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+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Magic Soap Bubble, by David Cory.
+    </title>
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Magic Soap Bubble, by David Cory
+
+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 Magic Soap Bubble
+
+Author: David Cory
+
+Illustrator: E. I. Jones
+             P. H. Webb
+
+Release Date: October 17, 2008 [EBook #26944]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAGIC SOAP BUBBLE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper, Emmy and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 325px;">
+<img src="images/i_cover.jpg" width="325" height="500" alt="Cover" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i_front_end_papers-1.jpg" width="400" height="241" alt="Come with me for a visit to Fairyland" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+<i>"Come with me for a visit</i><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;"><i>To Fairyland, dear Ned.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>I'll show you many won'drous things,"</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>The tiny Gnomeman said.</i></span><br /><br /><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i_front_end_papers-2.jpg" width="400" height="214" alt="&quot;I&#39;ve lost a magic ring,&quot; The pretty Bluebird sighed." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+<i>"I've lost a magic golden ring,"</i><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>The pretty Bluebird sighed.</i></span><br />
+"Don't worry," laughed the kind old fish,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>"I have it safe inside."</i></span><br /><br /><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i_front_end_papers-3.jpg" width="400" height="252" alt="I&#39;ll hurry, Mother" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+<i>"I'll hurry, Mother," Jimmy cried,</i><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>As down the road he ran,</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: .5em;"><i>When in a jiffy up there jumped</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>A little Rabbitman.</i></span><br /><br /><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i_front_end_papers-4.jpg" width="400" height="255" alt="Come, Mr. Elephant" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+<i>"Come, Mr. Elephant," cried Shem,</i><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>"Don't fear the dreadful Shark.</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: .5em;"><i>The Circus Folk are calling us</i></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>To leave the big Noah's Ark."</i></span><br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Title piece">
+<tr><td align='left'><img src="images/titlepagealone.png" width="86" height="200" alt="The Magic Soap Bubble" title="" />
+</td><td align='left'><h2>THE MAGIC SOAP BUBBLE</h2>
+<h3>by</h3>
+<h2>DAVID CORY</h2></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class='bbox'>
+<h3><i>LITTLE JOURNEYS TO<br />
+HAPPYLAND</i></h3>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Little Journeys to Happlyland books">
+<tr><td align='left'>The Cruise of the Noah's Ark</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>The Magic Soap-Bubble</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>The Iceberg Express</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>The Wind Wagon</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>The Magic Umbrella</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<div class='center'><br /><br />
+<small>BY</small><br />
+DAVID CORY<br />
+<small>Author of</small><br />
+Little Jack Rabbit Series<br />
+<small>(Trademark Registered)</small><br /></div></div>
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 327px;">
+<img src="images/i_006.jpg" width="327" height="400" alt="NED ATE THE MAGIC CAKE" title="" />
+<span class="caption">NED ATE THE MAGIC CAKE<br />
+
+<small><i>The Magic Soap Bubble</i> </small> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<small><i>Frontispiece</i></small></span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span></p>
+<div class='center'><b>LITTLE JOURNEYS TO HAPPY LAND</b><br />
+<small>(Trademark Registered)</small><br />
+
+&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;</div>
+
+
+<h1>THE MAGIC<br />
+SOAP BUBBLE</h1>
+
+<h3>BY</h3>
+
+<h2>DAVID CORY</h2>
+
+<div class='center'>AUTHOR OF<br />
+
+<span class="smcap">The Little Jack Rabbit Books</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 210px;">
+<img src="images/titlepage.png" width="210" height="250" alt="Ned and the Giant" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class='center'><br /><br />PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED<br />
+
+<i>BY</i></div>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">E.I. Jones and P.H. Webb</span></h3>
+
+<div class='center'>
+GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP<br />
+PUBLISHERS  NEW YORK<br />
+&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;</div>
+
+<div class='copyright'>Made in the United States of America</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class='copyright'>
+<span class="smcap">Copyright, 1922, by</span><br />
+GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP.<br /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+<tr><td align='left'>&nbsp;</td><td align='right'><small>PAGE</small></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Magic Soap Pipe</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Magic Cake</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Magic Nectar</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_39">39</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Magic Axe</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_53">53</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Magic Spring</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_63">63</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Magic Food</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_73">73</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Magic Ears</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_85">85</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Magic Basket</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_95">95</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Magic Ring</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_123">123</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Magic Balloon</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_139">139</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE MAGIC SOAP PIPE</h2>
+
+<div class='center'>The King of the Gnomes prepares the Magic Pipe
+for making the Magic Soap Bubble.</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i_013.png" width="400" height="253" alt="The Magic Soap Pipe" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2>THE MAGIC SOAP PIPE</h2>
+
+
+<div class='unindent'><span class="smcap">Ned</span> had been reading a very interesting
+book about fairies and goblins, and how
+these real queer little folk inhabit dense
+forests and lofty mountain caves and lead
+a wonderful life apart from the homes
+and cities of men.</div>
+
+<p>The book was very large and heavy, and
+the afternoon was very warm, and the big
+armchair in which he was curled up was
+so comfortable that by and by he let the
+book slip to one side.</p>
+
+<p>He had just closed his eyes for a moment<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span>
+to rest them, when he was startled
+by a little squeaky voice at his elbow.</p>
+
+<p>He opened his eyes with a start and
+saw a Gnome standing on the window-sill
+just in front of him. Yes, there was no
+mistake about it, it was a Gnome. For
+had not Ned a moment before seen his picture
+in the big book he had been reading?
+Indeed, it almost seemed as if the picture
+itself had stepped out of the page from
+between the covers, so exactly a duplicate
+did the little man appear.</p>
+
+<p>"Hello, Ned!" said the little squeaky
+voice again. "I say, hello! You ought
+to know me well enough by this time to
+answer, since you've been reading about
+me for the last hour."</p>
+
+<p>"Hello, yourself!" replied Ned, laughing
+in spite of himself, and rubbing his
+eyes again to make sure that it was not
+a picture from the book.</p>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 252px;">
+<img src="images/i_015.png" width="252" height="500" alt="Sleeping" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>"Can't you see a fellow is sleepy after<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span>
+reading so long a time? I didn't think
+you were coming out of the book to speak
+to me, you know."</p>
+
+<p>"Neither did I," retorted the Gnome,
+with a funny wink. "I came from the
+forest to invite you to take a little journey
+with me through Gnomeland. I am
+the King of the Gnomes, and my subjects
+have told me how interested you are in
+reading about us, so I have come to take
+you for a trip through our kingdom. I
+know you will love to see all the wonderful
+things you have been reading about.
+Will you come?"</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, I will," said Ned.</p>
+
+<p>"Then follow me," replied the Gnome.</p>
+
+<p>Ned jumped through the window after
+the little fellow, who ran swiftly down the
+walk and across the fields to the forest
+beyond.</p>
+
+<p>As they neared the brook that ran
+through the meadow, the Gnome paused.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>
+Taking from his pocket a clay pipe, he
+stooped over and filled it with water.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you ever blow soap bubbles?" he
+asked, taking a piece of soap from another
+pocket and rubbing it carefully
+around the inside of the pipe-bowl.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied Ned, "lots of times."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you wait and see what sort of
+a bubble I'll blow," replied the Gnome.</p>
+
+<p>It was a bubble! But the strangest
+part of it all was that Ned found himself
+inside of it with his companion.</p>
+
+<p>"How did we get inside, or how did the
+bubble get around us?" asked Ned, but
+before his question was answered away
+went the bubble up in the air, across the
+meadow, above the little brook, yes, over
+the roof of his own house, higher and
+higher, until finally it reached the big high
+mountain that he had so often dimly seen
+from the window of his bedroom at home.</p>
+
+<p>After circling about the highest peak<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span>
+the bubble at length safely landed on a
+rocky ledge.</p>
+
+<p>Before Ned could ask how they were
+ever going to get out the Gnome opened
+a little door through which he led him to
+the outer air.</p>
+
+<p>There was a great change in the temperature,
+or else the inside of the bubble
+was very warm, for Ned began to shiver
+and shake. "Who-o-!" he cried; "it's
+co-old!"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course it is. Look," answered the
+Gnome, and Ned's eyes, following the
+pointing finger of his little friend, fell
+upon a strange and terrifying figure.</p>
+
+<p>Behind a bank of icicles stood a giant,
+with an immense helmet upon his head,
+from which hung long sharp pieces of ice.
