
+'I am Makoma, which signifies "greater,"' answered he.
+
+'Greater than who?' asked the giant.
+
+'Greater than you!' answered Makoma.
+
+The giant gave a roar and rushed upon him. Makoma said nothing, but
+swinging his great hammer, Nu-endo, he struck the giant upon the head.
+
+He struck him so hard a blow that the giant shrank into quite a little
+man, who fell upon his knees saying: 'You are indeed greater than I, O
+Makoma; take me with you to be your slave!' So Makoma picked him up
+and dropped him into the sack that he carried upon his back.
+
+He was greater than ever now, for all the giant's strength had gone
+into him; and he resumed his journey, carrying his burden with as
+little difficulty as an eagle might carry a hare.
+
+Before long he came to a country broken up with huge stones and
+immense clods of earth. Looking over one of the heaps he saw a giant
+wrapped in dust dragging out the very earth and hurling it in handfuls
+on either side of him.
+
+  [Illustration: MAKOMA LEAPS INTO THE POOL OF CROCODILES]
+
+'Who are you,' cried Makoma, 'that pulls up the earth in this way?'
+
+'I am Chi-dubula-taka,' said he, 'and I am making the river-beds.'
+
+'Do you know who I am?' said Makoma. 'I am he that is called
+"greater"!'
+
+'Greater than who?' thundered the giant.
+
+'Greater than you!' answered Makoma.
+
+With a shout, Chi-dubula-taka seized a great clod of earth and
+launched it at Makoma. But the hero had his sack held over his left
+arm and the stones and earth fell harmlessly upon it, and, tightly
+gripping his iron hammer, he rushed in and struck the giant to the
+ground. Chi-dubula-taka grovelled before him, all the while growing
+smaller and smaller; and when he had become a convenient size Makoma
+picked him up and put him into the sack beside Chi-eswa-mapiri.
+
+He went on his way even greater than before, as all the river-maker's
+power had become his; and at last he came to a forest of bao-babs and
+thorn trees. He was astonished at their size, for every one was full
+grown and larger than any trees he had ever seen, and close by he saw
+Chi-gwisa-miti, the giant who was planting the forest.
+
+Chi-gwisa-miti was taller than either of his brothers, but Makoma was
+not afraid and called out to him: 'Who are you, O Big One?'
+
+'I,' said the giant, 'am Chi-gwisa-miti, and I am planting these
+bao-babs and thorns as food for my children the elephants.'
+
+'Leave off!' shouted the hero, 'for I am Makoma, and would like to
+exchange a blow with thee!'
+
+The giant, plucking up a monster bao-bab by the roots, struck heavily
+at Makoma; but the hero sprang aside, and as the weapon sank deep into
+the soft earth, whirled Nu-endo the hammer round his head and felled
+the giant with one blow.
+
+So terrible was the stroke that Chi-gwisa-miti shrivelled up as the
+other giants had done; and when he had got back his breath he begged
+Makoma to take him as his servant. 'For,' said he, 'it is honourable
+to serve a man so great as thou.'
+
+Makoma, after placing him in his sack, proceeded upon his journey, and
+travelling for many days he at last reached a country so barren and
+rocky that not a single living thing grew upon it--everywhere reigned
+grim desolation. And in the midst of this dead region he found a man
+eating fire.
+
+'What are you doing?' demanded Makoma.
+
+'I am eating fire,' answered the man, laughing; 'and my name is
+Chi-idea-moto, for I am the flame-spirit, and can waste and destroy
+what I like.'
+
+'You are wrong,' said Makoma; 'for I am Makoma, who is "greater" than
+you--and you cannot destroy me!'
+
+The fire-eater laughed again, and blew a flame at Makoma. But the hero
+sprang behind a rock--just in time, for the ground upon which he had
+been standing was turned to molten glass, like an overbaked pot, by
+the heat of the flame-spirit's breath.
+
+Then the hero flung his iron hammer at Chi-idea-moto, and, striking
+him, it knocked him helpless; so Makoma placed him in the sack,
+Woro-nowu, with the other great men that he had overcome.
+
+And now, truly, Makoma was a very great hero; for he had the strength
+to make hills, the industry to lead rivers over dry wastes, foresight
+and wisdom in planting trees, and the power of producing fire when he
+wished.
+
+Wandering on he arrived one day at a great plain, well watered and
+full of game; and in the very middle of it, close to a large river,
+was a grassy spot, very pleasant to make a home upon.
+
+Makoma was so delighted with the little meadow that he sat down under
+a large tree, and removing the sack from his shoulder, took out all
+the giants and set them before him. 'My friends,' said he, 'I have
+travelled far and am weary. Is not this such a place as would suit a
+hero for his home? Let us then go, to-morrow, to bring in timber to
+make a kraal.'
+
+  [Illustration: MAKOMA THROWS HIS HAMMER AT THE FIRE-EATER]
+
+So the next day Makoma and the giants set out to get poles to build
+the kraal, leaving only Chi-eswa-mapiri to look after the place and
+cook some venison which they had killed. In the evening, when they
+returned, they found the giant helpless and tied to a tree by one
+enormous hair!
+
+'How is it,' said Makoma, astonished, 'that we find you thus bound and
+helpless?'
+
+'O Chief,' answered Chi-eswa-mapiri, 'at midday a man came out of the
+river; he was of immense stature, and his grey moustaches were of such
+length that I could not see where they ended! He demanded of me "Who
+is thy master?" And I answered: "Makoma, the greatest of heroes." Then
+the man seized me, and pulling a hair from his moustache, tied me to
+this tree--even as you see me.'
+
+Makoma was very wroth, but he said nothing, and drawing his
+finger-nail across the hair (which was as thick and strong as palm
+rope) cut it, and set free the mountain-maker.
+
+The three following days exactly the same thing happened, only each
+time with a different one of the party; and on the fourth day Makoma
+stayed in camp when the others went to cut poles, saying that he would
+see for himself what sort of man this was that lived in the river and
+whose moustaches were so long that they extended beyond men's sight.
+
+So when the giants had gone he swept and tidied the camp and put some
+venison on the fire to roast. At midday, when the sun was right
+overhead, he heard a rumbling noise from the river, and looking up he
+saw the head and shoulders of an enormous man emerging from it. And
+behold! right down the river-bed and up the river-bed, till they faded
+into the blue distance, stretched the giant's grey moustaches!
+
+'Who are you?' bellowed the giant, as soon as he was out of the water.
+
+'I am he that is called Makoma,' answered the hero; 'and, before I
+slay thee, tell me also what is thy name and what thou doest in the
+river?'
+
+'My name is Chin-debou Mau-giri,' said the giant. 'My home is in the
+river, for my moustache is the grey fever-mist that hangs above the
+water, and with which I bind all those that come unto me so that they
+die.'
+
+'You cannot bind me!' shouted Makoma, rushing upon him and striking
+with his hammer. But the river giant was so slimy that the blow slid
+harmlessly off his green chest, and as Makoma stumbled and tried to
+regain his balance, the giant swung one of his long hairs around him
+and tripped him up.
+
+  [Illustration: MAKOMA GETS ENTANGLED BY A HAIR OF CHIN-DEBOU
+      MAU-GIRI]
+
+For a moment Makoma was helpless, but remembering the power of the
+flame-spirit which had entered into him, he breathed a fiery breath
+upon the giant's hair and cut himself free.
+
+As Chin-debou Mau-giri leaned forward to seize him the hero flung his
+sack Woro-nowu over the giant's slippery head, and gripping his iron
+hammer, struck him again; this time the blow alighted upon the dry
+sack and Chin-debou Mau-giri fell dead.
+
+When the four giants returned at sunset with the poles they rejoiced
+to find that Makoma had overcome the fever-spirit, and they feasted on
+the roast venison till far into the night; but in the morning, when
+they awoke, Makoma was already warming his hands at the fire, and his
+face was gloomy.
+
+'In the darkness of the night, O my friends,' he said presently, 'the
+white spirits of my fathers came unto me and spoke, saying: "Get thee
+hence, Makoma, for thou shalt have no rest until thou hast found and
+fought with Sakatirina, who has five heads, and is very great and
+strong; so take leave of thy friends, for thou must go alone."'
+
+Then the giants were very sad, and bewailed the loss of their hero;
+but Makoma comforted them, and gave back to each the gifts he had
+taken from them. Then bidding them 'Farewell,' he went on his way.
+
+Makoma travelled far towards the west; over rough mountains and
+water-logged morasses, fording deep rivers, and tramping for days
+across dry deserts where most men would have died, until at length he
+arrived at a hut standing near some large peaks, and inside the hut
+were two beautiful women.
+
+'Greeting!' said the hero. 'Is this the country of Sakatirina of five
+heads, whom I am seeking?'
+
+'We greet you, O Great One!' answered the women. 'We are the wives of
+Sakatirina; your search is at an end, for there stands he whom you
+seek!' And they pointed to what Makoma had thought were two tall
+mountain peaks. 'Those are his legs,' they said; 'his body you cannot
+see, for it is hidden in the clouds.'
+
+Makoma was astonished when he beheld how tall was the giant; but,
+nothing daunted, he went forward until he reached one of Sakatirina's
+legs, which he struck heavily with Nu-endo. Nothing happened, so he
+hit again and then again until, presently, he heard a tired, far-away
+voice saying: 'Who is it that scratches my feet?'
+
+And Makoma shouted as loud as he could, answering: 'It is I, Makoma,
+who is called "Greater"!' And he listened, but there was no answer.
+
+Then Makoma collected all the dead brushwood and trees that he could
+find, and making an enormous pile round the giant's legs, set a light
+to it.
+
+This time the giant spoke; his voice was very terrible, for it was the
+rumble of thunder in the clouds. 'Who is it,' he said, 'making that
+fire smoulder around my feet?'
+
+'It is I, Makoma!' shouted the hero. 'And I have come from far away to
+see thee, O Sakatirina, for the spirits of my fathers bade me go seek
+and fight with thee, lest I should grow fat, and weary of myself.'
+
+There was silence for a while, and then the giant spoke softly: 'It is
+good, O Makoma!' he said. 'For I too have grown weary. There is no man
+so great as I, therefore I am all alone. Guard thyself!' And bending
+suddenly he seized the hero in his hands and dashed him upon the
+ground. And lo! instead of death, Makoma had found life, for he sprang
+to his feet mightier in strength and stature than before, and rushing
+in he gripped the giant by the waist and wrestled with him.
+
+  [Illustration: MAKOMA IN THE HANDS OF SAKATIRINA]
+
+Hour by hour they fought, and mountains rolled beneath their feet like
+pebbles in a flood; now Makoma would break away, and summoning up his
+strength, strike the giant with Nu-endo his iron hammer, and
+Sakatirina would pluck up the mountains and hurl them upon the hero,
+but neither one could slay the other. At last, upon the second day,
+they grappled so strongly that they could not break away; but their
+strength was failing, and, just as the sun was sinking, they fell
+together to the ground, insensible.
+
+In the morning when they awoke, Mulimo the Great Spirit was standing
+by them; and he said: 'O Makoma and Sakatirina! Ye are heroes so great
+that no man may come against you. Therefore ye will leave the world
+and take up your home with me in the clouds.' And as he spake the
+heroes became invisible to the people of the Earth, and were no more
+seen among them.
+
+(_Native Rhodesian Tale._)
+
+
+
+
+_THE MAGIC MIRROR_
+
+_From the Senna_
+
+
+A long, long while ago, before ever the White Men were seen in Senna,
+there lived a man called Gopani-Kufa.
+
+One day, as he was out hunting, he came upon a strange sight. An
+enormous python had caught an antelope and coiled itself around it;
+the antelope, striking out in despair with its horns, had pinned the
+python's neck to a tree, and so deeply had its horns sunk in the soft
+wood that neither creature could get away.
+
+'Help!' cried the antelope, 'for I was doing no harm, yet I have been
+caught, and would have been eaten, had I not defended myself.'
+
+'Help me,' said the python, 'for I am Insato, King of all the
+Reptiles, and will reward you well!'
+
+Gopani-Kufa considered for a moment, then stabbing the antelope with
+his assegai, he set the python free.
+
+'I thank you,' said the python; 'come back here with the new moon,
+when I shall have eaten the antelope, and I will reward you as I
+promised.'
+
+'Yes,' said the dying antelope, 'he will reward you, and lo! your
+reward shall be your own undoing!'
+
+Gopani-Kufa went back to his kraal, and with the new moon he returned
+again to the spot where he had saved the python.
+
+Insato was lying upon the ground, still sleepy from the effects of his
+huge meal, and when he saw the man he thanked him again, and said:
+'Come with me now to Pita, which is my own country, and I will give
+you what you will of all my possessions.'
+
+Gopani-Kufa at first was afraid, thinking of what the antelope had
+said, but finally he consented and followed Insato into the forest.
+
+For several days they travelled, and at last they came to a hole
+leading deep into the earth. It was not very wide, but large enough to
+admit a man. 'Hold on to my tail,' said Insato, 'and I will go down
+first, drawing you after me.' The man did so, and Insato entered.
+
+  [Illustration: GOPANI-KUFA SEES A STRANGE SIGHT]
+
+Down, down, down they went for days, all the while getting deeper and
+deeper into the earth, until at last the darkness ended and they
+dropped into a beautiful country; around them grew short green grass,
+on which browsed herds of cattle and sheep and goats. In the distance
+Gopani-Kufa saw a great collection of houses all square, built of
+stone and very tall, and their roofs were shining with gold and
+burnished iron.
+
+Gopani-Kufa turned to Insato, but found, in the place of the python, a
+man, strong and handsome, with the great snake's skin wrapped round
+him for covering; and on his arms and neck were rings of pure gold.
+
+The man smiled. 'I am Insato,' said he; 'but in my own country I take
+man's shape--even as you see me--for this is Pita, the land over which
+I am king.' He then took Gopani-Kufa by the hand and led him towards
+the town.
+
+On the way they passed rivers in which men and women were bathing and
+fishing and boating; and farther on they came to gardens covered with
+heavy crops of rice and maize, and many other grains which Gopani-Kufa
+did not even know the name of. And as they passed, the people who were
+singing at their work in the fields, abandoned their labours and
+saluted Insato with delight, bringing also palm wine and green
+cocoa-nuts for refreshment, as to one returned from a long journey.
+
+'These are my children!' said Insato, waving his hand towards the
+people. Gopani-Kufa was much astonished at all that he saw, but he
+said nothing. Presently they came to the town; everything here, too,
+was beautiful, and everything that a man might desire he could obtain.
+Even the grains of dust in the streets were of gold and silver.
+
+Insato conducted Gopani-Kufa to the palace, and showing him his rooms,
+and the maidens who would wait upon him, told him that they would have
+a great feast that night, and on the morrow he might name his choice
+of the riches of Pita and it should be given him. Then he went away.
+
+Now Gopani-Kufa had a wasp called Zengi-mizi. Zengi-mizi was not an
+ordinary wasp, for the spirit of the father of Gopani-Kufa had entered
+it, so that it was exceedingly wise. In times of doubt Gopani-Kufa
+always consulted the wasp as to what had better be done, so on this
+occasion he took it out of the little rush basket in which he carried
+it, saying: 'Zengi-mizi, what gift shall I ask of Insato to-morrow
+when he would know the reward he shall bestow on me for saving his
+life?'
+
+'Biz-z-z,' hummed Zengi-mizi, 'ask him for Sipao the Mirror.' And it
+flew back into its basket.
+
+Gopani-Kufa was astonished at this answer; but knowing that the words
+of Zengi-mizi were true words, he determined to make the request. So
+that night they feasted, and on the morrow Insato came to Gopani-Kufa
+and, giving him greeting joyfully, he said:
+
+'Now, O my friend, name your choice amongst my possessions and you
+shall have it!'
+
+'O king!' answered Gopani-Kufa, 'out of all your possessions I will
+have the Mirror, Sipao.'
+
+The king started. 'O friend, Gopani-Kufa,' he said, 'ask anything but
+that! I did not think that you would request that which is most
+precious to me.'
+
+'Let me think over it again then, O king,' said Gopani-Kufa, 'and
+to-morrow I will let you know if I change my mind.'
+
+But the king was still much troubled, fearing the loss of Sipao, for
+the Mirror had magic powers, so that he who owned it had but to ask
+and his wish would be fulfilled; to it Insato owed all that he
+possessed.
+
+As soon as the king left him, Gopani-Kufa again took Zengi-mizi out of
+his basket. 'Zengi-mizi,' he said, 'the king seems loth to grant my
+request for the Mirror--is there not some other thing of equal value
+for which I might ask?'
+
+And the wasp answered: 'There is nothing in the world, O Gopani-Kufa,
+which is of such value as this Mirror, for it is a Wishing Mirror, and
+accomplishes the desires of him who owns it. If the king hesitates, go
+to him the next day, and the day after, and in the end he will bestow
+the Mirror upon you, for you saved his life.'
+
+And it was even so. For three days Gopani-Kufa returned the same
+answer to the king, and, at last, with tears in his eyes, Insato gave
+him the Mirror, which was of polished iron, saying: 'Take Sipao,
+then, O Gopani-Kufa, and may thy wishes come true. Go back now to
+thine own country; Sipao will show you the way.'
+
+Gopani-Kufa was greatly rejoiced, and, taking farewell of the king,
+said to the Mirror:
+
+'Sipao, Sipao, I wish to be back upon the Earth again!'
+
+Instantly he found himself standing upon the upper earth; but, not
+knowing the spot, he said again to the Mirror:
+
+'Sipao, Sipao, I want the path to my own kraal!'
+
+And behold! right before him lay the path!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When he arrived home he found his wife and daughter mourning for him,
+for they thought that he had been eaten by lions; but he comforted
+them, saying that while following a wounded antelope he had missed his
+way and had wandered for a long time before he had found the path
+again.
+
+That night he asked Zengi-mizi, in whom sat the spirit of his father,
+what he had better ask Sipao for next?
+
+'Biz-z-z,' said the wasp, 'would you not like to be as great a chief
+as Insato?'
+
+And Gopani-Kufa smiled, and took the Mirror and said to it:
+
+'Sipao, Sipao, I want a town as great as that of Insato, the King of
+Pita; and I wish to be chief over it!'
+
+Then all along the banks of the Zambesi river, which flowed near by,
+sprang up streets of stone buildings, and their roofs shone with gold
+and burnished iron like those in Pita; and in the streets men and
+women were walking, and young boys were driving out the sheep and
+cattle to pasture; and from the river came shouts and laughter from
+the young men and maidens who had launched their canoes and were
+fishing. And when the people of the new town beheld Gopani-Kufa they
+rejoiced greatly and hailed him as chief.
+
+  [Illustration: SHASASA HIDES THE MIRROR]
+
+Gopani-Kufa was now as powerful as Insato the King of the Reptiles had
+been, and he and his family moved into the palace that stood high
+above the other buildings right in the middle of the town. His wife
+was too astonished at all these wonders to ask any questions, but his
+daughter Shasasa kept begging him to tell her how he had suddenly
+become so great; so at last he revealed the whole secret, and even
+entrusted Sipao the Mirror to her care, saying:
+
+'It will be safer with you, my daughter, for you dwell apart; whereas
+men come to consult me on affairs of state, and the Mirror might be
+stolen.'
+
+Then Shasasa took the Magic Mirror and hid it beneath her pillow, and
+after that for many years Gopani-Kufa ruled his people both well and
+wisely, so that all men loved him, and never once did he need to ask
+Sipao to grant him a wish.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Now it happened that, after many years, when the hair of Gopani-Kufa
+was turning grey with age, there came white men to that country. Up
+the Zambesi they came, and they fought long and fiercely with
+Gopani-Kufa; but, because of the power of the Magic Mirror, he beat
+them, and they fled to the sea-coast. Chief among them was one Rei, a
+man of much cunning, who sought to discover whence sprang
+Gopani-Kufa's power. So one day he called to him a trusty servant
+named Butou, and said: 'Go you to the town and find out for me what is
+the secret of its greatness.'
+
+And Butou, dressing himself in rags, set out, and when he came to
+Gopani-Kufa's town he asked for the chief; and the people took him
+into the presence of Gopani-Kufa. When the white man saw him he
+humbled himself, and said: 'O Chief! take pity on me, for I have no
+home! When Rei marched against you I alone stood apart, for I knew
+that all the strength of the Zambesi lay in your hands, and because I
+would not fight against you he turned me forth into the forest to
+starve!'
+
+And Gopani-Kufa believed the white man's story, and he took him in and
+feasted him, and gave him a house.
+
+In this way the end came. For the heart of Shasasa, the daughter of
+Gopani-Kufa, went forth to Butou the traitor, and from her he learnt
+the secret of the Magic Mirror. One night, when all the town slept, he
+felt beneath her pillow and, finding the Mirror, he stole it and fled
+back with it to Rei, the chief of the white men.
+
+So it befell that one day, as Gopani-Kufa was gazing at the river from
+a window of the palace, he again saw the war-canoes of the white men;
+and at the sight his spirit misgave him.
+
+'Shasasa! my daughter!' he cried wildly, 'go fetch me the Mirror, for
+the white men are at hand.'
+
+'Woe is me, my father!' she sobbed. 'The Mirror is gone! For I loved
+Butou the traitor, and he has stolen Sipao from me!'
+
+Then Gopani-Kufa calmed himself, and drew out Zengi-mizi from its rush
+basket.
+
+'O spirit of my father!' he said, 'what now shall I do?'
+
+'O Gopani-Kufa!' hummed the wasp, 'there is nothing now that can be
+done, for the words of the antelope which you slew are being
+fulfilled.'
+
+'Alas! I am an old man--I had forgotten!' cried the chief. 'The words
+of the antelope were true words--my reward shall be my own
+undoing--they are being fulfilled!'
+
+Then the white men fell upon the people of Gopani-Kufa and slew them
+together with the chief and his daughter Shasasa; and since then all
+the power of the Earth has rested in the hands of the white men, for
+they have in their possession Sipao, the Magic Mirror.
+
+
+
+
+_STORY OF THE KING WHO WOULD SEE PARADISE_
+
+
+Once upon a time there was a king who, one day out hunting, came upon
+a fakeer in a lonely place in the mountains. The fakeer was seated on
+a little old bedstead reading the Koran, with his patched cloak thrown
+over his shoulders.
+
+The king asked him what he was reading; and he said he was reading
+about Paradise, and praying that he might be worthy to enter there.
+Then they began to talk, and, by-and-bye, the king asked the fakeer if
+he could show him a glimpse of Paradise, for he found it very
+difficult to believe in what he could not see. The fakeer replied that
+he was asking a very difficult, and perhaps a very dangerous, thing;
+but that he would pray for him, and perhaps he might be able to do it;
+only he warned the king both against the dangers of his unbelief, and
+against the curiosity which prompted him to ask this thing. However,
+the king was not to be turned from his purpose, and he promised the
+fakeer always to provide him with food, if he, in return, would pray
+for him. To this the fakeer agreed, and so they parted.
+
+Time went on, and the king always sent the old fakeer his food
+according to his promise; but, whenever he sent to ask him when he was
+going to show him Paradise, the fakeer always replied: 'Not yet, not
+yet!'
+
+  [Illustration: NO ONE KNOWS WHAT WAS THERE SHOWN TO THE KING]
+
+After a year or two had passed by, the king heard one day that the
+fakeer was very ill--indeed, he was believed to be dying. Instantly he
+hurried off himself, and found that it was really true, and that the
+fakeer was even then breathing his last. There and then the king
+besought him to remember his promise, and to show him a glimpse of
+Paradise. The dying fakeer replied that if the king would come to his
+funeral, and, when the grave was filled in, and everyone else was gone
+away, he would come and lay his hand upon the grave, he would keep his
+word, and show him a glimpse of Paradise. At the same time he implored
+the king not to do this thing, but to be content to see Paradise when
+God called him there. Still the king's curiosity was so aroused that
+he would not give way.
+
+Accordingly, after the fakeer was dead, and had been buried, he stayed
+behind when all the rest went away; and then, when he was quite alone,
+he stepped forward, and laid his hand upon the grave! Instantly the
+ground opened, and the astonished king, peeping in, saw a flight of
+rough steps, and, at the bottom of them, the fakeer sitting, just as
+he used to sit, on his rickety bedstead, reading the Koran!
+
+At first the king was so surprised and frightened that he could only
+stare; but the fakeer beckoned to him to come down, so, mustering up
+his courage, he boldly stepped down into the grave.
+
+The fakeer rose, and, making a sign to the king to follow, walked a
+few paces along a dark passage. Then he stopped, turned solemnly to
+his companion, and, with a movement of his hand, drew aside as it were
+a heavy curtain, and revealed--what? No one knows what was there shown
+to the king, nor did he ever tell anyone; but, when the fakeer at
+length dropped the curtain, and the king turned to leave the place, he
+had had his glimpse of Paradise! Trembling in every limb, he staggered
+back along the passage, and stumbled up the steps out of the tomb into
+the fresh air again.
+
+The dawn was breaking. It seemed odd to the king that he had been so
+long in the grave. It appeared but a few minutes ago that he had
+descended, passed along a few steps to the place where he had peeped
+beyond the veil, and returned again after perhaps five minutes of that
+wonderful view! And what _was_ it he had seen? He racked his brains
+to remember, but he could not call to mind a single thing! How curious
+everything looked too! Why, his own city, which by now he was
+entering, seemed changed and strange to him! The sun was already up
+when he turned into the palace gate and entered the public durbar
+hall. It was full; and there upon the throne sat another king! The
+poor king, all bewildered, sat down and stared about him. Presently a
+chamberlain came across and asked him why he sat unbidden in the
+king's presence. 'But _I_ am the king!' he cried.
+
+'What king?' said the chamberlain.
+
+'The true king of this country,' said he indignantly.
+
+Then the chamberlain went away, and spoke to the king who sat on the
+throne, and the old king heard words like 'mad,' 'age,' 'compassion.'
+Then the king on the throne called him to come forward, and, as he
+went, he caught sight of himself reflected in the polished steel
+shields of the bodyguard, and started back in horror! He was old,
+decrepit, dirty, and ragged! His long white beard and locks were
+unkempt, and straggled all over his chest and shoulders. Only one sign
+of royalty remained to him, and that was the signet ring upon his
+right hand. He dragged it off with shaking fingers and held it up to
+the king.
+
+'Tell me who I am,' he cried; 'there is my signet, who once sat where
+you sit--even yesterday!'
+
+The king looked at him compassionately, and examined the signet with
+curiosity. Then he commanded, and they brought out dusty records and
+archives of the kingdom, and old coins of previous reigns, and
+compared them faithfully. At last the king turned to the old man, and
+said: 'Old man, such a king as this whose signet thou hast, reigned
+seven hundred years ago; but he is said to have disappeared, none know
+whither; where got you the ring?'
+
+Then the old man smote his breast, and cried out with a loud
+lamentation; for he understood that he, who was not content to wait
+patiently to see the Paradise of the faithful, had been judged
+already. And he turned and left the hall without a word, and went into
+the jungle, where he lived for twenty-five years a life of prayer and
+meditation, until at last the Angel of Death came to him, and
+mercifully released him, purged and purified through his punishment.
+
+(_A Pathan story told to Major Campbell._)
+
+  [Illustration: THE OLD KING SEES HIMSELF REFLECTED IN THE SHIELDS
+      OF THE BODYGUARD]
+
+
+
+
+_HOW ISURO THE RABBIT TRICKED GUDU_
+
+
+Far away in a hot country, where the forests are very thick and dark,
+and the rivers very swift and strong, there once lived a strange pair
+of friends. Now one of the friends was a big white rabbit named Isuro,
+and the other was a tall baboon called Gudu, and so fond were they of
+each other that they were seldom seen apart.
+
+One day, when the sun was hotter even than usual, the rabbit awoke
+from his midday sleep, and saw Gudu the baboon standing beside him.
+
+'Get up,' said Gudu; 'I am going courting, and you must come with me.
+So put some food in a bag, and sling it round your neck, for we may
+not be able to find anything to eat for a long while.'
+
+Then the rabbit rubbed his eyes, and gathered a store of fresh green
+things from under the bushes, and told Gudu that he was ready for the
+journey.
+
+They went on quite happily for some distance, and at last they came to
+a river with rocks scattered here and there across the stream.
+
+'We can never jump those wide spaces if we are burdened with food,'
+said Gudu, 'we must throw it into the river, unless we wish to fall in
+ourselves.' And stooping down, unseen by Isuro, who was in front of
+him, Gudu picked up a big stone, and threw it into the water with a
+loud splash.
+
+'It is your turn now,' he cried to Isuro. And with a heavy sigh, the
+rabbit unfastened his bag of food, which fell into the river.
+
+The road on the other side led down an avenue of trees, and before
+they had gone very far Gudu opened the bag that lay hidden in the
+thick hair about his neck, and began to eat some delicious-looking
+fruit.
+
+'Where did you get that from?' asked Isuro enviously.
+
+  [Illustration: GUDU DROPS A STONE INTO THE WATER]
+
+'Oh, I found after all that I could get across the rocks quite easily,
+so it seemed a pity not to keep my bag,' answered Gudu.
+
+'Well, as you tricked me into throwing away mine, you ought to let me
+share with you,' said Isuro. But Gudu pretended not to hear him, and
+strode along the path.
+
+By-and-bye they entered a wood, and right in front of them was a tree
+so laden with fruit that its branches swept the ground. And some of
+the fruit was still green, and some yellow. The rabbit hopped forward
+with joy, for he was very hungry; but Gudu said to him: 'Pluck the
+green fruit, you will find it much the best. I will leave it all for
+you, as you have had no dinner, and take the yellow for myself.' So
+the rabbit took one of the green oranges and began to bite it, but its
+skin was so hard that he could hardly get his teeth through the rind.
+
+  [Illustration: {'WHERE DID YOU GET THAT FROM?' ASKED ISURO}]
+
+'It does not taste at all nice,' he cried, screwing up his face; 'I
+would rather have one of the yellow ones.'
+
+'No! no! I really could not allow that,' answered Gudu. 'They would
+only make you ill. Be content with the green fruit.' And as they were
+all he could get, Isuro was forced to put up with them.
+
+After this had happened two or three times, Isuro at last had his eyes
+opened, and made up his mind that, whatever Gudu told him, he would do
+exactly the opposite. However, by this time they had reached the
+village where dwelt Gudu's future wife, and as they entered Gudu
+pointed to a clump of bushes, and said to Isuro: 'Whenever I am
+eating, and you hear me call out that my food has burnt me, run as
+fast as you can and gather some of those leaves that they may heal my
+mouth.'
+
+The rabbit would have liked to ask him why he ate food that he knew
+would burn him, only he was afraid, and just nodded in reply; but when
+they had gone on a little further, he said to Gudu:
+
+'I have dropped my needle; wait here a moment while I go and fetch
+it.'
+
+'Be quick then,' answered Gudu, climbing into a tree. And the rabbit
+hastened back to the bushes, and gathered a quantity of the leaves,
+which he hid among his fur, 'for,' thought he, 'if I get them now I
+shall save myself the trouble of a walk by-and-bye.'
+
+When he had plucked as many as he wanted he returned to Gudu, and they
+went on together.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The sun was almost setting by the time they reached their journey's
+end, and being very tired they gladly sat down by a well. Then Gudu's
+betrothed, who had been watching for him, brought out a pitcher of
+water--which she poured over them to wash off the dust of the
+road--and two portions of food. But once again the rabbit's hopes were
+dashed to the ground, for Gudu said hastily:
+
+'The custom of the village forbids you to eat till I have finished.'
+And Isuro did not know that Gudu was lying, and that he only wanted
+more food. So he sat hungrily looking on, waiting till his friend had
+had enough.
+
+In a little while Gudu screamed loudly: 'I am burnt! I am burnt!'
+though he was not burnt at all. Now, though Isuro had the leaves about
+him, he did not dare to produce them at the last moment lest the
+baboon should guess why he had stayed behind. So he just went round a
+corner for a short time, and then came hopping back in a great hurry.
+But, quick though he was, Gudu had been quicker still, and nothing
+remained but some drops of water.
+
+'How unlucky you are,' said Gudu, snatching the leaves; 'no sooner had
+you gone than ever so many people arrived, and washed their hands, as
+you see, and ate your portion.' But, though Isuro knew better than to
+believe him, he said nothing, and went to bed hungrier than he had
+ever been in his life.
+
+Early next morning they started for another village, and passed on the
+way a large garden where people were very busy gathering monkey-nuts.
+
+'You can have a good breakfast at last,' said Gudu, pointing to a heap
+of empty shells; never doubting but that Isuro would meekly take the
+portion shown him, and leave the real nuts for himself. But what was
+his surprise when Isuro answered:
+
+'Thank you; I think I should prefer these.' And, turning to the
+kernels, never stopped as long as there was one left. And the worst of
+it was that, with so many people about, Gudu could not take the nuts
+from him.
+
+It was night when they reached the village where dwelt the mother of
+Gudu's betrothed, who laid meat and millet porridge before them.
+
+'I think you told me you were fond of porridge,' said Gudu; but Isuro
+answered: 'You are mistaking me for somebody else, as I always eat
+meat when I can get it.' And again Gudu was forced to be content with
+the porridge, which he hated.
+
+While he was eating it, however, a sudden thought darted into his
+mind, and he managed to knock over a great pot of water which was
+hanging in front of the fire, and put it quite out.
+
+'_Now_,' said the cunning creature to himself, 'I shall be able in the
+dark to steal his meat!' But the rabbit had grown as cunning as he,
+and standing in a corner hid the meat behind him, so that the baboon
+could not find it.
+
+'O Gudu!' he cried, laughing aloud, 'it is you who have taught me how
+to be clever.' And calling to the people of the house, he bade them
+kindle the fire, for Gudu would sleep by it, but that he would pass
+the night with some friends in another hut.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It was still quite dark when Isuro heard his name called very softly,
+and, on opening his eyes, beheld Gudu standing by him. Laying his
+finger on his nose, in token of silence, he signed to Isuro to get up
+and follow him, and it was not until they were some distance from the
+hut that Gudu spoke.
+
+'I am hungry and want something to eat better than that nasty porridge
+that I had for supper. So I am going to kill one of those goats, and
+as you are a good cook you must boil the flesh for me.' The rabbit
+nodded, and Gudu disappeared behind a rock, but soon returned dragging
+the dead goat with him. The two then set about skinning it, after
+which they stuffed the skin with dried leaves, so that no one would
+have guessed it was not alive, and set it up in the middle of a clump
+of bushes, which kept it firm on its feet. While he was doing this,
+Isuro collected sticks for a fire, and when it was kindled, Gudu
+hastened to another hut to steal a pot which he filled with water from
+the river, and, planting two branches in the ground, they hung the pot
+with the meat in it over the fire.
+
+'It will not be fit to eat for two hours at least,' said Gudu, 'so we
+can both have a nap.' And he stretched himself out on the ground, and
+pretended to fall fast asleep, but, in reality, he was only waiting
+till it was safe to take all the meat for himself. 'Surely I hear him
+snore,' he thought; and he stole to the place where Isuro was lying on
+a pile of wood, but the rabbit's eyes were wide open.
+
+'How tiresome,' muttered Gudu, as he went back to his place; and
+after waiting a little longer he got up, and peeped again, but still
+the rabbit's pink eyes stared widely. If Gudu had only known, Isuro
+was asleep all the time; but this he never guessed, and by-and-bye he
+grew so tired with watching that he went to sleep himself. Soon after,
+Isuro woke up, and he too felt hungry, so he crept softly to the pot
+and ate all the meat, while he tied the bones together and hung them
+in Gudu's fur. After that he went back to the wood-pile and slept
+again.
+
+  [Illustration: HOW GUDU DANCED & THE BONES RATTLED]
+
+In the morning the mother of Gudu's betrothed came out to milk her
+goats, and on going to the bushes where the largest one seemed
+entangled, she found out the trick. She made such lament that the
+people of the village came running, and Gudu and Isuro jumped up also,
+and pretended to be as surprised and interested as the rest. But they
+must have looked guilty after all, for suddenly an old man pointed to
+them, and cried:
+
+'Those are the thieves.' And at the sound of his voice the big Gudu
+trembled all over.
+
+'How dare you say such things? I defy you to prove it,' answered Isuro
+boldly. And he danced forward, and turned head over heels, and shook
+himself before them all.
+
+'I spoke hastily; you are innocent,' said the old man; 'but now let
+the baboon do likewise.' And when Gudu began to jump the goat's bones
+rattled, and the people cried: 'It is Gudu who is the goat-slayer!'
+But Gudu answered:
+
+'Nay, I did not kill your goat; it was Isuro, and he ate the meat, and
+hung the bones round my neck. So it is he who should die!' And the
+people looked at each other, for they knew not what to believe. At
+length one man said:
+
+'Let them both die, but they may choose their own deaths.'
+
+Then Isuro answered:
+
+'If we must die, put us in the place where the wood is cut, and heap
+it up all round us, so that we cannot escape, and set fire to the
+wood; and if one is burned and the other is not, then he that is
+burned is the goat-slayer.'
+
+And the people did as Isuro had said. But Isuro knew of a hole under
+the wood-pile, and when the fire was kindled he ran into the hole, but
+Gudu died there.
+
+When the fire had burned itself out, and only ashes were left where
+the wood had been, Isuro came out of his hole, and said to the people:
+
+'Lo! did I not speak well? He who killed your goat is among those
+ashes.'
+
+(_Mashona Story._)
+
+
+
+
+_IAN, THE SOLDIER'S SON_
+
+
+There dwelt a knight in Grianaig of the land of the West, who had
+three daughters, and for goodness and beauty they had not their like
+in all the isles. All the people loved them, and loud was the weeping
+when one day, as the three maidens sat on the rocks on the edge of the
+sea, dipping their feet in the water, there arose a great beast from
+under the waves and swept them away beneath the ocean. And none knew
+whither they had gone, or how to seek them.
+
+Now there lived in a town a few miles off a soldier who had three
+sons, fine youths and strong, and the best players at shinny in that
+country. At Christmastide that year, when families met together and
+great feasts were held, Ian, the youngest of the three brothers, said:
+
+'Let us have a match at shinny on the lawn of the knight of Grianaig,
+for his lawn is wider and the grass smoother than ours.'
+
+But the others answered:
+
+'Nay, for he is in sorrow, and he will think of the games that we have
+played there when his daughters looked on.'
+
+'Let him be pleased or angry as he will,' said Ian; 'we will drive our
+ball on his lawn to-day.'
+
+And so it was done, and Ian won three games from his brothers. But the
+knight looked out of his window, and was wroth; and bade his men bring
+the youths before him. When he stood in his hall and beheld them, his
+heart was softened somewhat; but his face was angry as he asked:
+
+'Why did you choose to play shinny in front of my castle when you
+knew full well that the remembrance of my daughters would come back to
+me? The pain which you have made me suffer you shall suffer also.'
+
+'Since we have done you wrong,' answered Ian, the youngest, 'build us
+a ship, and we will go and seek your daughters. Let them be to
+windward, or to leeward, or under the four brown boundaries of the
+sea, we will find them before a year and a day goes by, and will carry
+them back to Grianaig.'
+
+In seven days the ship was built, and great store of food and wine
+placed in her. And the three brothers put her head to the sea and
+sailed away, and in seven days the ship ran herself on to a beach of
+white sand, and they all went ashore. They had none of them ever seen
+that land before, and looked about them. Then they saw that, a short
+way from them, a number of men were working on a rock, with one man
+standing over them.
+
+'What place is this?' asked the eldest brother. And the man who was
+standing by made answer:
+
+'This is the place where dwell the three daughters of the knight of
+Grianaig, who are to be wedded to-morrow to three giants.'
+
+'How can we find them?' asked the young man again. And the overlooker
+answered:
+
+'To reach the daughters of the knight of Grianaig you must get into
+this basket, and be drawn by a rope up the face of this rock.'
+
+'Oh, that is easily done,' said the eldest brother, jumping into the
+basket, which at once began to move--up, and up, and up--till he had
+gone about half-way, when a fat black raven flew at him and pecked him
+till he was nearly blind, so that he was forced to go back the way he
+had come.
+
+After that the second brother got into the creel; but he fared no
+better, for the raven flew upon him, and he returned as his brother
+had done.
+
+  [Illustration: THE THREE MAIDENS SITTING ON THE ROCKS]
+
+  [Illustration: THE KNIGHT AND THE RAVEN]
+
+'Now it is my turn,' said Ian. But when he was half-way up the raven
+set upon him also.
+
+'Quick! quick!' cried Ian to the men who held the rope. 'Quick! quick!
+or I shall be blinded!' And the men pulled with all their might, and
+in another moment Ian was on top, and the raven behind him.
+
+'Will you give me a piece of tobacco?' asked the raven, who was now
+quite quiet.
+
+'You rascal! Am I to give you tobacco for trying to peck my eyes out?'
+answered Ian.
+
+'That was part of my duty,' replied the raven; 'but give it to me, and
+I will prove a good friend to you.' So Ian broke off a piece of
+tobacco and gave it to him. The raven hid it under his wing, and then
+went on: 'Now I will take you to the house of the big giant, where the
+knight's daughter sits sewing, sewing, till even her thimble is wet
+with tears.' And the raven hopped before him till they reached a large
+house, the door of which stood open. They entered and passed through
+one hall after the other, until they found the knight's daughter, as
+the bird had said.
+
+'What brought you here?' asked she. And Ian made answer:
+
+'Why may I not go where you can go?'
+
+'I was brought hither by a giant,' replied she.
+
+'I know that,' said Ian; 'but tell me where the giant is, that I may
+find him.'
+
+'He is on the hunting hill,' answered she; 'and nought will bring him
+home save a shake of the iron chain which hangs outside the gate. But,
+there, neither to leeward, nor to windward, nor in the four brown
+boundaries of the sea is there any man that can hold battle against
+him, save only Ian, the soldier's son, and he is now but sixteen years
+old, and how shall he stand against the giant?'
+
+'In the land whence I have come there are many men with the strength
+of Ian,' answered he. And he went outside and pulled at the chain,
+but he could not move it, and fell on to his knees. At that he rose
+swiftly, and gathering up his strength, he seized the chain, and this
+time he shook it so that the link broke. And the giant heard it on the
+hunting hill, and lifted his head, thinking--
+
+'It sounds like the noise of Ian, the soldier's son,' said he; 'but as
+yet he is only sixteen years old. Still, I had better look to it.' And
+home he came.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'Are you Ian, the soldier's son?' he asked, as he entered the castle.
+
+'No, of a surety,' answered the youth, who had no wish that they
+should know him.
+
+'Then who are you in the leeward, or in the windward, or in the four
+brown boundaries of the sea, who are able to move my battle-chain?'
+
+'That will be plain to you after wrestling with me as I wrestle with
+my mother. And one time she got the better of me, and two times she
+did not.'
+
+So they wrestled, and twisted and strove with each other till the
+giant forced Ian to his knee.
+
+'You are the stronger,' said Ian; and the giant answered:
+
+'All men know that!' And they took hold of each other once more, and
+at last Ian threw the giant, and wished that the raven were there to
+help him. No sooner had he wished his wish than the raven came.
+
+'Put your hand under my right wing and you will find a knife sharp
+enough to take off his head,' said the raven. And the knife was so
+sharp that it cut off the giant's head with a blow.
+
+'Now go and tell the daughter of the knight of Grianaig; but take heed
+lest you listen to her words, and promise to go no further, for she
+will seek to keep you. Instead, seek the middle daughter, and when you
+have found her, you shall give me a piece of tobacco for reward.'
+
+'Well have you earned the half of all I have,' answered Ian. But the
+raven shook his head.
+
+  [Illustration: IAN FINDS THE YOUNGEST SISTER]
+
+'You know only what has passed, and nothing of what lies before. If
+you would not fail, wash yourself in clean water, and take balsam
+from a vessel on top of the door, and rub it over your body, and
+to-morrow you will be as strong as many men, and I will lead you to
+the dwelling of the middle one.'
+
+Ian did as the raven bade him, and in spite of the eldest daughter's
+entreaties, he set out to seek her next sister. He found her where she
+was seated sewing, her very thimble wet from the tears which she had
+shed.
+
+'What brought you here?' asked the second sister.
+
+'Why may I not go where you can go?' answered he; 'and why are you
+weeping?'
+
+'Because in one day I shall be married to the giant who is on the
+hunting hill.'
+
+'How can I get him home?' asked Ian.
+
+'Nought will bring him but a shake of that iron chain which hangs
+outside the gate. But there is neither to leeward, nor to westward,
+nor in the four brown boundaries of the sea, any man that can hold
+battle with him, save Ian, the soldier's son, and he is now but
+sixteen years of age.'
+
+'In the land whence I have come there are many men with the strength
+of Ian,' said he. And he went outside and pulled at the chain, but he
+could not move it, and fell on his knees. At that he rose to his feet,
+and gathering up his strength mightily, he seized the chain, and this
+time he shook it so that three links broke. And the second giant heard
+it on the hunting hill, and lifted his head, thinking--
+
+'It sounds like the noise of Ian, the soldier's son,' said he; 'but as
+yet he is only sixteen years old. Still, I had better look to it.' And
+home he came.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'Are you Ian, the soldier's son?' he asked, as he entered the castle.
+
+'No, of a surety,' answered Ian, who had no wish that this giant
+should know him either; 'but I will wrestle with you as if I were he.'
+
+  [Illustration: IAN BREAKS THE GIANT'S CHAIN]
+
+Then they seized each other by the shoulder, and the giant threw him
+on his two knees. 'You are the stronger,' cried Ian; 'but I am not
+beaten yet.' And rising to his feet, he threw his arms round the
+giant.
+
+Backwards and forwards they swayed, and first one was uppermost and
+then the other; but at length Ian worked his leg round the giant's and
+threw him to the ground. Then he called to the raven, and the raven
+came flapping towards him, and said: 'Put your hand under my right
+wing, and you will find there a knife sharp enough to take off his
+head.' And sharp indeed it was, for with a single blow, the giant's
+head rolled from his body.
+
+'Now wash yourself with warm water, and rub yourself over with oil of
+balsam, and to-morrow you will be as strong as many men. But beware of
+the words of the knight's daughter, for she is cunning, and will try
+to keep you at her side. So farewell; but first give me a piece of
+tobacco.'
+
+'That I will gladly,' answered Ian, breaking off a large bit.
+
+He washed and rubbed himself that night, as the raven had told him,
+and the next morning he entered the chamber where the knight's
+daughter was sitting.
+
+'Abide here with me,' she said, 'and be my husband. There is silver
+and gold in plenty in the castle.' But he took no heed, and went on
+his way till he reached the castle where the knight's youngest
+daughter was sewing in the hall. And tears dropped from her eyes on to
+her thimble.
+
+'What brought you here?' asked she. And Ian made answer:
+
+'Why may I not go where you can go?'
+
+'I was brought hither by a giant.'
+
+'I know that full well,' said he.
+
+'Are you Ian, the soldier's son?' asked she again. And again he
+answered:
+
+'Yes, I am; but tell me, why you are weeping?'
+
+'To-morrow the giant will return from the hunting hill, and I must
+marry him,' she sobbed. And Ian took no heed, and only said: 'How can
+I bring him home?'
+
+'Shake the iron chain that hangs outside the gate.'
+
+And Ian went out, and gave such a pull to the chain that he fell down
+at full length from the force of the shake. But in a moment he was on
+his feet again, and seized the chain with so much strength that four
+links came off in his hand. And the giant heard him in the hunting
+hill, as he was putting the game he had killed into a bag.
+
+'In the leeward, or the windward, or in the four brown boundaries of
+the sea, there is none who could give my chain a shake save only Ian,
+the soldier's son. And if he has reached me, then he has left my two
+brothers dead behind him.' With that he strode back to the castle, the
+earth trembling under him as he went.
+
+'Are you Ian, the soldier's son?' asked he. And the youth answered:
+
+'No, of a surety.'
+
+'Then who are you in the leeward, or the windward, or in the four
+brown boundaries of the sea, who are able to shake my battle chain?
+There is only Ian, the soldier's son, who can do this, and he is but
+now sixteen years old.'
+
+'I will show you who I am when you have wrestled with me,' said Ian.
+And they threw their arms round each other, and the giant forced Ian
+on to his knees; but in a moment he was up again, and crooking his leg
+round the shoulders of the giant, he threw him heavily to the ground.
+'Stumpy black raven, come quick!' cried he; and the raven came, and
+beat the giant about the head with his wings, so that he could not get
+up. Then he bade Ian take out a sharp knife from under his feathers,
+which he carried with him for cutting berries, and Ian smote off the
+giant's head with it. And so sharp was that knife that, with one blow,
+the giant's head rolled on the ground.
+
+'Rest now this night also,' said the raven, 'and to-morrow you shall
+take the knight's three daughters to the edge of the rock that leads
+to the lower world. But take heed to go down first yourself, and let
+them follow after you. And before I go you shall give me a piece of
+tobacco.'
+
+'Take it all,' answered Ian, 'for well have you earned it.'
+
+'No; give me but a piece. You know what is behind you, but you have no
+knowledge of what is before you.' And picking up the tobacco in his
+beak, the raven flew away.
+
+So the next morning the knight's youngest daughter loaded asses with
+all the silver and gold to be found in the castle, and she set out
+with Ian the soldier's son for the house where her second sister was
+waiting to see what would befall. She also had asses laden with
+precious things to carry away, and so had the eldest sister, when they
+reached the castle where she had been kept a prisoner. Together they
+all rode to the edge of the rock, and then Ian lay down and shouted,
+and the basket was drawn up, and in it they got one by one, and were
+let down to the bottom. When the last one was gone, Ian should have
+gone also, and left the three sisters to come after him; but he had
+forgotten the raven's warning, and bade them go first, lest some
+accident should happen. Only, he begged the youngest sister to let him
+keep the little gold cap which, like the others, she wore on her head;
+and then he helped them, each in her turn, into the basket.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Long he waited, but wait as he might, the basket never came back, for
+in their joy at being free the knight's daughters had forgotten all
+about Ian, and had set sail in the ship that had brought him and his
+brothers to the land of Grianaig.
+
+At last he began to understand what had happened to him, and while he
+was taking counsel with himself what had best be done, the raven came
+to him.
+
+'You did not heed my words,' he said gravely.
+
+'No, I did not, and therefore am I here,' answered Ian, bowing his
+head.
+
+'The past cannot be undone,' went on the raven. 'He that will not take
+counsel will take combat. This night, you will sleep in the giant's
+castle. And now you shall give me a piece of tobacco.'
+
+'I will. But, I pray you, stay in the castle with me.'
+
+'That I may not do, but on the morrow I will come.'
+
+And on the morrow he did, and he bade Ian go to the giant's stable
+where stood a horse to whom it mattered nothing if she journeyed over
+land or sea.
+
+'But be careful,' he added, 'how you enter the stable, for the door
+swings without ceasing to and fro, and if it touches you, it will
+cause you to cry out. I will go first and show you the way.'
+
+'Go,' said Ian. And the raven gave a bob and a hop, and thought he was
+quite safe, but the door slammed on a feather of his tail, and he
+screamed loudly.
+
+Then Ian took a run backwards, and a run forwards, and made a spring;
+but the door caught one of his feet, and he fell fainting on the
+stable floor. Quickly the raven pounced on him, and picked him up in
+his beak and claws, and carried him back to the castle, where he laid
+ointments on his foot till it was as well as ever it was.
+
+'Now come out to walk,' said the raven, 'but take heed that you wonder
+not at aught you may behold; neither shall you touch anything. And,
+first, give me a piece of tobacco.'
+
+Many strange things did Ian behold in that island, more than he had
+thought for. In a glen lay three heroes stretched on their backs, done
+to death by three spears that still stuck in their breasts. But he
+kept his counsel and spake nothing, only he pulled out the spears,
+and the men sat up and said:
+
+'You are Ian the soldier's son, and a spell is laid upon you to travel
+in our company, to the cave of the black fisherman.'
+
+So together they went till they reached the cave, and one of the men
+entered, to see what should be found there. And he beheld a hag,
+horrible to look upon, seated on a rock, and before he could speak,
+she struck him with her club, and changed him into a stone; and in
+like manner she dealt with the other three. At the last Ian entered.
+
+'These men are under spells,' said the witch, 'and alive they can
+never be till you have anointed them with the water which you must
+fetch from the island of Big Women. See that you do not tarry.' And
+Ian turned away with a sinking heart, for he would fain have followed
+the youngest daughter of the knight of Grianaig.
+
+'You did not obey my counsel,' said the raven, hopping towards him,
+'and so trouble has come upon you. But sleep now, and to-morrow you
+shall mount the horse which is in the giant's stable, that can gallop
+over sea and land. When you reach the island of Big Women, sixteen
+boys will come to meet you, and will offer the horse food, and wish to
+take her saddle and bridle from her. But see that they touch her not,
+and give her food yourself, and yourself lead her into the stable, and
+shut the door. And be sure that for every turn of the lock given by
+the sixteen stable lads you give one. And now you shall break me off a
+piece of tobacco.'
+
+The next morning Ian arose, and led the horse from the stable, without
+the door hurting him, and he rode her across the sea to the island of
+Big Women, where the sixteen stable lads met him, and each one offered
+to take his horse, and to feed her, and to put her into the stable.
+But Ian only answered:
+
+'I myself will put her in and will see to her.' And thus he did. And
+while he was rubbing her sides the horse said to him:
+
+'Every kind of drink will they offer you, but see you take none, save
+whey and water only.' And so it fell out; and when the sixteen
+stable-boys saw that he would drink nothing, they drank it all
+themselves, and one by one lay stretched around the board.
+
+Then Ian felt pleased in his heart that he had withstood their fair
+words, and he forgot the counsel that the horse had likewise given him
+saying:
+
+'Beware lest you fall asleep, and let slip the chance of getting home
+again'; for while the lads were sleeping sweet music reached his ears,
+and he slept also.
+
+When this came to pass the steed broke through the stable door, and
+kicked him and woke him roughly.
+
+'You did not heed my counsel,' said she; 'and who knows if it is not
+too late to win over the sea? But first take that sword which hangs on
+the wall, and cut off the heads of the sixteen grooms.'
+
+Filled with shame at being once more proved heedless, Ian arose and
+did as the horse bade him. Then he ran to the well and poured some of
+the water into a leather bottle, and jumping on the horse's back rode
+over the sea to the island where the raven was waiting for him.
+
+'Lead the horse into the stable,' said the raven, 'and lie down
+yourself to sleep, for to-morrow you must make the heroes to live
+again, and must slay the hag. And have a care not to be so foolish
+to-morrow as you were to-day.'
+
+'Stay with me for company,' begged Ian; but the raven shook his head,
+and flew away.
+
+In the morning Ian awoke, and hastened to the cave where the old hag
+was sitting, and he struck her dead as she was, before she could cast
+spells on him. Next he sprinkled the water over the heroes, who came
+to life again, and together they all journeyed to the other side of
+the island, and there the raven met them.
+
+'At last you have followed the counsel that was given you,' said the
+raven; 'and now, having learned wisdom, you may go home again to
+Grianaig. There you will find that the knight's two eldest daughters
+are to be wedded this day to your two brothers, and the youngest to
+the chief of the men at the rock. But her gold cap you shall give to
+me, and, if you want it, you have only to think of me and I will bring
+it to you. And one more warning I give you. If anyone asks you whence
+you came, answer that you have come from behind you; and if anyone
+asks you whither you are going, say that you are going before you.'
+
+So Ian mounted the horse and set her face to the sea and her back to
+the shore, and she was off, away and away till she reached the church
+of Grianaig, and there, in a field of grass, beside a well of water,
+he leaped down from his saddle.
+
+'Now,' the horse said to him, 'draw your sword and cut off my head.'
+But Ian answered:
+
+'Poor thanks would that be for all the help I have had from you.'
+
+'It is the only way that I can free myself from the spells that were
+laid by the giants on me and the raven; for I was a girl and he was a
+youth wooing me! So have no fears, but do as I have said.'
+
+Then Ian drew his sword as she bade him, and cut off her head, and
+went on his way without looking backwards. As he walked he saw a woman
+standing at her house door. She asked him whence he had come, and he
+answered as the raven had told him, that he came from behind. Next she
+inquired whither he was going, and this time he made reply that he was
+going on before him, but that he was thirsty and would like a drink.
+
+'You are an impudent fellow,' said the woman; 'but you shall have a
+drink.' And she gave him some milk, which was all she had till her
+husband came home.
+
+'Where is your husband?' asked Ian, and the woman answered him:
+
+'He is at the knight's castle trying to fashion gold and silver into a
+cap for the youngest daughter, like unto the caps that her sisters
+wear, such as are not to be found in all this land. But, see, he is
+returning; and now we shall hear how he has sped.'