+The top part was covered with snow which
+slipped off at intervals like a small avalanche
+to the ground below. His beard
+and mustache were festooned with thin<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span>
+slivers of ice, and his shoulders bore
+epaulets of frosted snow. The cuffs of
+his greatcoat were fringed with snowflakes,
+and altogether he was a startling
+and frigid looking individual. In his
+hands he held a monstrous bellows, from
+which he forced out a blast of icy air
+which, scattering the snow in whirling
+clouds, went howling down the rocky
+ravines.</p>
+
+<p>"He's the Wind Man of the Mountain,"
+explained the Gnome, turning to shivering
+Ned, whose toes and fingers by this
+time were quite numb with the cold.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'd like to meet a Hot Air Man,"
+said Ned, blowing on his hands to keep
+them from freezing. "I'd like to feel
+warm again."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then follow me!" cried the
+Gnome, and turning to a big rock he
+tapped upon it twice with the toe of his
+little red boot. In a moment a door<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span>
+opened, showing a pair of rocky steps
+leading down into the mountain.</p>
+
+<p>"Be careful," admonished the Gnome,
+as he and Ned descended the rough flight.
+"Don't slip, for you might fall a long
+way."</p>
+
+<p>Ned assured him he had no desire to
+fall, but that his feet were so numb he
+wasn't at all sure but what he might slip,
+no matter how hard he tried to be careful.</p>
+
+<p>Although it was not exactly dark, at the
+same time the light was not sufficient for
+Ned to make out anything distinctly, and
+as the stairway was narrow and the walls
+dim he kept his eyes closely upon the
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>Soon they came to a level corridor and
+he perceived a dim light in the distance.
+"Where are we going?" he asked. But
+at this point an iron door arrested their
+progress, and without pausing to answer,
+the Gnome took from his pocket a key.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span>
+Inserting it in the lock, the door slowly
+swung open, and Ned heard the faint
+beating of a drum.</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down," said the Gnome, drawing
+forward a wooden stool, much too small
+for Ned, but probably just the right size
+for a Gnome; "sit down and wait a moment
+while I go in search of the Gnomeland
+Band. I want you to hear them
+play, and I hear them practising now."</p>
+
+<p>Ned glanced curiously around the
+strange place. It suddenly occurred to
+him that he was a long, long way from
+home. Here he was, deep down in the
+mountain, in a rocky cavern, sitting on a
+little Gnome stool, waiting for his friend
+to return. But what if he did not come
+back?</p>
+
+<p>Ned's hair suddenly stood on end at the
+thought. Going over to the big iron door,
+he tried to turn the great knob, but his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span>
+fingers either were not strong enough or
+he did not know the secret of the lock.
+Returning to his seat, he made up his
+mind to wait a while before allowing his
+fears to get the better of him. This is
+what every brave boy would do under the
+circumstances, he said to himself, resolving
+not to be a coward.</p>
+
+<p>Presently he was relieved to hear
+music, as the Gnome, at the head of the
+Gnomeland Band, came into view; and
+the funniest band that Ned had ever seen.
+Why, each instrument was playing itself
+and dancing the Mountain Tango at the
+same time!</p>
+
+<p>The big drum went "Bum, bum, bum,
+diddle dum," and pranced around on a
+pair of short, fat legs in red stockings.
+Two fat little arms beat the drumsticks
+on the top of his head, or what appeared
+to be the top of his head, which was in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span>
+reality a funny face, which winked and
+blinked as the drumsticks traveled over
+the queer little features.</p>
+
+<p>"Toot! toot!" went the big yellow horn,
+as his fat little fingers pressed in the brass
+stops that made the notes high or low, or
+soft or shrill. Over the floor he skipped,
+after the round, fat drum.</p>
+
+<p>The 'cello and the violin came next.