+
+At that the man entered the gate, and beholding a strange youth, he
+said to him: 'What is your trade, boy?'
+
+'I am a smith,' replied Ian. And the man answered:
+
+'Good luck has befallen me, then, for you can help me to make a cap
+for the knight's daughter.'
+
+'You cannot make that cap, and you know it,' said Ian.
+
+'Well, I must try,' replied the man, 'or I shall be hanged on a tree;
+so it were a good deed to help me.'
+
+'I will help you if I can,' said Ian; 'but keep the gold and silver
+for yourself, and lock me into the smithy to-night, and I will work my
+spells.' So the man, wondering to himself, locked him in.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+As soon as the key was turned in the lock Ian wished for the raven,
+and the raven came to him, carrying the cap in his mouth.
+
+'Now take my head off,' said the raven. But Ian answered:
+
+'Poor thanks were that for all the help you have given me.'
+
+'It is the only thanks you can give me,' said the raven, 'for I was a
+youth like yourself before spells were laid on me.'
+
+Then Ian drew his sword and cut off the head of the raven, and shut
+his eyes so that he might see nothing. After that he lay down and
+slept till morning dawned, and the man came and unlocked the door and
+shook the sleeper.
+
+'Here is the cap,' said Ian drowsily, drawing it from under his
+pillow. And he fell asleep again directly.
+
+The sun was high in the heavens when he woke again, and this time he
+beheld a tall, brown-haired youth standing by him.
+
+'I am the raven,' said the youth, 'and the spells are broken. But now
+get up and come with me.'
+
+Then they two went together to the place where Ian had left the dead
+horse; but no horse was there now, only a beautiful maiden.
+
+'I am the horse,' she said, 'and the spells are broken'; and she and
+the youth went away together.
+
+In the meantime the smith had carried the cap to the castle, and bade
+a servant belonging to the knight's youngest daughter bear it to her
+mistress. But when the girl's eyes fell on it, she cried out:
+
+'He speaks false; and if he does not bring me the man who really made
+the cap I will hang him on the tree beside my window.'
+
+The servant was filled with fear at her words, and hastened and told
+the smith, who ran as fast as he could to seek for Ian. And when he
+found him and brought him into the castle, the girl was first struck
+dumb with joy; then she declared that she would marry nobody else. At
+this some one fetched to her the knight of Grianaig, and when Ian had
+told his tale, he vowed that the maiden was right, and that his elder
+daughters should never wed with men who had not only taken glory to
+themselves which did not belong to them, but had left the real doer of
+the deeds to his fate.
+
+And the wedding guests said that the knight had spoken well; and the
+two elder brothers were fain to leave the country, for no one would
+hold converse with them.
+
+(From _Tales of the West Highlands_.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE FOX AND THE WOLF_
+
+
+At the foot of some high mountains there was, once upon a time, a
+small village, and a little way off two roads met, one of them going
+to the east and the other to the west. The villagers were quiet,
+hard-working folk, who toiled in the fields all day, and in the
+evening set out for home when the bell began to ring in the little
+church. In the summer mornings they led out their flocks to pasture,
+and were happy and contented from sunrise to sunset.
+
+One summer night, when a round full moon shone down upon the white
+road, a great wolf came trotting round the corner.
+
+'I positively _must_ get a good meal before I go back to my den,' he
+said to himself; 'it is nearly a week since I have tasted anything but
+scraps, though perhaps no one would think it to look at my figure! Of
+course there are plenty of rabbits and hares in the mountains; but
+indeed one needs to be a greyhound to catch _them_, and I am not so
+young as I was! If I could only dine off that fox I saw a fortnight
+ago, curled up into a delicious hairy ball, I should ask nothing
+better; I would have eaten her then, but unluckily her husband was
+lying beside her, and one knows that foxes, great and small, run like
+the wind. Really it seems as if there was not a living creature left
+for me to prey upon but a wolf, and, as the proverb says: "One wolf
+does not bite another." However, let us see what this village can
+produce. I am as hungry as a schoolmaster.'
+
+Now, while these thoughts were running through the mind of the wolf,
+the very fox he had been thinking of was galloping along the other
+road.
+
+'The whole of this day I have listened to those village hens clucking
+till I could bear it no longer,' murmured she as she bounded along,
+hardly seeming to touch the ground. 'When you are fond of fowls and
+eggs it is the sweetest of all music. As sure as there is a sun in
+heaven I will have some of them this night, for I have grown so thin
+that my very bones rattle, and my poor babies are crying for food.'
+And as she spoke she reached a little plot of grass, where the two
+roads joined, and flung herself under a tree to take a little rest,
+and to settle her plans. At this moment the wolf came up.
+
+At the sight of the fox lying within his grasp his mouth began to
+water, but his joy was somewhat checked when he noticed how thin she
+was. The fox's quick ears heard the sound of his paws, though they
+were as soft as velvet, and turning her head she said politely:
+
+'Is that you, neighbour? What a strange place to meet in! I hope you
+are quite well?'
+
+'Quite well as regards my health,' answered the wolf, whose eye
+glistened greedily, 'at least, as well as one can be when one is very
+hungry. But what is the matter with _you_? A fortnight ago you were as
+plump as heart could wish!'
+
+'I have been ill--very ill,' replied the fox, 'and what you say is
+quite true. A worm is fat in comparison with me.'
+
+'He is. Still, you are good enough for me; for "to the hungry no bread
+is hard."'
+
+'Oh, you are always joking! I'm sure you are not half as hungry as I!'
+
+'That we shall soon see,' cried the wolf, opening his huge mouth and
+crouching for a spring.
+
+'What are you doing?' exclaimed the fox, stepping backwards.
+
+'What am I doing? What I am _going_ to do is to make my supper off
+you, in less time than a cock takes to crow.'
+
+'Well, I suppose you must have your joke,' answered the fox lightly,
+but never removing her eye from the wolf, who replied with a snarl
+which showed all his teeth:
+
+'I don't want to joke, but to eat!'
+
+'But surely a person of your talents must perceive that you might eat
+me to the very last morsel and never know that you had swallowed
+anything at all!'
+
+'In this world the cleverest people are always the hungriest,' replied
+the wolf.
+
+'Ah! how true that is; but----'
+
+'I can't stop to listen to your "buts" and "yets,"' broke in the wolf
+rudely; 'let us get to the point, and the point is that I want to eat
+you and not talk to you.'
+
+'Have you no pity for a poor mother?' asked the fox, putting her tail
+to her eyes, but peeping slily out of them all the same.
+
+'I am dying of hunger,' answered the wolf, doggedly; 'and you know,'
+he added with a grin, 'that charity begins at home.'
+
+'Quite so,' replied the fox; 'it would be unreasonable of me to object
+to your satisfying your appetite at my expense. But if the fox resigns
+herself to the sacrifice, the mother offers you one last request.'
+
+'Then be quick and don't waste time, for I can't wait much longer.
+What is it you want?'
+
+'You must know,' said the fox, 'that in this village there is a rich
+man who makes in the summer enough cheeses to last him for the whole
+year, and keeps them in an old well, now dry, in his courtyard. By the
+well hang two buckets on a pole that were used, in former days, to
+draw up water. For many nights I have crept down to the place, and
+have lowered myself in the bucket, bringing home with me enough
+cheese to feed the children. All I beg of you is to come with me, and,
+instead of hunting chickens and such things, I will make a good meal
+off cheese before I die.'
+
+'But the cheeses may be all finished by now?'
+
+'If you were only to see the quantities of them!' laughed the fox.
+'And even if they _were_ finished, there would always be _me_ to eat.'
+
+'Well, I will come. Lead the way, but I warn you that if you try to
+escape or play any tricks you are reckoning without your host--that is
+to say, without my legs, which are as long as yours!'
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+All was silent in the village, and not a light was to be seen but that
+of the moon, which shone bright and clear in the sky. The wolf and the
+fox crept softly along, when suddenly they stopped and looked at each
+other; a savoury smell of frying bacon reached their noses, and
+reached the noses of the sleeping dogs, who began to bark greedily.
+
+'Is it safe to go on, think you?' asked the wolf in a whisper. And the
+fox shook her head.
+
+'Not while the dogs are barking,' said she; 'someone might come out to
+see if anything was the matter.' And she signed to the wolf to curl
+himself up in the shadow beside her.
+
+In about half an hour the dogs grew tired of barking, or perhaps the
+bacon was eaten up and there was no more smell to excite them. Then
+the wolf and the fox jumped up, and hastened to the foot of the wall.
+
+'I am lighter than he is,' thought the fox to herself, 'and perhaps if
+I make haste I can get a start, and jump over the wall on the other
+side before he manages to spring over this one.' And she quickened her
+pace. But if the wolf could not run he could jump, and with one bound
+he was beside his companion.
+
+'What were you going to do, comrade?'
+
+'Oh, nothing,' replied the fox, much vexed at the failure of her
+plan.
+
+'I think if I were to take a bite out of your haunch you would jump
+better,' said the wolf, giving a snap at her as he spoke. The fox drew
+back uneasily.
+
+'Be careful, or I shall scream,' she snarled. And the wolf,
+understanding all that might happen if the fox carried out her threat,
+gave a signal to his companion to leap on the wall, where he
+immediately followed her.
+
+Once on the top they crouched down and looked about them. Not a
+creature was to be seen in the courtyard, and in the furthest corner
+from the house stood the well, with its two buckets suspended from a
+pole, just as the fox had described it. The two thieves dragged
+themselves noiselessly along the wall till they were opposite the
+well, and by stretching out her neck as far as it would go the fox was
+able to make out that there was only very little water in the bottom,
+but just enough to reflect the moon, big, and round and yellow.
+
+'How lucky!' cried she to the wolf. 'There is a huge cheese about the
+size of a mill wheel. Look! look! did you ever see anything so
+beautiful!'
+
+'Never!' answered the wolf, peering over in his turn, his eyes
+glistening greedily, for he imagined that the moon's reflection in the
+water was really a cheese.
+
+'And now, unbeliever, what have you to say?' And the fox laughed
+gently.
+
+'That you are a woman--I mean a fox--of your word,' replied the wolf.
+
+'Well, then, go down in that bucket and eat your fill,' said the fox.
+
+'Oh, is that your game?' asked the wolf, with a grin. 'No! no! The
+person who goes down in the bucket will be _you_! And if _you_ don't
+go down your head will go without you!'
+
+'Of course I will go down, with the greatest pleasure,' answered the
+fox, who had expected the wolf's reply.
+
+'And be sure you don't eat all the cheese, or it will be the worse for
+you,' continued the wolf. But the fox looked up at him with tears in
+her eyes.
+
+'Farewell, suspicious one!' she said sadly. And climbed into the
+bucket.
+
+In an instant she had reached the bottom of the well, and found that
+the water was not deep enough to cover her legs.
+
+'Why, it is larger and richer than I thought,' cried she, turning
+towards the wolf, who was leaning over the wall of the well.
+
+'Then be quick and bring it up,' commanded the wolf.
+
+'How can I, when it weighs more than I do?' asked the fox.
+
+'If it is so heavy bring it in two bits, of course,' said he.
+
+'But I have no knife,' answered the fox. 'You will have to come down
+yourself, and we will carry it up between us.'
+
+'And how am I to come down?' inquired the wolf.
+
+'Oh, you are really very stupid! Get into the other bucket that is
+nearly over your head.'
+
+The wolf looked up, and saw the bucket hanging there, and with some
+difficulty he climbed into it. As he weighed at least four times as
+much as the fox the bucket went down with a jerk, and the other
+bucket, in which the fox was seated, came to the surface.
+
+As soon as he understood what was happening, the wolf began to speak
+like an angry wolf, but was a little comforted when he remembered that
+the cheese still remained to him.
+
+'But where _is_ the cheese?' he asked of the fox, who in her turn was
+leaning over the parapet watching his proceedings with a smile.
+
+'The cheese?' answered the fox; 'why I am taking it home to my
+babies, who are too young to get food for themselves.'
+
+'Ah, traitor!' cried the wolf, howling with rage. But the fox was not
+there to hear this insult, for she had gone off to a neighbouring
+fowl-house, where she had noticed some fat young chickens the day
+before.
+
+'Perhaps I _did_ treat him rather badly,' she said to herself. 'But it
+seems getting cloudy, and if there should be heavy rain the other
+bucket will fill and sink to the bottom, and his will go up--at least
+it _may_!'
+
+(From _Cuentos Populares_, por Antonio de Trueba.)
+
+
+
+
+_HOW IAN DIREACH GOT THE BLUE FALCON_
+
+
+Long ago a king and queen ruled over the islands of the west, and they
+had one son, whom they loved dearly. The boy grew up to be tall and
+strong and handsome, and he could run and shoot, and swim and dive
+better than any lad of his own age in the country. Besides, he knew
+how to sail about, and sing songs to the harp, and during the winter
+evenings, when everyone was gathered round the huge hall fire shaping
+bows or weaving cloth, Ian Direach would tell them tales of the deeds
+of his fathers.
+
+So the time slipped by till Ian was almost a man, as they reckoned men
+in those days, and then his mother the queen died. There was great
+mourning throughout all the isles, and the boy and his father mourned
+her bitterly also; but before the new year came the king had married
+another wife, and seemed to have forgotten his old one. Only Ian
+remembered.
+
+On a morning when the leaves were yellow in the trees of the glen, Ian
+slung his bow over his shoulder, and filling his quiver with arrows,
+went on the hill in search of game. But not a bird was to be seen
+anywhere, till at length a blue falcon flew past him, and raising his
+bow he took aim at her. His eye was straight and his hand steady, but
+the falcon's flight was swift, and he only shot a feather from her
+wing. As the sun was now low over the sea he put the feather in his
+game bag, and set out homewards.
+
+'Have you brought me much game to-day?' asked his stepmother as he
+entered the hall.
+
+'Nought save this,' he answered, handing her the feather of the blue
+falcon, which she held by the tip and gazed at silently. Then she
+turned to Ian and said:
+
+'I am setting it on you as crosses and as spells, and as the fall of
+the year! That you may always be cold, and wet and dirty, and that
+your shoes may ever have pools in them, till you bring me hither the
+blue falcon on which that feather grew.'
+
+'If it is spells you are laying, I can lay them too,' answered Ian
+Direach; 'and you shall stand with one foot on the great house and
+another on the castle, till I come back again, and your face shall be
+to the wind, from wheresoever it shall blow.' Then he went away to
+seek the bird, as his stepmother bade him; and, looking homewards from
+the hill, he saw the queen standing with one foot on the great house,
+and the other on the castle, and her face turned towards whatever
+tempest should blow.
+
+On he journeyed, over hills, and through rivers till he reached a wide
+plain, and never a glimpse did he catch of the falcon. Darker and
+darker it grew, and the small birds were seeking their nests, and at
+length Ian Direach could see no more, and he lay down under some
+bushes and sleep came to him. And in his dream a soft nose touched
+him, and a warm body curled up beside him, and a low voice whispered
+to him:
+
+'Fortune is against you, Ian Direach; I have but the cheek and the
+hoof of a sheep to give you, and with these you must be content.' With
+that Ian Direach awoke, and beheld Gille Mairtean the fox.
+
+Between them they kindled a fire, and ate their supper. Then Gille
+Mairtean the fox bade Ian Direach lie down as before, and sleep till
+morning. And in the morning, when he awoke, Gille Mairtean said:
+
+'The falcon that you seek is in the keeping of the Giant of the Five
+Heads, and the Five Necks, and the Five Humps. I will show you the
+way to his house, and I counsel you to do his bidding, nimbly and
+cheerfully, and, above all, to treat his birds kindly, for in this
+manner he may give you his falcon to feed and care for. And when this
+happens, wait till the giant is out of his house; then throw a cloth
+over the falcon and bear her away with you. Only see that not one of
+her feathers touches anything within the house, or evil will befall
+you.'
+
+'I thank you for your counsel,' spake Ian Direach, 'and I will be
+careful to follow it.' Then he took the path to the giant's house.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'Who is there?' cried the giant, as someone knocked loudly on the door
+of his house.
+
+'One who seeks work as a servant,' answered Ian Direach.
+
+'And what can you do?' asked the giant again.
+
+'I can feed birds and tend pigs; I can feed and milk a cow, and also
+goats and sheep, if you have any of these,' replied Ian Direach.
+
+'Then enter, for I have great need of such a one,' said the giant.
+
+So Ian Direach entered, and tended so well and carefully all the birds
+and beasts, that the giant was better satisfied than ever he had been,
+and at length he thought that he might even be trusted to feed the
+falcon. And the heart of Ian was glad, and he tended the blue falcon
+till his feathers shone like the sky, and the giant was well pleased;
+and one day he said to him:
+
+'For long my brothers on the other side of the mountain have besought
+me to visit them, but never could I go for fear of my falcon. Now I
+think I can leave her with you for one day, and before nightfall I
+shall be back again.'
+
+Scarcely was the giant out of sight next morning when Ian Direach
+seized the falcon, and throwing a cloth over her head hastened with
+her to the door. But the rays of the sun pierced through the
+thickness of the cloth, and as they passed the doorpost she gave a
+spring, and the tip of one of her feathers touched the post, which
+gave a scream, and brought the giant back in three strides. Ian
+Direach trembled as he saw him; but the giant only said:
+
+'If you wish for my falcon you must first bring me the White Sword of
+Light that is in the house of the Big Women of Dhiurradh.'
+
+'And where do they live?' asked Ian. But the giant answered:
+
+'Ah, that is for you to discover.' And Ian dared say no more, and
+hastened down to the waste. There, as he hoped, he met his friend
+Gille Mairtean the fox, who bade him eat his supper and lie down to
+sleep. And when he had wakened next morning the fox said to him:
+
+'Let us go down to the shore of the sea.' And to the shore of the sea
+they went. And after they had reached the shore, and beheld the sea
+stretching before them, and the isle of Dhiurradh in the midst of it,
+the soul of Ian sank, and he turned to Gille Mairtean and asked why he
+had brought him thither, for the giant, when he had sent him, had
+known full well that without a boat he could never find the Big Women.
+
+'Do not be cast down,' answered the fox, 'it is quite easy! I will
+change myself into a boat, and you shall go on board me, and I will
+carry you over the sea to the Seven Big Women of Dhiurradh. Tell them
+that you are skilled in brightening silver and gold, and in the end
+they will take you as servant, and if you are careful to please them
+they will give you the White Sword of Light to make bright and
+shining. But when you seek to steal it, take heed that its sheath
+touches nothing inside the house, or ill will befall you.'
+
+So Ian Direach did all things as the fox had told him, and the Seven
+Big Women of Dhiurradh took him for their servant, and for six weeks
+he worked so hard that his seven mistresses said to each other: 'Never
+has a servant had the skill to make all bright and shining like this
+one. Let us give him the White Sword of Light to polish like the
+rest.'
+
+Then they brought forth the White Sword of Light from the iron closet
+where it hung, and bade him rub it till he could see his face in the
+shining blade; and he did so. But one day, when the Seven Big Women
+were out of the way, he bethought him that the moment had come for him
+to carry off the sword, and, replacing it in its sheath, he hoisted it
+on his shoulder. But just as he was passing through the door the tip
+of the sheath touched it, and the door gave a loud shriek. And the Big
+Women heard it, and came running back, and took the sword from him,
+and said:
+
+'If it is our sword you want, you must first bring us the bay colt of
+the King of Erin.'
+
+Humbled and ashamed, Ian Direach left the house, and sat by the side
+of the sea, and soon Gille Mairtean the fox came to him.
+
+'Plainly I see that you have taken no heed to my words, Ian Direach,'
+spoke the fox. 'But eat first, and yet once more will I help you.'
+
+At these words the heart returned again to Ian Direach, and he
+gathered sticks and made a fire and ate with Gille Mairtean the fox,
+and slept on the sand. At dawn next morning Gille Mairtean said to Ian
+Direach:
+
+'I will change myself into a ship, and will bear you across the seas
+to Erin, to the land where dwells the king. And you shall offer
+yourself to serve in his stable, and to tend his horses, till at
+length so well content is he, that he gives you the bay colt to wash
+and brush. But when you run away with her see that nought except the
+soles of her hoofs touch anything within the palace gates, or it will
+go ill with you.'
+
+After he had thus counselled Ian Direach, the fox changed himself
+into a ship, and set sail for Erin. And the king of that country gave
+into Ian Direach's hands the care of his horses, and never before did
+their skins shine so brightly or was their pace so swift. And the king
+was well pleased, and at the end of a month he sent for Ian and said
+to him:
+
+'You have given me faithful service, and now I will entrust you with
+the most precious thing that my kingdom holds.' And when he had
+spoken, he led Ian Direach to the stable where stood the bay colt. And
+Ian rubbed her and fed her, and galloped with her all round the
+country, till he could leave one wind behind him and catch the other
+which was in front.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'I am going away to hunt,' said the king one morning while he was
+watching Ian tend the bay colt in her stable. 'The deer have come down
+from the hill, and it is time for me to give them chase.' Then he went
+away; and when he was no longer in sight, Ian Direach led the bay colt
+out of the stable, and sprang on her back. But as they rode through
+the gate, which stood between the palace and the outer world, the colt
+swished her tail against the post, which shrieked loudly. In a moment
+the king came running up, and he seized the colt's bridle.
+
+'If you want my bay colt, you must first bring me the daughter of the
+king of the Franks.'
+
+With slow steps went Ian Direach down to the shore where Gille
+Mairtean the fox awaited him.
+
+'Plainly I see that you have not done as I bid you, nor will you ever
+do it,' spoke Gille Mairtean the fox; 'but I will help you yet again.
+For a third time I will change myself into a ship, and we will sail to
+France.'
+
+  [Illustration: THE PRINCESS FINDS HERSELF A PRISONER ON THE SHIP]
+
+And to France they sailed, and, as he was the ship, the Gille Mairtean
+sailed where he would, and ran himself into the cleft of a rock, high
+on to the land. Then he commanded Ian Direach to go up to the king's
+palace, saying that he had been wrecked, that his ship was made
+fast in a rock, and that none had been saved but himself only.
+
+Ian Direach listened to the words of the fox, and he told a tale so
+pitiful, that the king and queen, and the princess their daughter, all
+came out to hear it. And when they had heard, nought would please them
+except to go down to the shore and visit the ship, which by now was
+floating, for the tide was up. Torn and battered was she, as if she
+had passed through many dangers, yet music of a wondrous sweetness
+poured forth from within.
+
+'Bring hither a boat,' cried the princess, 'that I may go and see for
+myself the harp that gives forth such music,' And a boat was brought,
+and Ian Direach stepped in to row it to the side of the ship.
+
+To the further side he rowed, so that none could see, and when he
+helped the princess on board he gave a push to the boat, so that she
+could not get back to it again. And the music sounded always sweeter,
+though they could never see whence it came, and sought it from one
+part of the vessel to another. When at last they reached the deck and
+looked around them, nought of land could they see, or anything save
+the rushing waters.
+
+The princess stood silent, and her face grew grim. At last she said:
+
+'An ill trick have you played me! What is this that you have done, and
+whither are we going?'
+
+'It is a queen you will be,' answered Ian Direach, 'for the king of
+Erin has sent me for you, and in return he will give me his bay colt,
+that I may take him to the Seven Big Women of Dhiurradh, in exchange
+for the White Sword of Light. This I must carry to the giant of the
+Five Heads and Five Necks and Five Humps, and in place of it, he will
+bestow on me the blue falcon, which I have promised my stepmother, so
+that she may free me from the spell which she has laid on me.'
+
+  [Illustration: THE SEVEN BIG WOMEN FALL OVER THE CRAG]
+
+'I would rather be wife to you,' answered the princess.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+By-and-by the ship sailed into a harbour on the coast of Erin, and
+cast anchor there. And Gille Mairtean the fox bade Ian Direach tell
+the princess that she must bide yet a while in a cave amongst the
+rocks, for they had business on land, and after a while they would
+return to her. Then they took a boat and rowed up to some rocks, and
+as they touched the land Gille Mairtean changed himself into a fair
+woman, who laughed and said to Ian Direach, 'I will give the king a
+fine wife.'
+
+Now the king of Erin had been hunting on the hill, and when he saw a
+strange ship sailing towards the harbour, he guessed that it might be
+Ian Direach, and left his hunting, and ran down the hill to the
+stable. Hastily he led the bay colt from his stall, and put the golden
+saddle on her back, and the silver bridle over his head, and with the
+colt's bridle in his hand, he hurried to meet the princess.
+
+'I have brought you the king of France's daughter,' said Ian Direach.
+And the king of Erin looked at the maiden, and was well pleased, not
+knowing that it was Gille Mairtean the fox. And he bowed low, and
+besought her to do him the honour to enter the palace; and Gille
+Mairtean, as he went in, turned to look back at Ian Direach, and
+laughed.
+
+In the great hall the king paused and pointed to an iron chest which
+stood in a corner.
+
+'In that chest is the crown that has waited for you for many years,'
+he said, 'and at last you have come for it.' And he stooped down to
+unlock the box.
+
+In an instant Gille Mairtean the fox had sprung on his back, and gave
+him such a bite that he fell down unconscious. Quickly the fox took
+his own shape again, and galloped away to the sea shore, where Ian
+Direach and the princess and the bay colt awaited him.
+
+'I will become a ship,' cried Gille Mairtean, 'and you shall go on
+board me.' And so he did, and Ian Direach led the bay colt into the
+ship and the princess went after them, and they set sail for
+Dhiurradh. The wind was behind them, and very soon they saw the rocks
+of Dhiurradh in front. Then spoke Gille Mairtean the fox:
+
+'Let the bay colt and the king's daughter hide in these rocks, and I
+will change myself into the colt, and go with you to the house of the
+Seven Big Women.'
+
+Joy filled the hearts of the Big Women when they beheld the bay colt
+led up to their door by Ian Direach. And the youngest of them fetched
+the White Sword of Light, and gave it into the hands of Ian Direach,
+who took off the golden saddle and the silver bridle, and went down
+the hill with the sword to the place where the princess and the real
+colt awaited him.
+
+'Now we shall have the ride that we have longed for!' cried the Seven
+Big Women; and they saddled and bridled the colt, and the eldest one
+got upon the saddle. Then the second sister sat on the back of the
+first, and the third on the back of the second, and so on for the
+whole seven. And when they were all seated, the eldest struck her side
+with a whip and the colt bounded forward. Over the moors she flew, and
+round and round the mountains, and still the Big Women clung to her
+and snorted with pleasure. At last she leapt high in the air, and came
+down on top of Monadh the high hill, where the crag is. And she rested
+her fore feet on the crag, and threw up her hind legs, and the Seven
+Big Women fell over the crag, and were dead when they reached the
+bottom. And the colt laughed, and became a fox again and galloped away
+to the sea shore, where Ian Direach, and the princess and the real
+colt and the White Sword of Light were waiting him.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'I will make myself into a ship,' said Gille Mairtean the fox, 'and
+will carry you and the princess, and the bay colt and the White Sword
+of Light, back to the land.' And when the shore was reached, Gille
+Mairtean the fox took back his own shape, and spoke to Ian Direach in
+this wise:
+
+'Let the princess and the White Sword of Light, and the bay colt,
+remain among the rocks, and I will change myself into the likeness of
+the White Sword of Light, and you shall bear me to the giant, and,
+instead, he will give you the blue falcon.' And Ian Direach did as the
+fox bade him, and set out for the giant's castle. From afar the giant
+beheld the blaze of the White Sword of Light, and his heart rejoiced;
+and he took the blue falcon and put it in a basket, and gave it to Ian
+Direach, who bore it swiftly away to the place where the princess, and
+the bay colt, and the real Sword of Light were awaiting him.
+
+  [Illustration: HOW IAN DIREACH RETURNED HOME AND HOW HIS STEPMOTHER
+      FELL AS A BUNDLE OF STICKS]
+
+So well content was the giant to possess the sword he had coveted for
+many a year, that he began at once to whirl it through the air, and to
+cut and slash with it. For a little while Gille Mairtean let the giant
+play with him in this manner; then he turned in the giant's hand, and
+cut through the Five Necks, so that the Five Heads rolled on the
+ground. Afterwards he went back to Ian Direach and said to him:
+
+'Saddle the colt with the golden saddle, and bridle her with the
+silver bridle, and sling the basket with the falcon over your
+shoulders, and hold the White Sword of Light with its back against
+your nose. Then mount the colt, and let the princess mount behind you,
+and ride thus to your father's palace. But see that the back of the
+sword is ever against your nose, else when your stepmother beholds
+you, she will change you into a dry faggot. If, however, you do as I
+bid you, she will become herself a bundle of sticks.'
+
+Ian Direach hearkened to the words of Gille Mairtean, and his
+stepmother fell as a bundle of sticks before him; and he set fire to
+her, and was free from her spells for ever. After that he married the
+princess, who was the best wife in all the islands of the West.
+Henceforth he was safe from harm, for had he not the bay colt who
+could leave one wind behind her and catch the other wind, and the blue
+falcon to bring him game to eat, and the White Sword of Light to
+pierce through his foes?
+
+And Ian Direach knew that all this he owed to Gille Mairtean the fox,
+and he made a compact with him that he might choose any beast out of
+his herds, whenever hunger seized him, and that henceforth no arrow
+should be let fly at him or at any of his race. But Gille Mairtean the
+fox would take no reward for the help he had given to Ian Direach,
+only his friendship. Thus all things prospered with Ian Direach till
+he died.
+
+(From _Tales of the West Highlands_.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE UGLY DUCKLING_
+
+
+It was summer in the land of Denmark, and though for most of the year
+the country looks flat and ugly, it was beautiful now. The wheat was
+yellow, the oats were green, the hay was dry and delicious to roll in,
+and from the old ruined house which nobody lived in, down to the edge
+of the canal, was a forest of great burdocks, so tall that a whole
+family of children might have dwelt in them and never have been found
+out.
+
+It was under these burdocks that a duck had built herself a warm nest,
+and was now sitting all day on six pretty eggs. Five of them were
+white, but the sixth, which was larger than the others, was of an ugly
+grey colour. The duck was always puzzled about that egg, and how it
+came to be so different from the rest. Other birds might have thought
+that when the duck went down in the morning and evening to the water
+to stretch her legs in a good swim, some lazy mother might have been
+on the watch, and have popped her egg into the nest. But ducks are not
+clever at all, and are not quick at counting, so this duck did not
+worry herself about the matter, but just took care that the big egg
+should be as warm as the rest.
+
+This was the first set of eggs that the duck had ever laid, and, to
+begin with, she was very pleased and proud, and laughed at the other
+mothers, who were always neglecting their duties to gossip with each
+other or to take little extra swims besides the two in the morning and
+evening that were necessary for health. But at length she grew tired
+of sitting there all day. 'Surely eggs take longer hatching than they
+did,' she said to herself; and she pined for a little amusement also.
+Still, she knew that if she left her eggs and the ducklings in them to
+die none of her friends would ever speak to her again; so there she
+stayed, only getting off the eggs several times a day to see if the
+shells were cracking--which may have been the very reason why they did
+not crack sooner.
+
+She had looked at the eggs at least a hundred and fifty times, when,
+to her joy, she saw a tiny crack on two of them, and scrambling back
+to the nest she drew the eggs closer the one to the other, and never
+moved for the whole of that day. Next morning she was rewarded by
+noticing cracks in the whole five eggs, and by midday two little
+yellow heads were poking out from the shells. This encouraged her so
+much that, after breaking the shells with her bill, so that the little
+creatures could get free of them, she sat steadily for a whole night
+upon the nest, and before the sun arose the five white eggs were
+empty, and ten pairs of eyes were gazing out upon the green world.
+
+Now the duck had been carefully brought up, and did not like dirt,
+and, besides, broken egg shells are not at all comfortable things to
+sit or walk upon; so she pushed the rest out over the side, and felt
+delighted to have some company to talk to till the big egg hatched.
+But day after day went on, and the big egg showed no signs of
+cracking, and the duck grew more and more impatient, and began to wish
+to consult her husband, who never came.
+
+'I can't think what is the matter with it,' the duck grumbled to her
+neighbour who had called in to pay her a visit. 'Why I could have
+hatched two broods in the time that this one has taken!'
+
+'Let me look at it,' said the old neighbour. 'Ah, I thought so; it is
+a turkey's egg. Once, when I was young, they tricked me to sitting on
+a brood of turkey's eggs myself, and when they were hatched the
+creatures were so stupid that nothing would make them learn to swim. I
+have no patience when I think of it.'
+
+'Well, I will give it another chance,' sighed the duck, 'and if it
+does not come out of its shell in another twenty-four hours, I will
+just leave it alone and teach the rest of them to swim properly and to
+find their own food. I really can't be expected to do two things at
+once.' And with a fluff of her feathers she pushed the egg into the
+middle of the nest.
+
+All through the next day she sat on, giving up even her morning bath
+for fear that a blast of cold might strike the big egg. In the
+evening, when she ventured to peep, she thought she saw a tiny crack
+in the upper part of the shell. Filled with hope, she went back to her
+duties, though she could hardly sleep all night for excitement. When
+she woke with the first streaks of light she felt something stirring
+under her. Yes, there it was at last; and as she moved, a big awkward
+bird tumbled head foremost on the ground.
+
+There was no denying it was ugly, even the mother was forced to admit
+that to herself, though she only said it was 'large' and 'strong.'
+'You won't need any teaching when you are once in the water,' she told
+him, with a glance of surprise at the dull brown which covered his
+back, and at his long naked neck. And indeed he did not, though he was
+not half so pretty to look at as the little yellow balls that followed
+her.
+
+When they returned they found the old neighbour on the bank waiting
+for them to take them into the duckyard. 'No, it is not a young
+turkey, certainly,' whispered she in confidence to the mother, 'for
+though it is lean and skinny, and has no colour to speak of, yet there
+is something rather distinguished about it, and it holds its head up
+well.'
+
+'It is very kind of you to say so,' answered the mother, who by this
+time had some secret doubts of its loveliness. 'Of course, when you
+see it by itself it is all right, though it is different, somehow,
+from the others. But one cannot expect _all_ one's children to be
+beautiful!'
+
+By this time they had reached the centre of the yard, where a very old
+duck was sitting, who was treated with great respect by all the fowls
+present.
+
+'You must go up and bow low before her,' whispered the mother to her
+children, nodding her head in the direction of the old lady, 'and keep
+your legs well apart, as you see me do. No well-bred duckling turns in
+its toes. It is a sign of common parents.'
+
+The little ducks tried hard to make their small fat bodies copy the
+movements of their mother, and the old lady was quite pleased with
+them; but the rest of the ducks looked on discontentedly, and said to
+each other:
+
+'Oh, dear me, here are ever so many more! The yard is full already;
+and did you _ever_ see anything quite as ugly as that great tall
+creature? He is a disgrace to any brood. I shall go and chase him
+out!' So saying she put up her feathers, and running to the big
+duckling bit his neck.
+
+The duckling gave a loud quack; it was the first time he had felt any
+pain, and at the sound his mother turned quickly.
+
+'Leave him alone,' she said fiercely, 'or I will send for his father.
+He was not troubling _you_.'
+
+'No; but he is so ugly and awkward no one can put up with him,'
+answered the stranger. And though the duckling did not understand the
+meaning of the words, he felt he was being blamed, and became more
+uncomfortable still when the old Spanish duck who ruled the fowl-yard
+struck in:
+
+'It certainly _is_ a great pity he is so different from these
+beautiful darlings. If he could only be hatched over again!'
+
+The poor little fellow drooped his head, and did not know where to
+look, but was comforted when his mother answered:
+
+'He may not be quite as handsome as the others, but he swims better,
+and is very strong; I am sure he will make his way in the world as
+well as anybody.'
+
+'Well, you must feel quite at home here,' said the old duck waddling
+off. And so they did, all except the duckling, who was snapped at by
+everyone when they thought his mother was not looking. Even the
+turkeycock, who was so big, never passed him without mocking words,
+and his brothers and sisters, who would not have noticed any
+difference unless it had been put into their heads, soon became as
+rude and unkind as the rest.
+
+At last he could bear it no longer, and one day he fancied he saw
+signs of his mother turning against him too; so that night, when the
+ducks and hens were still asleep, he stole away through an open door,
+and under cover of the burdock leaves scrambled on by the bank of the
+canal, till he reached a wide grassy moor, full of soft marshy places
+where the reeds grew. Here he lay down, but he was too tired and too
+frightened to fall asleep, and with the earliest peep of the sun the
+reeds began to rustle, and he saw that he had blundered into a colony
+of wild ducks. But as he could not run away again he stood up and
+bowed politely.
+
+'You _are_ ugly,' said the wild ducks, when they had looked him well
+over; 'but, however, it is no business of ours, unless you wish to
+marry one of our daughters, and that we should not allow.' And the
+duckling answered that he had no idea of marrying anybody, and wanted
+nothing but to be left alone after his long journey.
+
+So for two whole days he lay quietly among the reeds, eating such food
+as he could find, and drinking the water of the moorland pool, till he
+felt himself quite strong again. He wished he might stay where he was
+for ever, he was so comfortable and happy, away from everyone, with
+nobody to bite him and tell him how ugly he was.
+
+He was thinking these thoughts, when two young ganders caught sight of
+him as they were having their evening splash among the reeds, looking
+for their supper.
+
+'We are getting tired of this moor,' they said, 'and to-morrow we
+think of trying another, where the lakes are larger and the feeding
+better. Will you come with us?'
+
+'Is it nicer than this?' asked the duckling doubtfully. And the words
+were hardly out of his mouth, when 'Pif! paf!' and the two new-comers
+were stretched dead beside him.
+
+At the sound of the gun the wild ducks in the rushes flew into the
+air, and for a few minutes the firing continued.
+
+Luckily for himself the duckling could not fly, and he floundered
+along through the water till he could hide himself amidst some tall
+ferns which grew in a hollow. But before he got there he met a huge
+creature on four legs, which he afterwards knew to be a dog, who stood
+and gazed at him with a long red tongue hanging out of his mouth. The
+duckling grew cold with terror, and tried to hide his head beneath his
+little wings; but the dog snuffed at him and passed on, and he was
+able to reach his place of shelter.
+
+'I am too ugly even for a dog to eat,' said he to himself. 'Well, that
+is a great mercy.' And he curled himself up in the soft grass till the
+shots died away in the distance.
+
+When all had been quiet for a long time, and there were only the stars
+to see him, he crept out and looked about him.
+
+He would never go near a pool again, _never_, thought he; and seeing
+that the moor stretched far away in the opposite direction from which
+he had come, he marched bravely on till he got to a small cottage,
+which seemed too tumbledown for the stones to hold together many hours
+longer. Even the door only hung upon one hinge, and as the only light
+in the room sprang from a tiny fire, the duckling edged himself
+cautiously in, and lay down, under a chair close to the broken door,
+from which he could get out if necessary. But no one seemed to see him
+or smell him; so he spent the rest of the night in peace.
+
+Now in the cottage dwelt an old woman, her cat, and a hen; and it was
+really they, and not _she_, who were masters of the house. The old
+woman, who passed all her days in spinning yarn, which she sold at the
+nearest town, loved both the cat and the hen as her own children, and
+never contradicted them in any way; so it was their grace, and not
+hers, that the duckling would have to gain.
+
+It was only next morning, when it grew light, that they noticed their
+visitor, who stood trembling before them, with his eye on the door
+ready to escape at any moment. They did not, however, appear very
+fierce, and the duckling became less afraid as they approached him.
+
+'Can you lay eggs?' asked the hen. And the duckling answered meekly:
+
+'No; I don't know how.' Upon which the hen turned her back, and the
+cat came forward.
+
+'Can you ruffle your fur when you are angry, or purr when you are
+pleased?' said she. And again the duckling had to admit that he could
+do nothing but swim, which did not seem of much use to anybody.
+
+So the cat and the hen went straight off to the old woman, who was
+still in bed.
+
+'Such a useless creature has taken refuge here,' they said. 'It calls
+itself a duckling; but it can neither lay eggs nor purr! What had we
+better do with it?'
+
+'Keep it, to be sure!' replied the old woman briskly. 'It is all
+nonsense about it not laying eggs. Anyway, we will let it stay here
+for a bit, and see what happens.'
+
+So the duckling remained for three weeks, and shared the food of the
+cat and the hen; but nothing in the way of eggs happened at all. Then
+the sun came out, and the air grew soft, and the duckling grew tired
+of being in a hut, and wanted with all his might to have a swim. And
+one morning he got so restless that even his friends noticed it.
+
+'What is the matter?' asked the hen; and the duckling told her.
+
+'I am so longing for the water again. You can't think how delicious it
+is to put your head under the water and dive straight to the bottom.'
+
+'I don't think _I_ should enjoy it,' replied the hen doubtfully. 'And
+I don't think the cat would like it either.' And the cat, when asked,
+agreed there was nothing she would hate so much.
+
+'I can't stay here any longer, I _must_ get to the water,' repeated
+the duck. And the cat and the hen, who felt hurt and offended,
+answered shortly:
+
+'Very well then, go.'
+
+The duckling would have liked to say good-bye, and thank them for
+their kindness, as he was polite by nature; but they had both turned
+their backs on him, so he went out of the rickety door feeling rather
+sad. But, in spite of himself, he could not help a thrill of joy when
+he was out in the air and water once more, and cared little for the
+rude glances of the creatures he met. For a while he was quite happy
+and content; but soon the winter came on, and snow began to fall, and
+everything to grow very wet and uncomfortable. And the duckling soon
+found that it is one thing to enjoy being in the water, and quite
+another to like being damp on land.
+
+The sun was setting one day, like a great scarlet globe, and the
+river, to the duckling's vast bewilderment, was getting hard and
+slippery, when he heard a sound of whirring wings, and high up in the
+air a flock of swans were flying. They were as white as the snow which
+had fallen during the night, and their long necks with yellow bills
+were stretched southwards, for they were going--they did not quite
+know whither--but to a land where the sun shone all day. Oh, if he
+only could have gone with them! But that was not possible, of course;
+and besides, what sort of companion could an ugly thing like him be to
+those beautiful beings? So he walked sadly down to a sheltered pool
+and dived to the very bottom, and tried to think it was the greatest
+happiness he could dream of. But, all the same, he knew it wasn't!
+
+And every morning it grew colder and colder, and the duckling had hard
+work to keep himself warm. Indeed, it would be truer to say that he
+never was warm at all; and at last, after one bitter night, his legs
+moved so slowly that the ice crept closer and closer, and when the
+morning light broke he was caught fast, as in a trap; and soon his
+senses went from him.
+
+A few hours more and the poor duckling's life had been ended. But, by
+good fortune, a man was crossing the river on his way to his work, and
+saw in a moment what had happened. He had on thick wooden shoes, and
+he went and stamped so hard on the ice that it broke, and then he
+picked up the duckling and tucked him under his sheep-skin coat, where
+his frozen bones began to thaw a little.
+
+Instead of going on to his work, the man turned back and took the bird
+to his children, who gave him a warm mess to eat and put him in a box
+by the fire, and when they came back from school he was much more
+comfortable than he had been since he had left the old woman's
+cottage. They were kind little children, and wanted to play with him;
+but, alas! the poor fellow had never played in his life, and thought
+they wanted to tease him, and flew straight into the milk-pan, and
+then into the butter-dish, and from that into the meal-barrel, and at
+last, terrified at the noise and confusion, right out of the door, and
+hid himself in the snow amongst the bushes at the back of the house.
+
+He never could tell afterwards exactly how he had spent the rest of
+the winter. He only knew that he was very miserable and that he never
+had enough to eat. But by-and-by things grew better. The earth became
+softer, the sun hotter, the birds sang, and the flowers once more
+appeared in the grass. When he stood up, he felt different, somehow,
+from what he had done before he fell asleep among the reeds to which
+he had wandered after he had escaped from the peasant's hut. His body
+seemed larger, and his wings stronger. Something pink looked at him
+from the side of a hill. He thought he would fly towards it and see
+what it was.
+
+Oh, how glorious it felt to be rushing through the air, wheeling first
+one way and then the other! He had never thought that flying could be
+like that! The duckling was almost sorry when he drew near the pink
+cloud and found it was made up of apple blossoms growing beside a
+cottage whose garden ran down to the banks of the canal. He fluttered
+slowly to the ground and paused for a few minutes under a thicket of
+syringas, and while he was gazing about him, there walked slowly past
+a flock of the same beautiful birds he had seen so many months ago.
+Fascinated, he watched them one by one step into the canal, and float
+quietly upon the waters as if they were part of them.
+
+'I will follow them,' said the duckling to himself; 'ugly though I am,
+I would rather be killed by them than suffer all I have suffered from
+cold and hunger, and from the ducks and fowls who should have treated
+me kindly.' And flying quickly down to the water, he swam after them
+as fast as he could.
+
+It did not take him long to reach them, for they had stopped to rest
+in a green pool shaded by a tree whose branches swept the water. And
+directly they saw him coming some of the younger ones swam out to meet
+him with cries of welcome, which again the duckling hardly understood.
+He approached them glad, yet trembling, and turning to one of the
+older birds, who by this time had left the shade of the tree, he said:
+
+'If I am to die, I would rather you should kill me. I don't know why I
+was ever hatched, for I am too ugly to live.' And as he spoke, he
+bowed his head and looked down into the water.
+
+Reflected in the still pool he saw many white shapes, with long necks
+and golden bills, and, without thinking, he looked for the dull grey
+body and the awkward skinny neck. But no such thing was there.
+Instead, he beheld beneath him a beautiful white swan!
+
+'The new one is the best of all,' said the children when they came
+down to feed the swans with biscuit and cake before going to bed. 'His
+feathers are whiter and his beak more golden than the rest.' And when
+he heard that, the duckling thought that it was worth while having
+undergone all the persecution and loneliness that he had passed
+through, as otherwise he would never have known what it was to be
+really happy.
+
+(Hans Andersen.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE TWO CASKETS_
+
+
+Far, far away, in the midst of a pine forest, there lived a woman who
+had both a daughter and a stepdaughter. Ever since her own daughter
+was born the mother had given her all that she cried for, so she grew
+up to be as cross and disagreeable as she was ugly. Her stepsister, on
+the other hand, had spent her childhood in working hard to keep house
+for her father, who died soon after his second marriage; and she was
+as much beloved by the neighbours for her goodness and industry as she
+was for her beauty.
+
+As the years went on, the difference between the two girls grew more
+marked, and the old woman treated her stepdaughter worse than ever,
+and was always on the watch for some pretext for beating her, or
+depriving her of her food. Anything, however foolish, was good enough
+for this, and one day, when she could think of nothing better, she set
+both the girls to spin while sitting on the low wall of the well.
+
+'And you had better mind what you do,' said she, 'for the one whose
+thread breaks first shall be thrown to the bottom.'
+
+  [Illustration: 'THAT IS AN END OF YOU,' SHE SAID.
+      BUT SHE WAS WRONG, FOR IT WAS ONLY THE BEGINNING]
+
+But of course she took good care that her own daughter's flax was fine
+and strong, while the stepsister had only some coarse stuff, which no
+one would have thought of using. As might be expected, in a very
+little while the poor girl's thread snapped, and the old woman, who
+had been watching from behind a door, seized her stepdaughter by
+her shoulders, and threw her into the well.
+
+'That is an end of you!' she said. But she was wrong, for it was only
+the beginning.
+
+Down, down, down went the girl--it seemed as if the well must reach to
+the very middle of the earth; but at last her feet touched the ground,
+and she found herself in a field more beautiful than even the summer
+pastures of her native mountains. Trees waved in the soft breeze, and
+flowers of the brightest colours danced in the grass. And though she
+was quite alone, the girl's heart danced too, for she felt happier
+than she had done since her father died. So she walked on through the
+meadow till she came to an old tumbledown fence--so old that it was a
+wonder it managed to stand up at all, and it looked as if it depended
+for support on the old man's beard that climbed all over it.
+
+The girl paused for a moment as she came up, and gazed about for a
+place where she might safely cross. But before she could move a voice
+cried from the fence:
+
+'Do not hurt me, little maiden; I am so old, so old, I have not much
+longer to live.'
+
+And the maiden answered:
+
+'No, I will not hurt you; fear nothing.' And then, seeing a spot where
+the clematis grew less thickly than in other places, she jumped
+lightly over.
+
+'May all go well with thee,' said the fence, as the girl walked on.
+
+She soon left the meadow and turned into a path which ran between two
+flowery hedges. Right in front of her stood an oven, and through its
+open door she could see a pile of white loaves.
+
+'Eat as many loaves as you like, but do me no harm, little maiden,'
+cried the oven. And the maiden told her to fear nothing, for she never
+hurt anything, and was very grateful for the oven's kindness in giving
+her such a beautiful white loaf. When she had finished it, down to
+the last crumb, she shut the oven door and said: 'Good-morning.'
+
+'May all go well with thee,' said the oven, as the girl walked on.
+
+By-and-by she became very thirsty, and seeing a cow with a milk-pail
+hanging on her horn, turned towards her.
+
+'Milk me and drink as much as you will, little maiden,' cried the cow,
+'but be sure you spill none on the ground; and do me no harm, for I
+have never harmed anyone.'
+
+'Nor I,' answered the girl; 'fear nothing.' So she sat down and milked
+till the pail was nearly full. Then she drank it all up except a
+little drop at the bottom.
+
+'Now throw any that is left over my hoofs, and hang the pail on my
+horns again,' said the cow. And the girl did as she was bid, and
+kissed the cow on her forehead and went her way.
+
+Many hours had now passed since the girl had fallen down the well, and
+the sun was setting.
+
+'Where shall I spend the night?' thought she. And suddenly she saw
+before her a gate which she had not noticed before, and a very old
+woman leaning against it.
+
+'Good evening,' said the girl politely; and the old woman answered:
+
+'Good evening, my child. Would that everyone was as polite as you. Are
+you in search of anything?'
+
+'I am in search of a place,' replied the girl; and the woman smiled
+and said:
+
+'Then stop a little while and comb my hair, and you shall tell me all
+the things you can do.'
+
+'Willingly, mother,' answered the girl. And she began combing out the
+old woman's hair, which was long and white.
+
+Half an hour passed in this way, and then the old woman said:
+
+'As you did not think yourself too good to comb me, I will show you
+where you may take service. Be prudent and patient and all will go
+well.'
+
+So the girl thanked her, and set out for a farm at a little distance,
+where she was engaged to milk the cows and sift the corn.
+
+  [Illustration: SHE FOUND SITTING ROUND HER A WHOLE CIRCLE OF CATS]
+
+As soon as it was light next morning the girl got up and went into the
+cow-house. 'I'm sure you must be hungry,' said she, patting each in
+turn. And then she fetched hay from the barn, and while they were
+eating it, she swept out the cow-house, and strewed clean straw upon
+the floor. The cows were so pleased with the care she took of them
+that they stood quite still while she milked them, and did not play
+any of the tricks on her that they had played on other dairymaids who
+were rough and rude. And when she had done, and was going to get up
+from her stool, she found sitting round her a whole circle of cats,
+black and white, tabby and tortoiseshell, who all cried with one
+voice:
+
+'We are very thirsty, please give us some milk!'
+
+'My poor little pussies,' said she, 'of course you shall have some.'
+And she went into the dairy, followed by all the cats, and gave each
+one a little red saucerful. But before they drank they all rubbed
+themselves against her knees and purred by way of thanks.
+
+The next thing the girl had to do was to go to the storehouse, and to
+sift the corn through a sieve. While she was busy rubbing the corn she
+heard a whirr of wings, and a flock of sparrows flew in at the window.
+
+'We are hungry; give us some corn! give us some corn!' cried they; and
+the girl answered:
+
+'You poor little birds, of course you shall have some!' and scattered
+a fine handful over the floor. When they had finished they flew on her
+shoulders and flapped their wings by way of thanks.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Time went by, and no cows in the whole country-side were so fat and
+well tended as hers, and no dairy had so much milk to show. The
+farmer's wife was so well satisfied that she gave her higher wages,
+and treated her like her own daughter. At length, one day, the girl
+was bidden by her mistress to come into the kitchen, and when there,
+the old woman said to her: 'I know you can tend cows and keep a dairy;
+now let me see what you can do besides. Take this sieve to the well,
+and fill it with water, and bring it home to me without spilling one
+drop by the way.'
+
+The girl's heart sank at this order; for how was it possible for her
+to do her mistress's bidding? However, she was silent, and taking the
+sieve went down to the well with it. Stooping over the side, she
+filled it to the brim, but as soon as she lifted it the water all ran
+out of the holes. Again and again she tried, but not a drop would
+remain in the sieve, and she was just turning away in despair when a
+flock of sparrows flew down from the sky.
+
+'Ashes! ashes!' they twittered; and the girl looked at them and said:
+
+'Well, I can't be in a worse plight than I am already, so I will take
+your advice.' And she ran back to the kitchen and filled her sieve
+with ashes. Then once more she dipped the sieve into the well, and,
+behold, this time not a drop of water disappeared!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'Here is the sieve, mistress,' cried the girl, going to the room where
+the old woman was sitting.
+
+'You are cleverer than I expected,' answered she; 'or else someone
+helped you who is skilled in magic.' But the girl kept silence, and
+the old woman asked her no more questions.
+
+Many days passed during which the girl went about her work as usual,
+but at length one day the old woman called her and said:
+
+'I have something more for you to do. There are here two yarns, the
+one white, the other black. What you must do is to wash them in the
+river till the black one becomes white and the white black.' And the
+girl took them to the river and washed hard for several hours, but
+wash as she would they never changed one whit.
+
+'This is worse than the sieve,' thought she, and was about to give up
+in despair when there came a rush of wings through the air, and on
+every twig of the birch trees which grew by the bank was perched a
+sparrow.
+
+'The black to the east, the white to the west!' they sang, all at
+once; and the girl dried her tears and felt brave again. Picking up
+the black yarn, she stood facing the east and dipped it in the river,
+and in an instant it grew white as snow, then turning to the west, she
+held the white yarn in the water, and it became as black as a crow's
+wing. She looked back at the sparrows and smiled and nodded to them,
+and flapping their wings in reply they flew swiftly away.
+
+At the sight of the yarn the old woman was struck dumb; but when at
+length she found her voice she asked the girl what magician had helped
+her to do what no one had done before. But she got no answer, for the
+maiden was afraid of bringing trouble on her little friends.
+
+For many weeks the mistress shut herself up in her room, and the girl
+went about her work as usual. She hoped that there was an end to the
+difficult tasks which had been set her; but in this she was mistaken,
+for one day the old woman appeared suddenly in the kitchen, and said
+to her:
+
+'There is one more trial to which I must put you, and if you do not
+fail in that you will be left in peace for evermore. Here are the
+yarns which you washed. Take them and weave them into a web that is as
+smooth as a king's robe, and see that it is spun by the time that the
+sun sets.'
+
+'This is the easiest thing I have been set to do,' thought the girl,
+who was a good spinner. But when she began she found that the skein
+tangled and broke every moment.
+
+'Oh, I can never do it!' she cried at last, and leaned her head
+against the loom and wept; but at that instant the door opened, and
+there entered, one behind another, a procession of cats.
+
+'What is the matter, fair maiden?' asked they. And the girl answered:
+
+'My mistress has given me this yarn to weave into a piece of cloth,
+which must be finished by sunset, and I have not even begun yet,
+for the yarn breaks whenever I touch it.'
+
+  [Illustration: 'ASHES, ASHES!' TWITTERED THE SPARROWS]
+
+'If that is all, dry your eyes,' said the cats; 'we will manage it for
+you.' And they jumped on the loom, and wove so fast and so skilfully
+that in a very short time the cloth was ready and was as fine as any
+king ever wore. The girl was so delighted at the sight of it that she
+gave each cat a kiss on his forehead as they left the room one behind
+the other as they had come.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'Who has taught you this wisdom?' asked the old woman, after she had
+passed her hands twice or thrice over the cloth and could find no
+roughness anywhere. But the girl only smiled and did not answer. She
+had learned early the value of silence.
+
+After a few weeks the old woman sent for her maid and told her that as
+her year of service was now up, she was free to return home, but that,
+for her part, the girl had served her so well that she hoped she might
+stay with her. But at these words the maid shook her head, and
+answered gently:
+
+'I have been happy here, Madam, and I thank you for your goodness to
+me; but I have left behind me a stepsister and a stepmother, and I am
+fain to be with them once more.' The old woman looked at her for a
+moment, and then she said:
+
+'Well, that must be as you like; but as you have worked faithfully for
+me I will give you a reward. Go now into the loft above the storehouse
+and there you will find many caskets. Choose the one which pleases you
+best, but be careful not to open it till you have set it in the place
+where you wish it to remain.'
+
+The girl left the room to go to the loft, and as soon as she got
+outside, she found all the cats waiting for her. Walking in
+procession, as was their custom, they followed her into the loft,
+which was filled with caskets big and little, plain and splendid. She
+lifted up one and looked at it, and then put it down to examine
+another yet more beautiful. Which should she choose, the yellow or the
+blue, the red or the green, the gold or the silver? She hesitated
+long, and went first to one and then to another, when she heard the
+cats' voices calling: 'Take the black! take the black!'
+
+  [Illustration: 'TAKE THE BLACK! TAKE THE BLACK!' CRIED THE CATS]
+
+The words made her look round--she had seen no black casket, but as
+the cats continued their cry she peered into several corners that had
+remained unnoticed, and at length discovered a little black box, so
+small and so black, that it might easily have been passed over.
+
+'This is the casket that pleases me best, mistress,' said the girl,
+carrying it into the house. And the old woman smiled and nodded, and
+bade her go her way. So the girl set forth, after bidding farewell to
+the cows and the cats and the sparrows, who all wept as they said
+good-bye.
+
+She walked on and on and on, till she reached the flowery meadow, and
+there, suddenly, something happened, she never knew what, but she was
+sitting on the wall of the well in her stepmother's yard. Then she got
+up and entered the house.
+
+The woman and her daughter stared as if they had been turned into
+stone; but at length the stepmother gasped out:
+
+'So you are alive after all! Well, luck was ever against me! And where
+have you been this year past?' Then the girl told how she had taken
+service in the under-world, and, besides her wages, had brought home
+with her a little casket, which she would like to set up in her room.
+
+'Give me the money, and take the ugly little box off to the outhouse,'
+cried the woman, beside herself with rage, and the girl, quite
+frightened at her violence, hastened away, with her precious box
+clasped to her bosom.
+
+The outhouse was in a very dirty state, as no one had been near it
+since the girl had fallen down the well; but she scrubbed and swept
+till everything was clean again, and then she placed the little casket
+on a small shelf in the corner.
+
+'Now I may open it,' she said to herself; and unlocking it with the
+key which hung to its handle, she raised the lid, but started back as
+she did so, almost blinded by the light that burst upon her. No one
+would ever have guessed that that little black box could have held
+such a quantity of beautiful things! Rings, crowns, girdles,
+necklaces--all made of wonderful stones; and they shone with such
+brilliance that not only the stepmother and her daughter but all the
+people round came running to see if the house was on fire. Of course
+the woman felt quite ill with greed and envy, and she would have
+certainly taken all the jewels for herself had she not feared the
+wrath of the neighbours, who loved her stepdaughter as much as they
+hated her.
+
+But if she could not steal the casket and its contents for herself, at
+least she could get another like it, and perhaps a still richer one.
+So she bade her own daughter sit on the edge of the well, and threw
+her into the water, exactly as she had done to the other girl; and,
+exactly as before, the flowery meadow lay at the bottom.
+
+Every inch of the way she trod the path which her stepsister had
+trodden, and saw the things which she had seen; but there the likeness
+ended. When the fence prayed her to do it no harm, she laughed rudely,
+and tore up some of the stakes so that she might get over the more
+easily; when the oven offered her bread, she scattered the loaves on
+the ground and stamped on them; and after she had milked the cow, and
+drunk as much as she wanted, she threw the rest on the grass, and
+kicked the pail to bits, and never heard them say, as they looked
+after her: 'You shall not have done this to me for nothing!'
+
+Towards evening she reached the spot where the old woman was leaning
+against the gate-post, but she passed her by without a word.
+
+'Have you no manners in your country?' asked the crone.
+
+'I can't stop and talk; I am in a hurry,' answered the girl. 'It is
+getting late, and I have to find a place.'
+
+'Stop and comb my hair for a little,' said the old woman, 'and I will
+help you to get a place.'
+
+'Comb your hair, indeed! I have something better to do than that!' And
+slamming the gate in the crone's face she went her way. And she never
+heard the words that followed her: 'You shall not have done this to me
+for nothing!'
+
+By-and-by the girl arrived at the farm, and she was engaged to look
+after the cows and sift the corn as her stepsister had been. But it
+was only when someone was watching her that she did her work; at other
+times the cow-house was dirty, and the cows ill-fed and beaten, so
+that they kicked over the pail, and tried to butt her; and everyone
+said they had never seen such thin cows or such poor milk. As for the
+cats, she chased them away, and ill-treated them, so that they had not
+even the spirit to chase the rats and mice, which nowadays ran about
+everywhere. And when the sparrows came to beg for some corn, they
+fared no better than the cows and the cats, for the girl threw her
+shoes at them, till they flew in a fright to the woods, and took
+shelter amongst the trees.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Months passed in this manner, when, one day, the mistress called the
+girl to her.
+
+'All that I have given you to do you have done ill,' said she, 'yet
+will I give you another chance. For though you cannot tend cows, or
+divide the grain from the chaff, there may be other things that you
+can do better. Therefore take this sieve to the well, and fill it with
+water, and see that you bring it back without spilling a single drop.'
+
+The girl took the sieve and carried it to the well as her sister had
+done; but no little birds came to help her, and after dipping it in
+the well two or three times she brought it back empty.
+
+'I thought as much,' said the old woman angrily; 'she that is useless
+in one thing is useless in another.'
+
+Perhaps the mistress may have thought that the girl had learnt a
+lesson, but, if she did, she was quite mistaken, as the work was no
+better done than before. By-and-by she sent for her again, and gave
+her maid the black and the white yarn to wash in the river; but there
+was no one to tell her the secret by which the black would turn white,
+and the white black; so she brought them back as they were. This time
+the old woman only looked at her grimly, but the girl was too well
+pleased with herself to care what anyone thought about her.
+
+After some weeks her third trial came, and the yarn was given her to
+spin, as it had been given to her stepsister before her.
+
+But no procession of cats entered the room to weave a web of fine
+cloth, and at sunset she only brought back to her mistress an armful
+of dirty, tangled wool.
+
+'There seems nothing in the world you can do,' said the old woman, and
+left her to herself.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Soon after this the year was up, and the girl went to her mistress to
+tell her that she wished to go home.
+
+'Little desire have I to keep you,' answered the old woman, 'for no
+one thing have you done as you ought. Still, I will give you some
+payment, therefore go up into the loft, and choose for yourself one of
+the caskets that lies there. But see that you do not open it till you
+place it where you wish it to stay.'
+
+This was what the girl had been hoping for, and so rejoiced was she,
+that, without even stopping to thank the old woman, she ran as fast as
+she could to the loft. There were the caskets, blue and red, green and
+yellow, silver and gold; and there in the corner stood a little black
+casket, just like the one her stepsister had brought home.
+
+'If there are so many jewels in that little black thing, this big red
+one will hold twice the number,' she said to herself; and snatching it
+up she set off on her road home without even going to bid farewell to
+her mistress.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'See, mother, see what I have brought!' cried she, as she entered the
+cottage holding the casket in both hands.
+
+'Ah! you have got something very different from that little black
+box,' answered the old woman with delight. But the girl was so busy
+finding a place for it to stand that she took little notice of her
+mother.
+
+'It will look best here--no, here,' she said, setting it first on one
+piece of furniture and then on another. 'No, after all it is too fine
+to live in a kitchen, let us place it in the guest chamber.'
+
+So mother and daughter carried it proudly upstairs and put it on a
+shelf over the fireplace; then, untying the key from the handle, they
+opened the box. As before, a bright light leapt out directly the lid
+was raised, but it did not spring from the lustre of jewels, but from
+hot flames, which darted along the walls and burnt up the cottage and
+all that was in it, and the mother and daughter as well.
+
+As they had done when the stepdaughter came home, the neighbours all
+hurried to see what was the matter; but they were too late. Only the
+hen-house was left standing; and, in spite of her riches, there the
+stepdaughter lived happily to the end of her days.
+
+(From Thorpe's _Yule-Tide Stories_.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE GOLDSMITH'S FORTUNE_
+
+
+Once upon a time there was a goldsmith who lived in a certain village
+where the people were as bad and greedy, and covetous, as they could
+possibly be; however, in spite of his surroundings, he was fat and
+prosperous. He had only one friend whom he liked, and that was a
+cowherd, who looked after cattle for one of the farmers in the
+village. Every evening the goldsmith would walk across to the
+cowherd's house and say: 'Come, let's go out for a walk!'
+
+Now the cowherd didn't like walking in the evening, because, he said,
+he had been out grazing the cattle all day, and was glad to sit down
+when night came; but the goldsmith always worried him so that the poor
+man had to go against his will. This at last so annoyed him that he
+tried to think how he could pick a quarrel with the goldsmith, so that
+he should not beg him to walk with him any more. He asked another
+cowherd for advice, and he said the best thing he could do was to go
+across and kill the goldsmith's wife, for then the goldsmith would be
+_sure_ to regard him as an enemy; so, being a foolish person, and
+there being no laws in that country by which a man would be certainly
+punished for such a crime, the cowherd one evening took a big stick
+and went across to the goldsmith's house when only Mrs. Goldsmith was
+at home, and banged her on the head so hard that she died then and
+there.
+
+When the goldsmith came back and found his wife dead he said nothing,
+but just took her outside into the dark lane and propped her up
+against the wall of his house, and then went into the courtyard and
+waited. Presently a rich stranger came along the lane, and seeing
+someone there, as he supposed, he said:
+
+'Good-evening, friend! a fine night to-night!' But the goldsmith's
+wife said nothing. The man then repeated his words louder; but still
+there was no reply. A third time he shouted:
+
+'Good-evening, friend! are you _deaf_?' but the figure never replied.
+Then the stranger, being angry at what he thought very rude behaviour,
+picked up a big stone and threw it at Mrs. Goldsmith, crying:
+
+'Let _that_ teach you manners!'
+
+Instantly poor Mrs. Goldsmith tumbled over; and the stranger,
+horrified at seeing what he had done, was immediately seized by the
+goldsmith, who ran out screaming:
+
+'Wretch! you have killed my wife! Oh, miserable one; we will have
+justice done to thee!'
+
+With many protestations and reproaches they wrangled together, the
+stranger entreating the goldsmith to say nothing and he would pay him
+handsomely to atone for the sad accident. At last the goldsmith
+quieted down, and agreed to accept one thousand gold pieces from the
+stranger, who immediately helped him to bury his poor wife, and then
+rushed off to the guest house, packed up his things and was off by
+daylight, lest the goldsmith should repent and accuse him as the
+murderer of his wife. Now it very soon appeared that the goldsmith had
+a lot of extra money, so that people began to ask questions, and
+finally demanded of him the reason for his sudden wealth.
+
+'Oh,' said he, 'my wife died, and I sold her.'
+
+'You sold your dead wife?' cried the people.
+
+'Yes,' said the goldsmith.
+
+'For how much?'
+
+'A thousand gold pieces,' replied the goldsmith.
+
+Instantly the villagers went away and each caught hold of his own
+wife and throttled her, and the next day they all went off to sell
+their dead wives. Many a weary mile did they tramp, but got nothing
+but hard words or laughter, or directions to the nearest cemetery,
+from people to whom they offered dead wives for sale. At last they
+perceived that they had been cheated somehow by that goldsmith. So off
+they rushed home, seized the unhappy man, and, without listening to
+his cries and entreaties, hurried him down to the river bank and flung
+him--plop!--into the deepest, weediest, and nastiest place they could
+find.
+
+'_That_ will teach him not to play tricks on us,' said they. 'For as
+he can't swim he'll drown, and we sha'n't have any more trouble with
+_him_!'
+
+Now the goldsmith really could not swim, and as soon as he was thrown
+into the deep river he sank below the surface; so his enemies went
+away believing that they had seen the last of him. But, in reality, he
+was carried down, half drowned, below the next bend in the river,
+where he fortunately came across a 'snag' floating in the water (a
+snag is, you know, a part of a tree or bush which floats very nearly
+under the surface of the water); and he held on to this snag, and by
+great good luck eventually came ashore some two or three miles down
+the river. At the place where he landed he came across a fine fat cow
+buffalo, and immediately he jumped on her back and rode home. When the
+village people saw him, they ran out in surprise, and said:
+
+'Where on earth do you come from, and where did you get that buffalo?'
+
+'Ah!' said the goldsmith, 'you little know what delightful adventures
+I have had! Why, down in that place in the river where you threw me in
+I found meadows, and trees, and fine pastures, and buffaloes, and all
+kinds of cattle. In fact, I could hardly tear myself away; but I
+thought that I must really let you all know about it.'
+
+'Oh, oh!' thought the greedy village people; 'if there are buffaloes
+to be had for the taking we'll go after some too.' Encouraged by the
+goldsmith they nearly all ran off the very next morning to the river;
+and, in order that they might get down quickly to the beautiful place
+the goldsmith told them of, they tied great stones on to their feet
+and their necks, and one after another they jumped into the water as
+fast as they could, and were drowned. And whenever any one of them
+waved his hands about and struggled the goldsmith would cry out:
+
+'Look! he's beckoning the rest of you to come; he's got a fine
+buffalo!' And others who were doubtful would jump in, until not one
+was left. Then the cunning goldsmith went back and took all the
+village for himself, and became very rich indeed. But do you think he
+was happy? Not a bit. Lies never made a man happy yet. Truly, he got
+the better of a set of wicked and greedy people, but only by being
+wicked and greedy himself; and, as it turned out, when he got so rich
+he got very fat; and at last was so fat that he couldn't move, and one
+day he got the apoplexy and died, and no one in the world cared the
+least bit.
+
+(_Told by a Pathan to Major Campbell._)
+
+
+
+
+_THE ENCHANTED WREATH_
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived near a forest a man and his wife and two
+girls; one girl was the daughter of the man, and the other the
+daughter of his wife; and the man's daughter was good and beautiful,
+but the woman's daughter was cross and ugly. However, her mother did
+not know that, but thought her the most bewitching maiden that ever
+was seen.
+
+One day the man called to his daughter and bade her come with him into
+the forest to cut wood. They worked hard all day, but in spite of the
+chopping they were very cold, for it rained heavily, and when they
+returned home, they were wet through. Then, to his vexation, the man
+found that he had left his axe behind him, and he knew that if it lay
+all night in the mud it would become rusty and useless. So he said to
+his wife:
+
+'I have dropped my axe in the forest, bid your daughter go and fetch
+it, for mine has worked hard all day and is both wet and weary.'
+
+But the wife answered:
+
+'If your daughter is wet already, it is all the more reason that _she_
+should go and get the axe. Besides, she is a great strong girl, and a
+little rain will not hurt her, while _my_ daughter would be sure to
+catch a bad cold.'
+
+By long experience the man knew there was no good saying any more, and
+with a sigh he told the poor girl she must return to the forest for
+the axe.
+
+  [Illustration: THREE LITTLE DOVES WERE SEATED ON THE HANDLE OF
+      THE AXE]
+
+The walk took some time, for it was very dark, and her shoes often
+stuck in the mud; but she was brave as well as beautiful and never
+thought of turning back merely because the path was both difficult and
+unpleasant. At last, with her dress torn by brambles that she could
+not see, and her face scratched by the twigs on the trees, she reached
+the spot where she and her father had been cutting in the morning, and
+found the axe in the place he had left it. To her surprise, three
+little doves were sitting on the handle, all of them looking very
+sad.
+
+'You poor little things,' said the girl, stroking them. 'Why do you
+sit there and get wet? Go and fly home to your nest, it will be much
+warmer than this; but first eat this bread, which I saved from my
+dinner, and perhaps you will feel happier. It is my father's axe you
+are sitting on, and I must take it back as fast as I can, or I shall
+get a terrible scolding from my stepmother.' She then crumbled the
+bread on the ground, and was pleased to see the doves flutter quite
+cheerfully towards it.
+
+'Good-bye,' she said, picking up the axe, and went her way homewards.
+
+By the time they had finished all the crumbs the doves felt much
+better, and were able to fly back to their nests in the top of a tree.
+
+'That is a good girl,' said one; 'I really was too weak to stretch out
+a wing before she came. I should like to do something to show how
+grateful I am.'
+
+'Well, let us give her a wreath of flowers that will never fade as
+long as she wears it,' cried another.
+
+'And let the tiniest singing birds in the world sit amongst the
+flowers,' rejoined the third.
+
+'Yes, that will do beautifully,' said the first. And when the girl
+stepped into her cottage a wreath of rose-buds was on her head, and a
+crowd of little birds were singing unseen.
+
+The father, who was sitting by the fire, thought that, in spite of her
+muddy clothes, he had never seen his daughter looking so lovely; but
+the stepmother and the other girl grew wild with envy.
+
+'How absurd to walk about on such a pouring night, dressed up like
+that,' she remarked crossly, and roughly pulled off the wreath as she
+spoke, to place it on her own daughter. As she did so the roses became
+withered and brown, and the birds flew out of the window.
+
+'See what a trumpery thing it is!' cried the stepmother; 'and now
+take your supper and go to bed, for it is near upon midnight.'
+
+But though she pretended to despise the wreath, she longed none the
+less for her daughter to have one like it.
+
+Now it happened that the next evening the father, who had been alone
+in the forest, came back a second time without his axe. The
+stepmother's heart was glad when she saw this, and she said quite
+mildly:
+
+'Why, you have forgotten your axe again, you careless man! But now
+_your_ daughter shall stay at home, and _mine_ shall go and bring it
+back'; and throwing a cloak over the girl's shoulders, she bade her
+hasten to the forest.
+
+With a very ill grace the damsel set forth, grumbling to herself as
+she went; for though she wished for the wreath, she did not at all
+want the trouble of getting it.
+
+By the time she reached the spot where her stepfather had been cutting
+the wood the girl was in a very bad temper indeed, and when she caught
+sight of the axe, there were the three little doves, with drooping
+heads and soiled, bedraggled feathers, sitting on the handle.
+
+'You dirty creatures,' cried she, 'get away at once, or I will throw
+stones at you.' And the doves spread their wings in a fright and flew
+up to the very top of a tree, their bodies shaking with anger.
+
+'What shall we do to revenge ourselves on her?' asked the smallest of
+the doves, 'we were never treated like that before.'
+
+'Never,' said the biggest dove. 'We must find some way of paying her
+back in her own coin!'
+
+'_I_ know,' answered the middle dove; 'she shall never be able to say
+anything but "dirty creatures" to the end of her life.'
+
+'Oh, how clever of you! That will do beautifully,' exclaimed the other
+two. And they flapped their wings and clucked so loud with delight,
+and made such a noise, that they woke up all the birds in the trees
+close by.
+
+'What in the world is the matter?' asked the birds sleepily.
+
+'That is _our_ secret,' said the doves.
+
+Meanwhile the girl had reached home crosser than ever; but as soon as
+her mother heard her lift the latch of the door she ran out to hear
+her adventures. 'Well, did you get the wreath?' cried she.
+
+'Dirty creatures!' answered her daughter.
+
+'Don't speak to me like that! What do you mean?' asked the mother
+again.
+
+'Dirty creatures!' repeated the daughter, and nothing else could she
+say.
+
+Then the woman saw that something evil had befallen her, and turned in
+her rage to her stepdaughter.
+
+'_You_ are at the bottom of this, I know,' she cried; and as the
+father was out of the way she took a stick and beat the girl till she
+screamed with pain and went to bed sobbing.
+
+If the poor girl's life had been miserable before, it was ten times
+worse now, for the moment her father's back was turned the others
+teased and tormented her from morning till night; and their fury was
+increased by the sight of the wreath, which the doves had placed again
+on her head.
+
+Things went on like this for some weeks, when, one day, as the king's
+son was riding through the forest, he heard some strange birds singing
+more sweetly than birds had ever sung before. He tied his horse to a
+tree, and followed where the sound led him, and, to his surprise, he
+saw before him a beautiful girl chopping wood, with a wreath of pink
+rose-buds, out of which the singing came. Standing in the shelter of a
+tree, he watched her a long while, and then, hat in hand, he went up
+and spoke to her.
+
+  [Illustration: STANDING IN THE SHELTER OF A TREE, HE WATCHED HER
+      A LONG WHILE]
+
+'Fair maiden, who are you, and who gave you that wreath of singing
+roses?' asked he, for the birds were so tiny that till you looked
+closely you never saw them.
+
+'I live in a hut on the edge of the forest,' she answered, blushing,
+for she had never spoken to a prince before. 'And as to the wreath, I
+know not how it came there, unless it may be the gift of some doves
+whom I fed when they were starving.' The prince was delighted with
+this answer, which showed the goodness of the girl's heart, and
+besides he had fallen in love with her beauty, and would not be
+content till she promised to return with him to the palace, and become
+his bride. The old king was naturally disappointed at his son's choice
+of a wife, as he wished him to marry a neighbouring princess; but as
+from his birth the prince had always done exactly as he liked, nothing
+was said and a splendid wedding feast was got ready.
+
+The day after her marriage the bride sent a messenger, bearing
+handsome presents to her father, and telling him of the good fortune
+which had befallen her. As may be imagined, the stepmother and her
+daughter were so filled with envy that they grew quite ill, and had to
+take to their beds, and nobody would have been sorry if they had never
+got up again; but that did not happen. At length, however, they began
+to feel better, for the mother invented a plan by which she could be
+revenged on the girl who had never done her any harm.
+
+Her plan was this. In the town where she had lived before she was
+married there was an old witch, who had more skill in magic than any
+other witch she knew. To this witch she would go and beg her to make
+her a mask with the face of her stepdaughter, and when she had the
+mask the rest would be easy. She told her daughter what she meant to
+do, and although the daughter could only say 'dirty creatures,' in
+answer, she nodded and smiled and looked well pleased.
+
+Everything fell out exactly as the woman had hoped. By the aid of her
+magic mirror the witch beheld the new princess walking in her gardens
+in a dress of green silk, and in a few minutes had produced a mask so
+like her that very few people could have told the difference. However,
+she counselled the woman that when her daughter first wore it--for
+that, of course, was what she intended her to do--she had better
+pretend that she had a toothache, and cover her head with a lace veil.
+The woman thanked her and paid her well, and returned to her hut,
+carrying the mask with her under her cloak.
+
+  [Illustration: THE STEPMOTHER TRIES TO DROWN THE PRINCESS]
+
+In a few days she heard that a great hunt was planned, and the prince
+would leave the palace very early in the morning, so that his wife
+would be alone all day. This was a chance not to be missed, and taking
+her daughter with her she went up to the palace, where she had never
+been before. The princess was too happy in her new home to remember
+all that she had suffered in the old one, and she welcomed them both
+gladly, and gave them quantities of beautiful things to take back with
+them. At last she took them down to the shore to see a pleasure boat
+which her husband had had made for her; and here, the woman seizing
+her opportunity, stole softly behind the girl and pushed her off the
+rock on which she was standing, into the deep water, where she
+instantly sank to the bottom. Then she fastened the mask on her
+daughter, flung over her shoulders a velvet cloak, which the princess
+had let fall, and finally arranged a lace veil over her head.
+
+'Rest your cheek on your hand, as if you were in pain, when the prince
+returns,' said the mother; 'and be careful not to speak, whatever you
+do. I will go back to the witch and see if she cannot take off the
+spell laid on you by those horrible birds. Ah! why did I not think of
+it before!'
+
+No sooner had the prince entered the palace than he hastened to the
+princess's apartments, where he found her lying on the sofa apparently
+in great pain.
+
+'My dearest wife, what is the matter with you?' he cried, kneeling
+down beside her, and trying to take her hand; but she snatched it
+away, and pointing to her cheek murmured something he could not catch.
+
+'What is it? tell me! Is the pain bad? When did it begin? Shall I send
+for your ladies to bathe the place?' asked the prince, pouring out
+these and a dozen other questions, to which the girl only shook her
+head.
+
+'But I can't leave you like this,' he continued, starting up, 'I must
+summon all the court physicians to apply soothing balsams to the sore
+place.' And as he spoke he sprang to his feet to go in search of them.
+This so frightened the pretended wife, who knew that if the physicians
+once came near her the trick would at once be discovered, that she
+forgot her mother's counsel not to speak, and forgot even the spell
+that had been laid upon her, and catching hold of the prince's tunic,
+she cried in tones of entreaty: 'Dirty creatures!'
+
+The young man stopped, not able to believe his ears, but supposed that
+pain had made the princess cross, as it sometimes does. However, he
+guessed somehow that she wished to be left alone, so he only said:
+
+'Well, I dare say a little sleep will do you good, if you can manage
+to get it, and that you will wake up better to-morrow.'
+
+Now, that night happened to be very hot and airless, and the prince,
+after vainly trying to rest, at length got up and went to the window.
+Suddenly he beheld in the moonlight a form with a wreath of roses on
+her head rise out of the sea below him and step on to the sands,
+holding out her arms as she did so towards the palace.
+
+'That maiden is strangely like my wife,' thought he; 'I must see her
+closer.' And he hastened down to the water. But when he got there, the
+princess, for she indeed it was, had disappeared completely, and he
+began to wonder if his eyes had deceived him.
+
+The next morning he went to the false bride's room, but her ladies
+told him she would neither speak nor get up, though she ate everything
+they set before her. The prince was sorely perplexed as to what could
+be the matter with her, for naturally he could not guess that she was
+expecting her mother to return every moment, and to remove the spell
+the doves had laid upon her, and meanwhile was afraid to speak lest
+she should betray herself. At length he made up his mind to summon all
+the court physicians; he did not tell her what he was going to do,
+lest it should make her worse, but he went himself and begged the
+four learned leaches attached to the king's person to follow him to
+the princess's apartments. Unfortunately, as they entered, the
+princess was so enraged at the sight of them that she forgot all about
+the doves, and shrieked out: 'Dirty creatures! dirty creatures!' which
+so offended the physicians that they left the room at once, and
+nothing that the prince could say would prevail on them to remain. He
+then tried to persuade his wife to send them a message that she was
+sorry for her rudeness, but not a word would she say.
+
+Late that evening, when he had performed all the tiresome duties which
+fall to the lot of every prince, the young man was leaning out of his
+window, refreshing himself with the cool breezes that blew off the
+sea. His thoughts went back to the scene of the morning, and he
+wondered if, after all, he had not made a great mistake in marrying a
+low-born wife, however beautiful she might be. How could he have
+imagined that the quiet, gentle girl who had been so charming a
+companion to him during the first days of their marriage, could have
+become in a day the rude, sulky woman, who could not control her
+temper even to benefit herself. One thing was clear, if she did not
+change her conduct very shortly he would have to send her away from
+court.
+
+He was thinking these thoughts, when his eyes fell on the sea beneath
+him, and there, as before, was the figure that so closely resembled
+his wife, standing with her feet in the water, holding out her arms to
+him.
+
+'Wait for me! Wait for me! Wait for me!' he cried; not even knowing he
+was speaking. But when he reached the shore there was nothing to be
+seen but the shadows cast by the moonlight.
+
+A state ceremonial in a city some distance off caused the prince to
+ride away at daybreak, and he left without seeing his wife again.
+
+'Perhaps she may have come to her senses by to-morrow,' said he to
+himself; 'and, anyhow, if I am going to send her back to her father,
+it might be better if we did not meet in the meantime.' Then he put
+the matter from his mind, and kept his thoughts on the duty that lay
+before him.
+
+It was nearly midnight before he returned to the palace, but, instead
+of entering, he went down to the shore and hid behind a rock. He had
+scarcely done so when the girl came out of the sea, and stretched out
+her arms towards his window. In an instant the prince had seized her
+hand, and though she made a frightened struggle to reach the
+water--for she in her turn had had a spell laid upon her--he held her
+fast.
+
+'You are my own wife, and I shall never let you go,' he said. But the
+words were hardly out of his mouth when he found that it was a hare
+that he was holding by the paw. Then the hare changed into a fish, and
+the fish into a bird, and the bird into a slimy wriggling snake. This
+time the prince's hand nearly opened of itself, but with a strong
+effort he kept his fingers shut, and drawing his sword cut off its
+head, when the spell was broken, and the girl stood before him as he
+had seen her first, the wreath upon her head and the birds singing for
+joy.
+
+The very next morning the stepmother arrived at the palace with an
+ointment that the old witch had given her to place upon her daughter's
+tongue, which would break the dove's spell, if the rightful bride had
+really been drowned in the sea; if not, then it would be useless. The
+mother assured her that she had seen her stepdaughter sink, and that
+there was no fear that she would ever come up again; but, to make all
+quite safe, the old woman might bewitch the girl; and so she did.
+After that the wicked stepmother travelled all through the night to
+get to the palace as soon as possible, and made her way straight into
+her daughter's room.
+
+'I have got it! I have got it!' she cried triumphantly, and laid the
+ointment on her daughter's tongue.
+
+  [Illustration: THE PRINCESS RETURNS FROM THE SEA]
+
+'_Now_ what do you say?' she asked proudly.
+
+'Dirty creatures! dirty creatures!' answered the daughter; and the
+mother wrung her hands and wept, as she knew that all her plans had
+failed.
+
+At this moment the prince entered with his real wife. 'You both
+deserve death,' he said, 'and if it were left to me, you should have
+it. But the princess has begged me to spare your lives, so you will be
+put into a ship and carried off to a desert island, where you will
+stay till you die.'
+
+Then the ship was made ready and the wicked woman and her daughter
+were placed in it, and it sailed away, and no more was heard of them.
+But the prince and his wife lived together long and happily, and ruled
+their people well.
+
+(Adapted from Thorpe's _Yule-Tide Stories_.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE FOOLISH WEAVER_
+
+
+Once a weaver, who was in want of work, took service with a certain
+farmer as a shepherd.
+
+The farmer, knowing that the man was very slow-witted, gave him the
+most careful instructions as to everything that he was to do.
+
+Finally he said: 'If a wolf or any wild animal attempts to hurt the
+flock you should pick up a big stone like _this_' (suiting the action
+to the word) 'and throw a few such at him, and he will be afraid and
+go away.' The weaver said that he understood, and started with the
+flocks to the hillsides where they grazed all day.
+
+By chance in the afternoon a leopard appeared, and the weaver
+instantly ran home as fast as he could to get the stones which the
+farmer had shown him, to throw at the creature. When he came back all
+the flock were scattered or killed, and when the farmer heard the tale
+he beat him soundly. 'Were there no stones on the hillside that you
+should run back to get them, you senseless one?' he cried; 'you are
+not fit to herd sheep. To-day you shall stay at home and mind my old
+mother who is sick, perhaps you will be able to drive flies off her
+face, if you can't drive beasts away from the sheep!'
+
+So, the next day, the weaver was left at home to take care of the
+farmer's old sick mother. Now as she lay outside on a bed, it turned
+out that the flies became very troublesome, and the weaver looked
+around for something to drive them away with; and as he had been told
+to pick up the nearest stone to drive the beasts away from the flock,
+he thought he would this time show how cleverly he could obey orders.
+Accordingly he seized the nearest stone, which was a big, heavy one,
+and dashed it at the flies; but, unhappily, he slew the poor old woman
+also; and then, being afraid of the wrath of the farmer, he fled and
+was not seen again in that neighbourhood.
+
+All that day and all the next night he walked, and at length he came
+to a village where a great many weavers lived together.
+
+'You are welcome,' said they. 'Eat and sleep, for to-morrow six of us
+start in search of fresh wool to weave, and we pray you to give us
+your company.'
+
+'Willingly,' answered the weaver. So the next morning the seven
+weavers set out to go to the village where they could buy what they
+wanted. On the way they had to cross a ravine which lately had been
+full of water, but now was quite dry. The weavers, however, were
+accustomed to swim over this ravine; therefore, regardless of the fact
+that this time it was dry, they stripped, and, tying their clothes on
+their heads, they proceeded to swim across the dry sand and rocks that
+formed the bed of the ravine. Thus they got to the other side without
+further damage than bruised knees and elbows, and as soon as they were
+over, one of them began to count the party to make sure that all were
+safe there. He counted all except himself, and then cried out that
+somebody was missing! This set each of them counting; but each made
+the same mistake of counting all except himself, so that they became
+certain that one of their party was missing! They ran up and down the
+bank of the ravine wringing their hands in great distress and looking
+for signs of their lost comrade. There a farmer found them and asked
+what was the matter. 'Alas!' said one, 'seven of us started from the
+other bank and one must have been drowned on the crossing, as we can
+only find six remaining!' The farmer eyed them a minute, and then,
+picking up his stick, he dealt each a sounding blow, counting, as he
+did so, 'One! two! three!' and so on up to the seven. When the weavers
+found that there were seven of them they were overcome with gratitude
+to one whom they took for a magician as he could thus make seven out
+of an obvious six.
+
+(_From the Pushto._)
+
+
+
+
+_THE CLEVER CAT_
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived an old man who dwelt with his son in a
+small hut on the edge of the plain. He was very old, and had worked
+very hard, and when at last he was struck down by illness he felt that
+he should never rise from his bed again.
+
+So, one day, he bade his wife summon their son, when he came back from
+his journey to the nearest town, where he had been to buy bread.
+
+'Come hither, my son,' said he; 'I know myself well to be dying, and I
+have nothing to leave you but my falcon, my cat and my greyhound; but
+if you make good use of them you will never lack food. Be good to your
+mother, as you have been to me. And now farewell!'
+
+Then he turned his face to the wall and died.
+
+There was great mourning in the hut for many days, but at length the
+son rose up, and calling to his greyhound, his cat and his falcon, he
+left the house saying that he would bring back something for dinner.
+Wandering over the plain, he noticed a troop of gazelles, and pointed
+to his greyhound to give chase. The dog soon brought down a fine fat
+beast, and slinging it over his shoulders, the young man turned
+homewards. On the way, however, he passed a pond, and as he approached
+a cloud of birds flew into the air. Shaking his wrist, the falcon
+seated on it darted into the air, and swooped down upon the quarry he
+had marked, which fell dead to the ground. The young man picked it up,
+and put it in his pouch and then went towards home again.
+
+Near the hut was a small barn in which he kept the produce of the
+little patch of corn, which grew close to the garden. Here a rat ran
+out almost under his feet, followed by another and another; but quick
+as thought the cat was upon them and not one escaped her.
+
+When all the rats were killed, the young man left the barn. He took
+the path leading to the door of the hut, but stopped on feeling a hand
+laid on his shoulder.
+
+'Young man,' said the Jew (for such was the stranger), 'you have been
+a good son, and you deserve the piece of luck which has befallen you
+this day. Come with me to that shining lake yonder, and fear nothing.'
+
+Wondering a little at what might be going to happen to him, the youth
+did as the Jew bade him, and when they reached the shore of the lake,
+the old man turned and said to him:
+
+'Step into the water and shut your eyes! You will find yourself
+sinking slowly to the bottom; but take courage, all will go well. Only
+bring up as much silver as you can carry, and we will divide it
+between us.'
+
+So the young man stepped bravely into the lake, and felt himself
+sinking, sinking, till he reached firm ground at last. In front of him
+lay four heaps of silver, and in the midst of them a curious white
+shining stone, marked over with strange characters, such as he had
+never seen before. He picked it up in order to examine it more
+closely, and as he held it the stone spoke.
+
+'As long as you hold me, all your wishes will come true,' it said.
+'But hide me in your turban, and then call to the Jew that you are
+ready to come up.'
+
+In a few minutes the young man stood again by the shores of the lake.
+
+'Well, where is the silver?' asked the Jew, who was awaiting him.
+
+'Ah, my father, how can I tell you! So bewildered was I, and so
+dazzled with the splendours of everything I saw, that I stood like a
+statue, unable to move. Then hearing steps approaching I got
+frightened, and called to you, as you know.'
+
+'You are no better than the rest,' cried the Jew, and turned away in a
+rage.
+
+When he was out of sight the young man took the stone from his turban
+and looked at it. 'I want the finest camel that can be found, and the
+most splendid garments,' said he.
+
+'Shut your eyes then,' replied the stone. And he shut them; and when
+he opened them again the camel that he had wished for was standing
+before him, while the festal robes of a desert prince hung from his
+shoulders. Mounting the camel, he whistled the falcon to his wrist,
+and, followed by his greyhound and his cat, he started homewards.
+
+His mother was sewing at her door when this magnificent stranger rode
+up, and, filled with surprise, she bowed low before him.
+
+'Don't you know me, mother?' he said with a laugh. And on hearing his
+voice the good woman nearly fell to the ground with astonishment.
+
+'How have you got that camel and those clothes?' asked she. 'Can a son
+of mine have committed murder in order to possess them?'
+
+'Do not be afraid; they are quite honestly come by,' answered the
+youth. 'I will explain all by-and-by; but now you must go to the
+palace and tell the king I wish to marry his daughter.'
+
+At these words the mother thought her son had certainly gone mad, and
+stared blankly at him. The young man guessed what was in her heart,
+and replied with a smile:
+
+'Fear nothing. Promise all that he asks; it will be fulfilled
+somehow.'
+
+So she went to the palace, where she found the king sitting in the
+Hall of Justice listening to the petitions of his people. The woman
+waited until all had been heard and the hall was empty, and then went
+up and knelt before the throne.
+
+'My son has sent me to ask for the hand of the princess,' said she.
+
+The king looked at her and thought that she was mad; but, instead of
+ordering his guards to turn her out, he answered gravely:
+
+'Before he can marry the princess he must build me a palace of ice,
+which can be warmed with fires, and wherein the rarest singing-birds
+can live!'
+
+'It shall be done, your Majesty,' said she, and got up and left the
+hall.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Her son was anxiously awaiting her outside the palace gates, dressed
+in the clothes that he wore every day.
+
+'Well, what have I got to do?' he asked impatiently, drawing his
+mother aside so that no one could overhear them.
+
+'Oh, something quite impossible; and I hope you will put the princess
+out of your head,' she replied.
+
+'Well, but what _is_ it?' persisted he.
+
+'Nothing but to build a palace of ice wherein fires can burn that
+shall keep it so warm that the most delicate singing-birds can live in
+it!'
+
+'I thought it would be something much harder than that,' exclaimed the
+young man. 'I will see about it at once.' And leaving his mother, he
+went into the country and took the stone from his turban.
+
+'I want a palace of ice that can be warmed with fires and filled with
+the rarest singing-birds!'
+
+'Shut your eyes, then,' said the stone; and he shut them, and when he
+opened them again there was the palace, more beautiful than anything
+he could have imagined, the fires throwing a soft pink glow over the
+ice.
+
+'It is fit even for the princess,' thought he to himself.
+
+As soon as the king awoke next morning he ran to the window, and
+there across the plain he beheld the palace.
+
+  [Illustration: THE JEW BRINGS THE JEWELS TO THE PRINCESS]
+
+'That young man must be a great wizard; he may be useful to me.' And
+when the mother came again to tell him that his orders had been
+fulfilled he received her with great honour, and bade her tell her son
+that the wedding was fixed for the following day.
+
+The princess was delighted with her new home, and with her husband
+also; and several days slipped happily by, spent in turning over all
+the beautiful things that the palace contained. But at length the
+young man grew tired of always staying inside walls, and he told his
+wife that the next day he must leave her for a few hours, and go out
+hunting. 'You will not mind?' he asked. And she answered as became a
+good wife:
+
+'Yes, of course I shall mind; but I will spend the day in planning out
+some new dresses; and then it will be so delightful when you come
+back, you know!'
+
+So the husband went off to hunt, with the falcon on his wrist, and the
+greyhound and the cat behind him--for the palace was so warm that even
+the cat did not mind living in it.
+
+No sooner had he gone, than the Jew, who had been watching his chance
+for many days, knocked at the door of the palace.
+
+'I have just returned from a far country,' he said, 'and I have some
+of the largest and most brilliant stones in the world with me. The
+princess is known to love beautiful things, perhaps she might like to
+buy some?'
+
+Now the princess had been wondering for many days what trimming she
+should put on her dresses, so that they should outshine the dresses of
+the other ladies at the court balls. Nothing that she thought of
+seemed good enough, so, when the message was brought that the Jew and
+his wares were below, she at once ordered that he should be brought to
+her chamber.
+
+Oh! what beautiful stones he laid before her; what lovely rubies, and
+what rare pearls! No other lady would have jewels like _those_--of
+that the princess was quite sure; but she cast down her eyes so that
+the Jew might not see how much she longed for them.
+
+'I fear they are too costly for me,' she said carelessly; 'and
+besides, I have hardly need of any more jewels just now.'
+
+'I have no particular wish to sell them myself,' answered the Jew,
+with equal indifference. 'But I have a necklace of shining stones
+which was left me by my father, and one, the largest, engraven with
+weird characters, is missing. I have heard that it is in your
+husband's possession, and if you can get me that stone you shall have
+any of these jewels that you choose. But you will have to pretend that
+you want it for yourself; and, above all, do not mention me, for he
+sets great store by it, and would never part with it to a stranger!
+To-morrow I will return with some jewels yet finer than those I have
+with me to-day. So, madam, farewell!'
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Left alone, the princess began to think of many things, but chiefly as
+to whether she would persuade her husband to give her the stone or
+not. At one moment she felt he had already bestowed so much upon her
+that it was a shame to ask for the only object he had kept back. No,
+it would be mean; she could not do it! But then, those diamonds, and
+those strings of pearls! After all, they had only been married a week,
+and the pleasure of giving it to her ought to be far greater than the
+pleasure of keeping it for himself. And she was sure it _would_ be!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Well, that evening, when the young man had supped off his favourite
+dishes which the princess took care to have specially prepared for
+him, she sat down close beside him, and began stroking his hand. For
+some time she did not speak, but listened attentively to all the
+adventures that had befallen him that day.
+
+'But I was thinking of you all the time,' said he at the end, 'and
+wishing that I could bring you back something you would like. But,
+alas! what is there that you do not possess already?'
+
+'How good of you not to forget me when you are in the midst of such
+dangers and hardships,' answered she. 'Yes, it is true I have many
+beautiful things; but if you _want_ to give me a present--and
+to-morrow is my birthday--there _is_ one thing that I wish for very
+much.'
+
+'And what is that? Of course you shall have it directly!' he asked
+eagerly.
+
+'It is that bright stone which fell out of the folds of your turban a
+few days ago,' she answered, playing with his finger; 'the little
+stone with all those funny marks upon it. I never saw any stone like
+it before.'
+
+The young man did not answer at first; then he said, slowly:
+
+'I have promised, and therefore I must perform. But will you swear
+never to part from it, and to keep it safely about you always? More I
+cannot tell you, but I beg you earnestly to take heed to this.'
+
+The princess was a little startled by his manner, and began to be
+sorry that she had ever listened to the Jew. But she did not like to
+draw back, and pretended to be immensely delighted at her new toy, and
+kissed and thanked her husband for it.
+
+'After all I needn't give it to the Jew,' thought she as she dropped
+to sleep.
+
+Unluckily the next morning the young man went hunting again, and the
+Jew, who was watching, knew this, and did not come till much later
+than before. At the moment that he knocked at the door of the palace
+the princess had tired of all her employments, and her attendants were
+at their wits' end how to amuse her, when a tall negro dressed in
+scarlet came to announce that the Jew was below, and desired to know
+if the princess would speak with him.
+
+'Bring him hither at once!' cried she, springing up from her cushions,
+and forgetting all her resolves of the previous night. In another
+moment she was bending with rapture over the glittering gems.
+
+'Have you got it?' asked the Jew in a whisper, for the princess's
+ladies were standing as near as they dared to catch a glimpse of the
+beautiful jewels.
+
+'Yes, here,' she answered, slipping the stone from her sash and
+placing it among the rest. Then she raised her voice, and began to
+talk quickly of the prices of the chains and necklaces, and after some
+bargaining, to deceive the attendants, she declared that she liked one
+string of pearls better than all the rest, and that the Jew might take
+away the other things, which were not half so valuable as he supposed.
+
+'As you please, madam,' said he, bowing himself out of the palace.
+
+Soon after he had gone a curious thing happened. The princess
+carelessly touched the wall of her room, which was wont to reflect the
+warm red light of the fire on the hearth, and found her hand quite
+wet. She turned round, and--was it her fancy? or did the fire burn
+more dimly than before? Hurriedly she passed into the picture gallery,
+where pools of water showed here and there on the floor, and a cold
+chill ran through her whole body. At that instant her frightened
+ladies came running down the stairs, crying:
+
+'Madam! madam! what has happened? The palace is disappearing under our
+eyes!'
+
+'My husband will be home very soon,' answered the princess--who,
+though nearly as much frightened as her ladies, felt that she must set
+them a good example. 'Wait till then, and he will tell us what to do.'
+
+So they waited, seated on the highest chairs they could find, wrapped
+in their warmest garments, and with piles of cushions under their
+feet, while the poor birds flew with numbed wings hither and thither,
+till they were so lucky as to discover an open window in some
+forgotten corner. Through this they vanished, and were seen no more.
+
+At last, when the princess and her ladies had been forced to leave the
+upper rooms, where the walls and floors had melted away, and to take
+refuge in the hall, the young man came home. He had ridden back along
+a winding road from which he did not see the palace till he was close
+upon it, and stood horrified at the spectacle before him. He knew in
+an instant that his wife must have betrayed his trust, but he would
+not reproach her, as she must be suffering enough already. Hurrying on
+he sprang over all that was left of the palace walls, and the princess
+gave a cry of relief at the sight of him.
+
+'Come quickly,' he said, 'or you will be frozen to death!' And a
+dreary little procession set out for the king's palace, the greyhound
+and the cat bringing up the rear.
+
+At the gates he left them, though his wife besought him to allow her
+to enter.
+
+'You have betrayed me and ruined me,' he said sternly; 'I go to seek
+my fortune alone.' And without another word he turned and left her.
+
+With his falcon on his wrist, and his greyhound and cat behind him,
+the young man walked a long way, inquiring of everyone he met whether
+they had seen his enemy the Jew. But nobody had. Then he bade his
+falcon fly up into the sky--up, up, and up--and try if _his_ sharp
+eyes could discover the old thief. The bird had to go so high that he
+did not return for some hours; but he told his master that the Jew was
+lying asleep in a splendid palace in a far country on the shores of
+the sea. This was delightful news to the young man, who instantly
+bought some meat for the falcon, bidding him make a good meal.
+
+'To-morrow,' said he, 'you will fly to the palace where the Jew lies,
+and while he is asleep you will search all about him for a stone on
+which is engraved strange signs; this you will bring to me. In three
+days I shall expect you back here.'
+
+'Well, I must take the cat with me,' answered the bird.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The sun had not yet risen before the falcon soared high into the air,
+the cat seated on his back, with his paws tightly clasping the bird's
+neck.
+
+'You had better shut your eyes or you may get giddy,' said the bird;
+and the cat, who had never before been off the ground except to climb
+a tree, did as she was bid.
+
+  [Illustration: I GO TO SEEK MY FORTUNE ALONE]
+
+All that day and all that night they flew, and in the morning they saw
+the Jew's palace lying beneath them.
+
+'Dear me,' said the cat, opening her eyes for the first time, 'that
+looks to me very like a rat city down there, let us go down to it;
+they may be able to help us.' So they alighted in some bushes in the
+heart of the rat city. The falcon remained where he was, but the cat
+lay down outside the principal gate, causing terrible excitement among
+the rats.
+
+At length, seeing she did not move, one bolder than the rest put its
+head out of an upper window of the castle, and said, in a trembling
+voice:
+
+'Why have you come here? What do you want? If it is anything in our
+power, tell us, and we will do it.'
+
+'If you would have let me speak to you before, I would have told you
+that I come as a friend,' replied the cat; 'and I shall be greatly
+obliged if you would send four of the strongest and cunningest among
+you, to do me a service.'
+
+'Oh, we shall be delighted,' answered the rat, much relieved. 'But if
+you will inform me what it is you wish them to do I shall be better
+able to judge who is most fitted for the post.'
+
+'I thank you,' said the cat. 'Well, what they have to do is this:
+To-night they must burrow under the walls of the castle and go up to
+the room where a Jew lies asleep. Somewhere about him he has hidden a
+stone, on which are engraved strange signs. When they have found it
+they must take it from him without his waking, and bring it to me.'
+
+'Your orders shall be obeyed,' replied the rat. And he went out to
+give his instructions.
+
+About midnight the cat, who was still sleeping before the gate, was
+awakened by some water flung at him by the head rat, who could not
+make up his mind to open the doors.
+
+'Here is the stone you wanted,' said he, when the cat started up with
+a loud mew; 'if you will hold up your paws I will drop it down.' And
+so he did. 'And now farewell,' continued the rat; 'you have a long way
+to go, and will do well to start before daybreak.'
+
+'Your counsel is good,' replied the cat, smiling to itself; and
+putting the stone in her mouth she went off to seek the falcon.
+
+Now all this time neither the cat nor the falcon had had any food, and
+the falcon soon got tired carrying such a heavy burden. When night
+arrived he declared he could go no further, but would spend it on the
+banks of a river.
+
+'And it is my turn to take care of the stone,' said he, 'or it will
+seem as if you had done everything and I nothing.'
+
+'No, I got it, and I will keep it,' answered the cat, who was tired
+and cross; and they began a fine quarrel. But, unluckily, in the midst
+of it, the cat raised her voice, and the stone fell into the ear of a
+big fish which happened to be swimming by, and though both the cat and
+the falcon sprang into the water after it, they were too late.
+
+Half drowned, and more than half choked, the two faithful servants
+scrambled back to land again. The falcon flew to a tree and spread his
+wings in the sun to dry, but the cat, after giving herself a good
+shake, began to scratch up the sandy banks and to throw the bits into
+the stream.
+
+'What are you doing that for?' asked a little fish. 'Do you know that
+you are making the water quite muddy?'
+
+'That doesn't matter at all to me,' answered the cat. 'I am going to
+fill up all the river, so that the fishes may die.'
+
+'That is very unkind, as we have never done you any harm,' replied the
+fish. 'Why are you so angry with us?'
+
+'Because one of you has got a stone of mine--a stone with strange
+signs upon it--which dropped into the water. If you will promise to
+get it back for me, why, perhaps I will leave your river alone.'
+
+'I will certainly try,' answered the fish in a great hurry; 'but you
+must have a little patience, as it may not be an easy task.' And in
+an instant his scales might be seen flashing quickly along.
+
+The fish swam as fast as he could to the sea, which was not far
+distant, and calling together all his relations who lived in the
+neighbourhood, he told them of the terrible danger which threatened
+the dwellers in the river.
+
+  [Illustration: {THE CAT LETS FALL THE STONE}]
+
+'None of us has got it,' said the fishes, shaking their heads; 'but in
+the bay yonder there is a tunny who, although he is so old, always
+goes everywhere. He will be able to tell you about it, if anyone can.'
+So the little fish swam off to the tunny, and again related his story.
+
+'Why _I_ was up that river only a few hours ago!' cried the tunny;
+'and as I was coming back something fell into my ear, and there it is
+still, for I went to sleep when I got home and forgot all about it.
+Perhaps it may be what you want.' And stretching up his tail he
+whisked out the stone.
+
+'Yes, I think that must be it,' said the fish with joy. And taking
+the stone in his mouth he carried it to the place where the cat was
+waiting for him.
+
+'I am much obliged to you,' said the cat, as the fish laid the stone
+on the sand, 'and to reward you, I will let your river alone.' And she
+mounted the falcon's back, and they flew to their master.
+
+Ah, how glad he was to see them again with the magic stone in their
+possession. In a moment he had wished for a palace, but _this_ time it
+was of green marble; and then he wished for the princess and her
+ladies to occupy it. And there they lived for many years, and when the
+old king died the princess's husband reigned in his stead.
+
+(Adapted from _Contes Berberes_.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE STORY OF MANUS_
+
+
+Far away over the sea of the West there reigned a king who had two
+sons; and the name of the one was Oireal, and the name of the other
+was Iarlaid. When the boys were still children, their father and
+mother died, and a great council was held, and a man was chosen from
+among them who would rule the kingdom till the boys were old enough to
+rule it themselves.
+
+The years passed on, and by-and-by another council was held, and it
+was agreed that the king's sons were now of an age to take the power
+which rightly belonged to them. So the youths were bidden to appear
+before the council, and Oireal the elder was smaller and weaker than
+his brother.
+
+'I like not to leave the deer on the hill and the fish in the rivers,
+and sit in judgment on my people,' said Oireal, when he had listened
+to the words of the chief of the council. And the chief waxed angry,
+and answered quickly:
+
+'Not one clod of earth shall ever be yours if this day you do not take
+on yourself the vows that were taken by the king your father.'
+
+Then spake Iarlaid, the younger, and he said: 'Let one half be yours,
+and the other give to me; then you will have fewer people to rule
+over.'
+
+'Yes, I will do that,' answered Oireal.
+
+After this, one half of the men of the land of Lochlann did homage to
+Oireal, and the other half to Iarlaid. And they governed their
+kingdoms as they would, and in a few years they became grown men with
+beards on their chins; and Iarlaid married the daughter of the king
+of Greece, and Oireal the daughter of the king of Orkney. The next
+year sons were born to Oireal and Iarlaid; and the son of Oireal was
+big and strong, but the son of Iarlaid was little and weak, and each
+had six foster brothers who went everywhere with the princes.
+
+One day Manus, son of Oireal, and his cousin, the son of Iarlaid,
+called to their foster brothers, and bade them come and play a game at
+shinny in the great field near the school where they were taught all
+that princes and nobles should know. Long they played, and swiftly did
+the ball pass from one to another, when Manus drove the ball at his
+cousin, the son of Iarlaid. The boy, who was not used to be roughly
+handled, even in jest, cried out that he was sorely hurt, and went
+home with his foster brothers and told his tale to his mother. The
+wife of Iarlaid grew white and angry as she listened, and thrusting
+her son aside, sought the council hall where Iarlaid was sitting.
+
+'Manus has driven a ball at my son, and fain would have slain him,'
+said she. 'Let an end be put to him and his ill deeds.'
+
+But Iarlaid answered:
+
+'Nay, I will not slay the son of my brother.'
+
+'And he shall not slay my son,' said the queen. And calling to her
+chamberlain she ordered him to lead the prince to the four brown
+boundaries of the world, and to leave him there with a wise man, who
+would care for him, and let no harm befall him. And the wise man set
+the boy on the top of a hill where the sun always shone, and he could
+see every man, but no man could see him.
+
+Then she summoned Manus to the castle, and for a whole year she kept
+him fast, and his own mother could not get speech of him. But in the
+end, when the wife of Oireal fell sick, Manus fled from the tower
+which was his prison, and stole back to his own home.
+
+For a few years he stayed there in peace, and then the wife of
+Iarlaid his uncle sent for him.
+
+'It is time that you were married,' she said, when she saw that Manus
+had grown tall and strong like unto Iarlaid. 'Tall and strong you are,
+and comely of face. I know a bride that will suit you well, and that
+is the daughter of the mighty earl of Finghaidh, that does homage for
+his lands to me. I myself will go with a great following to his house,
+and you shall go with me.'
+
+Thus it was done; and though the earl's wife was eager to keep her
+daughter with her yet a while, she was fain to yield, as the wife of
+Iarlaid vowed that not a rood of land should the earl have, unless he
+did her bidding. But if he would give his daughter to Manus, she would
+bestow on him the third part of her own kingdom, with much treasure
+beside. This she did, not from love to Manus, but because she wished
+to destroy him. So they were married, and rode back with the wife of
+Iarlaid to her own palace. And that night, while he was sleeping,
+there came a wise man, who was his father's friend, and awoke him
+saying: 'Danger lies very close to you, Manus, son of Oireal. You hold
+yourself favoured because you have as a bride the daughter of a mighty
+earl; but do you know what bride the wife of Iarlaid sought for her
+own son? It was no worldly wife she found for _him_, but the swift
+March wind, and never can you prevail against her.'
+
+'Is it thus?' answered Manus. And at the first streak of dawn he went
+to the chamber where the queen lay in the midst of her maidens.
+
+'I have come,' he said, 'for the third part of the kingdom, and for
+the treasure which you promised me.' But the wife of Iarlaid laughed
+as she heard him.
+
+'Not a clod shall you have here,' spake she. 'You must go to the Old
+Bergen for that. Mayhap under its stones and rough mountains you may
+find a treasure!'
+
+'Then give me your son's six foster brothers as well as my own,'
+answered he. And the queen gave them to him, and they set out for Old
+Bergen.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A year passed by, and found them still in that wild land, hunting the
+reindeer, and digging pits for the mountain sheep to fall into. For a
+time Manus and his twelve companions lived merrily, but at length
+Manus grew weary of the strange country, and they all took ship for
+the land of Lochlann. The wind was fierce and cold, and long was the
+voyage; but, one spring day, they sailed into the harbour that lay
+beneath the castle of Iarlaid. The queen looked from her window and
+beheld him mounting the hill, with the twelve foster brothers behind
+him. Then she said to her husband: 'Manus has returned with his twelve
+foster brothers. Would that I could put an end to him and his
+murdering and his slaying.'