+The latter ran his bow across his stringed
+waistcoat in perfect time, while the former
+twanged the strings that covered his
+happy face in a jolly fashion. The rest
+of the band played on themselves beautifully,
+and the Gnome, with his baton,
+proved a most capable leader. In fact,
+the music was so delightful that Ned
+finally could restrain himself no longer,
+and, jumping up, began dancing around
+to the tune of "For He's a Jolly Good
+Fellow!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"Heigh-ho! hey diddle-do!<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Down in the mountain deep,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Fiddle and drum, tiddle-dy-um,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Are doing the Leopard Leap!"</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<p>Just then the music stopped, or, rather,
+the Musical Instruments paused to take
+breath, and Ned sat down again, wondering
+what next would happen. In a few
+minutes the round, fat drum commenced
+to beat "Left, right! left, right!" and
+the Gnomeland Band fell into line and
+marched slowly down the long cavern until
+it was out of sight.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE MAGIC CAKE</h2>
+
+<div class='center'>Ned and the Gnome landed safely on a big soft
+bunker of moss.</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i_029.png" width="400" height="250" alt="Ned and the Gnome landed safely on a big soft  bunker of moss." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2>THE MAGIC CAKE</h2>
+
+
+<div class='unindent'><span class="smcap">As</span> the last drum beat died away in the
+distance, the Gnome turned to Ned and
+said: "Come, let us hasten, for I am
+rather hungry, and you no doubt are in
+need of nourishment also."</div>
+
+<p>Ned obeyed willingly, for he had tasted
+nothing since breakfast and was now as
+hungry as a healthy youngster should be.</p>
+
+<p>At the farther end of the cavern was
+an inclined plane, very much like the
+chutes at Coney Island.</p>
+
+<p>Carefully seating Ned at his side the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>
+Gnome said: "Now hold tight, and hold
+your breath and hold your tongue&mdash;in
+fact, hold everything you've got&mdash;for we
+are going to take a swift shoot to the bottom
+of the mountain and you'll find out
+what the word swift means if you never
+have before!"</p>
+
+<p>At this they began to move, and in another
+moment they were traveling as fast
+as a bullet from a gun.</p>
+
+<p>The wind, whistling by, cut Ned's
+cheeks like little sharp needles; his hair
+stood out behind like feathers on a speeding
+arrow.</p>
+
+<p>They were going so fast it was almost
+impossible to breathe.</p>
+
+<p>Presently a tiny light appeared in the
+distance, and he saw that they were now
+on a level, although still going at a tremendous
+rate of speed.</p>
+
+<p>In another moment they shot through<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span>
+the little round hole of light, which turned
+out to be the opening at the other end,
+and he and the Gnome landed safely on
+a big soft bunker of moss in the midst of
+a beautiful forest.</p>
+
+<p>Birds were singing in the treetops and
+little rabbits were skipping on the soft carpet
+of the woodland.</p>
+
+<p>Pretty flowers sent forth a delicious
+perfume and a brook close at hand rippled
+over the pebbly bottom of its bed.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait," cried the Gnome, as Ned
+leaned over to drink the cool water.
+"Wait; I have for you the most delicious
+drink if you will restrain your impatience
+a moment longer."</p>
+
+<p>Ned obeyed and followed the Gnome
+along a narrow path until they came to a
+small clearing, where the blue sky smiled
+down upon them.</p>
+
+<p>In the center of the spot was a monstrous<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span>
+watermelon, standing up on end,
+the thick vine supporting it like a strong
+round barrel stave.</p>
+
+<p>A large wooden spigot protruded from
+one side and over it leaned a Gnome, who
+had climbed upon the vine in order to
+reach the handle.</p>
+
+<p>Ned's little companion lifted a goblin
+cup to catch the drops of delicious looking
+pink juice which began to drip slowly
+from the spigot when the Gnome carefully
+turned the handle.</p>
+
+<p>"Careful, now," commanded the
+Gnome, as he handed the brimming goblet
+to Ned. "See that you spill not a drop
+of the precious nectar.</p>
+
+<p>"Good, is it?" he inquired, seeing the
+sparkle in Ned's eyes and hearing the
+smack on his lips as the last drop disappeared.