+
+'That were a great pity,' answered Iarlaid. 'And it is not I that will
+do it.'
+
+'If you will not do it I will,' said she. And she called the twelve
+foster brothers and made them vow fealty to herself. So Manus was left
+with no man, and sorrowful was he when he returned alone to Old
+Bergen. It was late when his foot touched the shore, and took the path
+towards the forest. On his way there he met him a man in a red tunic.
+
+'Is it you, Manus, come back again?' asked he.
+
+'It is I,' answered Manus; 'alone have I returned from the land of
+Lochlann.'
+
+The man eyed him silently for a moment, and then he said:
+
+'I dreamed that you were girt with a sword and became king of
+Lochlann.' But Manus answered:
+
+'I have no sword and my bow is broken.'
+
+'I will give you a new sword if you will make me a promise,' said the
+man once more.
+
+'To be sure I will make it, if ever I am king,' answered Manus. 'But
+speak, and tell me what promise I am to make!'
+
+'I was your grandfather's armourer,' replied the man, 'and I wish to
+be your armourer also.'
+
+  [Illustration: HOW MANUS GOT THE LION'S CUB]
+
+'That I will promise readily,' said Manus; and followed the man into
+his house, which was at a little distance. But the house was not like
+other houses, for the walls of every room were hung so thick with
+arms that you could not see the boards.
+
+'Choose what you will,' said the man; and Manus unhooked a sword and
+tried it across his knee, and it broke, and so did the next, and the
+next.
+
+'Leave off breaking the swords,' cried the man, 'and look at this old
+sword and helmet and tunic that I wore in the wars of your
+grandfather. Perhaps you may find them of stouter steel.' And Manus
+bent the sword thrice across his knee but he could not break it. So he
+girded it to his side, and put on the old helmet. As he fastened the
+strap his eye fell on a cloth flapping outside the window.
+
+'What cloth is that?' asked he.
+
+'It is a cloth that was woven by the Little People of the forest,'
+said the man; 'and when you are hungry it will give you food and
+drink, and if you meet a foe, he will not hurt you, but will stoop and
+kiss the back of your hand in token of submission. Take it, and use it
+well.' Manus gladly wrapped the shawl round his arm, and was leaving
+the house, when he heard the rattling of a chain blown by the wind.
+
+'What chain is that?' asked he.
+
+'The creature who has that chain round his neck, need not fear a
+hundred enemies,' answered the armourer. And Manus wound it round him
+and passed on into the forest.
+
+Suddenly there sprang out from the bushes two lions, and a lion cub
+with them. The fierce beasts bounded towards him, roaring loudly, and
+would fain have eaten him, but quickly Manus stooped and spread the
+cloth upon the ground. At that the lions stopped, and bowing their
+great heads, kissed the back of his wrist and went their ways. But the
+cub rolled itself up in the cloth; so Manus picked them both up, and
+carried them with him to Old Bergen.
+
+Another year went by, and then he took the lion cub and set forth to
+the land of Lochlann. And the wife of Iarlaid came to meet him, and a
+brown dog, small but full of courage, came with her. When the dog
+beheld the lion cub he rushed towards him, thinking to eat him; but
+the cub caught the dog by the neck, and shook him, and he was dead.
+And the wife of Iarlaid mourned him sore, and her wrath was kindled,
+and many times she tried to slay Manus and his cub, but she could not.
+And at last they two went back to Old Bergen, and the twelve foster
+brothers went also.
+
+'Let them go,' said the wife of Iarlaid, when she heard of it. 'My
+brother the Red Gruagach will take the head off Manus as well in Old
+Bergen as elsewhere.'
+
+Now these words were carried by a messenger to the wife of Oireal, and
+she made haste and sent a ship to Old Bergen to bear away her son
+before the Red Gruagach should take the head off him. And in the ship
+was a pilot. But the wife of Iarlaid made a thick fog to cover the
+face of the sea, and the rowers could not row, lest they should drive
+the ship on to a rock. And when night came, the lion cub, whose eyes
+were bright and keen, stole up to Manus, and Manus got on his back,
+and the lion cub sprang ashore and bade Manus rest on the rock and
+wait for him. So Manus slept, and by-and-by a voice sounded in his
+ears, saying: 'Arise!' And he saw a ship in the water beneath him, and
+in the ship sat the lion cub in the shape of the pilot.
+
+Then they sailed away through the fog, and none saw them; and they
+reached the land of Lochlann, and the lion cub with the chain round
+his neck sprang from the ship and Manus followed after. And the lion
+cub killed all the men that guarded the castle, and Iarlaid and his
+wife also, so that, in the end, Manus son of Oireal was crowned king
+of Lochlann.
+
+(Shortened from _West Highland Tales_.)
+
+
+
+
+_PINKEL THE THIEF_
+
+
+Long, long ago there lived a widow who had three sons. The two eldest
+were grown up, and though they were known to be idle fellows, some of
+the neighbours had given them work to do on account of the respect in
+which their mother was held. But at the time this story begins they
+had both been so careless and idle that their masters declared they
+would keep them no longer.
+
+So home they went to their mother and youngest brother, of whom they
+thought little, because he made himself useful about the house, and
+looked after the hens, and milked the cow. 'Pinkel,' they called him
+in scorn, and by-and-by 'Pinkel' became his name throughout the
+village.
+
+The two young men thought it was much nicer to live at home and be
+idle than to be obliged to do a quantity of disagreeable things they
+did not like, and they would have stayed by the fire till the end of
+their lives had not the widow lost patience with them and said that
+since they would not look for work at home they must seek it
+elsewhere, for she would not have them under her roof any longer. But
+she repented bitterly of her words when Pinkel told her that he too
+was old enough to go out into the world, and that when he had made a
+fortune he would send for his mother to keep house for him.
+
+The widow wept many tears at parting from her youngest son, but as she
+saw that his heart was set upon going with his brothers, she did not
+try to keep him. So the young men started off one morning in high
+spirits, never doubting that work such as they might be willing to do
+would be had for the asking, as soon as their little store of money
+was spent.
+
+But a very few days of wandering opened their eyes. Nobody seemed to
+want them, or, if they did, the young men declared that they were not
+able to undertake all that the farmers or millers or woodcutters
+required of them. The youngest brother, who was wiser, would gladly
+have done some of the work that the others refused, but he was small
+and slight, and no one thought of offering him any. Therefore they
+went from one place to another, living only on the fruit and nuts they
+could find in the woods, and getting hungrier every day.
+
+One night, after they had been walking for many hours and were very
+tired, they came to a large lake with an island in the middle of it.
+From the island streamed a strong light, by which they could see
+everything almost as clearly as if the sun had been shining, and they
+perceived that, lying half hidden in the rushes, was a boat.
+
+'Let us take it and row over to the island, where there must be a
+house,' said the eldest brother; 'and perhaps they will give us food
+and shelter.' And they all got in and rowed across in the direction of
+the light. As they drew near the island they saw that it came from a
+golden lantern hanging over the door of a hut, while sweet tinkling
+music proceeded from some bells attached to the golden horns of a goat
+which was feeding near the cottage. The young men's hearts rejoiced as
+they thought that at last they would be able to rest their weary
+limbs, and they entered the hut, but were amazed to see an ugly old
+woman inside, wrapped in a cloak of gold which lighted up the whole
+house. They looked at each other uneasily as she came forward with
+her daughter, as they knew by the cloak that this was a famous witch.
+
+'What do you want?' asked she, at the same time signing to her
+daughter to stir the large pot on the fire.
+
+'We are tired and hungry, and would fain have shelter for the night,'
+answered the eldest brother.
+
+'You cannot get it here,' said the witch, 'but you will find both food
+and shelter in the palace on the other side of the lake. Take your
+boat and go; but leave this boy with me--I can find work for him,
+though something tells me he is quick and cunning, and will do me
+ill.'
+
+'What harm can a poor boy like me do a great Troll like you,' answered
+Pinkel. 'Let me go, I pray you, with my brothers. I will promise never
+to hurt you.' And at last the witch let him go, and he followed his
+brothers to the boat.
+
+The way was further than they thought, and it was morning before they
+reached the palace.
+
+Now, at last, their luck seemed to have turned, for while the two
+eldest were given places in the king's stables, Pinkel was taken as
+page to the little prince. He was a clever and amusing boy, who saw
+everything that passed under his eyes, and the king noticed this, and
+often employed him in his own service, which made his brothers very
+jealous.
+
+Things went on in this way for some time, and Pinkel every day rose in
+the royal favour. At length the envy of his brothers became so great
+that they could bear it no longer, and consulted together how best
+they might ruin his credit with the king. They did not wish to kill
+him--though, perhaps, they would not have been sorry if they had heard
+he was dead--but merely wished to remind him that he was after all
+only a child, not half so old and wise as they.
+
+  [Illustration: PINKEL BRINGS THE WITCH'S LANTERN TO THE KING]
+
+Their opportunity soon came. It happened to be the king's custom to
+visit his stables once a week, so that he might see that his horses
+were being properly cared for. The next time he entered the stables
+the two brothers managed to be in the way, and when the king praised
+the beautiful satin skins of the horses under their charge, and
+remarked how different was their condition when his grooms had first
+come across the lake, the young men at once began to speak of the
+wonderful light which sprang from the lantern over the hut. The king,
+who had a passion for collecting all the rarest things he could find,
+fell into the trap directly, and inquired where he could get this
+marvellous lantern.
+
+'Send Pinkel for it, Sire,' said they. 'It belongs to an old witch,
+who no doubt came by it in some evil way. But Pinkel has a smooth
+tongue, and he can get the better of any woman, old or young.'
+
+'Then bid him go this very night,' cried the king; 'and if he brings
+me the lantern I will make him one of the chief men about my person.'
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Pinkel was much pleased at the thought of his adventure, and without
+more ado he borrowed a little boat which lay moored to the shore, and
+rowed over to the island at once. It was late by the time he arrived,
+and almost dark, but he knew by the savoury smell that reached him
+that the witch was cooking her supper. So he climbed softly on to the
+roof, and, peering, watched till the old woman's back was turned, when
+he quickly drew a handful of salt from his pocket and threw it into
+the pot. Scarcely had he done this when the witch called her daughter
+and bade her lift the pot off the fire and put the stew into a dish,
+as it had been cooking quite long enough and she was hungry. But no
+sooner had she tasted it than she put her spoon down, and declared
+that her daughter must have been meddling with it, for it was
+impossible to eat anything that was all made of salt.
+
+'Go down to the spring in the valley, and get some fresh water, that I
+may prepare a fresh supper,' cried she, 'for I feel half-starved.'
+
+'But, mother,' answered the girl, 'how can I find the well in this
+darkness? For you know that the lantern's rays shed no light down
+there.'
+
+'Well, then, take the lantern with you,' answered the witch, 'for
+supper I must have, and there is no water that is nearer.'
+
+So the girl took her pail in one hand and the golden lantern in the
+other, and hastened away to the well, followed by Pinkel, who took
+care to keep out of the way of the rays. When at last she stooped to
+fill her pail at the well Pinkel pushed her into it, and snatching up
+the lantern hurried back to his boat and rowed off from the shore.
+
+He was already a long distance from the island when the witch, who
+wondered what had become of her daughter, went to the door to look for
+her. Close around the hut was thick darkness, but what was that
+bobbing light that streamed across the water? The witch's heart sank
+as all at once it flashed upon her what had happened.
+
+'Is that you, Pinkel?' cried she; and the youth answered:
+
+'Yes, dear mother, it is I!'
+
+'And are you not a knave for robbing me?' said she.
+
+'Truly, dear mother, I am,' replied Pinkel, rowing faster than ever,
+for he was half afraid that the witch might come after him. But she
+had no power on the water, and turned angrily into the hut, muttering
+to herself all the while:
+
+'Take care! take care! A second time you will not escape so easily!'
+
+The sun had not yet risen when Pinkel returned to the palace, and,
+entering the king's chamber, he held up the lantern so that its rays
+might fall upon the bed. In an instant the king awoke, and seeing the
+golden lantern shedding its light upon him, he sprang up, and embraced
+Pinkel with joy.
+
+'O cunning one,' cried he, 'what treasure hast thou brought me!' And
+calling for his attendants he ordered that rooms next his own should
+be prepared for Pinkel, and that the youth might enter his presence at
+any hour. And besides this, he was to have a seat on the council.
+
+It may easily be guessed that all this made the brothers more envious
+than they were before; and they cast about in their minds afresh how
+best they might destroy him. At length they remembered the goat with
+the golden horns and the bells, and they rejoiced; 'For,' said they,
+'_this_ time the old woman will be on the watch, and let him be as
+clever as he likes, the bells on the horns are sure to warn her.' So
+when, as before, the king came down to the stables and praised the
+cleverness of their brother, the young men told him of that other
+marvel possessed by the witch, the goat with the golden horns.
+
+From this moment the king never closed his eyes at night for longing
+after this wonderful creature. He understood something of the danger
+that there might be in trying to steal it, now that the witch's
+suspicions were aroused, and he spent hours in making plans for
+outwitting her. But somehow he never could think of anything that
+would do, and at last, as the brothers had foreseen, he sent for
+Pinkel.
+
+'I hear,' he said, 'that the old witch on the island has a goat with
+golden horns, from which hang bells that tinkle the sweetest music.
+That goat I must have! But, tell me, how am I to get it? I would give
+the third part of my kingdom to anyone that would bring it to me.'
+
+'I will fetch it myself,' answered Pinkel.
+
+This time it was easier for Pinkel to approach the island unseen, as
+there was no golden lantern to throw its beams over the water. But, on
+the other hand, the goat slept inside the hut, and would therefore
+have to be taken from under the very eyes of the old woman. How was he
+to do it? All the way across the lake he thought and thought, till at
+length a plan came into his head which seemed as if it might do,
+though he knew it would be very difficult to carry out.
+
+The first thing he did when he reached the shore was to look about for
+a piece of wood, and when he had found it he hid himself close to the
+hut, till it grew quite dark and near the hour when the witch and her
+daughter went to bed. Then he crept up and fixed the wood under the
+door, which opened outwards, in such a manner that the more you tried
+to shut it the more firmly it stuck. And this was what happened when
+the girl went as usual to bolt the door and make all fast for the
+night.
+
+'What are you doing?' asked the witch, as her daughter kept tugging at
+the handle.
+
+'There is something the matter with the door; it won't shut,' answered
+she.
+
+'Well, leave it alone; there is nobody to hurt us,' said the witch,
+who was very sleepy; and the girl did as she was bid, and went to bed.
+Very soon they both might have been heard snoring, and Pinkel knew
+that his time was come. Slipping off his shoes he stole into the hut
+on tiptoe, and taking from his pockets some food of which the goat was
+particularly fond, he laid it under his nose. Then, while the animal
+was eating it, he stuffed each golden bell with wool which he had also
+brought with him, stopping every minute to listen, lest the witch
+should awaken, and he should find himself changed into some dreadful
+bird or beast. But the snoring still continued, and he went on with
+his work as quickly as he could. When the last bell was done he drew
+another handful of food out of his pocket, and held it out to the
+goat, which instantly rose to its feet and followed Pinkel, who backed
+slowly to the door, and directly he got outside he seized the goat in
+his arms and ran down to the place where he had moored his boat.
+
+As soon as he had reached the middle of the lake, Pinkel took the wool
+out of the bells, which began to tinkle loudly. Their sound awoke the
+witch, who cried out as before:
+
+'Is that you, Pinkel?'
+
+'Yes, dear mother, it is I,' said Pinkel.
+
+'Have you stolen my golden goat?' asked she.
+
+'Yes, dear mother, I have,' answered Pinkel.
+
+'Are you not a knave, Pinkel?'
+
+'Yes, dear mother, I am,' he replied. And the old witch shouted in a
+rage:
+
+  [Illustration: PINKEL STEALS THE WITCH'S GOAT]
+
+'Ah! beware how you come hither again, for next time you shall not
+escape me!'
+
+But Pinkel only laughed and rowed on.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The king was so delighted with the goat that he always kept it by his
+side, night and day; and, as he had promised, Pinkel was made ruler
+over the third part of the kingdom. As may be supposed, the brothers
+were more furious than ever, and grew quite thin with rage.
+
+'How can we get rid of him?' said one to the other. And at length they
+remembered the golden cloak.
+
+'He will need to be clever if he is to steal _that_!' they cried,
+with a chuckle. And when next the king came to see his horses they
+began to speak of Pinkel and his marvellous cunning, and how he had
+contrived to steal the lantern and the goat, which nobody else would
+have been able to do.
+
+'But as he _was_ there, it is a pity he could not have brought away
+the golden cloak,' added they.
+
+'The golden cloak! what is that?' asked the king. And the young men
+described its beauties in such glowing words that the king declared he
+should never know a day's happiness till he had wrapped the cloak
+round his own shoulders.
+
+'And,' added he, 'the man who brings it to me shall wed my daughter,
+and shall inherit my throne.'
+
+'None can get it save Pinkel,' said they; for they did not imagine
+that the witch, after two warnings, could allow their brother to
+escape a third time. So Pinkel was sent for, and with a glad heart he
+set out.
+
+He passed many hours inventing first one plan and then another, till
+he had a scheme ready which he thought might prove successful.
+
+Thrusting a large bag inside his coat, he pushed off from the shore,
+taking care this time to reach the island in daylight. Having made his
+boat fast to a tree, he walked up to the hut, hanging his head, and
+putting on a face that was both sorrowful and ashamed.
+
+'Is that you, Pinkel?' asked the witch when she saw him, her eyes
+gleaming savagely.
+
+'Yes, dear mother, it is I,' answered Pinkel.
+
+'So you have dared, after all you have done, to put yourself in my
+power!' cried she. 'Well, you sha'n't escape me _this_ time!' And she
+took down a large knife and began to sharpen it.
+
+'Oh! dear mother, spare me!' shrieked Pinkel, falling on his knees,
+and looking wildly about him.
+
+'Spare you, indeed, you thief! Where are my lantern and my goat? No!
+no! there is only one fate for robbers!' And she brandished the knife
+in the air so that it glittered in the firelight.
+
+'Then, if I _must_ die,' said Pinkel, who, by this time, was getting
+really rather frightened, 'let me at least choose the manner of my
+death. I am very hungry, for I have had nothing to eat all day. Put
+some poison, if you like, into the porridge, but at least let me have
+a good meal before I die.'
+
+'That is not a bad idea,' answered the woman; 'as long as you _do_
+die, it is all one to me.' And ladling out a large bowl of porridge,
+she stirred some poisonous herbs into it, and set about some work that
+had to be done. Then Pinkel hastily poured all the contents of the
+bowl into his bag, and made a great noise with his spoon, as if he was
+scraping up the last morsel.
+
+'Poisoned or not, the porridge is excellent. I have eaten it, every
+scrap; do give me some more,' said Pinkel, turning towards her.
+
+'Well, you have a fine appetite, young man,' answered the witch;
+'however, it is the last time you will ever eat it, so I will give you
+another bowlful.' And rubbing in the poisonous herbs, she poured him
+out half of what remained, and then went to the window to call her
+cat.
+
+In an instant Pinkel again emptied the porridge into the bag, and the
+next minute he rolled on the floor, twisting himself about as if in
+agony, uttering loud groans the while. Suddenly he grew silent and lay
+still.
+
+'Ah! I thought a second dose of that poison would be too much for
+you,' said the witch looking at him. 'I warned you what would happen
+if you came back. I wish that all thieves were as dead as you! But why
+does not my lazy girl bring the wood I sent her for, it will soon be
+too dark for her to find her way? I suppose I must go and search for
+her. What a trouble girls are!' And she went to the door to watch if
+there were any signs of her daughter. But nothing could be seen of
+her, and heavy rain was falling.
+
+'It is no night for my cloak,' she muttered; 'it would be covered with
+mud by the time I got back.' So she took it off her shoulders and hung
+it carefully up in a cupboard in the room. After that she put on her
+clogs and started to seek her daughter. Directly the last sound of the
+clogs had ceased, Pinkel jumped up and took down the cloak, and rowed
+off as fast as he could.
+
+He had not gone far when a puff of wind unfolded the cloak, and its
+brightness shed gleams across the water. The witch, who was just
+entering the forest, turned round at that moment and saw the golden
+rays. She forgot all about her daughter, and ran down to the shore,
+screaming with rage at being outwitted a third time.
+
+'Is that you, Pinkel?' cried she.
+
+'Yes, dear mother, it is I.'
+
+'Have you taken my gold cloak?'
+
+'Yes, dear mother, I have.'
+
+'Are you not a great knave?'
+
+'Yes, truly dear mother, I am.'
+
+And so indeed he was!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+But, all the same, he carried the cloak to the king's palace, and in
+return he received the hand of the king's daughter in marriage. People
+said that it was the bride who ought to have worn the cloak at her
+wedding feast; but the king was so pleased with it that he would not
+part from it; and to the end of his life was never seen without it.
+After his death, Pinkel became king; and let us hope that he gave up
+his bad and thievish ways, and ruled his subjects well. As for his
+brothers, he did not punish them, but left them in the stables, where
+they grumbled all day long.
+
+(Thorpe's _Yule-Tide Stories_.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE ADVENTURES OF A JACKAL_
+
+
+In a country which is full of wild beasts of all sorts there once
+lived a jackal and a hedgehog, and, unlike though they were, the two
+animals made great friends, and were often seen in each other's
+company.
+
+One afternoon they were walking along a road together, when the
+jackal, who was the taller of the two, exclaimed:
+
+'Oh! there is a barn full of corn; let us go and eat some.'
+
+'Yes, do let us!' answered the hedgehog. So they went to the barn, and
+ate till they could eat no more. Then the jackal put on his shoes,
+which he had taken off so as to make no noise, and they returned to
+the high road.
+
+After they had gone some way they met a panther, who stopped, and
+bowing politely, said:
+
+'Excuse my speaking to you, but I cannot help admiring those shoes of
+yours. Do you mind telling me who made them?'
+
+'Yes, I think they _are_ rather nice,' answered the jackal; 'I made
+them myself, though.'
+
+'Could you make me a pair like them?' asked the panther eagerly.
+
+'I would do my best, of course,' replied the jackal; 'but you must
+kill me a cow, and when we have eaten the flesh I will take the skin
+and make your shoes out of it.'
+
+So the panther prowled about until he saw a fine cow grazing apart
+from the rest of the herd. He killed it instantly, and then gave a cry
+to the jackal and hedgehog to come to the place where he was. They
+soon skinned the dead beast, and spread its skin out to dry, after
+which they had a grand feast before they curled themselves up for the
+night, and slept soundly.
+
+Next morning the jackal got up early and set to work upon the shoes,
+while the panther sat by and looked on with delight. At last they were
+finished, and the jackal arose and stretched himself.
+
+'Now go and lay them in the sun out there,' said he; 'in a couple of
+hours they will be ready to put on; but do not attempt to wear them
+before, or you will feel them most uncomfortable. But I see the sun is
+high in the heavens, and we must be continuing our journey.'
+
+The panther, who always believed what everybody told him, did exactly
+as he was bid, and in two hours' time began to fasten on the shoes.
+They certainly set off his paws wonderfully, and he stretched out his
+fore-paws and looked at them with pride. But when he tried to
+_walk_--ah! that was another story! They were so stiff and hard that
+he nearly shrieked every step he took, and at last he sank down where
+he was, and actually began to cry.
+
+After some time some little partridges who were hopping about heard
+the poor panther's groans, and went up to see what was the matter. He
+had never tried to make his dinner off _them_, and they had always
+been quite friendly.
+
+'You seem in pain,' said one of them, fluttering close to him, 'can we
+help you?'
+
+'Oh, it is the jackal! He made me these shoes; they are so hard and
+tight that they hurt my feet, and I cannot manage to kick them off.'
+
+'Lie still, and we will soften them,' answered the kind little
+partridge. And calling to his brothers, they all flew to the nearest
+spring, and carried water in their beaks, which they poured over the
+shoes. This they did till the hard leather grew soft, and the panther
+was able to slip his feet out of them.
+
+'Oh, thank you, thank you,' he cried, skipping round with joy. 'I feel
+a different creature. Now I will go after the jackal and pay him my
+debts.' And he bounded away into the forest.
+
+But the jackal had been very cunning, and had trotted backwards and
+forwards and in and out, so that it was very difficult to know which
+track he had really followed. At length, however, he caught sight of
+his enemy, at the same moment that the jackal had caught sight of him.
+The panther gave a loud roar, and sprung forward, but the jackal was
+too quick for him and plunged into a dense thicket, where the panther
+could not follow.
+
+Disgusted with his failure, but more angry than ever, the panther lay
+down for a while to consider what he should do next, and as he was
+thinking, an old man came by.
+
+'Oh! father, tell me how I can repay the jackal for the way he has
+served me!' And without more ado he told his story.
+
+'If you take my advice,' answered the old man, 'you will kill a cow,
+and invite all the jackals in the forest to the feast. Watch them
+carefully while they are eating, and you will see that most of them
+keep their eyes on their food. But if one of them glances at _you_,
+you will know that is the traitor.'
+
+The panther, whose manners were always good, thanked the old man, and
+followed his counsel. The cow was killed, and the partridges flew
+about with invitations to the jackals, who gathered in large numbers
+to the feast. The wicked jackal came amongst them; but as the panther
+had only seen him once he could not distinguish him from the rest.
+However, they all took their places on wooden seats placed round the
+dead cow, which was laid across the boughs of a fallen tree, and
+began their dinner, each jackal fixing his eyes greedily on the piece
+of meat before him. Only one of them seemed uneasy, and every now and
+then glanced in the direction of his host. This the panther noticed,
+and suddenly made a bound at the culprit and seized his tail; but
+again the jackal was too quick for him, and catching up a knife he cut
+off his tail and darted into the forest, followed by all the rest of
+the party. And before the panther had recovered from his surprise he
+found himself alone.
+
+'What am I to do _now_?' he asked the old man, who soon came back to
+see how things had turned out.
+
+'It is very unfortunate, certainly,' answered he; 'but I think I know
+where you can find him. There is a melon garden about two miles from
+here, and as jackals are very fond of melons they are nearly sure to
+have gone there to feed. If you see a tailless jackal you will know
+that he is the one you want.' So the panther thanked him and went his
+way.
+
+Now the jackal had guessed what advice the old man would give his
+enemy, and so, while his friends were greedily eating the ripest
+melons in the sunniest corner of the garden, he stole behind them and
+tied their tails together. He had only just finished when his ears
+caught the sound of breaking branches; and he cried: 'Quick! quick!
+here comes the master of the garden!' And the jackals sprang up and
+ran away in all directions, leaving their tails behind them. And how
+was the panther to know which was his enemy?
+
+'They none of them had any tails,' he said sadly to the old man, 'and
+I am tired of hunting them. I shall leave them alone and go and catch
+something for supper.'
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Of course the hedgehog had not been able to take part in any of these
+adventures; but as soon as all danger was over, the jackal went to
+look for his friend whom he was lucky enough to find at home.
+
+'Ah, there you are,' he said gaily. 'I have lost my tail since I saw
+you last. And other people have lost theirs too; but that is no
+matter! I am hungry, so come with me to the shepherd who is sitting
+over there, and we will ask him to sell us one of his sheep.'
+
+'Yes, that is a good plan,' answered the hedgehog. And he walked as
+fast as his little legs would go to keep up with the jackal. When they
+reached the shepherd the jackal pulled out his purse from under his
+foreleg, and made his bargain.
+
+'Only wait till to-morrow,' said the shepherd, 'and I will give you
+the biggest sheep you ever saw. But he always feeds at some distance
+from the rest of the flock, and it would take me a long time to catch
+him.'
+
+'Well, it is very tiresome, but I suppose I must wait,' replied the
+jackal. And he and the hedgehog looked about for a nice dry cave in
+which to make themselves comfortable for the night. But, after they
+had gone, the shepherd killed one of his sheep, and stripped off his
+skin, which he sewed tightly round a greyhound he had with him, and
+put a cord round its neck. Then he lay down and went to sleep.
+
+Very, very early, before the sun was properly up, the jackal and the
+hedgehog were pulling at the shepherd's cloak.
+
+'Wake up,' they said, 'and give us that sheep. We have had nothing to
+eat all night, and are very hungry.'
+
+The shepherd yawned, and rubbed his eyes. 'He is tied up to that tree;
+go and take him.' So they went to the tree and unfastened the cord,
+and turned to go back to the cave where they had slept, dragging the
+greyhound after them. When they reached the cave the jackal said to
+the hedgehog:
+
+'Before I kill him let me see whether he is fat or thin.' And he stood
+a little way back, so that he might the better examine the animal.
+After looking at him, with his head on one side, for a minute or two,
+he nodded gravely.
+
+'He is quite fat enough; he is a good sheep.'
+
+But the hedgehog, who sometimes showed more cunning than anyone would
+have guessed, answered:
+
+'My friend, you are talking nonsense. The wool is indeed a sheep's
+wool, but the paws of my uncle the greyhound peep out from
+underneath.'
+
+'He is a _sheep_,' repeated the jackal, who did not like to think
+anyone cleverer than himself.
+
+'Hold the cord while _I_ look at him,' answered the hedgehog.
+
+Very unwillingly the jackal held the rope, while the hedgehog walked
+slowly round the greyhound till he reached the jackal again. He knew
+quite well by the paws and tail that it was a greyhound and not a
+sheep, that the shepherd had sold them; and as he could not tell what
+turn affairs might take, he resolved to get out of the way.
+
+'Oh! yes, you are right,' he said to the jackal; 'but I never can eat
+till I have first drunk. I will just go and quench my thirst from that
+spring at the edge of the wood, and then I shall be ready for
+breakfast.'
+
+'Don't be long, then,' called the jackal, as the hedgehog hurried off
+at his best pace. And he lay down under a rock to wait for him.
+
+More than an hour passed by and the hedgehog had had plenty of time to
+go to the spring and back, and still there was no sign of him. And
+this was very natural, as he had hidden himself in some long grass
+under a tree!
+
+At length the jackal guessed that for some reason his friend had run
+away, and determined to wait for his breakfast no longer. So he went
+up to the place where the greyhound had been tethered and untied the
+rope. But just as he was about to spring on his back and give him a
+deadly bite, the jackal heard a low growl, which never proceeded from
+the throat of any sheep. Like a flash of lightning the jackal threw
+down the cord and was flying across the plain; but though his legs
+were long, the greyhound's legs were longer still, and he soon came up
+with his prey. The jackal turned to fight, but he was no match for the
+greyhound, and in a few minutes he was lying dead on the ground, while
+the greyhound was trotting peacefully back to the shepherd.
+
+(_Nouveaux Contes Berberes_ par Rene Basset.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE ADVENTURES OF THE JACKAL'S ELDEST SON_
+
+
+Now, though the jackal was dead, he had left two sons behind him,
+every whit as cunning and tricky as their father. The elder of the two
+was a fine handsome creature, who had a pleasant manner and made many
+friends. The animal he saw most of was a hyena; and one day, when they
+were taking a walk together, they picked up a beautiful green cloak,
+which had evidently been dropped by some one riding across the plain
+on a camel. Of course each wanted to have it, and they almost
+quarrelled over the matter; but at length it was settled that the
+hyena should wear the cloak by day and the jackal by night. After a
+little while, however, the jackal became discontented with this
+arrangement, declaring that none of his friends, who were quite
+different from those of the hyena, could see the splendour of the
+mantle, and that it was only fair that he should sometimes be allowed
+to wear it by day. To this the hyena would by no means consent, and
+they were on the eve of a quarrel when the hyena proposed that they
+should ask the lion to judge between them. The jackal agreed to this,
+and the hyena wrapped the cloak about him, and they both trotted off
+to the lion's den.
+
+The jackal, who was fond of talking, at once told the story; and when
+it was finished the lion turned to the hyena and asked if it was true.
+
+'Quite true, your majesty,' answered the hyena.
+
+'Then lay the cloak on the ground at my feet,' said the lion, 'and I
+will give my judgment.' So the mantle was spread upon the red earth,
+the hyena and the jackal standing on each side of it.
+
+There was silence for a few moments, and then the lion sat up, looking
+very great and wise.
+
+'My judgment is that the garment shall belong wholly to whoever first
+rings the bell of the nearest mosque at dawn to-morrow. Now go; for
+much business awaits me!'
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+All that night the hyena sat up, fearing lest the jackal should reach
+the bell before him, for the mosque was close at hand. With the first
+streak of dawn he bounded away to the bell, just as the jackal, who
+had slept soundly all night, was rising to his feet.
+
+'Good luck to you,' cried the jackal. And throwing the cloak over his
+back he darted away across the plain, and was seen no more by his
+friend the hyena.
+
+After running several miles the jackal thought he was safe from
+pursuit, and seeing a lion and another hyena talking together, he
+strolled up to join them.
+
+'Good morning,' he said; 'may I ask what is the matter? You seem very
+serious about something.'
+
+'Pray sit down,' answered the lion. 'We were wondering in which
+direction we should go to find the best dinner. The hyena wishes to go
+to the forest, and I to the mountains. What do you say?'
+
+'Well, as I was sauntering over the plain, just now, I noticed a flock
+of sheep grazing, and some of them had wandered into a little valley
+quite out of sight of the shepherd. If you keep among the rocks you
+will never be observed. But perhaps you will allow me to go with you
+and show you the way?'
+
+'You are really very kind,' answered the lion. And they crept
+stealthily along till at length they reached the mouth of the valley
+where a ram, a sheep and a lamb were feeding on the rich grass,
+unconscious of their danger.
+
+'How shall we divide them?' asked the lion in a whisper to the hyena.
+
+'Oh, it is easily done,' replied the hyena. 'The lamb for me, the
+sheep for the jackal, and the ram for the lion.'
+
+'So I am to have that lean creature, which is nothing but horns, am
+I?' cried the lion in a rage. 'I will teach you to divide things in
+that manner!' And he gave the hyena two great blows, which stretched
+him dead in a moment. Then he turned to the jackal and said: 'How
+would you divide them?'
+
+'Quite differently from the hyena,' replied the jackal. 'You will
+breakfast off the lamb, you will dine off the sheep, and you will sup
+off the ram.'
+
+'Dear me, how clever you are! Who taught you such wisdom?' exclaimed
+the lion, looking at him admiringly.
+
+'The fate of the hyena,' answered the jackal, laughing, and running
+off at his best speed; for he saw two men armed with spears coming
+close behind the lion!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The jackal continued to run till at last he could run no longer. He
+flung himself under a tree panting for breath, when he heard a rustle
+amongst the grass, and his father's old friend the hedgehog appeared
+before him.
+
+'Oh, is it you?' asked the little creature; 'how strange that we
+should meet so far from home!'
+
+'I have just had a narrow escape of my life,' gasped the jackal, 'and
+I need some sleep. After that we must think of something to do to
+amuse ourselves.' And he lay down again and slept soundly for a couple
+of hours.
+
+'Now I am ready,' said he; 'have you anything to propose?'
+
+'In a valley beyond those trees,' answered the hedgehog, 'there is a
+small farm-house where the best butter in the world is made. I know
+their ways, and in an hour's time the farmer's wife will be off to
+milk the cows, which she keeps at some distance. We could easily get
+in at the window of the shed where she keeps the butter, and I will
+watch, lest some one should come unexpectedly, while you have a good
+meal. Then you shall watch, and I will eat.'
+
+'That sounds a good plan,' replied the jackal; and they set off
+together.
+
+But when they reached the farm-house the jackal said to the hedgehog:
+'Go in and fetch the pots of butter, and I will hide them in a safe
+place.'
+
+'Oh no,' cried the hedgehog, 'I really couldn't. They would find out
+directly! And, besides, it is so different just eating a little now
+and then.'
+
+'Do as I bid you _at once_,' said the jackal, looking at the hedgehog
+so sternly that the little fellow dared say no more, and soon rolled
+the jars to the window where the jackal lifted them out one by one.
+
+When they were all in a row before him he gave a sudden start.
+
+'Run for your life,' he whispered to his companion; 'I see the woman
+coming over the hill!' And the hedgehog, his heart beating, set off as
+fast as he could. The jackal remained where he was, shaking with
+laughter, for the woman was not in sight at all, and he had only sent
+the hedgehog away because he did not want him to know where the jars
+of butter were buried. But every day he stole out to their
+hiding-place and had a delicious feast.
+
+At length, one morning, the hedgehog suddenly said:
+
+'You never told me what you did with those jars?'
+
+'Oh, I hid them safely till the farm people should have forgotten all
+about them,' replied the jackal. 'But as they are still searching for
+them we must wait a little longer, and then I'll bring them home, and
+we will share them between us.'
+
+So the hedgehog waited and waited; but every time he asked if there
+was no chance of getting the jars of butter the jackal put him off
+with some excuse. After a while the hedgehog became suspicious, and
+said:
+
+'I should like to know where you have hidden them. To-night, when it
+is quite dark, you shall show me the place.'
+
+'I really _can't_ tell you,' answered the jackal. 'You talk so much
+that you would be sure to confide the secret to somebody, and then we
+should have had our trouble for nothing, besides running the risk of
+our necks being broken by the farmer. I can see that he is getting
+disheartened, and very soon he will give up the search. Have patience
+just a little longer.'
+
+The hedgehog said no more, and pretended to be satisfied; but when
+some days had gone by he woke the jackal, who was sleeping soundly
+after a hunt which had lasted several hours.
+
+'I have just had notice,' remarked the hedgehog, shaking him, 'that my
+family wish to have a banquet to-morrow, and they have invited you to
+it. Will you come?'
+
+'Certainly,' answered the jackal, 'with pleasure. But as I have to go
+out in the morning you can meet me on the road.'
+
+'That will do very well,' replied the hedgehog. And the jackal went to
+sleep again, for he was obliged to be up early.
+
+Punctual to the moment the hedgehog arrived at the place appointed for
+their meeting, and as the jackal was not there he sat down and waited
+for him.
+
+'Ah, there you are!' he cried, when the dusky yellow form at last
+turned the corner. 'I had nearly given you up! Indeed, I almost wish
+you had not come, for I hardly know where I shall hide you.'
+
+'Why should you hide me anywhere?' asked the jackal. 'What is the
+matter with you?'
+
+'Well, so many of the guests have brought their dogs and mules with
+them, that I fear it may hardly be safe for you to go amongst them.
+No; don't run off that way,' he added quickly, 'because there is
+another troop that are coming over the hill. Lie down here, and I
+will throw these sacks over you; and keep still for your life,
+whatever happens.'
+
+And what did happen was, that when the jackal was lying covered up,
+under a little hill, the hedgehog set a great stone rolling, which
+crushed him to death.
+
+(_Contes Berberes._)
+
+
+
+
+_THE ADVENTURES OF THE YOUNGER SON OF THE JACKAL_
+
+
+Now that the father and elder brother were both dead, all that was
+left of the jackal family was one son, who was no less cunning than
+the others had been. He did not like staying in the same place any
+better than they, and nobody ever knew in what part of the country he
+might be found next.
+
+One day, when he was wandering about he beheld a nice fat sheep, which
+was cropping the grass and seemed quite contented with her lot.
+
+'Good morning,' said the jackal, 'I am so glad to see you. I have been
+looking for you everywhere.'
+
+'For _me_?' answered the sheep, in an astonished voice; 'but we have
+never met before!'
+
+'No; but I have _heard_ of you. Oh! you don't know _what_ fine things
+I have heard! Ah, well, some people have all the luck!'
+
+'You are very kind, I am sure,' answered the sheep, not knowing which
+way to look. 'Is there any way in which I can help you?'
+
+'There _is_ something that I had set my heart on, though I hardly like
+to propose it on so short an acquaintance; but from what people have
+told me, I thought that you and I might keep house together
+comfortably, if you would only agree to try. I have several fields
+belonging to me, and if they are kept well watered they bear wonderful
+crops.'
+
+'Perhaps I might come for a short time,' said the sheep, with a
+little hesitation; 'and if we do not get on, we can but part company.'
+
+'Oh, thank you, thank you,' cried the jackal; 'do not let us lose a
+moment.' And he held out his paw in such an inviting manner that the
+sheep got up and trotted beside him till they reached home.
+
+'Now,' said the jackal, 'you go to the well and fetch the water, and I
+will pour it into the trenches that run between the patches of corn.'
+And as he did so he sang lustily. The work was very hard, but the
+sheep did not grumble, and by-and-by was rewarded at seeing the little
+green heads poking themselves through earth. After that the hot sun
+ripened them quickly, and soon harvest time was come. Then the grain
+was cut and ground and ready for sale.
+
+When everything was complete, the jackal said to the sheep:
+
+'Now let us divide it, so that we can each do what we like with his
+share.'
+
+'You do it,' answered the sheep; 'here are the scales. You must weigh
+it carefully.'
+
+So the jackal began to weigh it, and when he had finished, he counted
+out loud:
+
+'One, two, three, four, five, six, seven parts for the jackal, and one
+part for the sheep. If she likes it she can take it, if not, she can
+leave it.'
+
+The sheep looked at the two heaps in silence--one so large, the other
+so small; and then she answered:
+
+'Wait for a minute, while I fetch some sacks to carry away my share.'
+
+But it was not sacks that the sheep wanted; for as soon as the jackal
+could no longer see her she set forth at her best pace for the home of
+the greyhound, where she arrived panting with the haste she had made.
+
+'Oh, good uncle, help me, I pray you!' she cried, as soon as she could
+speak.
+
+'Why, what is the matter?' asked the greyhound, looking up in
+astonishment.
+
+'I beg you to return with me, and frighten the jackal into paying me
+what he owes me,' answered the sheep. 'For months we have lived
+together, and I have twice every day drawn the water, while he only
+poured it into the trenches. Together we have reaped our harvest; and
+now, when the moment to divide our crop has come, he has taken seven
+parts for himself, and only left one for me.'
+
+She finished, and giving herself a twist, passed her woolly tail
+across her eyes; while the greyhound watched her, but held his peace.
+Then he said:
+
+'Bring me a sack.' And the sheep hastened away to fetch one. Very soon
+she returned, and laid the sack down before him.
+
+'Open it wide, that I may get in,' cried he; and when he was
+comfortably rolled up inside he bade the sheep take him on her back,
+and hasten to the place where she had left the jackal.
+
+She found him waiting for her, and pretending to be asleep, though she
+clearly saw him wink one of his eyes. However, she took no notice, but
+throwing the sack roughly on the ground, she exclaimed:
+
+'Now measure!'
+
+At this the jackal got up, and going to the heap of grain which lay
+close by, he divided it as before into eight portions--seven for
+himself and one for the sheep.
+
+'What are you doing that for?' asked she indignantly. 'You know quite
+well that it was I who drew the water, and you who only poured it into
+the trenches.'
+
+'You are mistaken,' answered the jackal. 'It was _I_ who drew the
+water, and _you_ who poured it into the trenches. Anybody will tell
+you that! If you like, I will ask those people who are digging there.'
+
+'Very well,' replied the sheep. And the jackal called out:
+
+'Ho! you diggers, tell me: Who was it you heard singing over the
+work?'
+
+'Why, it was you, of course, jackal! You sang so loud that the whole
+world might have heard you!'
+
+'And who is it that sings--he who draws the water, or he who empties
+it?'
+
+'Why, certainly he who draws the water!'
+
+'You hear?' said the jackal, turning to the sheep. 'Now come and carry
+away your own portion, or else I shall take it for myself.'
+
+'You have got the better of me,' answered the sheep; 'and I suppose I
+must confess myself beaten! But as I bear no malice, go and eat some
+of the dates that I have brought in that sack.' And the jackal, who
+loved dates, ran instantly back, and tore open the mouth of the sack.
+But just as he was about to plunge his nose in he saw two brown eyes
+calmly looking at him. In an instant he had let fall the flap of the
+sack and bounded back to where the sheep was standing.
+
+'I was only in fun; and you have brought my uncle the greyhound. Take
+away the sack, we will make the division over again.' And he began
+re-arranging the heaps.
+
+'One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, for my mother the sheep, and
+one for the jackal,' counted he; casting timid glances all the while
+at the sack.
+
+'Now you can take your share and go,' said the sheep. And the jackal
+did not need twice telling! Whenever the sheep looked up, she still
+saw him flying, flying across the plain; and, for all I know, he may
+be flying across it still.
+
+(_Contes Berberes_, par Rene Basset.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE THREE TREASURES OF THE GIANTS_
+
+
+Long, long ago, there lived an old man and his wife who had three
+sons; the eldest was called Martin, the second Michael, while the
+third was named Jack.
+
+One evening they were all seated round the table, eating their supper
+of bread and milk.
+
+'Martin,' said the old man suddenly, 'I feel that I cannot live much
+longer. You, as the eldest, will inherit this hut; but, if you value
+my blessing, be good to your mother and brothers.'
+
+'Certainly, father; how can you suppose I should do them wrong?'
+replied Martin indignantly, helping himself to all the best bits in
+the dish as he spoke. The old man saw nothing, but Michael looked on
+in surprise, and Jack was so astonished that he quite forgot to eat
+his own supper.
+
+A little while after, the father fell ill, and sent for his sons, who
+were out hunting, to bid him farewell. After giving good advice to the
+two eldest, he turned to Jack.
+
+'My boy,' he said, 'you have not got quite as much sense as other
+people, but if Heaven has deprived you of some of your wits, it has
+given you a kind heart. Always listen to what it says, and take heed
+to the words of your mother and brothers, as well as you are able!' So
+saying the old man sank back on his pillows and died.
+
+The cries of grief uttered by Martin and Michael sounded through the
+house, but Jack remained by the bedside of his father, still and
+silent, as if he were dead also. At length he got up, and going into
+the garden, hid himself in some trees, and wept like a child, while
+his two brothers made ready for the funeral.
+
+No sooner was the old man buried than Martin and Michael agreed that
+they would go into the world together to seek their fortunes, while
+Jack stayed at home with their mother. Jack would have liked nothing
+better than to sit and dream by the fire, but the mother, who was very
+old herself, declared that there was no work for him to do, and that
+he must seek it with his brothers.
+
+So, one fine morning, all three set out; Martin and Michael carried
+two great bags full of food, but Jack carried nothing. This made his
+brothers very angry, for the day was hot and the bags were heavy, and
+about noon they sat down under a tree and began to eat. Jack was as
+hungry as they were, but he knew that it was no use asking for
+anything; and he threw himself under another tree, and wept bitterly.
+
+'Another time perhaps you won't be so lazy, and will bring food for
+yourself,' said Martin, but to his surprise Jack answered:
+
+'You are a nice pair! You talk of seeking your fortunes, so as not to
+be a burden on our mother, and you begin by carrying off all the food
+she has in the house!'
+
+This reply was so unexpected that for some moments neither of the
+brothers made any answer. Then they offered their brother some of
+their food, and when he had finished eating they went their way once
+more.
+
+Towards evening they reached a small hut, and knocking at the door,
+asked if they might spend the night there. The man, who was a
+wood-cutter, invited them in, and begged them to sit down to supper.
+Martin thanked him, but being very proud, explained that it was only
+shelter they wanted, as they had plenty of food with them; and he and
+Michael as once opened their bags and began to eat, while Jack hid
+himself in a corner. The wife, on seeing this, took pity on him, and
+called him to come and share their supper, which he gladly did, and
+very good he found it. At this, Martin regretted deeply that he had
+been so foolish as to refuse, for his bits of bread and cheese seemed
+very hard when he smelt the savoury soup his brother was enjoying.
+
+'He shan't have such a chance again,' thought he; and the next morning
+he insisted on plunging into a thick forest where they were likely to
+meet nobody.
+
+For a long time they wandered hither and thither, for they had no path
+to guide them; but at last they came upon a wide clearing, in the
+midst of which stood a castle. Jack shouted with delight, but Martin,
+who was in a bad temper, said sharply:
+
+'We must have taken the wrong turning! Let us go back.'
+
+'Idiot!' replied Michael, who was hungry too, and, like many people
+when they are hungry, very cross also. 'We set out to travel through
+the world, and what does it matter if we go to the right or to the
+left?' And, without another word, took the path to the castle, closely
+followed by Jack, and after a moment by Martin likewise.
+
+The door of the castle stood open, and they entered a great hall, and
+looked about them. Not a creature was to be seen, and suddenly
+Martin--he did not know why--felt a little frightened. He would have
+left the castle at once, but stopped when Jack boldly walked up to a
+door in the wall and opened it. He could not for very shame be outdone
+by his younger brother, and passed behind him, into another splendid
+hall, which was filled from floor to ceiling with great pieces of
+copper money.
+
+The sight quite dazzled Martin and Michael, who emptied all the
+provisions that remained out of their bags, and heaped them up instead
+with handfuls of copper.
+
+  [Illustration: THE BROTHERS ILL-TREAT POOR JACK]
+
+Scarcely had they done this when Jack threw open another door, and
+this time it led to a hall filled with silver. In an instant his
+brothers had turned their bags upside down, so that the copper money
+tumbled out on to the floor, and were shovelling in handfuls of the
+silver instead. They had hardly finished, when Jack opened yet a third
+door, and all three fell back in amazement, for this room was a mass
+of gold, so bright that their eyes grew sore as they looked at them.
+However, they soon recovered from their surprise, and quickly emptied
+their bags of silver, and filled them with gold instead. When they
+would hold no more, Martin said:
+
+'We had better hurry off now lest somebody else should come, and we
+might not know what to do'; and, followed by Michael, he hastily left
+the castle. Jack lingered behind for a few minutes to put a piece of
+gold, silver, and copper into his pocket, and to eat the food that his
+brothers had thrown down in the first room. Then he went after them,
+and found them lying down to rest in the midst of a forest. It was
+near sunset, and Martin began to feel hungry, so, when Jack arrived,
+he bade him return to the castle and bring the bread and cheese that
+they had left there.
+
+'It is hardly worth doing that,' answered Jack; 'for I picked up the
+pieces and ate them myself.'
+
+At this reply both brothers were beside themselves with anger, and
+fell upon the boy, beating him, and calling him names, till they were
+quite tired.
+
+'Go where you like,' cried Martin with a final kick; 'but never come
+near us again.' And poor Jack ran weeping into the woods.
+
+The next morning his brothers went home, and bought a beautiful house,
+where they lived with their mother like great lords.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Jack remained for some hours in hiding, thankful to be safe from his
+tormentors; but when no one came to trouble him, and his back did not
+ache so much, he began to think what he had better do. At length he
+made up his mind to go to the castle and take away as much money with
+him as would enable him to live in comfort for the rest of his life.
+This being decided, he sprang up, and set out along the path which led
+to the castle. As before, the door stood open, and he went on till he
+had reached the hall of gold, and there he took off his jacket and
+tied the sleeves together so that it might make a kind of bag. He then
+began to pour in the gold by handfuls, when, all at once, a noise
+like thunder shook the castle. This was followed by a voice, hoarse
+as that of a bull, which cried:
+
+'I smell the smell of a man.' And two giants entered.
+
+'So, little worm! it is _you_ who steal our treasures!' exclaimed the
+biggest. 'Well, we have got you now, and we will cook you for supper!'
+But here the other giant drew him aside, and for a moment or two they
+whispered together. At length the first giant spoke:
+
+'To please my friend I will spare your life on condition that, for the
+future, you shall guard our treasures. If you are hungry take this
+little table and rap on it, saying, as you do so: "The dinner of an
+emperor!" and you will get as much food as you want.'
+
+With a light heart Jack promised all that was asked of him, and for
+some days enjoyed himself mightily. He had everything he could wish
+for, and did nothing from morning till night; but by-and-by he began
+to get very tired of it all.
+
+'Let the giants guard their treasures themselves,' he said to himself
+at last; 'I am going away. But I will leave all the gold and silver
+behind me, and will take nought but you, my good little table.'
+
+So, tucking the table under his arm, he started off for the forest,
+but he did not linger there long, and soon found himself in the fields
+on the other side. There he saw an old man, who begged Jack to give
+him something to eat.
+
+'You could not have asked a better person,' answered Jack cheerfully.
+And signing to him to sit down with him under a tree, he set the table
+in front of them, and struck it three times, crying:
+
+'The dinner of an emperor!' He had hardly uttered the words when fish
+and meat of all kinds appeared on it!
+
+  [Illustration: THE GIANTS FIND JACK IN THE TREASURE ROOM]
+
+'That is a clever trick of yours,' said the old man, when he had eaten
+as much as he wanted. 'Give it to me in exchange for a treasure I have
+which is still better. Do you see this cornet? Well, you have only
+to tell it that you wish for an army, and you will have as many
+soldiers as you require.'
+
+Now, since he had been left to himself, Jack had grown ambitious, so,
+after a moment's hesitation, he took the cornet and gave the table in
+exchange. The old man bade him farewell, and set off down one path,
+while Jack chose another, and for a long time he was quite pleased
+with his new possession. Then, as he felt hungry, he wished for his
+table back again, as no house was in sight, and he wanted some supper
+badly. All at once he remembered his cornet, and a wicked thought
+entered his mind.
+
+'Two hundred hussars, forward!' cried he. And the neighing of horses
+and the clanking of swords was heard close at hand. The officer who
+rode at their head approached Jack, and politely inquired what he
+wished them to do.
+
+'A mile or two along that road,' answered Jack, 'you will find an old
+man carrying a table. Take the table from him and bring it to me.'
+
+The officer saluted and went back to his men, who started at a gallop
+to do Jack's bidding.
+
+In ten minutes they had returned, bearing the table with them.
+
+'That is all, thank you,' said Jack; and the soldiers disappeared
+inside the cornet.
+
+Oh, what a good supper Jack had that night, quite forgetting that he
+owed it to a mean trick. The next day he breakfasted early, and then
+walked on towards the nearest town. On the way thither he met another
+old man, who begged for something to eat.
+
+'Certainly you shall have something to eat,' replied Jack. And placing
+the table on the ground, he cried:
+
+'The dinner of an emperor!' when all sorts of good dishes appeared. At
+first the old man ate greedily, and said nothing; but, after his
+hunger was satisfied, he turned to Jack and said:
+
+'That is a very clever trick of yours. Give the table to me, and you
+shall have something still better.'
+
+'I don't believe there _is_ anything better,' answered Jack.
+
+'Yes, there is. Here is my bag; it will give you as many castles as
+you can possibly want.'
+
+Jack thought for a moment; then he replied: 'Very well, I will
+exchange with you.' And passing the table to the old man, he hung the
+bag over his arm.
+
+Five minutes later he summoned five hundred lancers out of the cornet
+and bade them go after the old man and fetch back the table.
+
+Now that by his cunning he had obtained possession of the three magic
+objects, he resolved to return to his native place. Smearing his face
+with dirt, and tearing his clothes so as to look like a beggar, he
+stopped the passers by and, on pretence of seeking money or food, he
+questioned them about the village gossip. In this manner he learned
+that his brothers had become great men, much respected in all the
+country round. When he heard that, he lost no time in going to the
+door of their fine house and imploring them to give him food and
+shelter; but the only thing he got was hard words, and a command to
+beg elsewhere. At length, however, at their mother's entreaty, he was
+told that he might pass the night in the stable. Here he waited until
+everybody in the house was sound asleep, when he drew his bag from
+under his cloak, and desired that a castle might appear in that place;
+and the cornet gave him soldiers to guard the castle, while the table
+furnished him with a good supper. In the morning, he caused it all to
+vanish, and when his brothers entered the stable they found him lying
+on the straw.
+
+Jack remained here for many days, doing nothing, and--as far as
+anybody knew--eating nothing. This conduct puzzled his brothers
+greatly, and they put such constant questions to him, that at length
+he told them the secret of the table, and even gave a dinner to them,
+which far outdid any they had ever seen or heard of. But though they
+had solemnly promised to reveal nothing, somehow or other the tale
+leaked out, and before long reached the ears of the king himself. That
+very evening his chamberlain arrived at Jack's dwelling, with a
+request from the king that he might borrow the table for three days.
+
+'Very well,' answered Jack, 'you can take it back with you. But tell
+his majesty that if he does not return it at the end of the three days
+I will make war upon him.'
+
+So the chamberlain carried away the table and took it straight to the
+king, telling him at the same time of Jack's threat, at which they
+both laughed till their sides ached.
+
+Now the king was so delighted with the table, and the dinners it gave
+him, that when the three days were over he could not make up his mind
+to part with it. Instead, he sent for his carpenter, and bade him copy
+it exactly, and when it was done he told his chamberlain to return it
+to Jack with his best thanks. It happened to be dinner time, and Jack
+invited the chamberlain, who knew nothing of the trick, to stay and
+dine with him. The good man, who had eaten several excellent meals
+provided by the table in the last three days, accepted the invitation
+with pleasure, even though he was to dine in a stable, and sat down on
+the straw beside Jack.
+
+'The dinner of an emperor!' cried Jack. But not even a morsel of
+cheese made its appearance.
+
+'The dinner of an emperor!' shouted Jack in a voice of thunder. Then
+the truth dawned upon him; and, crushing the table between his hands,
+he turned to the chamberlain, who, bewildered and half-frightened, was
+wondering how to get away.
+
+'Tell your false king that to-morrow I will destroy his castle as
+easily as I have broken this table.'
+
+The chamberlain hastened back to the palace, and gave the king Jack's
+message, at which he laughed more than before, and called all his
+courtiers to hear the story. But they were not quite so merry when
+they woke next morning and beheld ten thousand horsemen, and as many
+archers, surrounding the palace. The king saw it was useless to hold
+out, and he took the white flag of truce in one hand, and the real
+table in the other, and set out to look for Jack.
+
+'I committed a crime,' said he; 'but I will do my best to make up for
+it. Here is your table, which I own with shame that I tried to steal,
+and you shall have besides, my daughter as your wife!'
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+There was no need to delay the marriage when the table was able to
+furnish the most splendid banquet that ever was seen, and after
+everyone had eaten and drunk as much as they wanted, Jack took his bag
+and commanded a castle filled with all sorts of treasures to arise in
+the park for himself and his bride.
+
+At this proof of his power the king's heart died within him.
+
+'Your magic is greater than mine,' he said; 'and you are young and
+strong, while I am old and tired. Take, therefore, the sceptre from my
+hand, and my crown from my head, and rule my people better than I have
+done.'
+
+So at last Jack's ambition was satisfied. He could not hope to be more
+than a king, and as long as he had his cornet to provide him with
+soldiers he was secure against his enemies. He never forgave his
+brothers for the way they had treated him, though he presented his
+mother with a beautiful castle, and everything she could possibly wish
+for. In the centre of his own palace was a treasure chamber, and in
+this chamber the table, the cornet, and the bag were kept as the most
+prized of all his possessions, and not a week passed without a visit
+from king John to make sure they were safe. He reigned long and well,
+and died a very old man, beloved by his people. But his good example
+was not followed by his sons and his grandsons. They grew so proud
+that they were ashamed to think that the founder of their race had
+once been a poor boy; and as they and all the world could not fail to
+remember it, as long as the table, the cornet, and the bag were shown
+in the treasure chamber, one king, more foolish than the rest, thrust
+them into a dark and damp cellar.
+
+For some time the kingdom remained, though it became weaker and weaker
+every year that passed. Then, one day, a rumour reached the king that
+a large army was marching against him. Vaguely he recollected some
+tales he had heard about a magic cornet which could provide as many
+soldiers as would serve to conquer the earth, and which had been
+removed by his grandfather to a cellar. Thither he hastened that he
+might renew his power once more, and in that black and slimy spot he
+found the treasures indeed. But the table fell to pieces as he touched
+it, in the cornet there remained only a few fragments of leathern
+belts which the rats had gnawed, and in the bag nothing but broken
+bits of stone.
+
+And the king bowed his head to the doom that awaited him, and in his
+heart cursed the ruin wrought by the pride and foolishness of himself
+and his forefathers.
+
+(From _Contes Populaires Slaves_, par Louis Leger.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE ROVER OF THE PLAIN_
+
+
+A long way off, near the sea coast of the east of Africa, there dwelt,
+once upon a time, a man and his wife. They had two children, a son and
+a daughter, whom they loved very much, and, like parents in other
+countries, they often talked of the fine marriages the young people
+would make some day. Out there both boys and girls marry early, and
+very soon, it seemed to the mother, a message was sent by a rich man
+on the other side of the great hills offering a fat herd of oxen in
+exchange for the daughter. Everyone in the house and in the village
+rejoiced, and the maiden was despatched to her new home. When all was
+quiet again the father said to his son:
+
+'Now that we own such a splendid troop of oxen you had better hasten
+and get yourself a wife, lest some illness should overtake them.
+Already we have seen in the villages round about one or two damsels
+whose parents would gladly part with them for less than half the herd.
+Therefore tell us which you like best, and we will buy her for you.'
+
+But the son answered:
+
+'Not so; the maidens I have seen do not please me. If, indeed, I must
+marry, let me travel and find a wife for myself.'
+
+'It shall be as you wish,' said his parents; 'but if by-and-by trouble
+should come of it, it will be your fault and not ours.'
+
+The youth, however, would not listen; and bidding his father and
+mother farewell, set out on his search. Far, far away he wandered,
+over mountains and across rivers, till he reached a village where the
+people were quite different to those of his own race. As he glanced
+about him he noticed that the girls were fair to look upon, as they
+pounded maize or stewed something that smelt very nice in earthen
+pots--especially if you were hot and tired; and when one of the
+maidens turned round and offered the stranger some dinner, he made up
+his mind that he would wed her and nobody else.
+
+So he sent a message to her parents asking their leave to take her for
+his wife, and they came next day to bring their answer.
+
+'We will give you our daughter,' said they, 'if you can pay a good
+price for her. Never was there so hard-working a girl; and how we
+shall do without her we cannot tell! Still no doubt your father and
+mother will come themselves and bring the dowry?'
+
+'No; I have the dowry with me,' replied the young man; laying down a
+handful of gold pieces. 'Here it is--take it.'
+
+The old couple's eyes glittered greedily; but custom forbade them to
+touch the dowry before all was arranged.
+
+'At least,' said they, after a moment's pause, 'we may expect them to
+fetch your wife to her new home?'
+
+'No; they are not used to travelling,' answered the bridegroom. 'Let
+the ceremony be performed without delay, and we will set forth at
+once. It is a long journey.'
+
+Then the parents called in the girl, who was lying in the sun outside
+the hut, and, in the presence of all the village, a goat was killed,
+the sacred dance took place, and a blessing was said over the heads of
+the young people. After that the bride was led aside by her father,
+whose duty it was to bestow on her some parting advice as to her
+conduct in her married life.
+
+'Be good to your husband's parents,' added he, 'and always do the will
+of your husband.' And the girl nodded her head obediently. Next it
+was the mother's turn; and, as was the custom of the tribe, she spoke
+to her daughter:
+
+'Will you choose which of your sisters shall go with you to cut your
+wood and carry your water?'
+
+'I do not want any of them,' answered she; 'they are no use. They will
+drop the wood and spill the water.'
+
+'Then will you have any of the other children? There are enough and to
+spare,' asked the mother again. But the bride said quickly:
+
+'I will have none of them! You must give me our buffalo, the Rover of
+the Plain; he alone shall serve me.'
+
+'What folly you talk!' cried the parents. 'Give you our buffalo, the
+Rover of the Plain? Why, you know that our life depends on him. Here
+he is well fed and lies on soft grass; but how can you tell what will
+befall him in another country? The food may be bad, he will die of
+hunger; and, if he dies we die also.'
+
+'No, no,' said the bride; 'I can look after him as well as you. Get
+him ready, for the sun is sinking and it is time we set forth.'
+
+So she went away and put together a small pot filled with healing
+herbs, a horn that she used in tending sick people, a little knife,
+and a calabash containing deer fat; and, hiding these about her, took
+leave of her father and mother and started across the mountains by the
+side of her husband.
+
+But the young man did not see the buffalo that followed them, which
+had left his home to be the servant of his wife.
+
+No one ever knew how the news spread to the kraal that the young man
+was coming back, bringing a wife with him; but, somehow or other, when
+the two entered the village, every man and woman was standing in the
+road uttering shouts of welcome.
+
+'Ah, you are not dead after all,' cried they; 'and have found a wife
+to your liking, though you would have none of our girls. Well, well,
+you have chosen your own path; and if ill comes of it beware lest you
+grumble.'
+
+Next day the husband took his wife to the fields and showed her which
+were his, and which belonged to his mother. The girl listened
+carefully to all he told her, and walked with him back to the hut; but
+close to the door she stopped, and said:
+
+'I have dropped my necklace of beads in the field, and I must go back
+and look for it.' But in truth she had done nothing of the sort, and
+it was only an excuse to go and seek the buffalo.
+
+  [Illustration: THE ROVER OF THE PLAIN DOES THE GIRL'S WORK]
+
+The beast was crouching under a tree when she came up, and snorted
+with pleasure at the sight of her.
+
+'You can roam about this field, and this, and this,' she said, 'for
+they belong to my husband; and that is his wood, where you may hide
+yourself. But the other fields are his mother's, so beware lest you
+touch them.'
+
+'I will beware,' answered the buffalo; and, patting his head, the girl
+left him.
+
+Oh, how much better a servant he was than any of the little girls the
+bride had refused to bring with her! If she wanted water, she had only
+to cross the patch of maize behind the hut and seek out the place
+where the buffalo lay hidden, and put down her pail beside him. Then
+she would sit at her ease while he went to the lake and brought the
+bucket back brimming over. If she wanted wood, he would break the
+branches off the trees and lay them at her feet. And the villagers
+watched her return laden, and said to each other:
+
+'Surely the girls of her country are stronger than our girls, for none
+of _them_ could cut so quickly or carry so much!' But then, nobody
+knew that she had a buffalo for a servant.
+
+Only, all this time she never gave the poor buffalo anything to eat,
+because she had just one dish, out of which she and her husband ate;
+while in her old home there was a dish put aside expressly for the
+Rover of the Plain. The buffalo bore it as long as he could; but, one
+day, when his mistress bade him go to the lake and fetch water, his
+knees almost gave way from hunger. He kept silence, however, till the
+evening, when he said to his mistress:
+
+'I am nearly starved; I have not touched food since I came here. I can
+work no more.'
+
+'Alas!' answered she, 'what can I do? I have only one dish in the
+house. You will have to steal some beans from the fields. Take a few
+here and a few there; but be sure not to take too many from one place,
+or the owner may notice it.'
+
+Now the buffalo had always lived an honest life, but if his mistress
+did not feed him, he must get it for himself. So that night, when all
+the village was asleep, he came out from the wood and ate a few beans
+here and a few there, as his mistress had bidden him. And when at last
+his hunger was satisfied, he crept back to his lair. But a buffalo is
+not a fairy, and the next morning, when the women arrived to work in
+the fields, they stood still with astonishment, and said to each
+other:
+
+'Just look at this; a savage beast has been destroying our crops, and
+we can see traces of his feet!' And they hurried to their homes to
+tell their tale.
+
+In the evening the girl crept out to the buffalo's hiding-place, and
+said to him:
+
+'They perceived what happened, of course; so to-night you had better
+seek your supper further off.' And the buffalo nodded his head and
+followed her counsel; but in the morning, when these women also went
+out to work, the traces of hoofs were plainly to be seen, and they
+hastened to tell their husbands, and begged them to bring their guns,
+and to watch for the robber.
+
+It happened that the stranger girl's husband was the best marksman in
+all the village, and he hid himself behind the trunk of a tree and
+waited.
+
+The buffalo, thinking that they would probably make a search for him
+in the fields he had laid waste the evening before, returned to the
+bean patch belonging to his mistress.
+
+The young man saw him coming with amazement.
+
+'Why, it is a buffalo!' cried he; 'I never have beheld one in this
+country before!' And raising his gun, he aimed just behind the ear.
+
+The buffalo gave a leap into the air, and then fell dead.
+
+'It was a good shot,' said the young man. And he ran to the village to
+tell them that the thief was punished.
+
+When he entered his hut he found his wife, who had somehow heard the
+news, twisting herself to and fro and shedding tears.
+
+'Are you ill?' asked he. And she answered: 'Yes; I have pains all
+over my body.' But she was not ill at all, only very unhappy at the
+death of the buffalo which had served her so well. Her husband felt
+anxious, and sent for the medicine man; but though she pretended to
+listen to him, she threw all his medicine out of the door directly he
+had gone away.
+
+With the first rays of light the whole village was awake, and the
+women set forth armed with baskets and the men with knives in order to
+cut up the buffalo. Only the girl remained in her hut; and after a
+while she too went to join them, groaning and weeping as she walked
+along.
+
+'What are you doing here?' asked her husband when he saw her. 'If you
+are ill you are better at home.'
+
+'Oh! I could not stay alone in the village,' said she. And her
+mother-in-law left off her work to come and scold her, and to tell her
+that she would kill herself if she did such foolish things. But the
+girl would not listen and sat down and looked on.
+
+When they had divided the buffalo's flesh, and each woman had the
+family portion in her basket, the stranger wife got up and said:
+
+'Let me have the head.'
+
+'You could never carry anything so heavy,' answered the men, 'and now
+you are ill besides.'
+
+'You do not know how strong I am,' answered she. And at last they gave
+it her.
+
+She did not walk to the village with the others, but lingered behind,
+and, instead of entering her hut, she slipped into the little shed
+where the pots for cooking and storing maize were kept. Then she laid
+down the buffalo's head and sat beside it. Her husband came to seek
+her, and begged her to leave the shed and go to bed, as she must be
+tired out; but the girl would not stir, neither would she attend to
+the words of her mother-in-law.
+
+'I wish you would leave me alone!' she answered crossly. 'It is
+impossible to sleep if somebody is always coming in.' And she turned
+her back on them, and would not even eat the food they had brought. So
+they went away, and the young man soon stretched himself out on his
+mat; but his wife's odd conduct made him anxious, and he lay awake all
+night, listening.
+
+  [Illustration: LAST OF ALL SHE SANG IN A LOW VOICE A DIRGE OVER THE
+      ROVER OF THE PLAIN]
+
+When all was still the girl made a fire and boiled some water in a
+pot. As soon as it was quite hot she shook in the medicine that she
+had brought from home, and then, taking the buffalo's head, she made
+incisions with her little knife behind the ear, and close to the
+temple where the shot had struck him. Next she applied the horn to the
+spot and blew with all her force till, at length, the blood began to
+move. After that she spread some of the deer fat out of the calabash
+over the wound, which she held in the steam of the hot water. Last of
+all, she sang in a low voice a dirge over the Rover of the Plain.
+
+As she chanted the final words the head moved, and the limbs came
+back. The buffalo began to feel alive again and shook his horns, and
+stood up and stretched himself. Unluckily it was just at this moment
+that the husband said to himself:
+
+'I wonder if she is crying still, and what is the matter with her!
+Perhaps I had better go and see.' And he got up and, calling her by
+name, went out to the shed.
+
+'Go away! I don't want you!' she cried angrily. But it was too late.
+The buffalo had fallen to the ground, dead, and with the wound in his
+head as before.
+
+The young man who, unlike most of his tribe, was afraid of his wife,
+returned to his bed without having seen anything, but wondering very
+much what she could be doing all this time. After waiting a few
+minutes, she began her task over again, and at the end the buffalo
+stood on his feet as before. But just as the girl was rejoicing that
+her work was completed, in came the husband once more to see what his
+wife was doing; and this time he sat himself down in the hut, and said
+that he wished to watch whatever was going on. Then the girl took up
+the pitcher and all her other things and left the shed, trying for the
+third time to bring the buffalo back to life.
+
+She was too late; the dawn was already breaking, and the head fell to
+the ground, dead and corrupt as it was before.
+
+The girl entered the hut, where her husband and his mother were
+getting ready to go out.
+
+'I want to go down to the lake, and bathe,' said she.
+
+'But you could never walk so far,' answered they. 'You are so tired,
+as it is, that you can hardly stand!'
+
+However, in spite of their warnings, the girl left the hut in the
+direction of the lake. Very soon she came back weeping, and sobbed
+out:
+
+'I met some one in the village who lives in my country, and he told me
+that my mother is very, very ill, and if I do not go to her at once
+she will be dead before I arrive. I will return as soon as I can, and
+now farewell.' And she set forth in the direction of the mountains.
+But this story was not true; she knew nothing about her mother, only
+she wanted an excuse to go home and tell her family that their
+prophecies had come true, and that the buffalo was dead.
+
+Balancing her basket on her head, she walked along, and directly she
+had left the village behind her she broke out into the song of the
+Rover of the Plain, and at last, at the end of the day, she came to
+the group of huts where her parents lived. Her friends all ran to meet
+her, and, weeping, she told them that the buffalo was dead.
+
+This sad news spread like lightning through the country, and the
+people flocked from far and near to bewail the loss of the beast who
+had been their pride.
+
+'If you only had listened to _us_,' they cried, 'he would be alive
+now. But you refused all the little girls we offered you, and would
+have nothing but the buffalo. And remember what the medicine-man said:
+"If the buffalo dies you die also!"'
+
+So they bewailed their fate, one to the other, and for a while they
+did not perceive that the girl's husband was sitting in their midst,
+leaning his gun against a tree. Then one man, turning, beheld him, and
+bowed mockingly.
+
+'Hail, murderer! hail! you have slain us all!'
+
+The young man stared, not knowing what he meant, and answered,
+wonderingly:
+
+'I shot a buffalo; is that why you call me a murderer?'
+
+'A buffalo--yes; but the servant of your wife! It was he who carried
+the wood and drew the water. Did you not know it?'
+
+'No; I did not know it,' replied the husband in surprise. 'Why did no
+one tell me? Of course I should not have shot him!'
+
+'Well, he is dead,' answered they, 'and we must die too.'
+
+At this the girl took a cup in which some poisonous herbs had been
+crushed, and holding it in her hands, she wailed: 'O my father, Rover
+of the Plain!' Then drinking a deep draught from it, fell back dead.
+One by one her parents, her brothers and her sisters, drank also and
+died, singing a dirge to the memory of the buffalo.
+
+The girl's husband looked on with horror; and returned sadly home
+across the mountains, and, entering his hut, threw himself on the
+ground. At first he was too tired to speak; but at length he raised
+his head and told all the story to his father and mother, who sat
+watching him. When he had finished they shook their heads and said:
+
+'Now you see that we spoke no idle words when we told you that ill
+would come of your marriage! We offered you a good and hard-working
+wife, and you would have none of her. And it is not only your wife you
+have lost, but your fortune also. For who will give you back your
+dowry if they are all dead?'
+
+'It is true, O my father,' answered the young man. But in his heart he
+thought more of the loss of his wife than of the money he had given
+for her.
+
+(From _L'Etude Ethnographique sur Les Baronga_, par Henri Junod.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE WHITE DOE_
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived a king and queen who loved each other
+dearly, and would have been perfectly happy if they had only had a
+little son or daughter to play with. They never talked about it, and
+always pretended that there was nothing in the world to wish for; but,
+sometimes, when they looked at other people's children, their faces
+grew sad, and their courtiers and attendants knew the reason why.
+
+One day the queen was sitting alone by the side of a waterfall which
+sprung from some rocks in the large park adjoining the castle. She was
+feeling more than usually miserable, and had sent away her ladies so
+that no one might witness her grief. Suddenly she heard a rustling
+movement in the pool below the waterfall, and, on glancing up, she saw
+a large crab climbing on to a stone beside her.
+
+'Great queen,' said the crab, 'I am here to tell you that the desire
+of your heart will soon be granted. But first you must permit me to
+lead you to the palace of the fairies, which, though hard by, has
+never been seen by mortal eyes because of the thick clouds that
+surround it. When there you will know more; that is, if you will
+trust, yourself to me.'
+
+The queen had never before heard an animal speak and was struck dumb
+with surprise. However, she was so enchanted at the words of the crab
+that she smiled sweetly and held out her hand; it was taken, not by
+the crab, which had stood there only a moment before, but by a little
+old woman smartly dressed in white and crimson with green ribbons in
+her grey hair. And, wonderful to say, not a drop of water fell from
+her clothes.
+
+The old woman ran lightly down a path along which the queen had been a
+hundred times before, but it seemed so different she could hardly
+believe it was the same. Instead of having to push her way through
+nettles and brambles, roses and jasmine hung about her head, while
+under her feet the ground was sweet with violets. The orange trees
+were so tall and thick that, even at midday, the sun was never too
+hot, and at the end of the path was a glimmer of something so dazzling
+that the queen had to shade her eyes, and peep at it only between her
+fingers.
+
+'What can it be?' she asked, turning to her guide; who answered:
+
+'Oh, that is the fairies' palace, and here are some of them coming to
+meet us.'
+
+As she spoke the gates swung back and six fairies approached, each
+bearing in her hand a flower made of precious stones, but so like a
+real one that it was only by touching you could tell the difference.
+
+'Madam,' they said, 'we know not how to thank you for this mark of
+your confidence, but have the happiness to tell you that in a short
+time you will have a little daughter.'
+
+The queen was so enchanted at this news that she nearly fainted with
+joy; but when she was able to speak, she poured out all her gratitude
+to the fairies for their promised gift.
+
+'And now,' she said, 'I ought not to stay any longer, for my husband
+will think that I have run away, or that some evil beast has devoured
+me.'
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In a little while it happened just as the fairies had foretold, and a
+baby girl was born in the palace. Of course both the king and queen
+were delighted, and the child was called Desiree, which means
+'desired,' for she had been 'desired' for five long years before her
+birth.
+
+  [Illustration: THE QUEEN & THE CRAB]
+
+At first the queen could think of nothing but her new plaything, but
+then she remembered the fairies who had sent it to her. Bidding her
+ladies bring her the posy of jewelled flowers which had been given her
+at the palace, she took each flower in her hand and called it by name,
+and, in turn, each fairy appeared before her. But, as unluckily often
+happens, the one to whom she owed most, the crab-fairy, was forgotten,
+and by this, as in the case of other babies you have read about, much
+mischief was wrought.
+
+However, for the moment all was gaiety in the palace, and everybody
+inside ran to the windows to watch the fairies' carriages, for no two
+were alike. One had a car of ebony, drawn by white pigeons, another
+was lying back in her ivory chariot, driving ten black crows, while
+the rest had chosen rare woods or many-coloured sea-shells, with
+scarlet and blue macaws, long-tailed peacocks, or green love-birds for
+horses. These carriages were only used on occasions of state, for when
+they went to war flying dragons, fiery serpents, lions or leopards,
+took the place of the beautiful birds.
+
+The fairies entered the queen's chamber followed by little dwarfs who
+carried their presents and looked much prouder than their mistresses.
+One by one their burdens were spread upon the ground, and no one had
+ever seen such lovely things. Everything a baby could possibly wear or
+play with was there, and, besides, they had other and more precious
+gifts to give her, which only children who have fairies for godmothers
+can ever hope to possess.
+
+They were all gathered round the heap of pink cushions on which the
+baby lay asleep, when a shadow seemed to fall between them and the
+sun, while a cold wind blew through the room. Everybody looked up, and
+there was the crab-fairy, who had grown as tall as the ceiling in her
+anger.
+
+'So I am forgotten!' cried she, in a voice so loud that the queen
+trembled as she heard it. 'Who was it soothed you in your trouble? Who
+was it led you to the fairies? Who was it brought you back in safety
+to your home again? Yet I--I--am overlooked, while _these_ who have
+done nothing in comparison, are petted and thanked.'
+
+The queen, almost dumb with terror, in vain tried to think of some
+explanation or apology; but there was none, and she could only confess
+her fault and implore forgiveness. The fairies also did their best to
+soften the wrath of their sister, and knowing that, like many plain
+people, who are _not_ fairies, she was very vain, they entreated her
+to drop her crab's disguise, and to become once more the charming
+person they were accustomed to see.
+
+For some time the enraged fairy would listen to nothing; but at length
+the flatteries began to take effect. The crab's shell fell from her,
+she shrank into her usual size, and lost some of her fierce
+expression.
+
+'Well,' she said, 'I will not cause the princess' death, as I had
+meant to do, but at the same time she will have to bear the punishment
+of her mother's fault, as many other children have done before her.
+The sentence I pass upon her is, that if she is allowed to see one ray
+of daylight before her fifteenth birthday she will rue it bitterly,
+and it may perhaps cost her her life.' And with these words she
+vanished by the window through which she came, while the fairies
+comforted the weeping queen and took counsel how best the princess
+might be kept safe during her childhood.
+
+  [Illustration: THE UNINVITED FAIRY]
+
+At the end of half an hour they had made up their minds what to do,
+and at the command of the fairies, a beautiful palace sprung up, close
+to that of the king and queen, but different from every other palace
+in the world, in having no windows, and only a door right under the
+earth. However, once within, daylight was hardly missed, so
+brilliant were the multitudes of tapers that were burning on the
+walls.
+
+Now up to this time the princess's history has been like the history
+of many a princess that you have read about; but, when the period of
+her imprisonment was nearly over, her fortunes took another turn. For
+almost fifteen years the fairies had taken care of her, and amused her
+and taught her, so that when she came into the world she might be no
+whit behind the daughters of other kings in all that makes a princess
+charming and accomplished. They all loved her dearly, but the fairy
+Tulip loved her most of all; and as the princess's fifteenth birthday
+drew near, the fairy began to tremble lest something terrible should
+happen--some accident which had not been foreseen. 'Do not let her out
+of your sight,' said Tulip to the queen, 'and meanwhile, let her
+portrait be painted and carried to the neighbouring Courts, as is the
+custom, in order that the kings may see how far her beauty exceeds
+that of every other princess, and that they may demand her in marriage
+for their sons.'
+
+And so it was done; and as the fairy had prophesied, all the young
+princes fell in love with the picture; but the last one to whom it was
+shown could think of nothing else, and refused to let it be removed
+from his chamber, where he spent whole days gazing at it.
+
+The king his father was much surprised at the change which had come
+over his son, who generally passed all his time in hunting or hawking,
+and his anxiety was increased by a conversation he overheard between
+two of his courtiers that they feared the prince must be going out of
+his mind, so moody had he become. Without losing a moment the king
+went to visit his son, and no sooner had he entered the room than the
+young man flung himself at his father's feet.
+
+'You have betrothed me already to a bride I can never love!' cried he;
+'but if you will not consent to break off the match, and ask for the
+hand of the princess Desiree, I shall die of misery, thankful to be
+alive no longer.'
+
+These words much displeased the king, who felt that, in breaking off
+the marriage already arranged, he would almost certainly be bringing
+on his subjects a long and bloody war; so, without answering, he
+turned away, hoping that a few days might bring his son to reason. But
+the prince's condition grew rapidly so much worse that the king, in
+despair, promised to send an embassy at once to Desiree's father.
+
+This news cured the young man in an instant of all his ills; and he
+began to plan out every detail of dress and of horses and carriages
+which were necessary to make the train of the envoy, whose name was
+Becasigue, as splendid as possible. He longed to form part of the
+embassy himself, if only in the disguise of a page; but this the king
+would not allow, and so the prince had to content himself with
+searching the kingdom for everything that was rare and beautiful to
+send to the princess. Indeed, he arrived, just as the embassy was
+starting, with his portrait, which had been painted in secret by the
+court painter.
+
+The king and queen wished for nothing better than that their daughter
+should marry into such a great and powerful family, and received the
+ambassador with every sign of welcome. They even wished him to see the
+princess Desiree, but this was prevented by the fairy Tulip, who
+feared some ill might come of it.
+
+'And be sure you tell him,' added she, 'that the marriage cannot be
+celebrated till she is fifteen years old, or else some terrible
+misfortune will happen to the child.'
+
+So when Becasigue, surrounded by his train, made a formal request that
+the princess Desiree might be given in marriage to his master's son,
+the king replied that he was much honoured, and would gladly give his
+consent; but that no one could even see the princess till her
+fifteenth birthday, as the spell laid upon her in her cradle by a
+spiteful fairy, would not cease to work till that was past. The
+ambassador was greatly surprised and disappointed, but he knew too
+much about fairies to venture to disobey them, therefore he had to
+content himself with presenting the prince's portrait to the queen,
+who lost no time in carrying it to the princess. As the girl took it
+in her hands it suddenly spoke, as it had been taught to do, and
+uttered a compliment of the most delicate and charming sort, which
+made the princess flush with pleasure.
+
+'How would you like to have a husband like that?' asked the queen,
+laughing.
+
+'As if I knew anything about husbands!' replied Desiree, who had long
+ago guessed the business of the ambassador.
+
+'Well, he will be your husband in three months,' answered the queen,
+ordering the prince's presents to be brought in. The princess was very
+pleased with them, and admired them greatly, but the queen noticed
+that all the while her eyes constantly strayed from the softest silks
+and most brilliant jewels to the portrait of the prince.
+
+The ambassador, finding that there was no hope of his being allowed to
+see the princess, took his leave, and returned to his own court; but
+here a new difficulty appeared. The prince, though transported with
+joy at the thought that Desiree was indeed to be his bride, was
+bitterly disappointed that she had not been allowed to return with
+Becasigue, as he had foolishly expected; and never having been taught
+to deny himself anything or to control his feelings, he fell as ill as
+he had done before. He would eat nothing nor take pleasure in
+anything, but lay all day on a heap of cushions, gazing at the picture
+of the princess.
+
+'If I have to wait three months before I can marry the princess I
+shall die!' was all this spoilt boy would say; and at length the
+king, in despair, resolved to send a fresh embassy to Desiree's father
+to implore him to permit the marriage to be celebrated at once. 'I
+would have presented my prayer in person,' he added in his letter,
+'but my great age and infirmities do not suffer me to travel; however
+my envoy has orders to agree to any arrangement that you may propose.'
+
+On his arrival at the palace Becasigue pleaded his young master's
+cause as fervently as the king his father could have done, and
+entreated that the princess might be consulted in the matter. The
+queen hastened to the marble tower, and told her daughter of the sad
+state of the prince. Desiree sank down fainting at the news, but soon
+came to herself again, and set about inventing a plan which would
+enable her to go to the prince without risking the doom pronounced
+over her by the wicked fairy.
+
+'I see!' she exclaimed joyfully at last. 'Let a carriage be built
+through which no light can come, and let it be brought into my room. I
+will then get into it, and we can travel swiftly during the night and
+arrive before dawn at the palace of the prince. Once there, I can
+remain in some underground chamber, where no light can come.'
+
+'Ah, how clever you are,' cried the queen, clasping her in her arms.
+And she hurried away to tell the king.
+
+'What a wife our prince will have!' said Becasigue bowing low; 'but I
+must hasten back with the tidings, and to prepare the underground
+chamber for the princess.' And so he took his leave.
+
+In a few days the carriage commanded by the princess was ready. It was
+of green velvet, scattered over with large golden thistles, and lined
+inside with silver brocade embroidered with pink roses. It had no
+windows, of course; but the fairy Tulip, whose counsel had been asked,
+had managed to light it up with a soft glow that came no one knew
+whither.
+
+It was carried straight up into the great hall of the tower, and the
+princess stepped into it, followed by her faithful maid of honour,
+Eglantine, and by her lady in waiting Cerisette, who also had fallen
+in love with the prince's portrait and was bitterly jealous of her
+mistress. The fourth place in the carriage was filled by Cerisette's
+mother, who had been sent by the queen to look after the three young
+people.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Now the Fairy of the Fountain was the godmother of the princess Nera,
+to whom the prince had been betrothed before the picture of Desiree
+had made him faithless. She was very angry at the slight put upon her
+godchild, and from that moment kept careful watch on the princess. In
+this journey she saw her chance, and it was she who, invisible, sat by
+Cerisette, and put bad thoughts into the minds of both her and her
+mother.
+
+The way to the city where the prince lived ran for the most part
+through a thick forest, and every night when there was no moon, and
+not a single star could be seen through the trees, the guards who
+travelled with the princess opened the carriage to give it an airing.
+This went on for several days, till only twelve hours journey lay
+between them and the palace. Then Cerisette persuaded her mother to
+cut a great hole in the side of the carriage with a sharp knife which
+she herself had brought for the purpose. In the forest the darkness
+was so intense that no one perceived what she had done, but when they
+left the last trees behind them, and emerged into the open country,
+the sun was up, and for the first time since her babyhood, Desiree
+found herself in the light of day.
+
+She looked up in surprise at the dazzling brilliance that streamed
+through the hole; then gave a sigh which seemed to come from her
+heart. The carriage door swung back, as if by magic, and a white doe
+sprung out, and in a moment was lost to sight in the forest. But,
+quick as she was, Eglantine, her maid of honour, had time to see where
+she went, and jumped from the carriage in pursuit of her, followed at
+a distance by the guards.
+
+Cerisette and her mother looked at each other in surprise and joy.
+They could hardly believe in their good fortune, for everything had
+happened exactly as they wished. The first thing to be done was to
+conceal the hole which had been cut, and when this was managed (with
+the help of the angry fairy, though they did not know it), Cerisette
+hastened to take off her own clothes, and put on those of the
+princess, placing the crown of diamonds on her head. She found this
+heavier than she expected; but then, she had never been accustomed to
+wear crowns, which makes all the difference.
+
+At the gates of the city the carriage was stopped by a guard of honour
+sent by the king as an escort to his son's bride. Though Cerisette and
+her mother could of course see nothing of what was going on outside,
+they heard plainly the shouts of welcome from the crowds along the
+streets.
+
+The carriage stopped at length in the vast hall which Becasigue had
+prepared for the reception of the princess. The grand chamberlain and
+the lord high steward were awaiting her, and when the false bride
+stepped into the brilliantly lighted room, they bowed low, and said
+they had orders to inform his highness the moment she arrived. The
+prince, whom the strict etiquette of the court had prevented from
+being present in the underground hall, was burning with impatience in
+his own apartments.
+
+'So she has come!' cried he, throwing down the bow he had been
+pretending to mend. 'Well, was I not right? Is she not a miracle of
+beauty and grace? And has she her equal in the whole world?' The
+ministers looked at each other, and made no reply; till at length the
+chamberlain, who was the bolder of the two, observed:
+
+'My lord, as to her beauty, you can judge of that for yourself. No
+doubt it is as great as you say; but at present it seems to have
+suffered, as is natural, from the fatigues of the journey.'
+
+This was certainly not what the prince expected to hear. Could the
+portrait have flattered her? He had known of such things before, and a
+cold shiver ran through him; but with an effort he kept silent from
+further questioning, and only said:
+
+'Has the king been told that the princess is in the palace?'
+
+'Yes, your highness; and he has probably already joined her.'
+
+'Then I will go too,' said the prince.
+
+Weak as he was from his long illness, the prince descended the
+staircase, supported by the ministers, and entered the room just in
+time to hear his father's loud cry of astonishment and disgust at the
+sight of Cerisette.
+
+'There has been treachery at work,' he exclaimed, while the prince
+leant, dumb with horror, against the doorpost. But the lady in
+waiting, who had been prepared for something of the sort, advanced,
+holding in her hand the letters which the king and queen had entrusted
+to her.
+
+'This is the princess Desiree,' said she, pretending to have heard
+nothing, 'and I have the honour to present to you these letters from
+my liege lord and lady, together with the casket containing the
+princess' jewels.'
+
+The king did not move or answer her; so the prince, leaning on the arm
+of Becasigue, approached a little closer to the false princess, hoping
+against hope that his eyes had deceived him. But the longer he looked
+the more he agreed with his father that there was some treason
+somewhere, for in no single respect did the portrait resemble the
+woman before him. Cerisette was so tall that the dress of the princess
+did not reach her ankles, and so thin that her bones showed through
+the stuff. Besides that her nose was hooked, and her teeth black and
+ugly.
+
+In his turn, the prince stood rooted to the spot. At last he spoke,
+and his words were addressed to his father and not to the bride who
+had come so far to marry him.
+
+'We have been deceived,' he said, 'and it will cost me my life.' And
+he leaned so heavily on the envoy that Becasigue feared he was going
+to faint, and hastily laid him on the floor. For some minutes no one
+could attend to anybody but the prince; but as soon as he revived the
+lady in waiting made herself heard.
+
+'Oh, my lovely princess, why did we ever leave home?' cried she. 'But
+the king your father will avenge the insults that have been heaped on
+you when we tell him how you have been treated.'
+
+'I will tell him myself,' replied the king in wrath; 'he promised me a
+wonder of beauty, he has sent me a skeleton! I am not surprised that
+he has kept her for fifteen years hidden from the eyes of the world.
+Take them both away,' he continued, turning to his guards, 'and lodge
+them in the state prison. There is something more I have to learn of
+this matter.'
+
+His orders were obeyed, and the prince, loudly bewailing his sad fate,
+was led back to his bed, where for many days he lay in a high fever.
+At length he slowly began to gain strength, but his sorrow was still
+so great that he could not bear the sight of a strange face, and
+shuddered at the notion of taking his proper part in the court
+ceremonies. Unknown to the king, or to anybody but Becasigue, he
+planned that, as soon as he was able, he would make his escape and
+pass the rest of his life in some solitary place. It was some weeks
+before he had regained his health sufficiently to carry out his
+design; but finally, one beautiful starlight night, the two friends
+stole away, and when the king woke next morning he found a letter
+lying by his bed, saying that his son had gone, he knew not whither.
+He wept bitter tears at the news, for he loved the prince dearly; but
+he felt that perhaps the young man had done wisely, and he trusted to
+time and Becasigue's influence to bring the wanderer home.
+
+And while these things were happening, what had become of the white
+doe? Though when she sprang from the carriage she was aware that some
+unkind fate had changed her into an animal, yet, till she saw herself
+in a stream, she had no idea what it was.
+
+'Is it really, I, Desiree?' she said to herself, weeping. 'What wicked
+fairy can have treated me so; and shall I never, never take my own
+shape again? My only comfort that, in this great forest, full of lions
+and serpents, my life will be a short one.'
+
+Now the fairy Tulip was as much grieved at the sad fate of the
+princess as Desiree's own mother could have been if she had known of
+it. Still, she could not help feeling that if the king and queen had
+listened to her advice the girl would by this time be safely in the
+walls of her new home. However, she loved Desiree too much to let her
+suffer more than could be helped, and it was she who guided Eglantine
+to the place where the white doe was standing, cropping the grass
+which was her dinner.
+
+At the sound of footsteps the pretty creature lifted her head, and
+when she saw her faithful companion approaching she bounded towards
+her, and rubbed her head on Eglantine's shoulder. The maid of honour
+was surprised; but she was fond of animals, and stroked the white doe
+tenderly, speaking gently to her all the while. Suddenly the beautiful
+creature lifted her head, and looked up into Eglantine's face, with
+tears streaming from her eyes. A thought flashed through her mind, and
+quick as lightning the girl flung herself on her knees, and lifting
+the animal's feet kissed them one by one. 'My princess! O my dear
+princess!' cried she; and again the white doe rubbed her head against
+her, for though the spiteful fairy had taken away her power of
+speech, she had not deprived her of her reason!
+
+All day long the two remained together, and when Eglantine grew hungry
+she was led by the white doe to a part of the forest where pears and
+peaches grew in abundance; but, as night came on, the maid of honour
+was filled with the terrors of wild beasts which had beset the
+princess during her first night in the forest.
+
+'Is there no hut or cave we could go into?' asked she. But the doe
+only shook her head; and the two sat down and wept with fright.
+
+The fairy Tulip who, in spite of her anger, was very softhearted, was
+touched at their distress, and flew quickly to their help.
+
+'I cannot take away the spell altogether,' she said, 'for the Fairy of
+the Fountain is stronger than I; but I can shorten the time of your
+punishment, and am able to make it less hard, for as soon as darkness
+falls you shall resume your own shape.'
+
+To think that by-and-by she would cease to be a white doe--indeed,
+that she would at once cease to be one during the night--was for the
+present joy enough for Desiree, and she skipped about on the grass in
+the prettiest manner.
+
+'Go straight down the path in front of you,' continued the fairy,
+smiling as she watched her; 'go straight down the path and you will
+soon reach a little hut where you will find shelter.' And with these
+words she vanished, leaving her hearers happier than they ever thought
+they could be again.
+
+An old woman was standing at the door of the hut when Eglantine drew
+near, with the white doe trotting by her side.
+
+'Good evening!' she said; 'could you give me a night's lodging for
+myself and my doe?'
+
+'Certainly I can,' replied the old woman. And she led them into a room
+with two little white beds, so clean and comfortable that it made you
+sleepy even to look at them.
+
+The door had hardly closed behind the old woman when the sun sank
+below the horizon, and Desiree became a girl again.
+
+'Oh, Eglantine! what should I have done if you had not followed me,'
+she cried. And she flung herself into her friend's arms in a transport
+of delight.
+
+Early in the morning Eglantine was awakened by the sound of someone
+scratching at the door, and on opening her eyes she saw the white doe
+struggling to get out. The little creature looked up and into her
+face, and nodded her head as the maid of honour unfastened the latch,
+but bounded away into the woods, and was lost to sight in a moment.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Meanwhile, the prince and Becasigue were wandering through the wood,
+till at last the prince grew so tired, that he lay down under a tree,
+and told Becasigue that he had better go in search of food, and of
+some place where they could sleep. Becasigue had not gone very far,
+when a turn of the path brought him face to face with the old woman,
+who was feeding her doves before her cottage.
+
+'Could you give me some milk and fruit?' asked he. 'I am very hungry
+myself, and, besides, I have left a friend behind me who is still weak
+from illness.'
+
+'Certainly I can,' answered the old woman. 'But come and sit down in
+my kitchen while I catch the goat and milk it.'
+
+Becasigue was glad enough to do as he was bid, and in a few minutes
+the old woman returned with a basket brimming over with oranges and
+grapes.
+
+'If your friend has been ill he should not pass the night in the
+forest,' said she. 'I have a room in my hut--tiny enough, it is true;
+but better than nothing, and to that you are both heartily welcome.'
+
+Becasigue thanked her warmly, and by this time it was almost sunset,
+he set out to fetch the prince. It was while he was absent that
+Eglantine and the white doe entered the hut, and having, of course, no
+idea that in the very next room was the man whose childish impatience
+had been the cause of all their troubles.
+
+In spite of his fatigue, the prince slept badly, and directly it was
+light he rose, and bidding Becasigue remain where he was, as he wished
+to be alone, he strolled out into the forest. He walked on slowly,
+just as his fancy led him, till, suddenly, he came to a wide open
+space, and in the middle was the white doe quietly eating her
+breakfast. She bounded off at the sight of a man, but not before the
+prince, who had fastened on his bow without thinking, had let fly
+several arrows, which the fairy Tulip took care should do her no harm.
+But, quickly as she ran, she soon felt her strength failing her, for
+fifteen years of life in a tower had not taught her how to exercise
+her limbs.
+
+Luckily, the prince was too weak to follow her far, and a turn of a
+path brought her close to the hut, where Eglantine was awaiting her.
+Panting for breath, she entered their room, and flung herself down on
+the floor.
+
+When it was dark again, and she was once more the princess Desiree,
+she told Eglantine what had befallen her.
+
+'I feared the Fairy of the Fountain, and the cruel beasts,' said she;
+'but somehow I never thought of the dangers that I ran from men. I do
+not know now what saved me.'
+
+'You must stay quietly here till the time of your punishment is over,'
+answered Eglantine. But when the morning dawned, and the girl turned
+into a doe, the longing for the forest came over her, and she sprang
+away as before.
+
+As soon as the prince was awake he hastened to the place where, only
+the day before, he had found the white doe feeding; but of course she
+had taken care to go in the opposite direction. Much disappointed, he
+tried first one green path and then another, and at last, wearied with
+walking, he threw himself down and went fast asleep.
+
+  [Illustration: FOR A MINUTE THEY LOOKED AT EACH OTHER]
+
+Just at this moment the white doe sprang out of a thicket near by, and
+started back trembling when she beheld her enemy lying there. Yet,
+instead of turning to fly, something bade her go and look at him
+unseen. As she gazed a thrill ran through her, for she felt that, worn
+and wasted though he was by illness, it was the face of her destined
+husband. Gently stooping over him she kissed his forehead, and at her
+touch he awoke.
+
+For a minute they looked at each other, and to his amazement he
+recognised the white doe which had escaped him the previous day. But
+in an instant the animal was aroused to a sense of her danger, and she
+fled with all her strength into the thickest part of the forest. Quick
+as lightning the prince was on her track, but this time it was with no
+wish to kill or even wound the beautiful creature.
+
+'Pretty doe! pretty doe! stop! I won't hurt you,' cried he, but his
+words were carried away by the wind.
+
+At length the doe could run no more, and when the prince reached her,
+she was lying stretched out on the grass, waiting for her death blow.
+But instead the prince knelt at her side, and stroked her, and bade
+her fear nothing, as he would take care of her. So he fetched a little
+water from the stream in his horn hunting cup, then, cutting some
+branches from the trees, he twisted them into a litter which he
+covered with moss, and laid the white doe gently on it.
+
+For a long time they remained thus, but when Desiree saw by the way
+that the light struck the trees, that the sun must be near its
+setting, she was filled with alarm lest the darkness should fall, and
+the prince should behold her in her human shape.
+
+'No, he must not see me for the first time here,' she thought, and
+instantly began to plan how to get rid of him. Then she opened her
+mouth and let her tongue hang out, as if she were dying of thirst, and
+the prince, as she expected, hastened to the stream to get her some
+more water.
+
+When he returned, the white doe was gone.
+
+That night Desiree confessed to Eglantine that her pursuer was no
+other than the prince, and that far from flattering him, the portrait
+had never done him justice.
+
+'Is it not hard to meet him in this shape,' wept she, 'when we both
+love each other so much?' But Eglantine comforted her, and reminded
+her that in a short time all would be well.
+
+The prince was very angry at the flight of the white doe, for whom he
+had taken so much trouble, and returning to the cottage he poured out
+his adventures and his wrath to Becasigue, who could not help smiling.
+
+'She shall not escape me again,' cried the prince. 'If I hunt her
+every day for a year, I will have her at last.' And in this frame of
+mind he went to bed.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When the white doe entered the forest next morning, she had not made
+up her mind whether she would go and meet the prince, or whether she
+would shun him, and hide in the thickets of which he knew nothing. She
+decided that the last plan was the best; and so it would have been if
+the prince had not taken the very same direction in search of her.
+
+Quite by accident he caught sight of her white skin shining through
+the bushes, and at the same instant she heard a twig snap under his
+feet. In a moment she was up and away, but the prince, not knowing how
+else to capture her, aimed an arrow at her leg, which brought her to
+the ground.
+
+The young man felt like a murderer as he ran hastily up to where the
+white doe lay, and did his best to soothe the pain she felt, which, in
+reality, was the last part of the punishment sent by the Fairy of the
+Fountain. First he brought her some water, and then he fetched some
+healing herbs, and having crushed them in his hands, laid them on the
+wound.
+
+'Ah! what a wretch I was to have hurt you,' cried he, resting her head
+upon his knees; 'and now you will hate me and fly from me for ever!'
+
+For some time the doe lay quietly where she was, but, as before, she
+remembered that the hour of her transformation was near. She struggled
+to her feet, but the prince would not hear of her walking, and
+thinking the old woman might be able to dress her wound better than he
+could, he took her in his arms to carry her back to the hut. But,
+small as she was, she made herself so heavy that, after staggering a
+few steps under her weight, he laid her down, and tied her fast to a
+tree with some of the ribbons off his hat. This done he went away to
+get help.
+
+Meanwhile Eglantine had grown very uneasy at the long absence of her
+mistress, and had come out to look for her. Just as the prince passed
+out of sight the fluttering ribbons danced before her eyes, and she
+descried her beautiful princess bound to a tree. With all her might
+she worked at the knots, but not a single one could she undo, though
+all appeared so easy. She was still busy with them when a voice behind
+her said:
+
+'Pardon me, fair lady, but it is _my_ doe you are trying to steal!'
+
+'Excuse me, good knight,' answered Eglantine, hardly glancing at him,
+'but it is _my_ doe that is tied up here! And if you wish for a proof
+of it, you can see if she knows me or not. Touch my heart, my little
+one,' she continued, dropping on her knees. And the doe lifted up its
+fore-foot and laid it on her side. 'Now put your arms round my neck,
+and sigh.' And again the doe did as she was bid.
+
+'You are right,' said the prince; 'but it is with sorrow I give her up
+to you, for though I have wounded her yet I love her deeply.'
+
+To this Eglantine answered nothing; but carefully raising up the doe,
+she led her slowly to the hut.
+
+Now both the prince and Becasigue were quite unaware that the old
+woman had any guests besides themselves, and, following afar, were
+much surprised to behold Eglantine and her charge enter the cottage.
+They lost no time in questioning the old woman, who replied that she
+knew nothing about the lady and her white doe, who slept next the
+chamber occupied by the prince and his friend, but that they were very
+quiet, and paid her well. Then she went back to her kitchen.
+
+'Do you know,' said Becasigue, when they were alone, 'I am certain
+that the lady that we saw is the maid of honour to the Princess
+Desiree, whom I met at the palace. And, as her room is next to this,
+it will be easy to make a small hole through which I can satisfy
+myself whether I am right or not.'
+
+So, taking a knife out of his pocket, he began to saw away the
+woodwork. The girls heard the grating noise, but fancying it was a
+mouse, paid no attention, and Becasigue was left in peace to pursue
+his work. At length the hole was large enough for him to peep through,
+and the sight was one to strike him dumb with amazement. He had
+guessed truly: the tall lady was Eglantine herself; but the
+other--where had he seen her? Ah! now he knew--it was the lady of the
+portrait!
+
+Desiree, in a flowing dress of green silk, was lying stretched out
+upon cushions, and as Eglantine bent over her to bathe the wounded
+leg, she began to talk:
+
+'Oh! let me die!' cried she, 'rather than go on leading this life. You
+cannot tell the misery of being a beast all the day, and unable to
+speak to the man I love, to whose impatience I owe my cruel fate. Yet,
+even so, I cannot bring myself to hate him.'
+
+These words, low though they were spoken, reached Becasigue, who could
+hardly believe his ears. He stood silent for a moment; then, crossing
+to the window out of which the prince was gazing, he took his arm and
+led him across the room. A single glance was sufficient to show the
+prince that it was indeed Desiree; and how another had come to the
+palace bearing her name, at that instant he neither knew nor cared.
+Stealing on tiptoe from the room, he knocked at the next door, which
+was opened by Eglantine, who thought it was the old woman bearing
+their supper.
+
+She started back at the sight of the prince, whom this time she also
+recognised. But he thrust her aside, and flung himself at the feet of
+Desiree, to whom he poured out all his heart!
+
+Dawn found them still conversing; and the sun was high in the heavens
+before the princess perceived that she retained her human form. Ah!
+how happy she was when she knew that the days of her punishment were
+over; and with a glad voice she told the prince the tale of her
+enchantment.
+
+So the story ended well after all; and the fairy Tulip, who turned out
+to be the old woman of the hut, made the young couple such a wedding
+feast as had never been seen since the world began. And everybody was
+delighted, except Cerisette and her mother, who were put in a boat and
+carried to a small island, where they had to work hard for their
+living.
+
+(_Contes des Fees_, par Madame d'Aulnoy.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE GIRL-FISH_
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived, on the bank of a stream, a man and a
+woman who had a daughter. As she was an only child, and very pretty
+besides, they never could make up their minds to punish her for her
+faults or to teach her nice manners; and as for work--she laughed in
+her mother's face if she asked her to help cook the dinner or to wash
+the plates. All the girl would do was to spend her days in dancing and
+playing with her friends; and for any use she was to her parents they
+might as well have had no daughter at all.
+
+However, one morning her mother looked so tired that even the selfish
+girl could not help seeing it, and asked if there was anything she was
+able to do, so that her mother might rest a little.
+
+The good woman looked so surprised and grateful for this offer that
+the girl felt rather ashamed, and at that moment would have scrubbed
+down the house if she had been requested; but her mother only begged
+her to take the fishing-net out to the bank of the river and mend some
+holes in it, as her father intended to go fishing that night.
+
+The girl took the net and worked so hard that soon there was not a
+hole to be found. She felt quite pleased with herself, though she had
+had plenty to amuse her, as everybody who passed by had stopped and
+had a chat with her. But by this time the sun was high over head, and
+she was just folding her net to carry it home again, when she heard a
+splash behind her, and looking round she saw a big fish jump into the
+air. Seizing the net with both hands, she flung it into the water
+where the circles were spreading one behind the other, and, more by
+luck than skill, drew out the fish.
+
+'Well, you are a beauty!' she cried to herself; but the fish looked up
+to her and said:
+
+'You had better not kill me, for, if you do, I will turn you into a
+fish yourself!'
+
+The girl laughed contemptuously, and ran straight in to her mother.
+
+'Look what I have caught,' she said gaily; 'but it is almost a pity to
+eat it, for it can talk, and it declares that, if I kill it, it will
+turn me into a fish too.'
+
+'Oh, put it back, put it back!' implored the mother. 'Perhaps it is
+skilled in magic. And I should die, and so would your father, if
+anything should happen to you.'
+
+'Oh, nonsense, mother; what power could a creature like that have over
+me? Besides, I am hungry, and if I don't have my dinner very soon, I
+shall be cross.' And off she went to gather some flowers to stick in
+her hair.
+
+About an hour later the blowing of a horn told her that dinner was
+ready.
+
+'Didn't I say that fish would be delicious?' she cried; and plunging
+her spoon into the dish the girl helped herself to a large piece. But
+the instant it touched her mouth a cold shiver ran through her. Her
+head seemed to flatten, and her eyes to look oddly round the corners;
+her legs and her arms were stuck to her sides, and she gasped wildly
+for breath. With a mighty bound she sprang through the window and fell
+into the river, where she soon felt better, and was able to swim to
+the sea, which was close by.
+
+No sooner had she arrived there than the sight of her sad face
+attracted the notice of some of the other fishes, and they pressed
+round her, begging her to tell them her story.
+
+'I am not a fish at all,' said the new-comer, swallowing a great deal
+of salt water as she spoke; for you cannot learn how to be a proper
+fish all in a moment. 'I am not a fish at all, but a girl; at least I
+was a girl a few minutes ago, only----' And she ducked her head under
+the waves so that they should not see her crying.
+
+'Only you did not believe that the fish you caught had power to carry
+out its threat,' said an old tunny. 'Well, never mind, that has
+happened to all of us, and it really is not a bad life. Cheer up and
+come with us and see our queen, who lives in a palace that is much
+more beautiful than any _your_ queens can boast of.'
+
+The new fish felt a little afraid of taking such a journey; but as she
+was still more afraid of being left alone, she waved her tail in token
+of consent, and off they all set, hundreds of them together. The
+people on the rocks and in the ships that saw them pass said to each
+other:
+
+'Look what a splendid shoal!' and had no idea that they were hastening
+to the queen's palace; but, then, dwellers on land have so little
+notion of what goes on in the bottom of the sea! Certainly the little
+new fish had none. She had watched jelly-fish and nautilus swimming a
+little way below the surface, and beautiful coloured sea-weeds
+floating about; but that was all. _Now_, when she plunged deeper her
+eyes fell upon strange things.
+
+Wedges of gold, great anchors, heaps of pearl, inestimable stones,
+unvalued jewels--all scattered in the bottom of the sea! Dead men's
+bones were there also, and long white creatures who had never seen the
+light, for they mostly dwelt in the clefts of rocks where the sun's
+rays could not come. At first our little fish felt as if she were
+blind also, but by-and-by she began to make out one object after
+another in the green dimness, and by the time she had swum for a few
+hours all became clear.
+
+'Here we are at last,' cried a big fish, going down into a deep
+valley, for the sea has its mountains and valleys just as much as the
+land. 'That is the palace of the queen of the fishes, and I think you
+must confess that the emperor himself has nothing so fine.'
+
+'It is beautiful indeed,' gasped the little fish, who was very tired
+with trying to swim as fast as the rest, and beautiful beyond words
+the palace was. The walls were made of pale pink coral, worn smooth by
+the waters, and round the windows were rows of pearls; the great doors
+were standing open, and the whole troop floated into a chamber of
+audience, where the queen, who was half a woman after all, was seated
+on a throne made of a green and blue shell.
+
+'Who are you, and where do you come from?' said she to the little
+fish, whom the others had pushed in front. And in a low, trembling
+voice, the visitor told her story.
+
+'I was once a girl too,' answered the queen, when the fish had ended;
+'and my father was the king of a great country. A husband was found
+for me, and on my wedding-day my mother placed her crown on my head
+and told me that as long as I wore it I should likewise be queen. For
+many months I was as happy as a girl could be, especially when I had a
+little son to play with. But, one morning, when I was walking in my
+gardens, there came a giant and snatched the crown from my head.
+Holding me fast, he told me that he intended to give the crown to his
+daughter, and to enchant my husband the prince, so that he should not
+know the difference between us. Since then she has filled my place and
+been queen in my stead. As for me, I was so miserable that I threw
+myself into the sea, and my ladies, who loved me, declared that they
+would die too; but, instead of dying, some wizard, who pitied my
+fate, turned us all into fishes, though he allowed me to keep the face
+and body of a woman. And fishes we must remain till someone brings me
+back my crown again!'
+
+'_I_ will bring it back if you will tell me what to do!' cried the
+little fish; who would have promised anything that was likely to carry
+her up to earth again. And the queen answered:
+
+'Yes, I will tell you what to do.'