+"Pretty good, eh?"</p>
+
+<p>"Better'n soda water," replied Ned;
+"lots better."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The little Gnome at the spigot smiled.
+"I grew the melon," he said with pride.
+"It's the largest so far in Gnomeland.
+But next year I'm going to grow even a
+bigger one!"</p>
+
+<p>"How do you make them grow so
+large?" inquired Ned, hoping he would
+be invited to have another glass of the
+juice.</p>
+
+<p>"Not another drop!" said Ned's little
+friend. "A second goblet and you would
+be so hungry you could eat stones."</p>
+
+<p>"Come with me," said the small Gnome
+guide. "We must eat."</p>
+
+<p>Ned eagerly followed him, and they
+pressed forward at a rapid walk until
+they came to a queer little hut, from which
+issued a most delicious odor of sponge
+cake.</p>
+
+<p>Around the door, or, more properly,
+what appeared to be one, but which was
+in fact but a small opening, stood several<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>
+goblins, evidently awaiting orders from
+someone.</p>
+
+<p>As Ned drew near he perceived that instead
+of a hut it was in reality a huge
+oven, in which something very delicious
+was being baked.</p>
+
+<p>"Minions!" called out Ned's friend, "is
+not the goblin cake ready?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sire!" responded several voices,
+and in another moment the oven was
+taken apart and removed from the most
+delicious looking sponge cake that Ned
+had ever seen. A soft, warm brown color
+made it most tempting to the eyes, and
+the delicious smell made Ned so anxious to
+commence eating that he could with
+difficulty restrain himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Help yourself," cried his little friend,
+and without a moment's hesitation Ned
+pulled off a piece of cake and eagerly
+commenced.</p>
+
+<p>"Begone!" commanded the Gnome to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>
+the small bakers, who still stood around
+curiously watching their cake disappearing
+down the mouth of a mortal as rapidly
+as its owner could cram it in; "begone and
+leave us to enjoy the cake alone!"</p>
+
+<p>At this they turned away and descended
+the steep hill which lay to the right and
+disappeared below.</p>
+
+<p>"Be careful," admonished the Gnome,
+as Ned showed no signs of finishing, "you
+may eat too much. Gnome cake, while
+most delicious, is more filling than that
+of mortal make!"</p>
+
+<p>But Ned paid no heed. Already he had
+eaten a great hole in the cake and, finding
+the inside warm and flaky, he squeezed
+himself in.</p>
+
+<p>It was much easier to eat the inside, as
+it was softer, and the crust had already
+grown quite hard.</p>
+
+<p>He was so busy eating and, I'm sorry
+to say, so greedy, that he did not notice<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>
+that as he ate away the interior of the
+sponge cake the outside gradually grew
+tighter, and the opening which he had
+made at the beginning of his feast, and
+through which he had crowded, became
+smaller and smaller, until finally it closed
+altogether.</p>
+
+<p>When Ned perceived this, and it was
+some time after, I assure you, he was indeed
+frightened. He pounded on the
+walls of his sponge cake prison and called
+loudly to the Gnome, but for some time
+he heard nothing.</p>
+
+<p>Finally, after frantically running
+around and around inside the huge cake
+ball, he thought he heard the voice of his
+small friend. He pressed his ear close
+to the wall and listened.</p>
+
+<p>Sure enough, he could just hear the
+words, "Hold on tight to one side, and
+brace your feet," and the next moment he
+perceived that the cake was in motion.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Slowly at first, but in a few minutes the
+great cake ball began to revolve faster
+and faster.</p>
+
+<p>Ned was terrified at first, as it was with
+great difficulty that he kept his body from
+playing battledore and shuttlecock. The
+greater the speed of the huge mass, however,
+the less inclination there was to
+bounce about, and he soon found himself
+literally glued, as it were, to one side.</p>
+
+<p>While thus traveling in this novel way,
+he began to entertain some fear as to what
+would happen should an obstacle be encountered,
+and by some strange coincidence
+no sooner had, the idea come than
+it was followed by a terrific crash!</p>
+
+<p>The crust of the cake ball broke into a
+thousand pieces, and Ned landed safely
+some distance from the spot, still clinging
+to a huge piece of sponge cake, which
+acted like a cushion between him and the
+ground.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Looking anxiously around, after wiping
+some stray crumbs from his eyes, he saw
+his little friend, the Gnome, running frantically
+down the steep incline, which,
+luckily for Ned, had been the cause of his
+liberation.</p>
+
+<p>Finding him unhurt, the Gnome sat
+down on the piece of cake to rest himself
+and regain his breath before speaking.</p>
+
+<p>When he did, however, what he said
+caused Ned to run quickly over to the
+brook to look at himself in the water.</p>
+
+<p>To his dismay, what the Gnome had said
+was, indeed, too true. Ned was nearly as
+broad as he was high.</p>
+
+<p>The cake he had eaten had evidently occupied
+the same space inside of him as it
+had inside the brown crust.</p>
+
+<p>"What am I ever going to do?" said
+Ned.</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas a lucky think I kept you from
+drinking another gobletful of the watermelon<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span>
+juice," answered the Gnome.