+
+She sat silent for a moment, and then went on:
+
+'There is no danger if you will only follow my counsel; and first you
+must return to earth, and go up to the top of a high mountain, where
+the giant has built his castle. You will find him sitting on the steps
+weeping for his daughter, who has just died while the prince was away
+hunting. At the last she sent her father my crown by a faithful
+servant. But I warn you to be careful, for if he sees you he may kill
+you. Therefore I will give you the power to change yourself into any
+creature that may help you best. You have only to strike your
+forehead, and call out its name.'
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+This time the journey to land seemed much shorter than before, and
+when once the fish reached the shore she struck her forehead sharply
+with her tail, and cried:
+
+'Deer, come to me.'
+
+In a moment the small slimy body disappeared, and in its place stood a
+beautiful beast with branching horns and slender legs, quivering with
+longing to be gone. Throwing back her head and snuffing the air, she
+broke into a run, leaping easily over the rivers and walls that stood
+in her way.
+
+It happened that the king's son had been hunting since daybreak, but
+had killed nothing, and when the deer crossed his path as he was
+resting under a tree he determined to have her. He flung himself on
+his horse, which went like the wind, and as the prince had often
+hunted the forest before, and knew all the short cuts, he at last came
+up with the panting beast.
+
+'By your favour let me go, and do not kill me,' said the deer, turning
+to the prince with tears in her eyes, 'for I have far to run and much
+to do.' And as the prince, struck dumb with surprise, only looked at
+her, the deer cleared the next wall and was soon out of sight.
+
+'That can't _really_ be a deer,' thought the prince to himself,
+reining in his horse and not attempting to follow her. 'No deer ever
+had eyes like that. It must be an enchanted maiden, and I will marry
+her and no other.'
+
+So, turning his horse's head, he rode slowly back to his palace.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The deer reached the giant's castle quite out of breath, and her heart
+sank as she gazed at the tall, smooth walls which surrounded it. Then
+she plucked up courage and cried:
+
+'Ant, come to me!' And in a moment the branching horns and beautiful
+shape had vanished, and a tiny brown ant, invisible to all who did not
+look closely, was climbing up the walls.
+
+It was wonderful how fast she went, that little creature! The wall
+must have appeared miles high in comparison with her own body; yet, in
+less time than would have seemed possible, she was over the top and
+down in the courtyard on the other side. Here she paused to consider
+what had best be done next, and looking about her she saw that one of
+the walls had a tall tree growing by it, and in this corner was a
+window very nearly on a level with the highest branches of the tree.
+
+'Monkey, come to me!' cried the ant; and before you could turn round a
+monkey was swinging herself from the topmost branches into the room
+where the giant lay snoring.
+
+'Perhaps he will be so frightened at the sight of me that he may die
+of fear, and I shall never get the crown,' thought the monkey. 'I had
+better become something else.' And she called softly: 'Parrot, come to
+me!'
+
+Then a pink and grey parrot hopped up to the giant, who by this time
+was stretching himself and giving yawns which shook the castle. The
+parrot waited a little until he was really awake, and then she said
+boldly that she had been sent to take away the crown, which was not
+his any longer, now his daughter the queen was dead.
+
+On hearing these words the giant leapt out of bed with an angry roar,
+and sprang at the parrot in order to wring her neck with his great
+hands. But the bird was too quick for him, and, flying behind his
+back, begged the giant to have patience, as her death would be of no
+use to him.
+
+'That is true,' answered the giant; 'but I am not so foolish as to
+give you that crown for nothing. Let me think what I will have in
+exchange!' And he scratched his huge head for several minutes, for
+giants' minds always move slowly.
+
+'Ah, yes, that will do!' exclaimed the giant at last, his face
+brightening. 'You shall have the crown if you will bring me a collar
+of blue stones from the Arch of St. Martin, in the great City.'
+
+Now when the parrot had been a girl she had often heard of this
+wonderful arch and the precious stones and marbles that had been let
+into it. It sounded as if it would be a very hard thing to get them
+away from the building of which they formed a part, but all had gone
+well with her so far, and at any rate she could but try. So she bowed
+to the giant, and made her way back to the window where the giant
+could not see her. Then she called quickly:
+
+'Eagle, come to me!'
+
+Before she had even reached the tree she felt herself borne up on
+strong wings ready to carry her to the clouds if she wished to go
+there, and, seeming a mere speck in the sky, she was swept along till
+she beheld the Arch of St. Martin far below, with the rays of the sun
+shining on it. Then she swooped down, and, hiding herself behind a
+buttress so that she could not be detected from below, she set herself
+to dig out the nearest blue stones with her beak. It was even harder
+work than she had expected; but at last it was done, and hope arose in
+her heart. She next drew out a piece of string that she had found
+hanging from a tree, and sitting down to rest strung the stones
+together. When the necklace was finished she hung it round her neck,
+and called: 'Parrot, come to me!' And a little later the pink and grey
+parrot stood before the giant.
+
+'Here is the necklace you asked for,' said the parrot. And the eyes of
+the giant glistened as he took the heap of blue stones in his hand.
+But for all that he was not minded to give up the crown.
+
+'They are hardly as blue as I expected,' he grumbled, though the
+parrot knew as well as he did that he was not speaking the truth; 'so
+you must bring me something else in exchange for the crown you covet
+so much. If you fail it will cost you not only the crown but your life
+also.'
+
+'What is it you want now?' asked the parrot; and the giant answered:
+
+'If I give you my crown I must have another still more beautiful; and
+this time you shall bring me a crown of stars.'
+
+The parrot turned away, and as soon as she was outside she murmured:
+
+'Toad, come to me!' And sure enough a toad she was, and off she set in
+search of the starry crown.
+
+She had not gone far before she came to a clear pool, in which the
+stars were reflected so brightly that they looked quite real to touch
+and handle. Stooping down she filled a bag she was carrying with the
+shining water and, returning to the castle, wove a crown out of the
+reflected stars. Then she cried as before:
+
+'Parrot, come to me!' And in the shape of a parrot she entered the
+presence of the giant.
+
+'Here is the crown you asked for,' she said; and this time the giant
+could not help crying out with admiration. He knew he was beaten, and
+still holding the chaplet of stars, he turned to the girl.
+
+'Your power is greater than mine: take the crown; you have won it
+fairly!'
+
+The parrot did not need to be told twice. Seizing the crown, she
+sprang on to the window, crying: 'Monkey, come to me!' And to a
+monkey, the climb down the tree into the courtyard did not take half a
+minute. When she had reached the ground she said again: 'Ant, come to
+me!' And a little ant at once began to crawl over the high wall. How
+glad the ant was to be out of the giant's castle, holding fast the
+crown which had shrunk into almost nothing, as she herself had done,
+but grew quite big again when the ant exclaimed:
+
+'Deer, come to me!'
+
+Surely no deer ever ran so swiftly as that one! On and on she went,
+bounding over rivers and crashing through tangles till she reached the
+sea. Here she cried: for the last time:
+
+'Fish, come to me!' And, plunging in, she swam along the bottom as far
+as the palace, where the queen and all the fishes were gathered
+together awaiting her.
+
+The hours since she had left had gone very slowly--as they always do
+to people that are waiting--and many of them had quite given up hope.
+
+'I am tired of staying here,' grumbled a beautiful little creature,
+whose colours changed with every movement of her body, 'I want to see
+what is going on in the upper world. It must be _months_ since that
+fish went away.'
+
+'It was a very difficult task, and the giant must certainly have
+killed her or she would have been back long ago,' remarked another.
+
+'The young flies will be coming out now,' murmured a third, 'and they
+will all be eaten up by the river fish! It is really _too_ bad!' When,
+suddenly, a voice was heard from behind: 'Look! look! what is that
+bright thing that is moving so swiftly towards us?' And the queen
+started up, and stood on her tail, so excited was she.
+
+A silence fell on all the crowd, and even the grumblers held their
+peace and gazed like the rest. On and on came the fish, holding the
+crown tightly in her mouth, and the others moved back to let her pass.
+On she went right up to the queen, who bent, and taking the crown,
+placed it on her own head. Then a wonderful thing happened. Her tail
+dropped away or, rather, it divided and grew into two legs and a pair
+of the prettiest feet in the world, while her maidens, who were
+grouped around her, shed their scales and became girls again. They all
+turned and looked at each other first, and next at the little fish who
+had regained her own shape and was more beautiful than any of them.
+
+'It is _you_ who have given us back our life; _you_, _you_!' they
+cried; and fell to weeping for very joy.
+
+So they all went back to earth and the queen's palace, and quite
+forgot the one that lay under the sea. But they had been so long away
+that they found many changes. The prince, the queen's husband, had
+died some years since, and in his place was her son, who had grown up
+and was king! Even in his joy at seeing his mother again an air of
+sadness clung to him, and at last the queen could bear it no longer,
+and begged him to walk with her in the garden. Seated together in a
+bower of jessamine--where she had passed long hours as a bride--she
+took her son's hand and entreated him to tell her the cause of his
+sorrow. 'For,' said she, 'if I can give you happiness you shall have
+it.'
+
+  [Illustration: THE CROWN RETURNS TO THE QUEEN OF THE FISHES]
+
+'It is no use,' answered the prince; 'nobody can help me. I must bear
+it alone.'
+
+'But at least let me share your grief,' urged the queen.
+
+'No one can do that,' said he. 'I have fallen in love with what I can
+never marry, and I must get on as best I can.'
+
+'It may not be so impossible as you think,' answered the queen. 'At
+any rate, tell me.'
+
+There was silence between them for a moment, then, turning away his
+head, the prince answered gently:
+
+'I have fallen in love with a beautiful deer!'
+
+'Ah, if _that_ is all,' exclaimed the queen joyfully. And she told him
+in broken words that, as he had guessed, it was no deer but an
+enchanted maiden who had won back the crown and brought her home to
+her own people.
+
+'She is here, in my palace,' added the queen. 'I will take you to
+her.'
+
+But when the prince stood before the girl, who was so much more
+beautiful than anything he had ever dreamed of, he lost all his
+courage, and stood with bent head before her.
+
+Then the maiden drew near, and her eyes, as she looked at him, were
+the eyes of the deer that day in the forest. She whispered softly:
+
+'By your favour let me go, and do not kill me.'
+
+And the prince remembered her words, and his heart was filled with
+happiness. And the queen, his mother, watched them and smiled.
+
+(From _Cuentos Populars Catalans_ por lo Dr. D. Francisco de S.
+Maspons y Labros.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE OWL AND THE EAGLE_
+
+
+Once upon a time, in a country where the snow lies deep for many
+months in the year, there lived an owl and an eagle. Though they were
+so different in many ways they became great friends, and at length set
+up house together, one passing the day in hunting and the other the
+night. In this manner they did not see very much of each other--and
+perhaps agreed all the better for that; but at any rate they were
+perfectly happy, and only wanted one thing, or, rather, two things,
+and that was a wife for each.
+
+'I really am too tired when I come home in the evening to clean up the
+house,' said the eagle.
+
+'And I am much too sleepy at dawn after a long night's hunting to
+begin to sweep and dust,' answered the owl. And they both made up
+their minds that wives they must have.
+
+They flew about in their spare moments to the young ladies of their
+acquaintance, but the girls all declared they preferred one husband to
+two. The poor birds began to despair, when, one evening, after they
+had been for a wonder hunting together, they found two sisters fast
+asleep on their two beds. The eagle looked at the owl and the owl
+looked at the eagle.
+
+'They will make capital wives if they will only stay with us,' said
+they. And they flew off to give themselves a wash, and to make
+themselves smart before the girls awoke.
+
+For many hours the sisters slept on, for they had come a long way,
+from a town where there was scarcely anything to eat, and felt weak
+and tired. But by-and-by they opened their eyes and saw the two birds
+watching them.
+
+'I hope you are rested?' asked the owl politely.
+
+'Oh, yes, thank you,' answered the girls. 'Only we are so very hungry.
+Do you think we could have something to eat?'
+
+'Certainly!' replied the eagle. And he flew away to a farm-house a
+mile or two off, and brought back a nest of eggs in his strong beak;
+while the owl, catching up a tin pot, went to a cottage where lived an
+old woman and her cow, and entering the shed by the window dipped the
+pot into the pail of new milk that stood there.
+
+The girls were so much delighted with the kindness and cleverness of
+their hosts that, when the birds inquired if they would marry them and
+stay there for ever, they accepted without so much as giving it a
+second thought. So the eagle took the younger sister to wife, and the
+owl the elder, and never was a home more peaceful than theirs!
+
+All went well for several months, and then the eagle's wife had a son,
+while, on the same day, the owl's wife gave birth to a frog, which she
+placed directly on the banks of a stream near by, as he did not seem
+to like the house. The children both grew quickly, and were never
+tired of playing together, or wanted any other companions.
+
+One night in the spring, when the ice had melted, and the snow was
+gone, the sisters sat spinning in the house, awaiting their husbands'
+return. But long though they watched, neither the owl nor the eagle
+ever came; neither that day nor the next, nor the next, nor the next.
+At last the wives gave up all hope of their return; but, being
+sensible women, they did not sit down and cry, but called their
+children, and set out, determined to seek the whole world over till
+the missing husbands were found.
+
+Now the women had no idea in which direction the lost birds had gone,
+but they knew that some distance off was a thick forest, where good
+hunting was to be found. It seemed a likely place to find them, or, at
+any rate, they might hear something of them, and they walked quickly
+on, cheered by the thought that they were doing something. Suddenly
+the young sister, who was a little in front, gave a cry of surprise.
+
+'Oh! look at that lake!' she said, 'we shall never get across it.'
+
+'Yes we shall,' answered the elder; 'I know what to do.' And taking a
+long piece of string from her pocket, fastened it into the frog's
+mouth, like a bit.
+
+'You must swim across the lake,' she said, stooping to put him in,
+'and we will walk across on the line behind you.' And so they did,
+till they got to about the middle of the lake, when the frog boy
+stopped.
+
+'I don't like it, and I won't go any further,' cried he sulkily. And
+his mother had to promise him all sorts of nice things before he would
+go on again.
+
+When at last they reached the other side, the owl's wife untied the
+line from the frog's mouth and told him he might rest and play by the
+lake till they got back from the forest. Then she and her sister and
+the boy walked on, with the great forest looming before them. But they
+had by this time come far and were very tired, and felt glad enough to
+see some smoke curling up from a little hut in front of them.
+
+'Let us go in and ask for some water,' said the eagle's wife; and in
+they went.
+
+The inside of the hut was so dark that at first they could see nothing
+at all; but presently they heard a feeble croak from one corner. Both
+sisters turned to look, and there, tied by wings and feet, and their
+eyes sunken, were the husbands that they sought. Quick as lightning
+the wives cut the deer-thongs which bound them; but the poor birds
+were too weak from pain and starvation to do more than utter soft
+sounds of joy. Hardly, however, were they set free, than a voice of
+thunder made the two sisters jump, while the little boy clung tightly
+round his mother's neck.
+
+'What are you doing in my house?' cried she. And the wives answered
+boldly that now they had found their husbands they meant to save them
+from such a wicked witch.
+
+'Well, I will give you your chance,' answered the ogress, with a
+hideous grin; 'we will see if you can slide down this mountain. If you
+can reach the bottom of the cavern, you shall have your husbands back
+again.' And as she spoke she pushed them before her out of the door to
+the edge of a precipice, which went straight down several hundreds of
+feet. Unseen by the witch, the frog's mother fastened one end of the
+magic line about her, and whispered to the little boy to hold fast to
+the other. She had scarcely done so when the witch turned round.
+
+'You don't seem to like your bargain,' said she; but the girl
+answered:
+
+'Oh, yes, I am quite ready. I was only waiting for you!' And sitting
+down she began her slide. On, on, she went, down to such a depth that
+even the witch's eyes could not follow her; but she took for granted
+that the woman was dead, and told the sister to take her place. At
+that instant, however, the head of the elder appeared, above the rock,
+brought upwards by the magic line. The witch gave a howl of disgust,
+and hid her face in her hands; thus giving the younger sister time to
+fasten the cord to her waist before the ogress looked up.
+
+'You can't expect such luck twice,' she said; and the girl sat down
+and slid over the edge. But in a few minutes she too was back again,
+and the witch saw that she had failed, and feared lest her power was
+going. Trembling with rage though she was, she dared not show it, and
+only laughed hideously.
+
+'I sha'n't let my prisoners go as easily as all that!' she said.
+'Make my hair grow as thick and as black as yours, or else your
+husbands shall never see daylight again.'
+
+'That is quite simple,' replied the elder sister; 'only you must do as
+we did--and perhaps you won't like the treatment.'
+
+'If _you_ can bear it, of course _I_ can,' answered the witch. And so
+the girls told her they had first smeared their heads with pitch and
+then laid hot stones upon them.
+
+'It is very painful,' said they, 'but there is no other way that we
+know of. And in order to make sure that all will go right, one of us
+will hold you down while the other pours on the pitch.'
+
+And so they did; and the elder sister let down her hair till it hung
+over the witch's eyes, so that she might believe it was her own hair
+growing. Then the other brought a huge stone and clove in her skull,
+and she died, groaning terribly.
+
+So when the sisters saw that she was dead they went to the hut and
+nursed their husbands till they grew strong. Then they picked up the
+frog, and all went to make another home on the other side of the great
+lake.
+
+(From the _Journal of the Anthropological Institute_.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE FROG AND THE LION FAIRY_
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived a king who was always at war with his
+neighbours, which was very strange, as he was a good and kind man,
+quite content with his own country, and not wanting to seize land
+belonging to other people. Perhaps he may have tried too much to
+please everybody, and that often ends in pleasing nobody; but, at any
+rate, he found himself, at the end of a hard struggle, defeated in
+battle, and obliged to fall back behind the walls of his capital city.
+Once there, he began to make preparations for a long siege, and the
+first thing he did was to plan how best to send his wife to a place of
+security.
+
+The queen, who loved her husband dearly, would gladly have remained
+with him and share his dangers, but he would not allow it. So they
+parted, with many tears, and the queen set out with a strong guard to
+a fortified castle on the outskirts of a great forest, some two
+hundred miles distant. She cried nearly all the way, and when she
+arrived she cried still more, for everything in the castle was dusty
+and old, and outside there was only a gravelled courtyard, and the
+king had forbidden her to go beyond the walls without at least two
+soldiers to take care of her.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Now the queen had only been married a few months, and in her own home
+she had been used to walk and ride all over the hills without any
+attendants at all; so she felt very dull at her being shut up in this
+way. However, she bore it for a long while because it was the king's
+wish, but when time passed and there were no signs of the war drifting
+in the direction of the castle, she grew bolder, and sometimes strayed
+outside the walls, in the direction of the forest.
+
+Then came a dreadful period, when news from the king ceased entirely.
+
+'He must surely be ill or dead,' thought the poor girl, who even now
+was only sixteen. 'I can bear it no longer, and if I do not get a
+letter from him soon I shall leave this horrible place, and go back to
+see what is the matter. Oh! I do wish I had never come away!'
+
+So, without telling anyone what she intended to do, she ordered a
+little low carriage to be built, something like a sledge, only it was
+on two wheels--just big enough to hold one person.
+
+'I am tired of being always in the castle,' she said to her
+attendants; 'and I mean to hunt a little. Quite close by, of course,'
+she added, seeing the anxious look on their faces. 'And there is no
+reason that you should not hunt too.'
+
+All the faces brightened at that, for, to tell the truth, they were
+nearly as dull as their mistress; so the queen had her way, and two
+beautiful horses were brought from the stable to draw the little
+chariot. At first the queen took care to keep near the rest of the
+hunt, but gradually she stayed away longer and longer, and at last,
+one morning, she took advantage of the appearance of a wild boar,
+after which her whole court instantly galloped, to turn into a path in
+the opposite direction.
+
+Unluckily, it did not happen to lead towards the king's palace, where
+she intended to go, but she was so afraid her flight would be noticed
+that she whipped up her horses till they ran away.
+
+  [Illustration: HOW THE QUEEN MET THE LION-FAIRY]
+
+When she understood what was happening the poor young queen was
+terribly frightened, and, dropping the reins, clung to the side of the
+chariot. The horses, thus left without any control, dashed blindly
+against a tree, and the queen was flung out on the ground, where she
+lay for some minutes unconscious.
+
+A rustling sound near her at length caused her to open her eyes;
+before her stood a huge woman, almost a giantess, without any clothes
+save a lion's skin, which was thrown over her shoulders, while a dried
+snake's skin was plaited into her hair. In one hand she held a club on
+which she leaned, and in the other a quiver full of arrows.
+
+At the sight of this strange figure the queen thought she must be
+dead, and gazing on an inhabitant of another world. So she murmured
+softly to herself:
+
+'I am not surprised that people are so loth to die when they know that
+they will see such horrible creatures.' But, low as she spoke, the
+giantess caught the words, and began to laugh.
+
+'Oh, don't be afraid; you are still alive, and perhaps, after all, you
+may be sorry for it. I am the Lion Fairy, and you are going to spend
+the rest of your days with me in my palace, which is quite near this.
+So come along.' But the queen shrank back in horror.
+
+'Oh, Madam Lion, take me back, I pray you, to my castle; and fix what
+ransom you like, for my husband will pay it, whatever it is.' But the
+giantess shook her head.
+
+'I am rich enough already,' she answered, 'but I am often dull, and I
+think you may amuse me a little.' And, so saying, she changed her
+shape into that of a lion, and throwing the queen across her back, she
+went down the ten thousand steps that led to her palace. The lion had
+reached the centre of the earth before she stopped in front of a
+house, lighted with lamps, and built on the edge of a lake of
+quicksilver. In this lake various huge monsters might be seen playing
+or fighting--the queen did not know which--and around flew rooks and
+ravens, uttering dismal croaks. In the distance was a mountain down
+whose sides waters slowly course--these were the tears of unhappy
+lovers--and nearer the gate were trees without either fruit or
+flowers, while nettles and brambles covered the ground. If the castle
+had been gloomy, what did the queen feel about this?
+
+For some days the queen was so much shaken by all she had gone through
+that she lay with her eyes closed, unable either to move or speak.
+When she got better, the Lion Fairy told her that if she liked she
+could build herself a cabin, as she would have to spend her life in
+that place. At these words the queen burst into tears, and implored
+her gaoler to put her to death rather than condemn her to such a life;
+but the Lion Fairy only laughed, and counselled her to try and make
+herself pleasant, as many worse things might befall her.
+
+'Is there _no_ way in which I can touch your heart?' asked the poor
+girl in despair.
+
+'Well, if you _really_ wish to please me you will make me a pasty out
+of the stings of bees, and be sure it is good.'
+
+'But I don't see any bees,' answered the queen, looking round.
+
+'Oh, no, there aren't any,' replied her tormentor; 'but you will have
+to find them all the same.' And, so saying, she went away.
+
+'After all, what does it matter?' thought the queen to herself, 'I
+have only one life, and I can but lose it.' And not caring what she
+did, she left the palace and seating herself under a yew tree, poured
+out all her grief.
+
+'Oh, my dear husband,' wept she, 'what will you think when you come to
+the castle to fetch me and find me gone? Rather a thousand times that
+you should fancy me dead than imagine that I had forgotten you! Ah,
+how fortunate that the broken chariot should be lying in the wood, for
+then you may grieve for me as one devoured by wild beasts. And if
+another should take my place in your heart---- Well, at least I shall
+never know it.'
+
+She might have continued for long in this fashion had not the voice
+of a crow directly overhead attracted her attention. Looking up to see
+what was the matter she beheld, in the dim light, a crow holding a fat
+frog in his claws, which he evidently intended for his supper. The
+queen rose hastily from the seat, and striking the bird sharply on the
+claws with the fan which hung from her side, she forced him to drop
+the frog, which fell to the ground more dead than alive. The crow,
+furious at his disappointment, flew angrily away.
+
+As soon as the frog had recovered her senses she hopped up to the
+queen, who was still sitting under the yew. Standing on her hind legs,
+and bowing low before her, she said gently:
+
+'Beautiful lady, by what mischance do you come here? You are the only
+creature that I have seen do a kind deed since a fatal curiosity lured
+me to this place.'
+
+'What sort of a frog can you be that knows the language of mortals?'
+asked the queen in her turn. 'But if you do, tell me, I pray, if I
+alone am a captive, for hitherto I have beheld no one but the monsters
+of the lake.'
+
+'Once upon a time they were men and women like yourself,' answered the
+frog, 'but having power in their hands, they used it for their own
+pleasure. Therefore fate has sent them here for a while to bear the
+punishment of their misdoings.'
+
+'But you, friend frog, you are not one of these wicked people, I am
+sure?' asked the queen.
+
+'I am half a fairy,' replied the frog; 'but, although I have certain
+magic gifts, I am not able to do all I wish. And if the Lion Fairy
+were to know of my presence in her kingdom she would hasten to kill
+me.'
+
+'But if you are a fairy, how was it that you were so nearly slain by
+the crow?' said the queen, wrinkling her forehead.
+
+'Because the secret of my power lies in my little cap that is made of
+rose leaves; but I had laid it aside for the moment, when that
+horrible crow pounced upon me. Once it is on my head I fear nothing.
+But let me repeat; had it not been for you I could not have escaped
+death, and if I can do anything to help you, or soften your hard fate,
+you have only to tell me.'
+
+'Alas,' sighed the queen, 'I have been commanded by the Lion Fairy to
+make her a pasty out of the stings of bees, and, as far as I can
+discover, there are none here; as how should there be, seeing there
+are no flowers for them to feed on? And, even if there were, how could
+I catch them?'
+
+'Leave it to me,' said the frog, 'I will manage it for you.' And,
+uttering a strange noise, she struck the ground thrice with her foot.
+In an instant six thousand frogs appeared before her, one of them
+bearing a little cap.
+
+'Cover yourselves with honey, and hop round by the bee-hives,'
+commanded the frog, putting on the cap which her friend was holding in
+her mouth. And turning to the queen, he added:
+
+'The Lion Fairy keeps a store of bees in a secret place near to the
+bottom of the ten thousand steps leading into the upper world. Not
+that she wants them for herself, but they are sometimes useful to her
+in punishing her victims. However, this time we will get the better of
+her.'
+
+Just as she had finished speaking the six thousand frogs returned,
+looking so strange with bees sticking to every part of them that, sad
+as she felt, the poor queen could not help laughing. The bees were all
+so stupefied with what they had eaten that it was possible to draw
+their stings without hunting them. So, with the help of her friend,
+the queen soon made ready her pasty and carried it to the Lion Fairy.
+
+'It is not bad,' said the giantess, gulping down large morsels, in
+order to hide the surprise she felt. 'Well, you have escaped this
+time, and I am glad to find I have got a companion a little more
+intelligent than the others I have tried. Now, you had better go and
+build yourself a house.'
+
+  [Illustration: 'A SMALL DRAGON CREPT IN AND TERRIFIED HER']
+
+So the queen wandered away, and picking up a small axe which lay near
+the door she began with the help of her friend the frog to cut down
+some cypress trees for the purpose. And not content with that the six
+thousand froggy servants were told to help also, and it was not long
+before they had built the prettiest little cabin in the world, and
+made a bed in one corner of dried ferns which they fetched from the
+top of the ten thousand steps. It looked soft and comfortable, and the
+queen was very glad to lie down upon it, so tired was she with all
+that had happened since the morning. Scarcely, however, had she fallen
+asleep when the lake monsters began to make the most horrible noises
+just outside, while a small dragon crept in and terrified her so that
+she ran away, which was just what the dragon wanted!
+
+The poor queen crouched under a rock for the rest of the night, and
+the next morning, when she woke from her troubled dreams, she was
+cheered at seeing the frog watching by her.
+
+'I hear we shall have to build you another palace,' said she. 'Well,
+this time we won't go so near the lake.' And she smiled with her funny
+wide mouth, till the queen took heart, and they went together to find
+wood for the new cabin.
+
+The tiny palace was soon ready, and a fresh bed made of wild thyme,
+which smelt delicious. Neither the queen nor the frog said anything
+about it, but somehow, as always happens, the story came to the ears
+of the Lion Fairy, and she sent a raven to fetch the culprit.
+
+'What gods or men are protecting you?' she asked, with a frown. 'This
+earth, dried up by a constant rain of sulphur and fire, produces
+nothing, yet I hear that _your_ bed is made of sweet smelling herbs.
+However, as you can get flowers for yourself, of course you can get
+them for me, and in an hour's time I must have in my room a nosegay of
+the rarest flowers. If not----! Now you can go.'
+
+The poor queen returned to her house looking so sad that the frog, who
+was waiting for her, noticed it directly.
+
+'What is the matter?' said she, smiling.
+
+'Oh, how can you laugh!' replied the queen. 'This time I have to bring
+her in an hour a posy of the rarest flowers, and where am I to find
+them? If I fail I know she will kill me.'
+
+'Well, I must see if _I_ can't help you,' answered the frog. 'The only
+person I have made friends with here is a bat. She is a good creature,
+and always does what I tell her, so I will just lend her my cap, and
+if she puts it on, and flies into the world, she will bring back all
+we want. I would go myself, only she will be quicker.'
+
+Then the queen dried her eyes, and waited patiently, and long before
+the hour had gone by the bat flew in with all the most beautiful and
+sweetest flowers that grew on the earth. The girl sprang up overjoyed
+at the sight, and hurried with them to the Lion Fairy, who was so
+astonished that for once she had nothing to say.
+
+Now the smell and touch of the flowers had made the queen sick with
+longing for her home, and she told the frog that she would certainly
+die if she did not manage to escape somehow.
+
+'Let me consult my cap,' said the frog; and taking it off she laid it
+in a box, and threw in after it a few sprigs of juniper, some capers,
+and two peas, which she carried under her right leg; she then shut
+down the lid of the box, and murmured some words which the queen did
+not catch.
+
+In a few moments a voice was heard speaking from the box.
+
+'Fate, who rules us all,' said the voice, 'forbids your leaving this
+place till the time shall come when certain things are fulfilled. But,
+instead, a gift shall be given you, which will comfort you in all your
+troubles.'
+
+And the voice spoke truly, for, a few days after, when the frog peeped
+in at the door she found the most beautiful baby in the world lying by
+the side of the queen.
+
+'So the cap has kept its word,' cried the frog with delight. 'How soft
+its cheeks are, and what tiny feet it has got! What shall we call it?'
+
+This was a very important point, and needed much discussion. A
+thousand names were proposed and rejected for a thousand silly
+reasons. One was too long, and one was too short. One was too harsh,
+and another reminded the queen of somebody she did not like; but at
+length an idea flashed into the queen's head, and she called out:
+
+'I know! We will call her Muffette.'
+
+'That is the very thing,' shouted the frog, jumping high into the
+air; and so it was settled.
+
+The princess Muffette was about six months old when the frog noticed
+that the queen had begun to grow sad again.
+
+'Why do you have that look in your eyes?' she asked one day, when she
+had come in to play with the baby, who could now crawl.
+
+The way they played their game was to let Muffette creep close to the
+frog, and then for the frog to bound high into the air and alight on
+the child's head, or back, or legs, when she always set up a shout of
+pleasure. There is no playfellow like a frog; but then it must be a
+_fairy_ frog, or else you might hurt it, and if you did something
+dreadful might happen to you. Well, as I have said, our frog was
+struck with the queen's sad face, and lost no time in asking her what
+was the reason.
+
+'I don't see what you have to complain of now; Muffette is quite well
+and quite happy, and even the Lion Fairy is kind to her when she sees
+her. What _is_ it?'
+
+'Oh! if her father could only see her!' broke forth the queen,
+clasping her hands. 'Or if I could only tell him all that has happened
+since we parted. But they will have brought him tidings of the broken
+carriage, and he will have thought me dead, or devoured by wild
+beasts. And though he will mourn for me long--I know that well--yet in
+time they will persuade him to take a wife, and she will be young and
+fair, and he will forget me.'
+
+And in all this the queen guessed truly, save that nine long years
+were to pass before he would consent to put another in her place.
+
+The frog answered nothing at the time, but stopped her game and hopped
+away among the cypress trees. Here she sat and thought and thought,
+and the next morning she went back to the queen and said:
+
+'I have come, madam, to make you an offer. Shall I go to the king
+instead of you, and tell him of your sufferings, and that he has the
+most charming baby in the world for his daughter? The way is long, and
+I travel slowly; but, sooner or later, I shall be sure to arrive.
+Only, are you not afraid to be left without my protection? Ponder the
+matter carefully; it is for you to decide.'
+
+'Oh, it needs no pondering,' cried the queen joyfully, holding up her
+clasped hands, and making Muffette do likewise, in token of gratitude.
+'But in order that he may know that you have come from me I will send
+him a letter.' And pricking her arm, she wrote a few words with her
+blood on the corner of her handkerchief. Then tearing it off, she gave
+it to the frog, and they bade each other farewell.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It took the frog a year and four days to mount the ten thousand steps
+that led to the upper world, but that was because she was still under
+the spell of a wicked fairy. By the time she reached the top, she was
+so tired that she had to remain for another year on the banks of a
+stream to rest, and also to arrange the procession with which she was
+to present herself before the king. For she knew far too well what was
+due to herself and her relations, to appear at Court as if she was a
+mere nobody. At length, after many consultations with her cap, the
+affair was settled, and at the end of the second year after her
+parting with the queen they all set out.
+
+First walked her bodyguard of grasshoppers, followed by her maids of
+honour, who were those tiny green frogs you see in the fields, each
+one mounted on a snail, and seated on a velvet saddle. Next came the
+water-rats, dressed as pages, and lastly the frog herself, in a litter
+borne by eight toads, and made of tortoiseshell. Here she could lie at
+her ease, with her cap on her head, for it was quite large and roomy,
+and could easily have held two eggs when the frog was not in it.
+
+The journey lasted seven years, and all this time the queen suffered
+tortures of hope, though Muffette did her best to comfort her. Indeed,
+she would most likely have died had not the Lion Fairy taken a fancy
+that the child and her mother should go hunting with her in the upper
+world, and, in spite of her sorrows, it was always a joy to the queen
+to see the sun again. As for little Muffette, by the time she was
+seven her arrows seldom missed their mark. So, after all, the years of
+waiting passed more quickly than the queen had dared to hope.
+
+The frog was always careful to maintain her dignity, and nothing would
+have persuaded her to show her face in public places, or even along
+the high road, where there was a chance of meeting anyone. But
+sometimes, when the procession had to cross a little stream, or go
+over a piece of marshy ground, orders would be given for a halt; fine
+clothes were thrown off, bridles were flung aside, and grasshoppers,
+water-rats, even the frog herself, spent a delightful hour or two
+playing in the mud.
+
+But at length the end was in sight, and the hardships were forgotten
+in the vision of the towers of the king's palace; and, one bright
+morning, the cavalcade entered the gates with all the pomp and
+circumstance of a royal embassy. And surely no ambassador had ever
+created such a sensation! Doors and windows, even the roofs of houses,
+were filled with people, whose cheers reached the ears of the king.
+However, he had no time to attend to such matters just then, as, after
+nine years, he had at last consented to the entreaties of his
+courtiers, and was on the eve of celebrating his second marriage.
+
+The frog's heart beat high when her litter drew up before the steps of
+the palace, and leaning forward she beckoned to her side one of the
+guards who were standing in his doorway.
+
+'I wish to see his Majesty,' said he.
+
+'His Majesty is engaged, and can see no one,' answered the soldier.
+
+'His Majesty will see _me_,' returned the frog, fixing her eye upon
+him; and somehow the man found himself leading the procession along
+the gallery into the Hall of Audience, where the king sat surrounded
+by his nobles arranging the dresses which everyone was to wear at his
+marriage ceremony.
+
+All stared in surprise as the procession advanced, and still more when
+the frog gave one bound from the litter on to the floor, and with
+another landed on the arm of the chair of state.
+
+'I am only just in time, sire,' began the frog; 'had I been a day
+later you would have broken your faith which you swore to the queen
+nine years ago.'
+
+'Her remembrance will always be dear to me,' answered the king gently,
+though all present expected him to rebuke the frog severely for her
+impertinence. 'But know, Lady Frog, that a king can seldom do as he
+wishes, but must be bound by the desires of his subjects. For nine
+years I have resisted them; now I can do so no longer, and have made
+choice of the fair young maiden playing at ball yonder.'
+
+'You cannot wed her, however fair she may be, for the queen your wife
+is still alive, and sends you this letter written in her own blood,'
+said the frog, holding out the square of handkerchief as she spoke.
+'And, what is more, you have a daughter who is nearly nine years old,
+and more beautiful than all the other children in the world put
+together.'
+
+The king turned pale when he heard these words, and his hand trembled
+so that he could hardly read what the queen had written. Then he
+kissed the handkerchief twice or thrice, and burst into tears, and it
+was some minutes before he could speak. When at length he found his
+voice he told his councillors that the writing was indeed that of the
+queen, and now that he had the joy of knowing she was alive he could,
+of course, proceed no further with his second marriage. This naturally
+displeased the ambassadors who had conducted the bride to court, and
+one of them inquired indignantly if he meant to put such an insult on
+the princess on the word of a mere frog.
+
+'I am not a "mere frog," and I will give you proof of it,' retorted
+the angry little creature. And putting on her cap, she cried: 'Fairies
+that are my friends, come hither!' And in a moment a crowd of
+beautiful creatures, each one with a crown on her head, stood before
+her. Certainly none could have guessed that they were the snails,
+water-rats, and grasshoppers, from which she had chosen her retinue.
+
+At a sign from the frog the fairies danced a ballet, with which
+everyone was so delighted that they begged to have it repeated; but
+now it was not youths and maidens who were dancing, but flowers. Then
+these again melted into fountains, whose waters interlaced and,
+rushing down the sides of the hall, poured out in a cascade down the
+steps, and formed a river round the castle, with the most beautiful
+little boats upon it, all painted and gilded.
+
+'Oh, let us go in them for a sail!' cried the princess, who had long
+ago left her game of ball for a sight of these marvels; and, as she
+was bent upon it, the ambassadors, who had been charged never to lose
+sight of her, were obliged to go also, though they never entered a
+boat if they could help it.
+
+But the moment they and the princess had seated themselves on the soft
+cushions, river and boats vanished, and the princess and the
+ambassadors vanished too. Instead, the snails and grasshoppers and
+water-rats stood round the frog in their natural shapes.
+
+'Perhaps,' said she, 'your Majesty may now be convinced that I am a
+fairy and speak the truth. Therefore lose no time in setting in order
+the affairs of your kingdom and go in search of your wife. Here is a
+ring that will admit you into the presence of the queen, and will
+likewise allow you to address unharmed the Lion Fairy, though she is
+the most terrible creature that ever existed.'
+
+By this time the king had forgotten all about the princess, whom he
+had only chosen to please his people, and was as eager to depart on
+his journey as the frog was for him to go. He made one of his
+ministers regent of the kingdom, and gave the frog everything her
+heart could desire; and with her ring on his finger he rode away to
+the outskirts of the forest. Here he dismounted, and bidding his horse
+go home, he pushed forward on foot.
+
+Having nothing to guide him as to where he was likely to find the
+entrance of the under-world, the king wandered hither and thither for
+a long while, till, one day, while he was resting under a tree, a
+voice spoke to him.
+
+'Why do you give yourself so much trouble for nought, when you might
+know what you want to know for the asking? Alone you will never
+discover the path that leads to your wife.'
+
+Much startled, the king looked about him. He could see nothing, and
+somehow, when he thought about it, the voice seemed as if it were part
+of himself. Suddenly his eyes fell on the ring, and he understood.
+
+'Fool that I was!' cried he; 'and how much precious time have I
+wasted? Dear ring, I beseech you, grant me a vision of my wife and my
+daughter!' And even as he spoke there flashed past him a huge lioness,
+followed by a lady and a beautiful young maid mounted on fairy horses.
+
+Almost fainting with joy he gazed after them, and then sank back
+trembling on the ground.
+
+'Oh, lead me to them, lead me to them!' he exclaimed. And the ring,
+bidding him take courage, conducted him safely to the dismal place
+where his wife had lived for ten years.
+
+Now the Lion Fairy knew beforehand of his expected presence in her
+dominions, and she ordered a palace of crystal to be built in the
+middle of the lake of quicksilver; and in order to make it more
+difficult of approach she let it float whither it would. Immediately
+after their return from the chase, where the king had seen them, she
+conveyed the queen and Muffette into the palace, and put them under
+the guard of the monsters of the lake, who one and all had fallen in
+love with the princess. They were horribly jealous, and ready to eat
+each other up for her sake, so they readily accepted the charge. Some
+stationed themselves round the floating palace, some sat by the door,
+while the smallest and lightest perched themselves on the roof.
+
+Of course the king was quite ignorant of these arrangements, and
+boldly entered the palace of the Lion Fairy, who was waiting for him,
+with her tail lashing furiously, for she still kept her lion's shape.
+With a roar that shook the walls she flung herself upon him; but he
+was on the watch, and a blow from his sword cut off the paw she had
+put forth to strike him dead. She fell back, and with his helmet still
+down and his shield up, he set his foot on her throat.
+
+'Give me back the wife and the child you have stolen from me,' he
+said, 'or you shall not live another second!'
+
+But the fairy answered:
+
+'Look through the window at that lake and see if it is in my power to
+give them to you.' And the king looked, and through the crystal walls
+he beheld his wife and daughter floating on the quicksilver. At that
+sight the Lion Fairy and all her wickedness was forgotten. Flinging
+off his helmet, he shouted to them with all his might. The queen knew
+his voice, and she and Muffette ran to the window and held out their
+hands. Then the king swore a solemn oath that he would never leave the
+spot without them if it should cost him his life; and he meant it,
+though at the moment he did not know what he was undertaking.
+
+  [Illustration: THE KING ON HIS DRAGON FIGHTS HIS WAY THROUGH THE
+      MONSTERS TO THE QUEEN AND MUFFETTE]
+
+Three years passed by, and the king was no nearer to obtaining his
+heart's desire. He had suffered every hardship that could be
+imagined--nettles had been his bed, wild fruits more bitter than gall
+his food, while his days had been spent in fighting the hideous
+monsters which kept him from the palace. He had not advanced one
+single step, nor gained one solitary advantage. Now he was almost in
+despair, and ready to defy everything and throw himself into the lake.
+
+It was at this moment of his blackest misery that, one night, a dragon
+who had long watched him from the roof crept to his side.
+
+'You thought that love would conquer all obstacles,' said he; 'well,
+you have found it hasn't! But if you will swear to me by your crown
+and sceptre that you will give me a dinner of the food that I never
+grow tired of, whenever I choose to ask for it, I will enable you to
+reach your wife and daughter.'
+
+Ah, how glad the king was to hear that! What oath would he not have
+taken so as to clasp his wife and child in his arms? Joyfully he swore
+whatever the dragon asked of him; then he jumped on his back, and in
+another instant would have been carried by the strong wings into the
+castle if the nearest monster had not happened to awake and hear the
+noise of talking and swum to the shore to give battle. The fight was
+long and hard, and when the king at last beat back his foes another
+struggle awaited him. At the entrance gigantic bats, owls, and crows
+set upon him from all sides; but the dragon had teeth and claws, while
+the queen broke off sharp bits of glass and stabbed and cut in her
+anxiety to help her husband. At length the horrible creatures flew
+away; a sound like thunder was heard, the palace and the monsters
+vanished, while, at the same moment--no one knew how--the king found
+himself standing with his wife and daughter in the hall of his own
+home.
+
+The dragon had disappeared with all the rest, and for some years no
+more was heard or thought of him. Muffette grew every day more
+beautiful, and when she was fourteen the kings and emperors of the
+neighbouring countries sent to ask her in marriage for themselves or
+their sons. For a long time the girl turned a deaf ear to all their
+prayers; but at length a young prince of rare gifts touched her heart,
+and though the king had left her free to choose what husband she
+would, he had secretly hoped that out of all the wooers this one might
+be his son-in-law. So they were betrothed that same day with great
+pomp, and then, with many tears, the prince set out for his father's
+court, bearing with him a portrait of Muffette.
+
+The days passed slowly to Muffette, in spite of her brave efforts to
+occupy herself and not to sadden other people by her complaints. One
+morning she was playing on her harp in the queen's chamber when the
+king burst into the room and clasped his daughter in his arms with an
+energy that almost frightened her.
+
+'Oh, my child! my dear child! why were you ever born?' cried he, as
+soon as he could speak.
+
+'Is the prince dead?' faltered Muffette, growing white and cold.
+
+'No, no; but--oh, how can I tell you!' And he sank down on a pile of
+cushions while his wife and daughter knelt beside him.
+
+At length he was able to tell his tale, and a terrible one it was!
+There had just arrived at court a huge giant, as ambassador from the
+dragon by whose help the king had rescued the queen and Muffette from
+the crystal palace. The dragon had been very busy for many years past,
+and had quite forgotten the princess till the news of her betrothal
+had reached his ears. Then he remembered the bargain he had made with
+her father; and the more he heard of Muffette the more he felt sure
+she would make a delicious dish. So he had ordered the giant who was
+his servant to fetch her at once.
+
+No words would paint the horror of both the queen and the princess as
+they listened to this dreadful doom. They rushed instantly to the
+hall, where the giant was awaiting them, and flinging themselves at
+his feet implored him to take the kingdom if he would, but to have
+pity on the princess. The giant looked at them kindly, for he was not
+at all hard-hearted, but said that he had no power to do anything, and
+that if the princess did not go with him quietly the dragon would come
+himself.
+
+Several days went by, and the king and queen hardly ceased from
+entreating the aid of the giant, who by this time was getting weary of
+waiting.
+
+'There is only one way of helping you,' he said at last, 'and that is
+to marry the princess to my nephew, who, besides being young and
+handsome, has been trained in magic, and will know how to keep her
+safe from the dragon.'
+
+'Oh, thank you, thank you!' cried the parents, clasping his great
+hands to their breasts. 'You have indeed lifted a load from us. She
+shall have half the kingdom for her dowry.' But Muffette stood up and
+thrust them aside.
+
+'I will not buy my life with faithlessness,' she said proudly; 'and I
+will go with you this moment to the dragon's abode.' And all her
+father's and mother's tears and prayers availed nothing to move her.
+
+The next morning Muffette was put into a litter, and, guarded by the
+giant and followed by the king and queen and the weeping maids of
+honour, they started for the foot of the mountain where the dragon had
+his castle. The way, though rough and stony, seemed all too short, and
+when they reached the spot appointed by the dragon the giant ordered
+the men who bore the litter to stand still.
+
+'It is time for you to bid farewell to your daughter,' said he; 'for I
+see the dragon coming to us.'
+
+It was true; a cloud appeared to pass over the sun, for between them
+and it they could all discern dimly a huge body half a mile long
+approaching nearer and nearer. At first the king could not believe
+that this was the small beast who had seemed so friendly on the shore
+of the lake of quicksilver; but then he knew very little of
+necromancy, and had never studied the art of expanding and contracting
+his body. But it was the dragon and nothing else, whose six wings were
+carrying him forward as fast as might be, considering his great weight
+and the length of his tail, which had fifty twists and a half.
+
+He came quickly, yes; but the frog, mounted on a greyhound, and
+wearing her cap on her head, went quicker still. Entering a room where
+the prince was sitting gazing at the portrait of his betrothed, she
+cried to him:
+
+'What are you doing lingering here, when the life of the princess is
+nearing its last moment? In the courtyard you will find a green horse
+with three heads and twelve feet, and by its side a sword eighteen
+yards long. Hasten, lest you should be too late!'
+
+The fight lasted all day, and the prince's strength was well-nigh
+spent, when the dragon, thinking that the victory was won, opened his
+jaws to give a roar of triumph. The prince saw his chance, and before
+his foe could shut his mouth again had plunged his sword far down his
+adversary's throat. There was a desperate clutching of the claws to
+the earth, a slow flagging of the great wings, then the monster rolled
+over on his side and moved no more. Muffette was delivered.
+
+After this they all went back to the palace. The marriage took place
+the following day, and Muffette and her husband lived happy for ever
+after.
+
+(From _Les Contes des Fees_, par Madame d'Aulnoy.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE ADVENTURES OF COVAN THE BROWN-HAIRED_
+
+
+On the shores of the west, where the great hills stand with their feet
+in the sea, dwelt a goat-herd and his wife, together with their three
+sons and one daughter. All day long the young men fished and hunted,
+while their sister took out the kids to pasture on the mountain, or
+stayed at home helping her mother and mending the nets.
+
+For several years they all lived happily together, when, one day, as
+the girl was out on the hill with the kids, the sun grew dark and an
+air cold as a thick white mist came creeping, creeping up from the
+sea. She rose with a shiver, and tried to call to her kids, but the
+voice died away in her throat, and strong arms seemed to hold her.
+
+Loud were the wails in the hut by the sea when the hours passed on and
+the maiden came not. Many times the father and brothers jumped up,
+thinking they heard her steps, but in the thick darkness they could
+scarcely see their own hands, nor could they tell where the river lay,
+nor where the mountain. One by one the kids came home, and at every
+bleat someone hurried to open the door, but no sound broke the
+stillness. Through the night no one slept, and when morning broke and
+the mist rolled back, they sought the maiden by sea and by land, but
+never a trace of her could be found anywhere.
+
+Thus a year and a day slipped by, and at the end of it Gorla of the
+Flocks and his wife seemed suddenly to have grown old. Their sons too
+were sadder than before, for they loved their sister well, and had
+never ceased to mourn for her. At length Ardan the eldest spoke and
+said:
+
+'It is now a year and a day since our sister was taken from us, and we
+have waited in grief and patience for her to return. Surely some evil
+has befallen her, or she would have sent us a token to put our hearts
+at rest; and I have vowed to myself that my eyes shall not know sleep
+till, living or dead, I have found her.'
+
+'If you have vowed, then must you keep your vow,' answered Gorla. 'But
+better had it been if you had first asked your father's leave before
+you made it. Yet, since it is so, your mother will bake you a cake for
+you to carry with you on your journey. Who can tell how long it may
+be?'
+
+So the mother arose and baked not one cake but two, a big one and a
+little one.
+
+'Choose, my son,' said she. 'Will you have the little cake with your
+mother's blessing, or the big one without it, in that you have set
+aside your father and taken on yourself to make a vow?'
+
+'I will have the large cake,' answered the youth; 'for what good would
+my mother's blessing do for me if I was dying of hunger?' And taking
+the big cake he went his way.
+
+Straight on he strode, letting neither hill nor river hinder him.
+Swiftly he walked--swiftly as the wind that blew down the mountain.
+The eagles and the gulls looked on from their nests as he passed,
+leaving the deer behind him; but at length he stopped, for hunger had
+seized on him, and he could walk no more. Trembling with fatigue he
+sat himself on a rock and broke a piece off his cake.
+
+'Spare me a morsel, Ardan son of Gorla,' asked a raven, fluttering
+down towards him.
+
+'Seek food elsewhere, O bearer of ill-news,' answered Ardan son of
+Gorla; 'it is but little I have for myself.' And he stretched himself
+out for a few moments, then rose to his feet again. On and on went he
+till the little birds flew to their nests, and the brightness died out
+of the sky, and a darkness fell over the earth. On and on, and on,
+till at last he saw a beam of light streaming from a house and
+hastened towards it.
+
+The door was opened and he entered, but paused when he beheld an old
+man lying on a bench by the fire, while seated opposite him was a
+maiden combing out the locks of her golden hair with a comb of silver.
+
+'Welcome, fair youth,' said the old man, turning his head. 'Sit down
+and warm yourself, and tell me how fares the outer world. It is long
+since I have seen it.'
+
+'All my news is that I am seeking service,' answered Ardan son of
+Gorla; 'I have come from far since sunrise, and glad was I to see the
+rays of your lamp stream into the darkness.'
+
+'I need someone to herd my three dun cows, which are hornless,' said
+the old man. 'If, for the space of a year, you can bring them back to
+me each evening before the sun sets, I will make you payment that will
+satisfy your soul.'
+
+But here the girl looked up and answered quickly:
+
+'Ill will come of it if he listens to your offer.'
+
+'Counsel unsought is worth nothing,' replied, rudely, Ardan son of
+Gorla. 'It would be little indeed that I am fit for if I cannot drive
+three cows out to pasture and keep them safe from the wolves that may
+come down from the mountains. Therefore, good father, I will take
+service with you at daybreak, and ask no payment till the new year
+dawns.'
+
+Next morning the bell of the deer was not heard amongst the fern
+before the maiden with the hair of gold had milked the cows, and led
+them in front of the cottage where the old man, and Ardan son of Gorla
+awaited them.
+
+'Let them wander where they will,' he said to his servant, 'and never
+seek to turn them from their way, for well they know the fields of
+good pasture. But take heed to follow always behind them, and suffer
+nothing that you see, and nought that you hear, to draw you into
+leaving them. Now go, and may wisdom go with you.'
+
+As he ceased speaking he touched one of the cows on her forehead, and
+she stepped along the path, with the two others one on each side. As
+he had been bidden, behind them came Ardan son of Gorla, rejoicing in
+his heart that work so easy had fallen to his lot. At the year's end,
+thought he, enough money would lie in his pocket to carry him into far
+countries where his sister might be, and, in the meanwhile, someone
+might come past who could give him tidings of her.
+
+Thus he spoke to himself, when his eyes fell on a golden cock and a
+silver hen running swiftly along the grass in front of him. In a
+moment the words that the old man had uttered vanished from his mind
+and he gave chase. They were so near that he could almost seize their
+tails, yet each time he felt sure he could catch them his fingers
+closed on the empty air. At length he could run no more, and stopped
+to breathe, while the cock and hen went on as before. Then he
+remembered the cows, and, somewhat frightened, turned back to seek
+them. Luckily they had not strayed far, and were quietly feeding on
+the thick green grass.
+
+Ardan son of Gorla was sitting under a tree, when he beheld a staff of
+gold and a staff of silver doubling themselves in strange ways on the
+meadow in front of him, and starting up he hastened towards them.
+Though he followed them till he was tired he could not catch them,
+though they seemed ever within his reach. When at last he gave up the
+quest his knees trembled beneath him for very weariness, and glad was
+he to see a tree growing close by laden with fruits of different
+sorts, of which he ate greedily.
+
+The sun was by now low in the heavens, and the cows left off feeding,
+and turned their faces home again, followed by Ardan son of Gorla. At
+the door of their stable the maiden stood awaiting them, and saying
+nought to their herd, she sat down and began to milk. But it was not
+milk that flowed into her pail; instead it was filled with a thin
+stream of water, and as she rose up from the last cow the old man
+appeared outside.
+
+  [Illustration: ARDAN PURSUES THE GOLDEN COCK AND THE SILVER HEN]
+
+'Faithless one, you have betrayed your trust!' he said to Ardan son of
+Gorla. 'Not even for one day could you keep true! Well, you shall have
+your reward at once that others may take warning from you.' And waving
+his wand he touched with it the chest of the youth, who became a
+pillar of stone.
+
+Now Gorla of the Flocks and his wife were full of grief that they had
+lost a son as well as a daughter, for no tidings had come to them of
+Ardan their eldest born. At length, when two years and two days had
+passed since the maiden had led her kids to feed on the mountain and
+had been seen no more, Ruais, second son of Gorla, rose up one
+morning, and said:
+
+'Time is long without my sister and Ardan my brother. So I have vowed
+to seek them wherever they may be.'
+
+And his father answered:
+
+'Better it had been if you had first asked my consent and that of your
+mother; but as you have vowed so must you do.' Then he bade his wife
+make a cake, but instead she made two, and offered Ruais his choice,
+as she had done to Ardan. Like Ardan, Ruais chose the large, unblessed
+cake, and set forth on his way, doing always, though he knew it not,
+that which Ardan had done; so, needless is it to tell what befell him
+till he too stood, a pillar of stone, on the hill behind the cottage,
+so that all men might see the fate that awaited those who broke their
+faith.
+
+Another year and a day passed by, when Covan the Brown-haired,
+youngest son of Gorla of the Flocks, one morning spake to his parents,
+saying:
+
+'It is more than three years since my sister left us. My brothers have
+also gone, no one knows whither, and of us four none remains but I.
+Now, therefore, I long to seek them, and I pray you and my mother to
+place no hindrance in my way.'
+
+And his father answered:
+
+'Go, then, and take our blessing with you.'
+
+So the wife of Gorla of the Flocks baked two cakes, one large, and one
+small; and Covan took the small one, and started on his quest. In the
+wood he felt hungry, for he had walked far, and he sat down to eat.
+Suddenly a voice behind him cried:
+
+'A bit for me! a bit for me!' And looking round he beheld the black
+raven of the wilderness.
+
+'Yes, you shall have a bit,' said Covan the Brown-haired; and breaking
+off a piece he stretched it upwards to the raven, who ate it greedily.
+Then Covan arose and went forward, till he saw the light from the
+cottage streaming before him, and glad was he, for night was at hand.
+
+'Maybe I shall find some work there,' he thought, 'and at least I
+shall gain money to help me in my search; for who knows how far my
+sister and my brothers may have wandered?'
+
+The door stood open and he entered, and the old man gave him welcome,
+and the golden-haired maiden likewise. As happened before, he was
+offered by the old man to herd his cows; and, as she had done to his
+brothers, the maiden counselled him to leave such work alone. But,
+instead of answering rudely, like both Ardan and Ruais, he thanked
+her, with courtesy, though he had no mind to heed her; and he listened
+to the warnings and words of his new master.
+
+Next day he set forth at dawn with the dun cows in front of him, and
+followed patiently wherever they might lead him. On the way he saw the
+gold cock and silver hen, which ran even closer to him than they had
+done to his brothers. Sorely tempted, he longed to give them chase;
+but, remembering in time that he had been bidden to look neither to
+the right nor to the left, with a mighty effort he turned his eyes
+away. Then the gold and silver staffs seemed to spring from the earth
+before him, but this time also he overcame; and though the fruit from
+the magic tree almost touched his mouth, he brushed it aside and went
+steadily on.
+
+That day the cows wandered farther than ever they had done before, and
+never stopped till they had reached a moor where the heather was
+burning. The fire was fierce, but the cows took no heed, and walked
+steadily through it, Covan the Brown-haired following them. Next they
+plunged into a foaming river, and Covan plunged in after them, though
+the water came high above his waist. On the other side of the river
+lay a wide plain, and here the cows lay down, while Covan looked about
+him. Near him was a house built of yellow stone, and from it came
+sweet songs, and Covan listened, and his heart grew light within him.
+
+While he was thus waiting there ran up to him a youth, scarcely able
+to speak so swiftly had he sped; and he cried aloud:
+
+'Hasten, hasten, Covan the Brown-haired, for your cows are in the
+corn, and you must drive them out!'
+
+'Nay,' said Covan smiling, 'it had been easier for you to have driven
+them out than to come here to tell me.' And he went on listening to
+the music.
+
+Very soon the same youth returned, and cried with panting breath:
+
+'Out upon you, Covan son of Gorla, that you stand there agape. For our
+dogs are chasing your cows, and you must drive them off!'
+
+'Nay, then,' answered Covan as before, 'it had been easier for you to
+call off your dogs than to come here to tell me.' And he stayed where
+he was till the music ceased.
+
+Then he turned to look for his cows, and found them all lying in the
+place where he had left them; but when they saw Covan they rose up and
+walked homewards, taking a different path to that they had trod in the
+morning. This time they passed over a plain so bare that a pin could
+not have lain there unnoticed, yet Covan beheld with surprise a foal
+and its mother feeding there, both as fat as if they had pastured on
+the richest grass. Further on they crossed another plain, where the
+grass was thick and green, but on it were feeding a foal and its
+mother, so lean that you could have counted their ribs. And further
+again the path led them by the shores of a lake whereon were floating
+two boats; one full of gay and happy youths, journeying to the land of
+the Sun, and another with grim shapes clothed in black, travelling to
+the land of Night.
+
+'What can these things mean?' said Covan to himself, as he followed
+his cows.
+
+Darkness now fell, the wind howled, and torrents of rain poured upon
+them. Covan knew not how far they might yet have to go, or indeed if
+they were on the right road. He could not even see his cows, and his
+heart sank lest, after all, he should have failed to bring them safely
+back. What was he to do?
+
+He waited thus, for he could go neither forwards nor backwards, till
+he felt a great friendly paw laid on his shoulder.
+
+'My cave is just here,' said the Dog of Maol-mor, of whom Covan son of
+Gorla had heard much. 'Spend the night here, and you shall be fed on
+the flesh of lamb, and shall lay aside three-thirds of thy weariness.'
+
+And Covan entered, and supped, and slept, and in the morning rose up a
+new man.
+
+'Farewell, Covan,' said the Dog of Maol-mor. 'May success go with you,
+for you took what I had to give and did not mock me. So, when danger
+is your companion, wish for me, and I will not fail you.'
+
+At these words the Dog of Maol-mor disappeared into the forest, and
+Covan went to seek his cows, which were standing in the hollow where
+the darkness had come upon them.
+
+At the sight of Covan the Brown-haired, they walked onwards, Covan
+followed ever behind them, and looking neither to the right nor to the
+left. All that day they walked, and when night fell they were in a
+barren plain, with only rocks for shelter.
+
+'We must rest here as best we can,' spoke Covan to the cows. And they
+bowed their heads and lay down in the place where they stood. Then
+came the black raven of Corri-nan-creag, whose eyes never closed, and
+whose wings never tired; and he fluttered before the face of Covan and
+told him that he knew of a cranny in the rock where there was food in
+plenty, and soft moss for a bed.
+
+'Go with me thither,' he said to Covan, 'and you shall lay aside
+three-thirds of your weariness, and depart in the morning refreshed.'
+And Covan listened thankfully to his words, and at dawn he rose up to
+seek his cows.
+
+'Farewell!' cried the black raven. 'You trusted me, and took all I had
+to offer in return for the food you once gave me. So if in time to
+come you need a friend, wish for me, and I will not fail you.'
+
+As before, the cows were standing in the spot where he had left them,
+ready to set out. All that day they walked, on and on, and on, Covan
+son of Gorla walking behind them, till night fell while they were on
+the banks of a river.
+
+'We can go no further,' spake Covan to the cows. And they began to eat
+the grass by the side of the stream, while Covan listened to them, and
+longed for some supper also, for they had travelled far, and his limbs
+were weak under him. Then there was a swish of water at his feet, and
+out peeped the head of the famous otter Doran-donn of the stream.
+
+'Trust to me and I will find you warmth and shelter,' said Doran-donn;
+'and for food fish in plenty.' And Covan went with him thankfully, and
+ate and rested, and laid aside three-thirds of his weariness. At
+sunrise he left his bed of dried sea-weed, which had floated up with
+the tide, and with grateful heart bade farewell to Doran-donn.
+
+'Because you trusted me and took what I had to offer, you have made me
+your friend, Covan,' said Doran-donn. 'And if you should be in danger,
+and need help from one who can swim a river or dive beneath a wave,
+call to me and I will come to you.' Then he plunged into the stream,
+and was seen no more.
+
+The cows were standing ready in the place where Covan had left them,
+and they journeyed on all that day, till, when night fell, they
+reached the cottage. Joyful indeed was the old man as the cows went
+into their stables, and he beheld the rich milk that flowed into the
+pail of the golden-haired maiden with the silver comb.
+
+'You have done well indeed,' he said to Covan son of Gorla. 'And now,
+what would you have as a reward?'
+
+'I want nothing for myself,' answered Covan the Brown-haired; 'but I
+ask you to give me back my brothers and my sister who have been lost
+to us for three years past. You are wise and know the lore of fairies
+and witches; tell me where I can find them, and what I must do to
+bring them back to life again.'
+
+The old man looked grave at the words of Covan.
+
+'Yes, truly I know where they are,' answered he, 'and I say not that
+they may not be brought to life again. But the perils are great--too
+great for you to overcome.'
+
+'Tell me what they are,' said Covan again, 'and I shall know better if
+I may overcome them.'
+
+'Listen, then, and judge. In the mountain yonder there dwells a roe,
+white of foot, with horns that branch like the antlers of a deer. On
+the lake that leads to the land of the Sun floats a duck whose body is
+green and whose neck is of gold. In the pool of Corri-Bui swims a
+salmon with a skin that shines like silver, and whose gills are
+red--bring them all to me, and then you shall know where dwell your
+brothers and your sister!'
+
+'To-morrow at cock-crow I will begone!' answered Covan.
+
+The way to the mountain lay straight before him, and when he had
+climbed high he caught sight of the roe with the white feet and the
+spotted sides, on the peak in front.
+
+Full of hope he set out in pursuit of her, but by the time he had
+reached that peak she had left it and was to be seen on another. And
+so it always happened, and Covan's courage had well-nigh failed him,
+when the thought of the Dog of Maol-mor darted into his mind.
+
+'Oh, that he was here!' he cried. And looking up he saw him.
+
+'Why did you summon me?' asked the Dog of Maol-mor. And when Covan
+had told him of his trouble, and how the roe always led him further
+and further, the Dog only answered:
+
+'Fear nothing; I will soon catch her for you.' And in a short while he
+laid the roe unhurt at Covan's feet.
+
+'What will you wish me to do with her?' said the Dog. And Covan
+answered:
+
+'The old man bade me bring her, and the duck with the golden neck, and
+the salmon with the silver sides, to his cottage; if I shall catch
+them, I know not. But carry you the roe to the back of the cottage,
+and tether her so that she cannot escape.'
+
+'It shall be done,' said the Dog of Maol-mor.
+
+Then Covan sped to the lake which led to the land of the Sun, where
+the duck with the green body and the golden neck was swimming among
+the water-lilies.
+
+'Surely I can catch him, good swimmer as I am,' to himself. But, if he
+could swim well, the duck could swim better, and at length his
+strength failed him, and he was forced to seek the land.
+
+'Oh that the black raven were here to help me!' he thought to himself.
+And in a moment the black raven was perched on his shoulder.
+
+'How can I help you?' asked the raven. And Covan answered:
+
+'Catch me the green duck that floats on the water.' And the raven flew
+with his strong wings, and picked him up in his strong beak, and in
+another moment the bird was laid at the feet of Covan.
+
+This time it was easy for the young man to carry his prize, and after
+giving thanks to the raven for his aid, he went on to the river.
+
+In the deep dark pool of which the old man had spoken the silver-sided
+salmon was lying under a rock.
+
+  [Illustration: DORAN-DONN BRINGS THE SALMON TO COVAN THE
+      BROWN-HAIRED]
+
+'Surely I, good fisher as I am, can catch him,' said Covan son of
+Gorla. And cutting a slender pole from a bush, he fastened a line to
+the end of it. But cast with what skill he might, it availed
+nothing, for the salmon would not even look at the bait.
+
+'I am beaten at last, unless the Doran-donn can deliver me,' he cried.
+And as he spoke there was a swish of the water, and the face of the
+Doran-donn looked up at him.
+
+'O catch me, I pray you, that salmon under the rock!' said Covan son
+of Gorla. And the Doran-donn dived, and laying hold of the salmon by
+his tail, bore it back to the place where Covan was standing.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'The roe, and the duck, and the salmon are here,' said Covan to the
+old man, when he reached the cottage. And the old man smiled on him
+and bade him eat and drink, and after he hungered no more, he would
+speak with him.
+
+And this was what the old man said: 'You began well, my son, so things
+have gone well with you. You set store by your mother's blessing,
+therefore you have been blest. You gave food to the raven when it
+hungered, you were true to the promise you had made to me, and did not
+suffer yourself to be turned aside by vain shows. You were skilled to
+perceive that the boy who tempted you to leave the temple was a teller
+of false tales, and took with a grateful heart what the poor had to
+offer you. Last of all, difficulties gave you courage, instead of
+lending you despair.
+
+'And now, as to your reward, you shall in truth take your sister home
+with you, and your brothers I will restore to life; but idle and
+unfaithful as they are their lot is to wander for ever. And so
+farewell, and may wisdom be with you.'
+
+'First tell me your name?' asked Covan softly.
+
+'I am the Spirit of Age,' said the old man.
+
+(_Taken from a Celtic Story._ Translated by Norman Macleod.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE PRINCESS BELLA-FLOR_
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived a man who had two sons. When they grew up
+the elder went to seek his fortune in a far country, and for many
+years no one heard anything about him. Meanwhile the younger son
+stayed at home with his father, who died at last in a good old age,
+leaving great riches behind him.
+
+For some time the son who stayed at home spent his father's wealth
+freely, believing that he alone remained to enjoy it. But, one day, as
+he was coming down stairs, he was surprised to see a stranger enter
+the hall, looking about as if the house belonged to him.
+
+'Have you forgotten me?' asked the man.
+
+'I can't forget a person I have never known,' was the rude answer.
+
+'I am your brother,' replied the stranger, 'and I have returned home
+without the money I hoped to have made. And, what is worse, they tell
+me in the village that my father is dead. I would have counted my lost
+gold as nothing if I could have seen him once more.'
+
+'He died six months ago,' said the rich brother,'and he left you, as
+your portion, the old wooden chest that stands in the loft. You had
+better go there and look for it; I have no more time to waste.' And he
+went his way.
+
+So the wanderer turned his steps to the loft, which was at the top of
+the storehouse, and there he found the wooden chest, so old that it
+looked as if it were dropping to pieces.
+
+'What use is this old thing to me?' he said to himself. 'Oh, well, it
+will serve to light a fire at which I can warm myself; so things might
+be worse after all.'
+
+Placing the chest on his back, the man, whose name was Jose, set out
+for his inn, and, borrowing a hatchet, began to chop up the box. In
+doing so he discovered a secret drawer, and in it lay a paper. He
+opened the paper, not knowing what it might contain, and was
+astonished to find that it was the acknowledgment of a large debt that
+was owing to his father. Putting the precious writing in his pocket,
+he hastily inquired of the landlord where he could find the man whose
+name was written inside, and he ran out at once in search of him.
+
+The debtor proved to be an old miser, who lived at the other end of
+the village. He had hoped for many months that the paper he had
+written had been lost or destroyed, and, indeed, when he saw it, was
+very unwilling to pay what he owed. However, the stranger threatened
+to drag him before the king, and when the miser saw that there was no
+help for it he counted out the coins one by one. The stranger picked
+them up and put them in his pocket, and went back to his inn feeling
+that he was now a rich man.
+
+A few weeks after this he was walking through the streets of the
+nearest town, when he met a poor woman crying bitterly. He stopped and
+asked her what was the matter, and she answered between her sobs that
+her husband was dying, and, to make matters worse, a creditor whom he
+could not pay was anxious to have him taken to prison.
+
+'Comfort yourself,' said the stranger kindly; 'they shall neither send
+your husband to prison nor sell your goods. I will not only pay his
+debts but, if he dies, the cost of his burial also. And now go home,
+and nurse him as well as you can.'
+
+And so she did; but, in spite of her care, the husband died, and was
+buried by the stranger. But everything cost more than he had
+expected, and when all was paid he found that only three gold pieces
+were left.
+
+'What am I to do now?' said he to himself. 'I think I had better go to
+court, and enter into the service of the king.'
+
+At first he was only a servant, who carried the king the water for his
+bath, and saw that his bed was made in a particular fashion. But he
+did his duties so well that his master soon took notice of him, and in
+a short time he rose to be a gentleman of the bedchamber.
+
+Now, when this happened the younger brother had spent all the money he
+had inherited, and did not know how to make any for himself. He then
+bethought him of the king's favourite, and went whining to the palace
+to beg that his brother, whom he had so ill-used, would give him his
+protection, and find him a place. The elder, who was always ready to
+help everyone, spoke to the king on his behalf, and the next day the
+young man took up his work at court.
+
+Unfortunately, the new-comer was by nature spiteful and envious, and
+could not bear anyone to have better luck than himself. By dint of
+spying through keyholes and listening at doors, he learned that the
+king, old and ugly though he was, had fallen in love with the Princess
+Bella-Flor, who would have nothing to say to him, and had hidden
+herself in some mountain castle, no one knew where.
+
+'That will do nicely,' thought the scoundrel, rubbing his hands. 'It
+will be quite easy to get the king to send my brother in search of
+her, and if he returns without finding her, his head will be the
+forfeit. Either way, he will be out of _my_ path.'
+
+So he went at once to the Lord High Chamberlain and craved an audience
+of the king, to whom he declared he wished to tell some news of the
+highest importance. The king admitted him into the presence chamber
+without delay, and bade him state what he had to say, and to be quick
+about it.
+
+'Oh, sire! the Princess Bella-Flor----' answered the man, and then
+stopped as if afraid.
+
+'What of the Princess Bella-Flor?' asked the king impatiently.
+
+'I have heard--it is whispered at court--that your majesty desires to
+know where she lies in hiding.'
+
+'I would give half my kingdom to the man who will bring her to me,'
+cried the king, eagerly. 'Speak on, knave; has a bird of the air
+revealed to you the secret?'
+
+'It is not I, but my brother, who knows,' replied the traitor; 'if
+your majesty would ask him----' But before the words were out of his
+mouth the king had struck a blow with his sceptre on a golden plate
+that hung on the wall.
+
+'Order Jose to appear before me instantly,' he shouted to the servant
+who ran to obey his orders, so great was the noise his majesty had
+made; and when Jose entered the hall, wondering what in the world
+could be the matter, the king was nearly dumb with rage and
+excitement.
+
+'Bring me the Princess Bella-Flor this moment,' stammered he, 'for if
+you return without her I will have you drowned!' And without another
+word he left the hall, leaving Jose staring with surprise and horror.
+
+'How can I find the Princess Bella-Flor when I have never even seen
+her?' thought he. 'But it is no use staying here, for I shall only be
+put to death.' And he walked slowly to the stables to choose himself a
+horse.
+
+There were rows upon rows of fine beasts with their names written in
+gold above their stalls, and Jose was looking uncertainly from one to
+the other, wondering which he should choose, when an old white horse
+turned its head and signed to him to approach.
+
+'Take me,' it said in a gentle whisper, 'and all will go well.'
+
+Jose still felt so bewildered with the mission that the king had
+given him that he forgot to be astonished at hearing a horse talk.
+Mechanically he laid his hand on the bridle and led the white horse
+out of the stable. He was about to mount on his back, when the animal
+spoke again:
+
+'Pick up those three loaves of bread which you see there, and put them
+in your pocket.'
+
+Jose did as he was told, and being in a great hurry to get away, asked
+no questions, but swung himself into the saddle.
+
+They rode far without meeting any adventures, but at length they came
+to an ant-hill, and the horse stopped.
+
+'Crumble those three loaves for the ants,' he said. But Jose
+hesitated.
+
+'Why, we may want them ourselves!' answered he.
+
+'Never mind that; give them to the ants all the same. Do not lose any
+chance of helping others.' And when the loaves lay in crumbs on the
+road, the horse galloped on.
+
+By-and-by they entered a rocky pass between two mountains, and here
+they saw an eagle which had been caught in a hunter's net.
+
+'Get down and cut the meshes of that net, and set the poor bird free,'
+said the horse.
+
+'But it will take so long,' objected Jose, 'and we may miss the
+princess.'
+
+'Never mind that; do not miss a chance of helping others,' answered
+the horse. And when the meshes were cut, and the eagle was free, the
+horse galloped on.
+
+They had ridden many miles, and at last they came to a river, where
+they beheld a little fish lying gasping on the sand, and the horse
+said:
+
+'Do you see that little fish? it will die if you do not put it back in
+the water.'
+
+'But, really, we shall never find the Princess Bella-Flor, if we waste
+our time like this!' cried Jose.
+
+  [Illustration: DO NOT LOSE A CHANCE OF HELPING OTHERS
+      WE NEVER WASTE TIME WHEN WE ARE HELPING OTHERS]
+
+'We never waste time when we are helping others,' answered the horse.
+And soon the little fish was swimming happily away.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A little while after they reached a castle, which was built in the
+middle of a very thick wood, and right in front was the Princess
+Bella-Flor feeding her hens.
+
+'Now listen,' said the horse. 'I am going to give all sorts of little
+hops and skips, which will amuse the Princess Bella-Flor. Then she
+will tell you that she would like to ride a little way, and you must
+help her to mount. When she is seated I shall begin to neigh and kick,
+and you must say that I have never carried a woman before, and that
+you had better get up behind so as to be able to manage me. Once on my
+back we will go like wind to the king's palace.'
+
+Jose did exactly as the horse told him, and everything fell out as the
+animal prophesied; so that it was not until they were galloping
+breathlessly toward the palace that the princess knew that she was
+taken captive. She said nothing, however, but quietly opened her apron
+which contained the bran for the chickens, and in a moment it lay
+scattered on the ground.
+
+'Oh, I have let fall my bran!' cried she; 'please get down and pick it
+up for me.' But Jose only answered:
+
+'We shall find plenty of bran where we are going.' And the horse
+galloped on.
+
+They were now passing through a forest, and the princess took out her
+handkerchief and threw it upwards, so that it stuck in one of the
+topmost branches of a tree.
+
+'Dear me; how stupid! I have let my handkerchief blow away,' said she.
+'Will you climb up and get it for me?' But Jose answered:
+
+'We shall find plenty of handkerchiefs where we are going.' And the
+horse galloped on.
+
+After the wood they reached a river, and the princess slipped a ring
+off her finger and let it roll into the water.
+
+'How careless of me,' gasped she, beginning to sob. 'I have lost my
+favourite ring; _do_ stop for a moment and look if you can see it.'
+But Jose answered:
+
+'You will find plenty of rings where you are going.' And the horse
+galloped on.
+
+At last they entered the palace gates, and the king's heart bounded
+with joy at beholding his beloved Bella-Flor. But the princess brushed
+him aside as if he had been a fly, and locked herself into the nearest
+room, which she would not open for all his entreaties.
+
+'Bring me the three things I lost on the way, and perhaps I may think
+about it,' was all she would say. And, in despair, the king was driven
+to take counsel of Jose.
+
+'There is no remedy that I can see,' said his majesty, 'but that you,
+who know where they are, should go and bring them back. And if you
+return without them I will have you drowned.'
+
+Poor Jose was much troubled at these words. He thought that he had
+done all that was required of him, and that his life was safe.
+However, he bowed low, and went out to consult his friend the horse.
+
+'Do not vex yourself,' said the horse, when he had heard the story;
+'jump up, and we will go back and look for the things.' And Jose
+mounted at once.
+
+They rode on till they came to the ant-hill, and then the horse asked:
+
+'Would you like to have the bran?'
+
+'What is the use of liking?' answered Jose.
+
+'Well, call the ants, and tell them to fetch it for you; and, if some
+of it has been scattered by the wind, to bring in its stead the grains
+that were in the cakes you gave them.' Jose listened in surprise. He
+did not much believe in the horse's plan; but he could not think of
+anything better, so he called to the ants, and bade them collect the
+bran as fast as they could.
+
+  [Illustration: HOW JOSE FOUND THE PRINCESS BELLA-FLOR]
+
+Then he sat under a tree and waited, while his horse cropped the
+green turf.
+
+'Look there!' said the animal, suddenly raising its head; and Jose
+looked behind him and saw a little mountain of bran, which he put into
+a bag that was hung over his saddle.
+
+'Good deeds bear fruit sooner or later,' observed the horse; 'but
+mount again, as we have far to go.'
+
+When they arrived at the tree, they saw the handkerchief fluttering
+like a flag from the topmost branch, and Jose's spirits sank again.
+
+'How am I to get that handkerchief?' cried he; 'why I should need
+Jacob's ladder!' But the horse answered:
+
+'Do not be frightened; call to the eagle you set free from the net, he
+will bring it to you.'
+
+So Jose called to the eagle, and the eagle flew to the top of the tree
+and brought back the handkerchief in its beak. Jose thanked him, and
+vaulting on his horse they rode on to the river.
+
+A great deal of rain had fallen in the night, and the river, instead
+of being clear as it was before, was dark and troubled.
+
+'How am I to fetch the ring from the bottom of this river when I do
+not know exactly where it was dropped, and cannot even see it?' asked
+Jose. But the horse answered: 'Do not be frightened; call the little
+fish whose life you saved, and she will bring it to you.'
+
+So he called to the fish, and the fish dived to the bottom and slipped
+behind big stones, and moved little ones with its tail till it found
+the ring, and brought it to Jose in its mouth.
+
+Well pleased with all he had done, Jose returned to the palace; but
+when the king took the precious objects to Bella-Flor, she declared
+that she would never open her door till the bandit who had carried her
+off had been fried in oil.
+
+'I am very sorry,' said the king to Jose, 'I really would rather not;
+but you see I have no choice.'
+
+  [Illustration: THE KING JUMPS INTO THE CAULDRON]
+
+While the oil was being heated in the great caldron, Jose went to the
+stables to inquire of his friend the horse if there was no way for him
+to escape.
+
+'Do not be frightened,' said the horse. 'Get on my back, and I will
+gallop till my whole body is wet with perspiration, then rub it all
+over your skin, and no matter how hot the oil may be you will never
+feel it.'
+
+Jose did not ask any more questions, but did as the horse bade him;
+and men wondered at his cheerful face as they lowered him into the
+caldron of boiling oil. He was left there till Bella-Flor cried that
+he must be cooked enough. Then out came a youth so young and handsome,
+that everyone fell in love with him, and Bella-Flor most of all.
+
+As for the old king, he saw that he had lost the game; and in despair
+he flung himself into the caldron, and was fried instead of Jose. Then
+Jose was proclaimed king, on condition that he married Bella-Flor,
+which he promised to do the next day. But first he went to the stables
+and sought out the horse, and said to him: 'It is to you that I owe my
+life and my crown. Why have you done all this for me?'
+
+And the horse answered: 'I am the soul of that unhappy man for whom
+you spent all your fortune. And when I saw you in danger of death I
+begged that I might help you, as you had helped me. For, as I told
+you, Good deeds bear their own fruit!'
+
+(From _Cuentos, Oraciones, y Adivinas_, por Fernan Caballero.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE BIRD OF TRUTH_
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived a poor fisher who built a hut on the
+banks of a stream which, shunning the glare of the sun and the noise
+of towns, flowed quietly past trees and under bushes, listening to the
+songs of the birds overhead.
+
+One day, when the fisherman had gone out as usual to cast his nets, he
+saw borne towards him on the current a cradle of crystal. Slipping his
+net quickly beneath it he drew it out and lifted the silk coverlet.
+Inside, lying on a soft bed of cotton, were two babies, a boy and a
+girl, who opened their eyes and smiled at him. The man was filled with
+pity at the sight, and throwing down his lines he took the cradle and
+the babies home to his wife.
+
+The good woman flung up her hands in despair when she beheld the
+contents of the cradle.
+
+'Are not eight children enough,' she cried, 'without bringing us two
+more? How do you think we can feed them?'
+
+'You would not have had me leave them to die of hunger,' answered he,
+'or be swallowed up by the waves of the sea? What is enough for eight
+is also enough for ten.'
+
+The wife said no more; and in truth her heart yearned over the little
+creatures. Somehow or other food was never lacking in the hut, and the
+children grew up and were so good and gentle that, in time, their
+foster-parents loved them as well or better than their own, who were
+quarrelsome and envious. It did not take the orphans long to notice
+that the boys did not like them, and were always playing tricks on
+them, so they used to go away by themselves and spend whole hours by
+the banks of the river. Here they would take out the bits of bread
+they had saved from their breakfast and crumble them for the birds. In
+return, the birds taught them many things: how to get up early in the
+morning, how to sing, and how to talk their language, which very few
+people knew.
+
+But though the little orphans did their best to avoid quarrelling with
+their foster-brothers, it was very difficult always to keep the peace.
+Matters got worse and worse till, one morning, the eldest boy said to
+the twins:
+
+'It is all very well for you to pretend that you have such good
+manners, and are so much better than we, but we have at least a father
+and mother, while _you_ have only got the river, like the toads and
+the frogs.'
+
+The poor children did not answer the insult; but it made them very
+unhappy. And they told each other in whispers that they could not stay
+there any longer, but must go into the world and seek their fortunes.
+
+So next day they arose as early as the birds and stole downstairs
+without anybody hearing them. One window was open, and they crept
+softly out and ran to the side of the river. Then, feeling as if they
+had found a friend, they walked along its banks, hoping that by-and-by
+they should meet some one to take care of them.
+
+The whole of that day they went steadily on without seeing a living
+creature, till, in the evening, weary and footsore, they saw before
+them a small hut. This raised their spirits for a moment; but the door
+was shut, and the hut seemed empty, and so great was their
+disappointment that they almost cried. However, the boy fought down
+his tears, and said cheerfully:
+
+'Well, at any rate here is a bench where we can sit down, and when we
+are rested we will think what is best to do next.'
+
+Then they sat down, and for some time they were too tired even to
+notice anything; but by-and-by they saw that under the tiles of the
+roof a quantity of swallows were sitting, chattering merrily to each
+other. Of course the swallows had no idea that the children understood
+their language, or they would not have talked so freely; but, as it
+was, they said whatever came into their heads.
+
+'Good evening, my fine city madam,' remarked a swallow, whose manners
+were rather rough and countryfied, to another who looked particularly
+distinguished. 'Happy, indeed, are the eyes that behold you! Only
+think of your having returned to your long-forgotten country friends,
+after you have lived for years in a palace!'
+
+'I have inherited this nest from my parents,' replied the other, 'and
+as they left it to me I certainly shall make it my home. But,' she
+added politely, 'I hope that you and all your family are well?'
+
+'Very well indeed, I am glad to say. But my poor daughter had, a short
+time ago, such bad inflammation in her eyes that she would have gone
+blind had I not been able to find the magic herb, which cured her at
+once.'
+
+'And how is the nightingale singing? Does the lark soar as high as
+ever? And does the linnet dress herself as smartly?' But here the
+country swallow drew herself up.
+
+'I never talk gossip,' she said severely. 'Our people, who were once
+so innocent and well-behaved, have been corrupted by the bad examples
+of men. It is a thousand pities.'
+
+'What! innocence and good behaviour are not to be met with among
+birds, nor in the country! My dear friend, what are you saying?'
+
+'The truth and nothing more. Imagine, when we returned here, we met
+some linnets who, just as the spring and the flowers and the long days
+had come, were setting out for the north and the cold? Out of pure
+compassion we tried to persuade them to give up this folly; but they
+only replied with the utmost insolence.'
+
+'How shocking!' exclaimed the city swallow.
+
+'Yes, it was. And, worse than that, the crested lark, that was
+formerly so timid and shy, is now no better than a thief, and steals
+maize and corn whenever she can find them.'
+
+'I am astonished at what you say.'
+
+'You will be more astonished when I tell you that on my arrival here
+for the summer I found my nest occupied by a shameless sparrow! "This
+is _my_ nest," I said. "_Yours?_" he answered, with a rude laugh.
+"Yes, mine; my ancestors were born here, and my sons will be born here
+also." And at that my husband set upon him and threw him out of the
+nest. I am sure nothing of this sort ever happens in a town.'
+
+'Not exactly, perhaps. But I have seen a great deal--if you only
+knew!'
+
+'Oh! do tell us! do tell us!' cried they all. And when they had
+settled themselves comfortably, the city swallow began:
+
+'You must know, then, that our king fell in love with the youngest
+daughter of a tailor, who was as good and gentle as she was beautiful.
+His nobles hoped that he would have chosen a queen from one of their
+daughters, and tried to prevent the marriage; but the king would not
+listen to them, and it took place. Not many months later a war broke
+out, and the king rode away at the head of his army, while the queen
+remained behind, very unhappy at the separation. When peace was made,
+and the king returned, he was told that his wife had had two babies in
+his absence, but that both were dead; that she herself had gone out of
+her mind and was obliged to be shut up in a tower in the mountains,
+where, in time, the fresh air might cure her.'
+
+'And was this not true?' asked the swallows eagerly.
+
+'Of course not,' answered the city lady, with some contempt for their
+stupidity. 'The children were alive at that very moment in the
+gardener's cottage; but at night the chamberlain came down and put
+them in a cradle of crystal, which he carried to the river.
+
+'For a whole day they floated safely, for though the stream was deep
+it was very still, and the children took no harm. In the morning--so I
+am told by my friend the kingfisher--they were rescued by a fisherman
+who lived near the river bank.'
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The children had been lying on the bench, listening lazily to the
+chatter up to this point; but when they heard the story of the crystal
+cradle which their foster-mother had always been fond of telling them,
+they sat upright and looked at each other.
+
+'Oh, how glad I am I learnt the birds' language!' said the eyes of one
+to the eyes of the other.
+
+Meanwhile the swallows had spoken again.
+
+'That was indeed good fortune!' cried they.
+
+'And when the children are grown up they can return to their father
+and set their mother free.'
+
+'It will not be so easy as you think,' answered the city swallow,
+shaking her head; 'for they will have to prove that they _are_ the
+king's children, and also that their mother never went mad at all. In
+fact, it is so difficult that there is only one way of proving it to
+the king.'
+
+'And what is that?' cried all the swallows at once. 'And how do you
+know it?'
+
+'I know it,' answered the city swallow 'because, one day, when I was
+passing through the palace garden, I met a cuckoo, who, as I need not
+tell you, always pretends to be able to see into the future. We began
+to talk about certain things which were happening in the palace, and
+of the events of past years. "Ah," said he, "the only person who can
+expose the wickedness of the ministers and show the king how wrong he
+has been is the Bird of Truth, who can speak the language of men."
+
+'"And where can this bird be found?" I asked.
+
+'"It is shut up in a castle guarded by a fierce giant, who only sleeps
+one quarter of an hour out of the whole twenty-four," replied the
+cuckoo.'
+
+'And where is this castle?' inquired the country swallow, who, like
+all the rest, and the children most of all, had been listening with
+deep attention.
+
+'That is just what I don't know,' answered her friend. 'All I can tell
+you is that not far from here is a tower, where dwells an old witch,
+and it is she who knows the way, and she will only teach it to the
+person who promises to bring her the water from the fountain of many
+colours, which she uses for her enchantments. But never will she
+betray the place where the Bird of Truth is hidden, for she hates him,
+and would kill him if she could; knowing well, however, that this bird
+cannot die, as he is immortal, she keeps him closely shut up, and
+guarded night and day by the Birds of Bad Faith, who seek to gag him
+so that his voice should not be heard.'
+
+'And is there no one else who can tell the poor boy where to find the
+bird, if he should ever manage to reach the tower?' asked the city
+swallows.
+
+'No one,' replied she, 'except an owl, who lives a hermit's life in
+that desert, and he knows only one word of man's speech, and that is
+"cross." So that even if the prince did succeed in getting there, he
+could never understand what the owl said. But, look, the sun is
+sinking to his nest in the depths of the sea, and I must go to mine.
+Good-night, friends, good-night!'
+
+Then the swallow flew away, and the children, who had forgotten both
+hunger and weariness in the joy of this strange news, rose up and
+followed in the direction of her flight. After two hours' walking,
+they arrived at a large city, which they felt sure must be the
+capital of their father's kingdom. Seeing a good-natured looking woman
+standing at the door of a house, they asked her if she would give them
+a night's lodging, and she was so pleased with their pretty faces and
+nice manners that she welcomed them warmly.
+
+It was scarcely light the next morning before the girl was sweeping
+out the rooms, and the boy watering the garden, so that by the time
+the good woman came downstairs there was nothing left for her to do.
+This so delighted her that she begged the children to stay with her
+altogether, and the boy answered that he would leave his sister with
+her gladly, but that he himself had serious business on hand and must
+not linger in pursuit of it. So he bade them farewell and set out.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For three days he wandered by the most out-of-the-way paths, but no
+signs of a tower were to be seen anywhere. On the fourth morning it
+was just the same, and, filled with despair, he flung himself on the
+ground under a tree and hid his face in his hands. In a little while
+he heard a rustling over his head, and looking up, he saw a turtle
+dove watching him with her bright eyes.
+
+'Oh dove!' cried the boy, addressing the bird in her own language, 'Oh
+dove! tell me, I pray you, where is the castle of Come-and-never-go?'
+
+'Poor child,' answered the dove, 'who has sent you on such a useless
+quest?'
+
+'My good or evil fortune,' replied the boy, 'I know not which.'
+
+'To get there,' said the dove, 'you must follow the wind, which to-day
+is blowing towards the castle.'
+
+The boy thanked her, and followed the wind, fearing all the time that
+it might change its direction and lead him astray. But the wind seemed
+to feel pity for him and blew steadily on.
+
+  [Illustration: 'WHO ARE YOU WHO DARE TO KNOCK AT MY DOOR?']
+
+With each step the country became more and more dreary, but at
+nightfall the child could see behind the dark and bare rocks something
+darker still. This was the tower in which dwelt the witch; and seizing
+the knocker he gave three loud knocks, which were echoed in the
+hollows of the rocks around.
+
+The door opened slowly, and there appeared on the threshold an old
+woman holding up a candle to her face, which was so hideous that the
+boy involuntarily stepped backwards, almost as frightened by the troop
+of lizards, beetles, and such creatures that surrounded her, as by the
+woman herself.
+
+'Who are you who dare to knock at my door and wake me?' cried she. 'Be
+quick and tell me what you want, or it will be the worse for you.'
+
+'Madam,' answered the child, 'I believe that you alone know the way to
+the castle of Come-and-never-go, and I pray you to show it to me.'
+
+'Very good,' replied the witch, with something that she meant for a
+smile, 'but to-day it is late. To-morrow you shall go. Now enter, and
+you shall sleep with my lizards.'
+
+'I cannot stay,' said he. 'I must go back at once, so as to reach the
+road from which I started before day dawns.'
+
+'If I tell you, will you promise me that you will bring me this jar
+full of the many-coloured water from the spring in the courtyard of
+the castle?' asked she. 'If you fail to keep your word I will change
+you into a lizard for ever.'
+
+'I promise,' answered the boy.
+
+Then the old woman called to a very thin dog, and said to him:
+
+'Conduct this pig of a child to the castle of Come-and-never-go, and
+take care that you warn my friend of his arrival.' And the dog arose
+and shook itself, and set out.
+
+At the end of two hours they stopped in front of a large castle, big
+and black and gloomy, whose doors stood wide open, although neither
+sound nor light gave sign of any presence within. The dog, however,
+seemed to know what to expect, and, after a wild howl, went on; but
+the boy, who was uncertain whether this was the quarter of an hour
+when the giant was asleep, hesitated to follow him, and paused for a
+moment under a wild olive that grew near by, the only tree which he
+had beheld since he had parted from the dove. 'Oh, heaven, help me!'
+cried he.
+
+'Cross! cross!' answered a voice.
+
+The boy leapt for joy as he recognised the note of the owl of which
+the swallow had spoken, and he said softly in the bird's language:
+
+'Oh, wise owl, I pray you to protect and guide me, for I have come in
+search of the Bird of Truth. And first I must fill this jar with the
+many-coloured water in the courtyard of the castle.'
+
+'Do not do that,' answered the owl, 'but fill the jar from the spring
+which bubbles close by the fountain with the many-coloured water.
+Afterwards, go into the aviary opposite the great door, but be careful
+not to touch any of the bright-plumaged birds contained in it, which
+will cry to you, each one, that he is the Bird of Truth. Choose only a
+small white bird that is hidden in a corner, which the others try
+incessantly to kill, not knowing that it cannot die. And, be
+quick!--for at this very moment the giant has fallen asleep, and you
+have only a quarter of an hour to do everything.'
+
+The boy ran as fast as he could and entered the courtyard, where he
+saw the two springs close together. He passed by the many-coloured
+water without casting a glance at it, and filled the jar from the
+fountain whose water was clear and pure. He next hastened to the
+aviary, and was almost deafened by the clamour that rose as he shut
+the door behind him. Voices of peacocks, voices of ravens, voices of
+magpies, each claiming to be the Bird of Truth. With steadfast face
+the boy walked by them all, to the corner where, hemmed in by a band
+of fierce crows, was the small white bird he sought. Putting her
+safely in his breast, he passed out, followed by the screams of the
+Birds of Bad Faith which he left behind him.
+
+  [Illustration: HOW THE BOY FOUND THE BIRD OF TRUTH]
+
+Once outside, he ran without stopping to the witch's tower, and
+handed to the old woman the jar she had given him.
+
+'Become a parrot!' cried she, flinging the water over him. But instead
+of losing his shape, as so many had done before, he only grew ten
+times handsomer; for the water was enchanted for good and not ill.
+Then the creeping multitude around the witch hastened to roll
+themselves in the water, and stood up, human beings again.
+
+When the witch saw what was happening, she took a broomstick and flew
+away.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Who can guess the delight of the sister at the sight of her brother,
+bearing the Bird of Truth? But although the boy had accomplished much,
+something very difficult yet remained, and that was how to carry the
+Bird of Truth to the king without her being seized by the wicked
+courtiers, who would be ruined by the discovery of their plot.
+
+Soon--no one knew how--the news spread abroad that the Bird of Truth
+was hovering round the palace, and the courtiers made all sorts of
+preparations to hinder her reaching the king.
+
+They got ready weapons that were sharpened, and weapons that were
+poisoned; they sent for eagles and falcons to hunt her down, and
+constructed cages and boxes in which to shut her up if they were not
+able to kill her. They declared that her white plumage was really put
+on to hide her black feathers--in fact there was nothing they did not
+do in order to prevent the king from seeing the bird or from paying
+attention to her words if he did.
+
+As often happens in these cases, the courtiers brought about that
+which they feared. They talked so much about the Bird of Truth that at
+last the king heard of it, and expressed a wish to see her. The more
+difficulties that were put in his way the stronger grew his desire,
+and in the end the king published a proclamation that whoever found
+the Bird of Truth should bring her to him without delay.
+
+As soon as he saw this proclamation the boy called his sister, and
+they hastened to the palace. The bird was buttoned inside his tunic,
+but, as might have been expected, the courtiers barred the way, and
+told the child that he could not enter. It was in vain that the boy
+declared that he was only obeying the king's commands; the courtiers
+only replied that his majesty was not yet out of bed, and it was
+forbidden to wake him.
+
+They were still talking, when, suddenly, the bird settled the question
+by flying upwards through an open window into the king's own room.
+Alighting on the pillow, close to the king's head, she bowed
+respectfully, and said:
+
+'My lord, I am the Bird of Truth whom you wished to see, and I have
+been obliged to approach you in this manner because the boy who
+brought me is kept out of the palace by your courtiers.'
+
+'They shall pay for their insolence,' said the king. And he instantly
+ordered one of his attendants to conduct the boy at once to his
+apartments; and in a moment more the prince entered, holding his
+sister by the hand.
+
+'Who are you?' asked the king; 'and what has the Bird of Truth to do
+with you?'
+
+'If it please your majesty, the Bird of Truth will explain that
+herself,' answered the boy.
+
+And the bird _did_ explain; and the king heard for the first time of
+the wicked plot that had been successful for so many years. He took
+his children in his arms, with tears in his eyes, and hurried off with
+them to the tower in the mountains where the queen was shut up. The
+poor woman was as white as marble, for she had been living almost in
+darkness; but when she saw her husband and children, the colour came
+back to her face, and she was as beautiful as ever.
+
+They all returned in state to the city, where great rejoicings were
+held. The wicked courtiers had their heads cut off, and all their
+property was taken away. As for the good old couple, they were given
+riches and honour, and were loved and cherished to the ends of their
+lives.
+
+(From _Cuentos, Oraciones, y Adivinas_, por Fernan Caballero.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE MINK AND THE WOLF_
+
+
+In the big forest in the north of America lived a quantity of wild
+animals of all sorts. They were always very polite when they met; but,
+in spite of that, they kept a close watch one upon the other, as each
+was afraid of being killed and eaten by somebody else. But their
+manners were so good that no one would ever have guessed that.
+
+One day a smart young wolf went out to hunt, promising his grandfather
+and grandmother that he would be sure to be back before bedtime. He
+trotted along quite happily through the forest till he came to a
+favourite place of his, just where the river runs into the sea. There,
+just as he had hoped, he saw the chief mink fishing in a canoe.
+
+'I want to fish too,' cried the wolf. But the mink said nothing, and
+pretended not to hear.
+
+'I wish you would take me into your boat!' shouted the wolf, louder
+than before, and he continued to beseech the mink so long that at last
+he grew tired of it, and paddled to the shore close enough for the
+wolf to jump in.
+
+'Sit down quietly at that end or we shall be upset,' said the mink;
+'and if you care about sea-urchins' eggs, you will find plenty in that
+basket. But be sure you eat only the white ones, for the red ones
+would kill you.'
+
+So the wolf, who was always hungry, began to eat the eggs greedily;
+and when he had finished he told the mink he thought he would have a
+nap.
+
+'Well, then, stretch yourself out, and rest your head on that piece
+of wood,' said the mink. And the wolf did as he was bid, and was soon
+fast asleep. Then the mink crept up to him and stabbed him to the
+heart with his knife, and he died without moving. After that he landed
+on the beach, skinned the wolf, and taking the skin to his cottage, he
+hung it up before the fire to dry.
+
+Not many days later the wolf's grandmother who, with the help of her
+relations, had been searching for him everywhere, entered the cottage
+to buy some sea-urchins' eggs, and saw the skin, which she at once
+guessed to be that of her grandson.
+
+'I knew he was dead--I knew it! I knew it!' she cried, weeping
+bitterly, till the mink told her rudely that if she wanted to make so
+much noise she had better do it outside as he liked to be quiet. So,
+half-blinded by her tears, the old woman went home the way she had
+come, and running in at the door, she flung herself down in front of
+the fire.
+
+'What are you crying for?' asked the old wolf and some friends who had
+been spending the afternoon with him.
+
+'I shall never see my grandson any more!' answered she. 'Mink has
+killed him, oh! oh!' And putting her head down, she began to weep as
+loudly as ever.
+
+'There! there!' said her husband, laying his paw on her shoulder. 'Be
+comforted; if he _is_ dead, we will avenge him.' And calling to the
+others they proceeded to talk over the best plan. It took them a long
+time to make up their minds, as one wolf proposed one thing and one
+another; but at last it was agreed that the old wolf should give a
+great feast in his house, and that the mink should be invited to the
+party. And in order that no time should be lost it was further agreed
+that each wolf should bear the invitations to the guests that lived
+nearest to him.
+
+Now the wolves thought they were very cunning, but the mink was more
+cunning still; and though he sent a message by a white hare, that was
+going that way, saying he should be delighted to be present, he
+determined that he would take his precautions. So he went to a mouse
+who had often done him a good turn, and greeted her with his best bow.
+
+  [Illustration: THE MINK IS VERY RUDE TO THE GRANDMOTHER WOLF]
+
+'I have a favour to ask of you, friend mouse,' said he, 'and if you
+will grant it I will carry you on my back every night for a week to
+the patch of maize right up the hill.'
+
+'The favour is _mine_,' answered the mouse. 'Tell me what it is that I
+can have the honour of doing for you.'
+
+'Oh, something quite easy,' replied the mink. 'I only want
+you--between to-day and the next full moon--to gnaw through the bows
+and paddles of the wolf people, so that directly they use them they
+will break. But of course you must manage it so that they notice
+nothing.'
+
+'Of course,' answered the mouse, 'nothing is easier; but as the full
+moon is to-morrow night, and there is not much time, I had better
+begin at once.' Then the mink thanked her, and went his way; but
+before he had gone far he came back again.
+
+'Perhaps, while you are about the wolf's house seeing after the bows,
+it would do no harm if you were to make that knot-hole in the wall a
+little bigger,' said he. 'Not large enough to draw attention, of
+course; but it _might_ come in handy.' And with another nod he left
+her.
+
+The next evening the mink washed and brushed himself carefully and set
+out for the feast. He smiled to himself as he looked at the dusty
+track, and perceived that though the marks of wolves' feet were many,
+not a single guest was to be seen anywhere. He knew very well what
+_that_ meant; but he had taken his precautions and was not afraid.
+
+The house door stood open, but through a crack the mink could see the
+wolves crowding in the corner behind it. However, he entered boldly,
+and as soon as he was fairly inside the door was shut with a bang, and
+the whole herd sprang at him, with their red tongues hanging out of
+their mouths. Quick as they were they were too late, for the mink was
+already through the knot-hole and racing for his canoe.
+
+The knot-hole was too small for the wolves, and there were so many of
+them in the hut that it was some time before they could get the door
+open. Then they seized the bows and arrows which were hanging on the
+walls and, once outside, aimed at the flying mink; but as they pulled
+the bows broke in their paws, so they threw them away, and bounded to
+the shore, with all their speed, to the place where their canoes were
+drawn up on the beach.
+
+Now, although the mink could not run as fast as the wolves, he had had
+a good start, and was already afloat when the swiftest among them
+threw themselves into the nearest canoe. They pushed off, but as they
+dipped the paddles into the water, they snapped as the bows had done,
+and were quite useless.
+
+'I know where there are some new ones,' cried a young fellow, leaping
+on shore and rushing to a little cave at the back of the beach. And
+the mink's heart smote him when he heard, for he had not known of this
+secret store.
+
+After a long chase the wolves managed to surround their prey, and the
+mink, seeing it was no good resisting any more, gave himself up. Some
+of the older wolves brought out some cedar bands, which they always
+carried wound round their bodies, but the mink laughed scornfully at
+the sight of them.
+
+'Why I could snap those in a moment,' said he; 'if you want to make
+sure that I cannot escape, better take a line of kelp and bind me with
+that.'
+
+'You are right,' answered the grandfather; 'your wisdom is greater
+than ours.' And he bade his servants gather enough kelp from the rocks
+to make a line, as they had brought none with them.
+
+'While the line is being made you might as well let me have one last
+dance,' remarked the mink. And the wolves replied: 'Very good, you may
+have your dance; perhaps it may amuse us as well as you.' So they
+brought two canoes and placed them one beside the other. The mink
+stood up on his hind legs and began to dance, first in one canoe and
+then in the other; and so graceful was he, that the wolves forgot they
+were going to put him to death, and howled with pleasure.
+
+'Pull the canoes a little apart; they are too close for this new
+dance,' he said, pausing for a moment. And the wolves separated them
+while he gave a series of little springs, sometimes pirouetting while
+he stood with one foot on the prow of both. 'Now nearer, now further
+apart,' he would cry as the dance went on. 'No! further still.' And
+springing into the air, amidst howls of applause, he came down head
+foremost, and dived to the bottom. And though the wolves, whose howls
+had now changed into those of rage, sought him everywhere, they never
+found him, for he hid behind a rock till they were out of sight, and
+then made his home in another forest.
+
+(From the _Journal of the Anthropological Institute_.)
+
+
+
+
+_ADVENTURES OF AN INDIAN BRAVE_
+
+
+A long, long way off, right away in the west of America, there once
+lived an old man who had one son. The country round was covered with
+forests, in which dwelt all kinds of wild beasts, and the young man
+and his companions used to spend whole days in hunting them, and he
+was the finest hunter of all the tribe.
+
+One morning, when winter was coming on, the youth and his companions
+set off as usual to bring back some of the mountain goats and deer to
+be salted down, as he was afraid of a snow-storm; and if the wind blew
+and the snow drifted the forest might be impassable for some weeks.
+The old man and the wife, however, would not go out, but remained in
+the wigwam making bows and arrows.
+
+It soon grew so cold in the forest that at last one of the men
+declared they could walk no more, unless they could manage to warm
+themselves.
+
+'That is easily done,' said the leader, giving a kick to a large tree.
+Flames broke out in the trunk, and before it had burnt up they were as
+hot as if it had been summer. Then they started off to the place where
+the goats and deer were to be found in the greatest numbers, and soon
+had killed as many as they wanted. But the leader killed most, as he
+was the best shot.
+
+'Now we must cut up the game and divide it,' said he; and so they did,
+each one taking his own share; and, walking one behind the other, set
+out for the village. But when they reached a great river the young man
+did not want the trouble of carrying his pack any further, and left
+it on the bank.
+
+'I am going home another way,' he told his companions. And taking
+another road he reached the village long before they did.
+
+'Have you returned with empty hands?' asked the old man, as his son
+opened the door.
+
+'Have I _ever_ done that, that you put me such a question?' asked the
+youth. 'No; I have slain enough to feast us for many moons, but it was
+heavy, and I left the pack on the bank of the great river. Give me the
+arrows, I will finish making them, and you can go to the river and
+bring home the pack!'
+
+So the old man rose and went, and strapped the meat on his shoulder;
+but as he was crossing the ford the strap broke and the pack fell into
+the river. He stooped to catch it, but it swirled past him. He
+clutched again; but in doing so he over-balanced himself and was
+hurried into some rapids, where he was knocked against some rocks, and
+he sank and was drowned, and his body was carried down the stream into
+smoother water when it rose to the surface again. But by this time it
+had lost all likeness to a man, and was changed into a piece of wood.
+
+The wood floated on, and the river got bigger and bigger and entered a
+new country. There it was borne by the current close to the shore, and
+a woman who was down there washing her clothes caught it as it passed,
+and drew it out, saying to herself: 'What a nice smooth plank! I will
+use it as a table to put my food upon.' And gathering up her clothes
+she took the plank with her into her hut.
+
+When her supper time came she stretched the board across two strings
+which hung from the roof, and set upon it the pot containing a stew
+that smelt very good. The woman had been working hard all day and was
+very hungry, so she took her biggest spoon and plunged it into the
+pot. But what was her astonishment and disgust when both pot and food
+vanished instantly before her.
+
+'Oh, you horrid plank, you have brought me ill-luck!' she cried. And
+taking it up she flung it away from her.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The woman had been surprised before at the disappearance of her food,
+but she was more astonished still when, instead of the plank, she
+beheld a baby. However, she was fond of children and had none of her
+own, so she made up her mind that she would keep it and take care of
+it. The baby grew and throve as no baby in that country had ever done,
+and in four days he was a man, and as tall and strong as any brave of
+the tribe.
+
+'You have treated me well,' he said, 'and meat shall never fail in
+your house. But now I must go, for I have much work to do.'
+
+Then he set out for his home.
+
+It took him many days to get there, and when he saw his son sitting in
+his place his anger was kindled, and his heart was stirred to take
+vengeance upon him. So he went out quickly into the forest and shed
+tears, and each tear became a bird. 'Stay there till I want you,' said
+he; and he returned to the hut.
+
+'I saw some pretty new birds, high up in a tree yonder,' he remarked.
+And the son answered: 'Show me the way and I will get them for
+dinner.'
+
+The two went out together, and after walking for about half an hour
+the old man stopped. 'That is the tree,' he said. And the son began to
+climb it.
+
+Now a strange thing happened. The higher the young man climbed the
+higher the birds seemed to be, and when he looked down the earth below
+appeared no bigger than a star. Still he tried to go back, but he
+could not, and though he could not see the birds any longer he felt as
+if something were dragging him up and up.
+
+He thought that he had been climbing that tree for days, and perhaps
+he had, for suddenly a beautiful country, yellow with fields of maize,
+stretched before him, and he gladly left the top of the tree and
+entered it. He walked through the maize without knowing where he was
+going, when he heard a sound of knocking, and saw two old blind women
+crushing their food between two stones. He crept up to them on tiptoe,
+and when one old woman passed her dinner to the other he held out his
+hand and took it and ate it for himself.
+
+'How slow you are kneading that cake,' cried the other old woman at
+last.
+
+'Why, I have given you your dinner, and what more do you want?'
+replied the second.
+
+'You didn't; at least I never got it,' said the other.
+
+'I certainly thought you took it from me; but here is some more.' And
+again the young man stretched out his hand; and the two old women fell
+to quarrelling afresh. But when it happened for the third time the old
+women suspected some trick, and one of them exclaimed:
+
+'I am sure there is a man here; tell me, are you not my grandson?'
+
+'Yes,' answered the young man, who wished to please her, 'and in
+return for your good dinner I will see if I cannot restore your sight;
+for I was taught the art of healing by the best medicine men in the
+tribe.' And with that he left them, and wandered about till he found
+the herb which he wanted. Then he hastened back to the old women, and
+begging them to boil him some water, he threw the herb in. As soon as
+the pot began to sing he took off the lid, and sprinkled the eyes of
+the women the sight came back to them once more.
+
+There was no night in that country, so, instead of going to bed very
+early, as he would have done in his own hut, the young man took
+another walk. A splashing noise near by drew him down to a valley
+through which ran a large river, and up a waterfall some salmon were
+leaping. How their silver sides glistened in the light, and how he
+longed to catch some of the great fellows! But how could he do it? He
+had beheld no one except the old women, and it was not very likely
+that they would be able to help him. So with a sigh he turned away and
+went back to them, but, as he walked, a thought struck him. He pulled
+out one of his hairs which hung nearly to his waist, and it instantly
+became a strong line, nearly a mile in length.
+
+'Weave me a net that I may catch some salmon,' said he. And they wove
+him the net he asked for, and for many weeks he watched by the river,
+only going back to the old women when he wanted a fish cooked.
+
+At last, one day, when he was eating his dinner, the old woman who
+always spoke first, said to him:
+
+'We have been very glad to see you, grandson, but now it is time that
+you went home.' And pushing aside a rock, he saw a deep hole, _so_
+deep that he could not see to the bottom. Then they dragged a basket
+out of the house, and tied a rope to it. 'Get in, and wrap this
+blanket round your head,' said they; 'and, whatever happens, don't
+uncover it till you get to the bottom.' Then they bade him farewell,
+and he curled himself up in the basket.