+"Otherwise you might have eaten the
+whole cake, and then you might have been
+twice as large as you are now."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think there is anything to
+laugh at," said Ned, as his small friend
+burst into a hearty peal of laughter.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course you don't," replied the
+Gnome, "you can't see yourself. If you
+could, though&mdash;oh, my!" and he again
+burst into peals of laughter.</p>
+
+<p>Ned waited a few moments and then
+asked: "Well, what are we going to do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't worry, Ned, dear," replied his
+little friend, touched by his good nature
+and feeling sorry for him, "don't worry.
+The watermelon juice made the sponge
+cake swell. All that is necessary now is
+to take the antidote, and I know where it
+can be found without any trouble."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE MAGIC NECTAR</h2>
+
+<div class='center'>The Fairies brought a lily filled with the Magic Nectar.</div>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i_043.png" width="400" height="257" alt="The Fairies brought a lily filled with the Magic Nectar." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2>THE MAGIC NECTAR</h2>
+
+
+<div class='unindent'><span class="smcap">Ned</span> and the Gnome continued their journey
+down the valley, following the crystal
+stream, in whose waters he had just a
+short time before seen his distorted figure,
+until they came to a beautiful waterfall,
+down whose silvery sheen slid numerous
+water sprites and water fairies.</div>
+
+<p>"Over yonder," exclaimed the Gnome,
+"lives the Fairy of the Lake. She brews
+a magic liquid from checkerberries,
+which, I am told, if you but drink a thimbleful,
+will enable you to regain your natural<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span>
+shape. There she goes now, over the
+bridge, on some such errand I dare say."</p>
+
+<p>Ned watched the fairy stepping across
+the silver network which hung above a
+miniature Niagara that he could easily
+have spanned with a single step. Catching
+up a handful of berries he followed
+her, not heeding the Gnome's remark
+"that she would probably prefer to pick
+them herself," and, almost treading on
+some of the fairies who were blowing
+about in the long grass like the flowers
+they represented, threw the berries in a
+heap at the door of her castle.</p>
+
+<p>It was, indeed, a most beautiful little
+palace. Made of brilliant crystals, it
+sparkled in the sun like a rainbow. Inside,
+it was even more exquisite, for all
+her little subjects, the flower fairies and
+the woodland fays, had adorned it with
+many lovely things.</p>
+
+<p>Ned stooped over and peeped in at the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>
+doorway. There was a bright light inside
+which came from a little star suspended
+from the ceiling, the crystal walls on all
+sides reflecting the light with great brilliancy.
+Here and there were draped
+beautiful laces, no doubt spun by the
+spiders kept by the fairies for that
+purpose.</p>
+
+<p>"Come," said the Gnome somewhat impatiently,
+as Ned's curiosity still held him
+at the little castle's doorway. "Come
+away, or else the Queen will not return.