+
+Down, down, down he went; would he _ever_ stop going? But when the
+basket _did_ stop, the young man forgot what he had been told, and put
+his head out to see what was the matter. In an instant the basket
+moved, but, to his horror, instead of going down, he felt himself
+being drawn upwards, and shortly after he beheld the faces of the old
+women.
+
+'You will never see your wife and son if you will not do as you are
+bid,' said they. 'Now get in, and do not stir till you hear a crow
+calling.'
+
+This time the young man was wiser, and though the basket often
+stopped, and strange creatures seemed to rest on him and to pluck at
+his blanket, he held it tight till he heard the crow calling. Then he
+flung off the blanket and sprang out, while the basket vanished in the
+sky.
+
+He walked on quickly down the track that led to the hut, when, before
+him, he saw his wife with his little son on her back.
+
+'Oh! there is father at last,' cried the boy; but the mother bade him
+cease from idle talking.
+
+'But, mother, it is true; father is coming!' repeated the child. And,
+to satisfy him, the woman turned round and perceived her husband.
+
+Oh, how glad they all were to be together again! And when the wind
+whistled through the forest, and the snow stood in great banks round
+the door, the father used to take the little boy on his knee and tell
+him how he caught salmon in the Land of the Sun.
+
+(From the _Journal of the Anthropological Institute_.)
+
+
+
+
+_HOW THE STALOS WERE TRICKED_
+
+
+'Mother, I have seen such a wonderful man,' said a little boy one day,
+as he entered a hut in Lapland, bearing in his arms the bundle of
+sticks he had been sent out to gather.
+
+'Have you, my son; and what was he like?' asked the mother, as she
+took off the child's sheep-skin coat and shook it on the doorstep.
+
+'Well, I was tired of stooping for the sticks, and was leaning against
+a tree to rest, when I heard a noise of 'sh-'sh, among the dead
+leaves. I thought perhaps it was a wolf, so I stood very still. But
+soon there came past a tall man--oh! twice as tall as father--with a
+long red beard and a red tunic fastened with a silver girdle, from
+which hung a big silver-handled knife. Behind him followed a great
+dog, which looked stronger than any wolf, or even a bear. But why are
+you so pale, mother?'
+
+'It was the Stalo,' replied she, her voice trembling; 'Stalo the
+man-eater! You did well to hide, or you might never have come back.
+But, remember that, though he is so tall and strong, he is very
+stupid, and many a Lapp has escaped from his clutches by playing him
+some clever trick.'
+
+Not long after the mother and son had held this talk, it began to be
+whispered in the forest that the children of an old man called Patto
+had vanished one by one, no one knew whither. The unhappy father
+searched the country for miles round without being able to find as
+much as a shoe or a handkerchief, to show him where they had passed,
+but at length a little boy came with news that he had seen the Stalo
+hiding behind a well, near which the children used to play. The boy
+had waited behind a clump of bushes to see what would happen, and
+by-and-by he noticed that the Stalo had laid a cunning trap in the
+path to the well, and that anybody who fell over it would roll into
+the water and drown there.
+
+And, as he watched, Patto's youngest daughter ran gaily down the path,
+till her foot caught in the strings that were stretched across the
+steepest place. She slipped and fell, and in another instant had
+rolled into the water within reach of the Stalo.
+
+As soon as Patto heard this tale his heart was filled with rage, and
+he vowed to have his revenge. So he straightway took an old fur coat
+from the hook where it hung, and putting it on went out into the
+forest. When he reached the path that led to the well he looked
+hastily round to be sure that no one was watching him, then laid
+himself down as if he had been caught in the snare and had rolled into
+the well, though he took care to keep his head out of the water.
+
+Very soon he heard the 'sh-'sh of the leaves, and there was the Stalo
+pushing his way through the undergrowth to see what chance he had of a
+dinner. At the first glimpse of Patto's head in the well, he laughed
+loudly, crying:
+
+'Ha! ha! This time it is the old ass! I wonder how _he_ will taste?'
+And drawing Patto out of the well, he flung him across his shoulders
+and carried him home. Then he tied a cord round him and hung him over
+the fire to roast, while he finished a box that he was making before
+the door of the hut, which he meant to hold Patto's flesh when it was
+cooked. In a very short time the box was so nearly done that it only
+wanted a little more chipping out with an axe; but this part of the
+work was easier accomplished indoors, and he called to one of his
+sons, who were lounging inside, to bring him the tool.
+
+  [Illustration: THE LITTLE BOY SEES THE STALO IN THE WOOD]
+
+The young man looked everywhere, but he could not find the axe, for
+the very good reason that Patto had managed to pick it up and hide it
+in his clothes.
+
+'Stupid fellow! what is the use of you?' grumbled his father angrily;
+and he bade first one and then another of his sons to fetch him the
+tool, but they had no better success than their brother.
+
+'I must come myself, I suppose!' said Stalo, putting aside the box.
+But, meanwhile, Patto had slipped from the hook and concealed himself
+behind the door, so that, as Stalo stepped in, his prisoner raised the
+axe, and with one blow the ogre's head was rolling on the ground. His
+sons were so frightened at the sight that they all ran away.
+
+And in this manner Patto avenged his dead children.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+But though Stalo was dead, his three sons were still living, and not
+very far off either. They had gone to their mother, who was tending
+some reindeer on the pastures, and told her that by some magic, they
+knew not what, their father's head had rolled from his body, and they
+had been so afraid that something dreadful would happen to them that
+they had come to take refuge with her. The ogress said nothing. Long
+ago she had found out how stupid her sons were, so she just sent them
+out to milk the reindeer, while she returned to the other house to
+bury her husband's body.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Now, three days' journey from the hut on the pastures two brothers
+named Sodno dwelt in a small cottage with their sister Lyma, who
+tended a large herd of reindeer while they were out hunting. Of late
+it had been whispered from one to another that the three young Stalos
+were to be seen on the pastures, but the Sodno brothers did not
+disturb themselves, the danger seemed too far away.
+
+Unluckily, however, one day, when Lyma was left by herself in the hut,
+the three Stalos came down and carried her and the reindeer off to
+their own cottage. The country was very lonely, and perhaps no one
+would have known in which direction she had gone had not the girl
+managed to tie a ball of thread to the handle of a door at the back of
+the cottage and let it trail behind her. Of course the ball was not
+long enough to go all the way, but it lay on the edge of a snowy track
+which led straight to the Stalos' house.
+
+When the brothers returned from their hunting they found both the hut
+and the sheds empty. Loudly they cried: 'Lyma! Lyma!' But no voice
+answered them; and they fell to searching all about, lest perchance
+their sister might have dropped some clue to guide them. At length
+their eyes dropped on the thread which lay on the snow, and they set
+out to follow it.
+
+On and on they went, and when at length the thread stopped the
+brothers knew that another day's journey would bring them to the
+Stalos' dwelling. Of course they did not dare to approach it openly,
+for the Stalos had the strength of giants, and besides, there were
+three of them; so the two Sodnos climbed into a big bushy tree which
+overhung a well.
+
+'Perhaps our sister may be sent to draw water here,' they said to each
+other.
+
+But it was not till the moon had risen that the sister came, and as
+she let down her bucket into the well, the leaves seemed to whisper
+'Lyma! Lyma!'
+
+The girl started and looked up, but could see nothing, and in a moment
+the voice came again.
+
+'Be careful--take no notice, fill your buckets, but listen carefully
+all the while, and we will tell you what to do so that you may escape
+yourself and set free the reindeer also.'
+
+So Lyma bent over the well lower than before, and seemed busier than
+ever.
+
+'You know,' said her brother, 'that when a Stalo finds that anything
+has been dropped into his food he will not eat a morsel, but throws it
+to his dogs. Now, after the pot has been hanging some time over the
+fire, and the broth is nearly cooked, just rake up the log of wood so
+that some of the ashes fly into the pot. The Stalo will soon notice
+this, and will call you to give all the food to the dogs; but,
+instead, you must bring it straight to us, as it is three days since
+we have eaten or drunk. That is all you need do for the present.'
+
+Then Lyma took up her buckets and carried them into the house, and did
+as her brothers had told her. They were so hungry that they ate the
+food up greedily without speaking, but when there was nothing left in
+the pot, the eldest one said:
+
+'Listen carefully to what I have to tell you. After the eldest Stalo
+has cooked and eaten a fresh supper, he will go to bed and sleep so
+soundly that not even a witch could wake him. You can hear him snoring
+a mile off, and then you must go into his room and pull off the iron
+mantle that covers him, and put it on the fire till it is almost red
+hot. When that is done, come to us and we will give you further
+directions.'
+
+'I will obey you in everything, dear brothers,' answered Lyma; and so
+she did.
+
+It had happened that on this very evening the Stalos had driven in
+some of the reindeer from the pasture, and had tied them up to the
+wall of the house so that they might be handy to kill for next day's
+dinner. The two Sodnos had seen what they were doing, and where the
+beasts were secured; so, at midnight, when all was still, they crept
+down from their tree and seized the reindeer by the horns which were
+locked together. The animals were frightened, and began to neigh and
+kick, as if they were fighting together, and the noise became so
+great that even the eldest Stalo was awakened by it, and _that_ was a
+thing which had never occurred before. Raising himself in his bed, he
+called to his youngest brother to go out and separate the reindeer or
+they would certainly kill themselves.
+
+The young Stalo did as he was bid, and left the house; but no sooner
+was he out of the door than he was stabbed to the heart by one of the
+Sodnos, and fell without a groan. Then they went back to worry the
+reindeer, and the noise became as great as ever, and a second time the
+Stalo awoke.
+
+'The boy does not seem able to part the beasts,' he cried to his
+second brother; 'go and help him, or I shall never get to sleep.' So
+the brother went, and in an instant was struck dead as he left the
+house by the sword of the eldest Sodno. The Stalo waited in bed a
+little longer for things to get quiet, but as the clatter of the
+reindeers' horns was as bad as ever, he rose angrily from his bed
+muttering to himself:
+
+'It is extraordinary that they cannot unlock themselves; but as no one
+else seems able to help them I suppose I must go and do it.'
+
+Rubbing his eyes, he stood up on the floor and stretched his great
+arms and gave a yawn which shook the walls. The Sodnos heard it below,
+and posted themselves, one at the big door and one at the little door
+at the back, for they did not know which their enemy would come out
+at.
+
+The Stalo put out his hand to take his iron mantle from the bed, where
+it always lay, but the mantle was not there. He wondered where it
+could be, and who could have moved it, and after searching through all
+the rooms, he found it hanging over the kitchen fire. But the first
+touch burnt him so badly that he let it alone, and went with nothing,
+except a stick in his hand, through the back door.
+
+The young Sodno was standing ready for him, and as the Stalo passed
+the threshold struck him such a blow on the head that he rolled over
+with a crash and never stirred again. The two Sodnos did not trouble
+about him, but quickly stripped the younger Stalos of their clothes,
+in which they dressed themselves. Then they sat still till the dawn
+should break and they could find out from the Stalos' mother where the
+treasure was hidden.
+
+With the first rays of the sun the young Sodno went upstairs and
+entered the old woman's room. She was already up and dressed, and
+sitting by the window knitting, and the young man crept in softly and
+crouched down on the floor, laying his head on her lap. For a while he
+kept silence, then he whispered gently:
+
+'Tell me, dear mother, where did my eldest brother conceal his
+riches?'
+
+'What a strange question! Surely you must know,' answered she.
+
+'No, I have forgotten; my memory is so bad.'
+
+'He dug a hole under the doorstep and placed it there,' said she. And
+there was another pause.
+
+By-and-by the Sodno asked again:
+
+'And where may my second brother's money be?'
+
+'Don't you know that either?' cried the mother in surprise.
+
+'Oh, yes; I did once. But since I fell upon my head I can remember
+nothing.'
+
+'It is behind the oven,' answered she. And again was silence.
+
+'Mother, dear mother,' said the young man at last, 'I am almost afraid
+to ask you; but I really have grown so stupid of late. Where did I
+hide my own money?'
+
+But at this question the old woman flew into a passion, and vowed that
+if she could find a rod she would bring his memory back to him.
+Luckily, no rod was within her reach, and the Sodno managed, after a
+little, to coax her back into good humour, and at length she told him
+that the youngest Stalo had buried his treasure under the very place
+where she was sitting.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'Dear mother,' said Lyma, who had come in unseen, and was kneeling in
+front of the fire. 'Dear mother, do you know who it is you have been
+talking with?'
+
+The old woman started, but answered quietly:
+
+'It is a Sodno, I suppose?'
+
+'You have guessed right,' replied Lyma.
+
+The mother of the Stalos looked round for her iron cane, which she
+always used to kill her victims, but it was not there, for Lyma had
+put it in the fire.
+
+'Where is my iron cane?' asked the old woman.
+
+'There!' answered Lyma, pointing to the flames.
+
+The old woman sprang forward and seized it, but her clothes caught
+fire, and in a few minutes she was burned to ashes.
+
+So the Sodno brothers found the treasure, and they carried it, and
+their sister and the reindeer, to their own home, and were the richest
+men in all Lapland.
+
+(From _Lapplaendische Maehrchen_, J. C. Poestion.)
+
+
+
+
+_ANDRAS BAIVE_
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived in Lapland a man who was so very strong
+and swift of foot that nobody in his native town of Vadsoe could come
+near him if they were running races in the summer evenings. The people
+of Vadsoe were very proud of their champion, and thought that there was
+no one like him in the world, till, by-and-by, it came to their ears
+that there dwelt among the mountains a Lapp, Andras Baive by name, who
+was said by his friends to be even stronger and swifter than the
+bailiff. Of course not a creature in Vadsoe believed _that_, and
+declared that if it made the mountaineers happier to talk such
+nonsense, why, let them!
+
+The winter was long and cold, and the thoughts of the villagers were
+much busier with wolves than with Andras Baive, when suddenly, on a
+frosty day, he made his appearance in the little town of Vadsoe. The
+bailiff was delighted at this chance of trying his strength, and at
+once went out to seek Andras and to coax him into giving proof of his
+vigour. As he walked along his eyes fell upon a big eight-oared boat
+that lay upon the shore, and his face shone with pleasure. 'That is
+the very thing,' laughed he, 'I will make him jump over that boat.'
+Andras was quite ready to accept the challenge, and they soon settled
+the terms of the wager. He who could jump over the boat without so
+much as touching it with his heel was to be the winner, and would get
+a large sum of money as the prize. So, followed by many of the
+villagers, the two men walked down to the sea.
+
+An old fisherman was chosen to stand near the boat to watch fair
+play, and to hold the stakes, and Andras, as the stranger, was told to
+jump first. Going back to the flag which had been stuck into the sand
+to mark the starting place, he ran forward, with his head well thrown
+back, and cleared the boat with a mighty bound. The lookers on cheered
+him, and indeed he well deserved it; but they waited anxiously all the
+same to see what the bailiff would do. On he came, taller than Andras
+by several inches, but heavier of build. He too sprang high and well,
+but as he came down his heel just grazed the edge of the boat. Dead
+silence reigned amidst the townsfolk, but Andras only laughed and said
+carelessly:
+
+'Just a little too short, bailiff; next time you must do better than
+that.'
+
+The bailiff turned red with anger at his rival's scornful words, and
+answered quickly: 'Next time you will have something harder to do.'
+And turning his back on his friends, he went sulkily home. Andras,
+putting the money he had earned in his pocket, went home also.
+
+In the following spring Andras happened to be driving his reindeer
+along a great fiord to the west of Vadsoe. A boy who had met him
+hastened to tell the bailiff that his enemy was only a few miles off;
+and the bailiff, disguising himself as a Stalo, or ogre, called his
+son and his dog and rowed away across the fiord to the place where the
+boy had met Andras.
+
+Now the mountaineer was lazily walking along the sands, thinking of
+the new hut that he was building with the money that he had won on the
+day of his lucky jump. He wandered on, his eyes fixed on the sands, so
+that he did not see the bailiff drive his boat behind a rock, while he
+changed himself into a heap of wreckage which floated in on the waves.
+A stumble over a stone recalled Andras to himself, and looking up he
+beheld the mass of wreckage. 'Dear me! I may find some use for that,'
+he said; and hastened down to the sea, waiting till he could lay hold
+of some stray rope which might float towards him. Suddenly--he could
+not have told why--a nameless fear seized upon him, and he fled away
+from the shore as if for his life. As he ran he heard the sound of a
+pipe, such as only ogres of the Stalo kind were wont to use; and there
+flashed into his mind what the bailiff had said when they jumped the
+boat: 'Next time you will have something harder to do.' So it was no
+wreckage after all that he had seen, but the bailiff himself.
+
+It happened that in the long summer nights up in the mountain, where
+the sun never set, and it was very difficult to get to sleep, Andras
+had spent many hours in the study of magic, and this stood him in good
+stead now. The instant he heard the Stalo music he wished himself to
+become the feet of a reindeer, and in this guise he galloped like the
+wind for several miles. Then he stopped to take breath and find out
+what his enemy was doing. Nothing could he see, but to his ears the
+notes of a pipe floated over the plain, and ever, as he listened, it
+drew nearer.
+
+A cold shiver shook Andras, and this time he wished himself the feet
+of a reindeer calf. For when a reindeer calf has reached the age when
+he begins first to lose his hair he grows so swift that neither beast
+nor bird can come near him. A reindeer calf is the swiftest of all
+things living. Yes; but not so swift as a Stalo, as Andras found out
+when he stopped to rest, and heard the pipe playing!
+
+For a moment his heart sank, and he gave himself up for dead, till he
+remembered that, not far off, were two little lakes joined together by
+a short though very broad river. In the middle of the river lay a
+stone that was always covered by water, except in very dry seasons,
+and as the winter rains had been very heavy, he felt quite sure that
+not even the top of it could be seen. The next minute, if anyone had
+been looking that way, he would have beheld a small reindeer calf
+speeding northwards, and by-and-by give a great spring, which landed
+him in the midst of the stream. But, instead of sinking to the bottom,
+he paused to steady himself, then gave a second spring which landed
+him on the further shore. He next ran on to a little hill where he sat
+down and began to neigh loudly, so that the Stalo might know exactly
+where he was.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+'Ah! _there_ you are,' cried the Stalo, appearing on the opposite
+bank; 'for a moment I really thought I had lost you.'
+
+'No such luck,' answered Andras, shaking his head sorrowfully. By this
+time he had taken his own shape again.
+
+'Well, but I don't see how I am to get to you!' said the Stalo,
+looking up and down.
+
+'Jump over, as I did,' answered Andras; 'it is quite easy.'
+
+'But I could not jump this river; and I don't know how you did,'
+replied the Stalo.
+
+'I should be ashamed to say such things,' exclaimed Andras. 'Do you
+mean to tell me that a jump, which the weakest Lapp boy would make
+nothing of, is beyond your strength?'
+
+The Stalo grew red and angry when he heard these words, just as Andras
+meant him to do. He bounded into the air and fell straight into the
+river. Not that _that_ would have mattered, for he was a good swimmer;
+but Andras drew out the bow and arrows which every Lapp carries, and
+took aim at him. His aim was good, but the Stalo sprang so high into
+the air that the arrow flew between his feet. A second shot, directed
+at his forehead, fared no better, for this time the Stalo jumped so
+high to the other side that the arrow passed between his finger and
+thumb. Then Andras aimed his third arrow a little over the Stalo's
+head, and when he sprang up, just an instant too soon, it hit him
+between the ribs.
+
+  [Illustration: ANDRAS BAIVE SHOOTS THE STALO]
+
+Mortally wounded as he was, the Stalo was not yet dead, and managed to
+swim to the shore. Stretching himself on the sand, he said slowly to
+Andras:
+
+'Promise that you will give me honourable burial, and when my body is
+laid in the grave go in my boat across the fiord, and take whatever
+you find in my house which belongs to me. My dog you must kill, but
+spare my son, Andras.'
+
+Then he died; and Andras sailed in his boat away across the fiord and
+found the dog and boy. The dog, a fierce, wicked-looking creature, he
+slew with one blow from his fist, for it is well-known that if a
+Stalo's dog licks the blood that flows from his dead master's wounds
+the Stalo comes to life again. That is why no _real_ Stalo is ever
+seen without his dog; but the bailiff, being only half a Stalo, had
+forgotten his, when he went to the little lakes in search of Andras.
+Next, Andras put all the gold and jewels which he found in the boat
+into his pockets, and bidding the boy get in, pushed it off from the
+shore, leaving the little craft to drift as it would, while he himself
+ran home. With the treasures he possessed he was able to buy a great
+herd of reindeer; and he soon married a rich wife, whose parents would
+not have him as a son-in-law when he was poor, and the two lived happy
+for ever after.
+
+(From _Lapplaendische Maehrchen_, J. C. Poestion.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE WHITE SLIPPER_
+
+
+Once upon a time there lived a king who had a daughter just fifteen
+years old. And _what_ a daughter!
+
+Even the mothers who had daughters of their own could not help
+allowing that the princess was much more beautiful and graceful than
+any of them; and as for the fathers, if one of them ever beheld her by
+accident he could talk of nothing else for a whole day afterwards.
+
+Of course the king, whose name was Balancin, was the complete slave of
+his little girl from the moment he lifted her from the arms of her
+dead mother; indeed, he did not seem to know that there was anyone
+else in the world to love.
+
+Now Diamantina, for that was her name, did not reach her fifteenth
+birthday without proposals of marriage from every country under
+heaven; but be the suitor who he might, the king always said him nay.
+
+Behind the palace a large garden stretched away to the foot of some
+hills, and more than one river flowed through. Hither the princess
+would come each evening towards sunset, attended by her ladies, and
+gather herself the flowers that were to adorn her rooms. She also
+brought with her a pair of scissors to cut off the dead blooms, and a
+basket to put them in, so that when the sun rose next morning he might
+see nothing unsightly. When she had finished this task she would take
+a walk through the town, so that the poor people might have a chance
+of speaking with her, and telling her of their troubles; and then she
+would seek out her father, and together they would consult over the
+best means of giving help to those who needed it.
+
+But what has all this to do with the White Slipper? my readers will
+ask.
+
+Have patience, and you will see.
+
+Next to his daughter, Balancin loved hunting, and it was his custom to
+spend several mornings every week chasing the boars which abounded in
+the mountains a few miles from the city. One day, rushing downhill as
+fast as he could go, he put his foot into a hole and fell, rolling
+into a rocky pit full of brambles. The king's wounds were not very
+severe, but his face and hands were cut and torn, while his feet were
+in a worse plight still, for, instead of proper hunting boots, he only
+wore sandals, to enable him to run more swiftly.
+
+In a few days the king was as well as ever, and the signs of the
+scratches were almost gone; but one foot still remained very sore,
+where a thorn had pierced deeply and had festered. The best doctors in
+the kingdom treated it with all their skill; they bathed, and
+poulticed, and bandaged, but it was in vain. The foot only grew worse
+and worse, and became daily more swollen and painful.
+
+After everyone had tried his own particular cure, and found it fail,
+there came news of a wonderful doctor in some distant land who had
+healed the most astonishing diseases. On inquiring, it was found that
+he never left the walls of his own city, and expected his patients to
+come to see _him_; but, by dint of offering a large sum of money, the
+king persuaded the famous physician to undertake the journey to his
+own court.
+
+On his arrival the doctor was led at once into the king's presence,
+and made a careful examination of his foot.
+
+'Alas! your majesty,' he said, when he had finished, 'the wound is
+beyond the power of man to heal; but though I cannot cure it, I can
+at least deaden the pain, and enable you to walk without so much
+suffering.'
+
+'Oh, if you can only do that,' cried the king, 'I shall be grateful to
+you for life! Give your own orders; they shall be obeyed.'
+
+'Then let your majesty bid the royal shoemaker make you a shoe of
+goat-skin very loose and comfortable, while I prepare a varnish to
+paint over it of which I alone have the secret!' So saying, the doctor
+bowed himself out, leaving the king more cheerful and hopeful than he
+had been for long.
+
+The days passed very slowly with him during the making of the shoe and
+the preparation of the varnish, but on the eighth morning the
+physician appeared, bringing with him the shoe in a case. He drew it
+out to slip it on the king's foot, and over the goat-skin he had
+rubbed a polish so white that the snow itself was not more dazzling.
+
+'While you wear this shoe you will not feel the slightest pain,' said
+the doctor. 'For the balsam with which I have rubbed it inside and out
+has, besides its healing balm, the quality of strengthening the
+material it touches, so that, even were your majesty to live a
+thousand years, you would find the slipper just as fresh at the end of
+that time as it is now.'
+
+The king was so eager to put it on that he hardly gave the physician
+time to finish. He snatched it from the case and thrust his foot into
+it, nearly weeping for joy when he found he could walk and run as
+easily as any beggar boy.
+
+'What can I give you?' he cried, holding out both hands to the man who
+had worked this wonder. 'Stay with me, and I will heap on you riches
+greater than ever you dreamed of.' But the doctor said he would accept
+nothing more than had been agreed on, and must return at once to his
+own country, where many sick people were awaiting him. So king
+Balancin had to content himself with ordering the physician to be
+treated with royal honours, and desiring that an escort should attend
+him on his journey home.
+
+  [Illustration: BALANCIN'S DELIGHT AT THE WHITE SLIPPER]
+
+For two years everything went smoothly at court, and to king Balancin
+and his daughter the sun no sooner rose than it seemed time for it to
+set. Now, the king's birthday fell in the month of June, and as the
+weather happened to be unusually fine, he told the princess to
+celebrate it in any way that pleased her. Diamantina was very fond of
+being on the river, and she was delighted at this chance of indulging
+her tastes. She would have a merry-making such as never had been seen
+before, and in the evening, when they were tired of sailing and
+rowing, there should be music and dancing, plays and fireworks. At the
+very end, before the people went home, every poor person should be
+given a loaf of bread, and every girl who was to be married within
+the year a new dress.
+
+The great day appeared to Diamantina to be long in coming, but, like
+other days, it came at last. Before the sun was fairly up in the
+heavens the princess, too full of excitement to stay in the palace,
+was walking about the streets so covered with precious stones that you
+had to shade your eyes before you could look at her. By-and-by a
+trumpet sounded, and she hurried home, only to appear again in a few
+moments walking by the side of her father down to the river. Here a
+splendid barge was waiting for them, and from it they watched all
+sorts of races and feats of swimming and diving. When these were over
+the barge proceeded up the river to the field where the dancing and
+concerts were to take place, and after the prizes had been given away
+to the winners, and the loaves and the dresses had been distributed by
+the princess, they bade farewell to their guests, and turned to step
+into the barge which was to carry them back to the palace.
+
+Then a dreadful thing happened. As the king stepped on board the boat
+one of the sandals of the white slipper, which had got loose, caught
+in a nail that was sticking out, and caused the king to tumble. The
+pain was great, and unconsciously he turned and shook his foot, so
+that the sandals gave way, and in a moment the precious shoe was in
+the river.
+
+It had all occurred so quickly that nobody had noticed the loss of the
+slipper, not even the princess, whom the king's cries speedily brought
+to his side.
+
+'What is the matter, dear father?' asked she. But the king could not
+tell her; and only managed to gasp out: 'My shoe! my shoe!' While the
+sailors stood round staring, thinking that his majesty had suddenly
+gone mad.
+
+Seeing her father's eyes fixed on the stream, Diamantina looked
+hastily in that direction. There, dancing on the current, was the
+point of something white, which became more and more distant the
+longer they watched it. The king could bear the sight no more, and,
+besides, now that the healing ointment in the shoe had been removed
+the pain in his foot was as bad as ever; he gave a sudden cry,
+staggered, and fell over the bulwarks into the water.
+
+In an instant the river was covered with bobbing heads all swimming
+their fastest towards the king, who had been carried far down by the
+swift current. At length one swimmer, stronger than the rest, seized
+hold of his tunic, and drew him to the bank, where a thousand eager
+hands were ready to haul him out. He was carried, unconscious, to the
+side of his daughter, who had fainted with terror on seeing her father
+disappear below the surface, and together they were placed in a coach
+and driven to the palace, where the best doctors in the city were
+awaiting their arrival.
+
+In a few hours the princess was as well as ever; but the pain, the
+wetting, and the shock of the accident, all told severely on the king,
+and for three days he lay in a high fever. Meanwhile, his daughter,
+herself nearly mad with grief, gave orders that the white slipper
+should be sought for far and wide; and so it was, but even the
+cleverest divers could find no trace of it at the bottom of the river.
+
+When it became clear that the slipper must have been carried out to
+sea by the current, Diamantina turned her thoughts elsewhere, and sent
+messengers in search of the doctor who had brought relief to her
+father, begging him to make another slipper as fast as possible, to
+supply the place of the one which was lost. But the messengers
+returned with the sad news that the doctor had died some weeks before,
+and, what was worse, his secret had died with him.
+
+In his weakness this intelligence had such an effect on the king that
+the physicians feared he would become as ill as before. He could
+hardly be persuaded to touch food, and all night long he lay moaning,
+partly with pain, and partly over his own folly in not having begged
+the doctor to make him several dozens of white slippers, so that in
+case of accidents he might always have one to put on. However,
+by-and-by he saw that it was no use weeping and wailing, and commanded
+that they should search for his lost treasure more diligently than
+ever.
+
+What a sight the river banks presented in those days! It seemed as if
+all the people in the country were gathered on them. But this second
+search was no more fortunate than the first, and at last the king
+issued a proclamation that whoever found the missing slipper should be
+made heir to the crown, and should marry the princess.
+
+Now many daughters would have rebelled at being disposed of in this
+manner; and it must be admitted that Diamantina's heart sank when she
+heard what the king had done. Still, she loved her father so much that
+she desired his comfort more than anything else in the world, so she
+said nothing, and only bowed her head.
+
+Of course the result of the proclamation was that the river banks
+became more crowded than before; for all the princess's suitors from
+distant lands flocked to the spot, each hoping that he might be the
+lucky finder. Many times a shining stone at the bottom of the stream
+was taken for the slipper itself, and every evening saw a band of
+dripping downcast men returning homewards. But one youth always
+lingered longer than the rest, and night would still see him engaged
+in the search, though his clothes stuck to his skin and his teeth
+chattered.
+
+One day, when the king was lying on his bed racked with pain, he heard
+the noise of a scuffle going on in his antechamber, and rang a golden
+bell that stood by his side to summon one of his servants.
+
+'Sire,' answered the attendant, when the king inquired what was the
+matter, 'the noise you heard was caused by a young man from the town,
+who has had the impudence to come here to ask if he may measure your
+majesty's foot, so as to make you another slipper in place of the lost
+one.'
+
+'And what have you done to the youth?' said the king.
+
+'The servants pushed him out of the palace, and added a few blows to
+teach him not to be insolent,' replied the man.
+
+'Then they did very ill,' answered the king, with a frown. 'He came
+here from kindness, and there was no reason to maltreat him.'
+
+'Oh, my lord, he had the audacity to wish to touch your majesty's
+sacred person--he, good-for-nothing boy, a mere shoemaker's
+apprentice, perhaps! And even if he could make shoes to perfection
+they would be no use without the healing balsam.'
+
+The king remained silent for a few moments, then he said:
+
+'Never mind. Go and fetch the youth and bring him to me. I would
+gladly try any remedy that may relieve my pain.'
+
+So, soon afterwards, the youth, who had not gone far from the palace,
+was caught and ushered into the king's presence.
+
+He was tall and handsome and, though he professed to make shoes, his
+manners were good and modest, and he bowed low as he begged the king
+not only to allow him to take the measure of his foot, but also to
+suffer him to place a healing plaster over the wound.
+
+Balancin was pleased with the young man's voice and appearance, and
+thought that he looked as if he knew what he was doing. So he
+stretched out his bad foot which the youth examined with great
+attention, and then gently laid on the plaster.
+
+Very shortly the ointment began to soothe the sharp pain, and the
+king, whose confidence increased every moment, begged the young man to
+tell him his name.
+
+'I have no parents; they died when I was six, sire,' replied the
+youth, modestly. 'Everyone in the town calls me Gilguerillo,[1]
+because, when I was little, I went singing through the world in spite
+of my misfortunes. Luckily for me I was born happy.'
+
+    [1] Linnet.
+
+'And you really think you can cure me?' asked the king.
+
+'Completely, my lord,' answered Gilguerillo.
+
+'And how long do you think it will take?'
+
+'It is not an easy task; but I will try to finish it in a fortnight,'
+replied the youth.
+
+A fortnight seemed to the king a long time to make one slipper. But he
+only said:
+
+'Do you need anything to help you?'
+
+'Only a good horse, if your majesty will be kind enough to give me
+one,' answered Gilguerillo. And the reply was so unexpected that the
+courtiers could hardly restrain their smiles, while the king stared
+silently.
+
+'You shall have the horse,' he said at last, 'and I shall expect you
+back in a fortnight. If you fulfil your promise you know your reward;
+if not, I will have you flogged for your impudence.'
+
+Gilguerillo bowed, and turned to leave the palace, followed by the
+jeers and scoffs of everyone he met. But he paid no heed, for he had
+got what he wanted.
+
+He waited in front of the gates till a magnificent horse was led up to
+him, and vaulting into the saddle with an ease which rather surprised
+the attendant, rode quickly out of the town amidst the jests of the
+assembled crowd, who had heard of his audacious proposal. And while he
+is on his way let us pause for a moment and tell who he is.
+
+Both father and mother had died before the boy was six years old; and
+he had lived for many years with his uncle, whose life had been
+passed in the study of chemistry. He could leave no money to his
+nephew, as he had a son of his own; but he taught him all he knew, and
+at his death Gilguerillo entered an office, where he worked for many
+hours daily. In his spare time, instead of playing with the other
+boys, he passed hours poring over books, and because he was timid and
+liked to be alone he was held by every one to be a little mad.
+Therefore, when it became known that he had promised to cure the
+king's foot, and had ridden away--no one knew where--a roar of
+laughter and mockery rang through the town, and jeers and scoffing
+words were sent after him.
+
+  [Illustration: GILGUERILLO FALLS IN LOVE WITH PRINCESS DIAMANTINA]
+
+But if they had only known what were Gilguerillo's thoughts they would
+have thought him madder than ever.
+
+The real truth was that, on the morning when the princess had walked
+through the streets before making holiday on the river, Gilguerillo
+had seen her from his window, and had straightway fallen in love with
+her. Of course he felt quite hopeless. It was absurd to imagine that
+the apothecary's nephew could ever marry the king's daughter; so he
+did his best to forget her, and study harder than before, till the
+royal proclamation suddenly filled him with hope. When he was free he
+no longer spent the precious moments poring over books, but, like the
+rest, he might have been seen wandering along the banks of the river,
+or diving into the stream after something that lay glistening in the
+clear water, but which turned out to be a white pebble or a bit of
+glass.
+
+And at the end he understood that it was not by the river that he
+would win the princess; and, turning to his books for comfort, he
+studied harder than ever.
+
+There is an old proverb which says: 'Everything comes to him who knows
+how to wait.' It is not all men who know how to wait, any more than it
+is all men who can learn by experience; but Gilguerillo was one of the
+few, and instead of thinking his life wasted because he could not have
+the thing he wanted most, he tried to busy himself in other
+directions. So, one day, when he expected it least, his reward came to
+him.
+
+He happened to be reading a book many hundreds of years old, which
+told of remedies for all kinds of diseases. Most of them, he knew,
+were merely invented by old women, who sought to prove themselves
+wiser than other people; but at length he came to something which
+caused him to sit up straight in his chair, and made his eyes
+brighten. This was a description of a balsam--which would cure every
+kind of a sore or wound--distilled from a plant only to be found in a
+country so distant that it would take a man on foot two months to go
+and come back again.
+
+When I say that the book declared that the balsam could heal _every_
+sort of sore or wound, there were a few against which it was
+powerless, and it gave certain signs by which these might be known.
+This was the reason why Gilguerillo demanded to see the king's foot
+before he would undertake to cure it; and to obtain admittance he gave
+out that he was a shoemaker. However, the dreaded signs were absent,
+and his heart bounded at the thought that the princess was within his
+reach.
+
+Perhaps she was; but a great deal had to be accomplished yet, and he
+had allowed himself a very short time in which to do it.
+
+He spared his horse only so much as was needful, yet it took him six
+days to reach the spot where the plant grew. A thick wood lay in front
+of him, and, fastening the bridle tightly to a tree, he flung himself
+on his hands and knees and began to hunt for the treasure. Many times
+he fancied it was close to him, and many times it turned out to be
+something else; but, at last, when light was fading, and he had almost
+given up hope, he came upon a large bed of the plant, right under his
+feet! Trembling with joy, he picked every scrap he could see, and
+placed it in his wallet. Then, mounting his horse, he galloped quickly
+back towards the city.
+
+It was night when he entered the gates, and the fifteen days allotted
+were not up till the next day. His eyes were heavy with sleep, and his
+body ached with the long strain, but, without pausing to rest, he
+kindled a fire on his hearth, and quickly filling a pot with water,
+threw in the herbs and left them to boil. After that he lay down and
+slept soundly.
+
+The sun was shining when he awoke, and he jumped up and ran to the
+pot. The plant had disappeared and in its stead was a thick syrup,
+just as the book had said that there would be. He lifted the syrup out
+with a spoon, and after spreading it in the sun till it was partly
+dry, poured it into a small flask of crystal. He next washed himself
+thoroughly, and dressed himself in his best clothes, and putting the
+flask in his pocket, set out for the palace, and begged to see the
+king without delay.
+
+Now Balancin, whose foot had been much less painful since Gilguerillo
+had wrapped it in the plaster, was counting the days to the young
+man's return; and when he was told Gilguerillo was there, ordered him
+to be admitted at once. As he entered, the king raised himself eagerly
+on his pillows, but his face fell when he saw no signs of a slipper.
+
+'You have failed, then?' he said, throwing up his hands in despair.
+
+'I hope not, your majesty; I think not,' answered the youth. And
+drawing the flask from his pocket, he poured two or three drops on the
+wound.
+
+'Repeat this for three nights, and you will find yourself cured,' said
+he. And before the king had time to thank him he had bowed himself
+out.
+
+Of course the news soon spread through the city, and men and women
+never tired of calling Gilguerillo an impostor, and prophesying that
+the end of the three days would see him in prison, if not on the
+scaffold. But Gilguerillo paid no heed to their hard words, and no
+more did the king, who took care that no hand but his own should put
+on the healing balsam.
+
+On the fourth morning the king awoke and instantly stretched out his
+wounded foot that he might prove the truth or falsehood of
+Gilguerillo's remedy. The wound was certainly cured on that side, but
+how about the other? Yes, that was cured also; and not even a scar was
+left to show where it had been!
+
+Was ever any king so happy as Balancin when he satisfied himself of
+this?
+
+Lightly as a deer he jumped from his bed, and began to turn head over
+heels, and to perform all sorts of antics, so as to make sure that his
+foot was in truth as well as it looked. And when he was quite tired he
+sent for his daughter, and bade the courtiers bring the lucky young
+man to his room.
+
+'He is _really_ young and handsome,' said the princess to herself,
+heaving a sigh of relief that it was not some dreadful old man who had
+healed her father; and while the king was announcing to his courtiers
+the wonderful cure that had been made, Diamantina was thinking that if
+Gilguerillo looked so well in his common dress, how much he would be
+improved by the splendid garments of a king's son. However, she held
+her peace, and only watched with amusement when the courtiers, knowing
+there was no help for it, did homage and obeisance to the chemist's
+boy.
+
+Then they brought to Gilguerillo a magnificent tunic of green velvet
+bordered with gold, and a cap with three white plumes stuck in it; and
+at the sight of him so arrayed, the princess fell in love with him in
+a moment. The wedding was fixed to take place in eight days, and at
+the ball afterwards nobody danced so long or so lightly as king
+Balancin.
+
+(From _Capullos de Rosa_, por D. Enrique Ceballos Quintana.)
+
+
+
+
+_THE MAGIC BOOK_
+
+
+There was once an old couple named Peder and Kirsten who had an only
+son called Hans. From the time he was a little boy he had been told
+that on his sixteenth birthday he must go out into the world and serve
+his apprenticeship. So, one fine summer morning, he started off to
+seek his fortune with nothing but the clothes he wore on his back.
+
+For many hours he trudged on merrily, now and then stopping to drink
+from some clear spring or to pick some ripe fruit from a tree. The
+little wild creatures peeped at him from beneath the bushes, and he
+nodded and smiled, and wished them 'Good-morning.' After he had been
+walking for some time he met an old white-bearded man who was coming
+along the foot-path. The boy would not step aside, and the man was
+determined not to do so either, so they ran against one another with a
+bump.
+
+'It seems to me,' said the old fellow, 'that a boy should give way to
+an old man.'
+
+'The path is for me as well as for you,' answered young Hans saucily,
+for he had never been taught politeness.
+
+'Well, that's true enough,' answered the other mildly. 'And where are
+you going?'
+
+'I am going into service,' said Hans.
+
+'Then you can come and serve me,' replied the man.
+
+Well, Hans could do that; but what would his wages be?
+
+'Two pounds a year, and nothing to do but keep some rooms clean,' said
+the new-comer.
+
+This seemed to Hans to be easy enough; so he agreed to enter the old
+man's service, and they set out together. On their way they crossed a
+deep valley and came to a mountain, where the man opened a trap-door,
+and bidding Hans follow him, he crept in and began to go down a long
+flight of steps. When they got to the bottom Hans saw a large number
+of rooms lit by many lamps and full of beautiful things. While he was
+looking round the old man said to him:
+
+'Now you know what you have to do. You must keep these rooms clean,
+and strew sand on the floor every day. Here is a table where you will
+always find food and drink, and there is your bed. You see there are a
+great many suits of clothes hanging on the wall, and you may wear any
+you please; but remember that you are never to open this locked door.
+If you do ill will befall you. Farewell, for I am going away again and
+cannot tell when I may return.'
+
+No sooner had the old man disappeared than Hans sat down to a good
+meal, and after that went to bed and slept until the morning. At first
+he could not remember what had happened to him, but by-and-by he
+jumped up and went into all the rooms, which he examined carefully.
+
+'How foolish to bid me to put sand on the floors,' he thought, 'when
+there is nobody here but myself! I shall do nothing of the sort.' And
+so he shut the doors quickly, and only cleaned and set in order his
+own room. And after the first few days he felt that that was
+unnecessary too, because no one came there to see if the rooms were
+clean or not. At last he did no work at all, but just sat and wondered
+what was behind the locked door, till he determined to go and look for
+himself.
+
+The key turned easily in the lock. Hans entered, half frightened at
+what he was doing, and the first thing he beheld was a heap of bones.
+That was not very cheerful; and he was just going out again when his
+eye fell on a shelf of books. Here was a good way of passing the
+time, he thought, for he was fond of reading, and he took one of the
+books from the shelf. It was all about magic, and told you how you
+could change yourself into anything in the world you liked. Could
+anything be more exciting or more useful? So he put it in his pocket,
+and ran quickly away out of the mountain by a little door which had
+been left open.
+
+When he got home his parents asked him what he had been doing and
+where he had got the fine clothes he wore.
+
+'Oh, I earned them myself,' answered he.
+
+'You never earned them in this short time,' said his father. 'Be off
+with you; I won't keep you here. I will have no thieves in my house!'
+
+'Well I only came to help you,' replied the boy sulkily. 'Now I'll be
+off, as you wish; but to-morrow morning when you rise you will see a
+great dog at the door. Do not drive it away, but take it to the castle
+and sell it to the duke, and they will give you ten dollars for it;
+only you must bring the strap you lead it with, back to the house.'
+
+Sure enough the next day the dog was standing at the door waiting to
+be let in. The old man was rather afraid of getting into trouble, but
+his wife urged him to sell the dog as the boy had bidden him, so he
+took it up to the castle and sold it to the duke for ten dollars. But
+he did not forget to take off the strap with which he had led the
+animal, and to carry it home. When he got there old Kirsten met him at
+the door.
+
+'Well, Peder, and have you sold the dog?' asked she.
+
+'Yes, Kirsten; and I have brought back ten dollars, as the boy told
+us,' answered Peder.
+
+'Ay! but that's fine!' said his wife. 'Now you see what one gets by
+doing as one is bid; if it had not been for me you would have driven
+the dog away again, and we should have lost the money. After all, I
+always know what is best.'
+
+'Nonsense!' said her husband; 'women always think they know best. I
+should have sold the dog just the same whatever you had told me. Put
+the money away in a safe place, and don't talk so much.'
+
+The next day Hans came again; but though everything had turned out as
+he had foretold, he found that his father was still not quite
+satisfied.
+
+'Be off with you!' said he, 'you'll get us into trouble.'
+
+'I haven't helped you enough yet,' replied the boy. 'To-morrow there
+will come a great fat cow, as big as the house. Take it to the king's
+palace and you'll get as much as a thousand dollars for it. Only you
+must unfasten the halter you lead it with and bring it back, and don't
+return by the high road, but through the forest.'
+
+The next day, when the couple arose, they saw an enormous head looking
+in at their bedroom window, and behind it was a cow which was nearly
+as big as their hut. Kirsten was wild with joy to think of the money
+the cow would bring them.
+
+'But how are you going to put the rope over her head?' asked she.
+
+'Wait and you'll see, mother,' answered her husband. Then Peder took
+the ladder that led up to the hayloft and set it against the cow's
+neck, and he climbed up and slipped the rope over her head. When he
+had made sure that the noose was fast they started for the palace, and
+met the king himself walking in his grounds.
+
+'I heard that the princess was going to be married,' said Peder, 'so
+I've brought your majesty a cow which is bigger than any cow that was
+ever seen. Will your majesty deign to buy it?'
+
+  [Illustration: 'JUST AS HE WAS GOING TO STRIKE']
+
+The king had, in truth, never seen so large a beast, and he willingly
+paid the thousand dollars, which was the price demanded; but Peder
+remembered to take off the halter before he left. After he was gone
+the king sent for the butcher and told him to kill the animal for the
+wedding feast. The butcher got ready his pole-axe; but just as he was
+going to strike, the cow changed itself into a dove and flew away; and
+the butcher stood staring after it as if he were turned to stone.
+However, as the dove could not be found, he was obliged to tell the
+king what had happened, and the king in his turn despatched messengers
+to capture the old man and bring him back. But Peder was safe in the
+woods, and could not be found. When at last he felt the danger was
+over, and he might go home, Kirsten nearly fainted with joy at the
+sight of all the money he brought with him.
+
+'Now that we are rich people we must build a bigger house,' cried she;
+and was vexed to find that Peder only shook his head and said: 'No; if
+they did that people would talk, and say that they got their wealth by
+ill-doing.'
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A few mornings later Hans came again.
+
+'Be off before you get us into trouble,' said his father. 'So far the
+money has come right enough, but I don't trust it.'
+
+'Don't worry over that, father,' said Hans. 'To-morrow you will find a
+horse outside by the gate. Ride it to market and you will get a
+thousand dollars for it. Only don't forget to loosen the bridle when
+you sell it.'
+
+Well, in the morning there was the horse; Kirsten had never seen so
+fine an animal. 'Take care it doesn't hurt you, Peder,' said she.
+
+'Nonsense, wife,' answered he crossly. 'When I was a lad I lived with
+horses, and could ride anything for twenty miles round.' But that was
+not quite the truth, for he had never mounted a horse in his life.
+
+Still, the animal was quiet enough, so Peder got safely to market on
+its back. There he met a man who offered nine hundred and ninety-nine
+dollars for it, but Peder would take nothing less than a thousand. At
+last there came an old, grey-bearded man who looked at the horse and
+agreed to buy it; but the moment he touched it the horse began to kick
+and plunge. 'I must take the bridle off,' said Peder. 'It is not to be
+sold with the animal as is usually the case.'
+
+'I'll give you a hundred dollars for the bridle,' said the old man,
+taking out his purse.
+
+'No, I can't sell it,' replied Hans's father.
+
+'Five hundred dollars!'
+
+'No.'
+
+'A thousand!'
+
+At this splendid offer Peder's prudence gave way; it was a shame to
+let so much money go. So he agreed to accept it. But he could hardly
+hold the horse, it became so unmanageable. So he gave the animal in
+charge to the old man, and went home with his two thousand dollars.
+
+Kirsten, of course, was delighted at this new piece of good fortune,
+and insisted that the new house should be built and land bought. This
+time Peder consented, and soon they had quite a fine farm.
+
+Meanwhile the old man rode off on his new purchase, and when he came
+to a smithy he asked the smith to forge shoes for the horse. The smith
+proposed that they should first have a drink together, and the horse
+was tied up by the spring whilst they went indoors. The day was hot,
+and both men were thirsty, and, besides, they had much to say; and so
+the hours slipped by and found them still talking. Then the servant
+girl came out to fetch a pail of water, and, being a kind-hearted
+lass, she gave some to the horse to drink. What was her surprise when
+the animal said to her: 'Take off my bridle and you will save my
+life.'
+
+'I dare not,' said she; 'your master will be so angry.'
+
+'He cannot hurt you,' answered the horse, 'and you will save my life.'
+
+At that she took off the bridle; but nearly fainted with astonishment
+when the horse turned into a dove and flew away just as the old man
+came out of the house. Directly he saw what had happened he changed
+himself into a hawk and flew after the dove. Over the woods and fields
+they went, and at length they reached a king's palace surrounded by
+beautiful gardens. The princess was walking with her attendants in the
+rose garden when the dove turned itself into a gold ring and fell at
+her feet.
+
+'Why, here is a ring!' she cried, 'where could it have come from?' And
+picking it up she put it on her finger. As she did so the hill-man
+lost his power over Hans--for of course you understand that it was he
+who had been the dog, the cow, the horse and the dove.
+
+'Well, that is really strange,' said the princess. 'It fits me as
+though it had been made for me!'
+
+Just at that moment up came the king.
+
+'Look what I have found!' cried his daughter.
+
+'Well, that is not worth much, my dear,' said he. 'Besides, you have
+rings enough, I should think.'
+
+'Never mind, I like it,' replied the princess.
+
+But as soon as she was alone, to her amazement, the ring suddenly left
+her finger and became a man. You can imagine how frightened she was,
+as, indeed, anybody would have been; but in an instant the man became
+a ring again, and then turned back into a man, and so it went on for
+some time until she began to get used to these sudden changes.
+
+'I am sorry I frightened you,' said Hans, when he thought he could
+safely speak to the princess without making her scream. 'I took refuge
+with you because the old hill-man, whom I have offended, was trying to
+kill me, and here I am safe.'
+
+'You had better stay here then,' said the princess. So Hans stayed,
+and he and she became good friends; though, of course, he only became
+a man when no one else was present.
+
+This was all very well; but, one day, as they were talking together,
+the king happened to enter the room, and although Hans quickly changed
+himself into a ring again it was too late.
+
+The king was terribly angry.
+
+'So this is why you have refused to marry all the kings and princes
+who have sought your hand?' he cried.
+
+And, without waiting for her to speak, he commanded that his daughter
+should be walled up in the summer-house and starved to death with her
+lover.
+
+  [Illustration: THE PRINCESS IMPRISONED IN THE SUMMER-HOUSE]
+
+That evening the poor princess, still wearing her ring, was put
+into the summer-house with enough food to last for three days, and the
+door was bricked up. But at the end of a week or two the king thought
+it time to give her a grand funeral, in spite of her bad behaviour,
+and he had the summer-house opened. He could hardly believe his eyes
+when he found that the princess was not there, nor Hans either.
+Instead, there lay at his feet a large hole, big enough for two people
+to pass through.
+
+Now what had happened was this.
+
+When the princess and Hans had given up hope, and cast themselves down
+on the ground to die, they fell down into this hole, and right through
+the earth as well, and at last they stumbled into a castle built of
+pure gold, at the other side of the world, and there they lived
+happily. But of this, of course, the king knew nothing.
+
+'Will any one go down and see where the passage leads to?' he asked,
+turning to his guards and courtiers. 'I will reward splendidly the man
+who is brave enough to explore it.'
+
+For a long time nobody answered. The hole was dark and deep, and if it
+had a bottom no one could see it. At length a soldier, who was a
+careless sort of fellow, offered himself for the service, and
+cautiously lowered himself into the darkness. But in a moment he, too,
+fell down, down, down. Was he going to fall for ever, he wondered! Oh,
+how thankful he was in the end to reach the castle, and to meet the
+princess and Hans, looking quite well and not at all as if they had
+been starved. They began to talk, and the soldier told them that the
+king was very sorry for the way he had treated his daughter, and
+wished day and night that he could have her back again.
+
+Then they all took ship and sailed home, and when they came to the
+princess's country, Hans disguised himself as the sovereign of a
+neighbouring kingdom, and went up to the palace alone. He was given a
+hearty welcome by the king, who prided himself on his hospitality, and
+a banquet was commanded in his honour. That evening, whilst they sat
+drinking their wine, Hans said to the king:
+
+'I have heard the fame of your majesty's wisdom, and I have travelled
+from far to ask your counsel. A man in my country has buried his
+daughter alive because she loved a youth who was born a peasant. How
+shall I punish this unnatural father, for it is left to me to give
+judgment?'
+
+The king, who was still truly grieved for his daughter's loss,
+answered quickly:
+
+'Burn him alive, and strew his ashes all over the kingdom.'
+
+Hans looked at him steadily for a moment, and then threw off his
+disguise.
+
+'You are the man,' said he; 'and I am he who loved your daughter, and
+became a gold ring on her finger. She is safe, and waiting not far
+from here; but you have pronounced judgment on yourself.'
+
+Then the king fell on his knees and begged for mercy; and as he had in
+other respects been a good father, they forgave him. The wedding of
+Hans and the princess was celebrated with great festivities which
+lasted a month. As for the hill-man he intended to be present; but
+whilst he was walking along a street which led to the palace a loose
+stone fell on his head and killed him. So Hans and the princess lived
+in peace and happiness all their days, and when the old king died they
+reigned instead of him.
+
+(From _Eventyr fra Jylland samlede og optegnede af Tang Kristensen_.
+Translated from the Danish by Mrs. Skavgaard-Pedersen.)
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note
+
+The book includes both by-and-by and by-and-bye. Both forms are
+preserved as printed.
+
+One of the illustrations refers to a cauldron, while the story uses
+caldron. These are preserved as printed.
+
+Punctuation errors have been repaired. Hyphenation and use of accents
+has been made consistent within stories. Archaic spelling is preserved
+as printed.
+
+The following typographic errors have been repaired:
+
+    Page 58--he amended to be--"... it would be unreasonable of
+    me to object to your satisfying your appetite ..."
+
+    Page 60--undertsanding amended to understanding--"And the
+    wolf, understanding all that might happen ..."
+
+    Page 134--windding amended to winding--"He had ridden back
+    along a winding road from which he did not see the palace
+    ..."
+
+    Page 137--principle amended to principal--"... but the cat
+    lay down outside the principal gate, ..."
+
+    Page 143--kindgom amended to kingdom--"... she would bestow
+    on him the third part of her own kingdom, ..."
+
+    Page 148--thoughout amended to throughout--"... and by-and-by
+    'Pinkel' became his name throughout the village."
+
+    Page 166--Bassel amended to Basset--"(_Nouveaux Contes
+    Berberes_ par Rene Basset.)"
+
+    Page 185--forforgetting amended to forgetting--"... quite
+    forgetting that he owed it to a mean trick."
+
+    Page 186--summonned amended to summoned--"Five minutes later
+    he summoned five hundred lancers ..."
+
+    Page 202--belive amended to believe--"... but it seemed so
+    different she could hardly believe it was the same."
+
+    Page 202--apapproached amended to approached--"As she spoke
+    the gates swung back and six fairies approached, ..."
+
+    Page 211--bethrothed amended to betrothed--"... of the
+    princess Nera, to whom the prince had been betrothed ..."
+
+    Page 324--Sodons amended to Sodnos--"... so the two Sodnos
+    climbed into a big bushy tree which overhung a well."
+
+    Page 349--Kristen amended to Kirsten--"There was once an old
+    couple named Peder and Kirsten ..."
+
+    Page 355--Se amended to So--"So he agreed to accept it."
+
+    Page 357--himhimself amended to himself--"... Hans disguised
+    himself as the sovereign of a neighbouring kingdom, ..."
+
+    Page 358--AEventyr amended to Eventyr, and Zylland amended to
+    Jylland--"From _Eventyr fra Jylland samlede og optegnede af
+    Tang Kristensen_."
+
+The frontispiece has been moved to follow the title page. Other
+illustrations have been moved where necessary so that they are not in
+the middle of a paragraph.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Orange Fairy Book, by Various
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