+How is she to enter if you block up her
+entrance?"</p>
+
+<p>Following his advice, Ned withdrew
+some little distance and stood watching
+the gay scene around him.</p>
+
+<p>Hundreds of insects were flying about
+and large, gay-winged butterflies fluttered
+over the flowers. On some he noticed tiny
+figures and others with blades of grass
+tied around the necks of robins, bluebirds<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>
+and golden orioles were also flying about
+in mid-air, while some sailed on the silver
+backs of fishes or floated in shells upon the
+water near his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Look!" cried the Gnome suddenly,
+"here she comes."</p>
+
+<p>A half horsechestnut, with damask
+roseleaf cushions, mounted on four ivy-berry
+wheels and with four shining beetles
+for horses came driving up from the
+waterfall.</p>
+
+<p>Leaning back in her carriage sat the
+Queen Fairy, fanning her face with a fly's
+wing.</p>
+
+<p>The beetles came to a stand in front of
+the palace, and the Queen, gathering up
+her white satin dress, stepped out.</p>
+
+<p>Instantly numerous ladies in waiting,
+jumped from off their butterfly steeds
+and escorted her through the palace door.</p>
+
+<p>Ned cautiously peeped in again. The
+room was filled with fairies about as large<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span>
+as your thumb, dancing here and there
+and singing a low, sweet song.</p>
+
+<p>On perceiving that a mortal was gazing
+at them they began to dance more slowly,
+and presently ceased altogether. Whereupon
+the Queen, looking about to ascertain
+the reason and catching sight of
+Ned's admiring face, exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"No wonder you feel so faint, my little
+fays, and that you stop your merry dancing.
+The hot air is pouring in upon us
+from a fiery furnace outside. Look here,
+my giant friend," she added, coming up
+to Ned, "if you want to see how we live
+you mustn't hold your mouth open with
+astonishment. Your breath is very hot
+to us little people!"</p>
+
+<p>With that the mischievous Queen
+jumped quite unexpectedly on Ned's nose
+and gave it a sharp pinch.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't cry," said the fairy in a cheery
+voice, the laughs falling from her like waterdrops<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span>
+from the cascade just outside;
+"I only wanted to let you know what I
+could do; but I am ready to be as polite
+as you wish."</p>
+
+<p>"May it please your highness," interposed
+the Gnome, who at this point
+squeezed himself through Ned's legs and
+entered the door, "to give my mortal
+friend a drop of your crystal nectar, in
+order that he may regain his boyish shape
+again?"</p>
+
+<p>The Queen Fairy looked politely inquisitive.</p>
+
+<p>"You see, your highness," the Gnome
+went on to explain, "he has eaten too
+heartily of gnome cake, and that together
+with a gobletful of gnome watermelon
+juice, has caused him much inconvenience,
+as well as an entire change of form."</p>
+
+<p>No sooner had he finished speaking
+than the Queen called the Waterfall<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span>
+Fairy, the Brook Fairy and yet another,
+somewhat smaller, called Violet Water.</p>
+
+<p>"Hasten," she said to them when they
+had assembled before her, "hasten to
+make a draft of crystal nectar, that this
+mortal may drink and assume once more
+his natural shape."</p>
+
+<p>"Move off!" cried a shrill voice in Ned's
+ear, and, looking up, he saw a Snapdragon,
+who seemed to be a sort of policeman
+for the fairies.</p>
+
+<p>"How can you expect these Ladies-in-Waiting
+to fulfill their Queen's commands
+if you stand there blocking the
+royal exit?"</p>
+
+<p>"Tell your friend to sit him down and
+wait patiently, for it will take some time
+to brew the magic draft," said the Queen
+to the Gnome, who repeated her words
+to Ned.</p>
+
+<p>He was very glad indeed to rest, for,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span>
+not being accustomed to carry so much
+weight on his young legs, he felt very
+weary and somewhat discouraged.</p>
+
+<p>However, relief was in sight, and, following
+the suggestion of the good fairy,
+he threw himself down on a mossy bank
+and waited.</p>
+
+<p>Before long the three fairies returned,
+bearing between them a lily filled with a
+white liquid.</p>
+
+<p>As they approached the Queen herself
+came forth from her crystal palace, followed
+by many of her subjects.</p>
+
+<p>Stepping up to where Ned lay, she said
+in a soft voice: "Do not rise, for even now
+you are much too tall. I myself must
+pour this magic nectar upon your lips."</p>
+
+<p>So saying, she stepped lightly upon a
+stone close by and, bending forward,
+placed the lily to Ned's mouth.</p>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 374px;">
+<img src="images/i_051.png" width="374" height="500" alt="&quot;DO NOT RISE,&quot; SAID THE FAIRY QUEEN." title="" />
+<span class="caption">&quot;DO NOT RISE,&quot; SAID THE FAIRY QUEEN.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The next moment he felt a strange sensation
+running through him, and looking<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span>
+down at his hands and feet was delighted
+to see that they were becoming smaller
+and smaller.</p>
+
+<p>Though great was his delight, he did not
+forget his manners, and, turning to the
+little fairy, said: "How may I ever
+repay you for your great kindness? Indeed,"
+he added, scarcely able to restrain
+the tears which came to his eyes, "whatever
+would my dear mother have thought
+had I returned to her in the form of a
+giant?"</p>
+
+<p>"Thank me no more," answered the
+Fairy Queen, "for gladly will I do any
+favor for the boy who thinks of his mother
+first. In the future, should you need my
+aid, hang this ring about a bluebird's
+throat and send him to me."</p>
+
+<p>And with these words she placed a slender
+gold ring upon Ned's little finger.</p>
+
+<p>"But how shall I catch the bird?"
+asked Ned, his curiosity aroused before<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span>
+he had time to think of thanking her small
+highness.</p>
+
+<p>"Whistle thrice upon a blade of grass,"
+she answered, "and the bird will fly to
+thee. Then place the ring about his neck
+and bid him hasten to the Fairy Queen
+of the Lake."</p>
+
+<p>During all this time Ned had been
+growing smaller and smaller. He had almost
+forgotten this, when his little friend,
+the Gnome, exclaimed: "There! You're
+your own self again!" At which Ned
+turned to the Queen, and, after thanking
+her again ran hastily to the brook to assure
+himself that such was the case.</p>
+
+<p>So, bidding farewell to his kind friend,
+the Fairy Queen, and her three Ladies-in-Waiting,
+he accompanied the Gnome
+down the valley.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE MAGIC AXE</h2>
+
+<div class='center'>Ned meets the King and proposes to cut down the big Oak Tree.</div>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i_057.png" width="400" height="253" alt="Ned meets the King and proposes to cut down the big Oak Tree." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2>THE MAGIC AXE</h2>
+
+
+<div class='unindent'><span class="smcap">Presently</span> the Gnome turned to Ned and
+said:</div>
+
+<p>"I must leave you for a time. But
+with the Fairy Queen's magic ring upon
+your finger, you will be safe from harm.
+Self reliance is what all boys should practise.
+Therefore, travel for a few days
+alone. At the end of that time I will join
+you." And with these words the Gnome
+disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment Ned felt a wild desire
+to call him back. But with a shrug of his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>
+shoulder, he put away the thought and
+bravely set out in search of further
+adventure.</p>
+
+<p>He had gone but a short distance when
+he came to a Magic Axe, chopping away
+all by itself at one of the tallest trees.</p>
+
+<p>"Good morning, Mistress Axe," he
+said. "Doesn't it tire you to be chopping
+away all alone there at that old tree?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all, my son. Put me in your
+knapsack and I will make you famous."</p>
+
+<p>Picking up the axe, Ned placed it in his
+knapsack and set off once more. After a
+while, he came to a place where the road
+was hollowed out of a mass of solid rock,
+and here, in the distance, he heard a sharp
+noise like that of iron striking against
+stone.</p>
+
+<p>"Some giant must be breaking rocks
+away up there," he said to himself, and
+climbed up the mountain. When he
+reached the top of the high rock, he found<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span>
+a Magic Pickaxe, all alone by itself, digging
+away at the hard stone as if it were
+soft clay.</p>
+
+<p>Every time that wonderful pickaxe
+struck a blow it went more than a foot
+into the rock.</p>
+
+<p>"Good morning, Mistress Pickaxe,"
+said Ned. "Doesn't it tire you to be digging
+alone here, hollowing away at that
+old rock?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all, my little man. Put me in
+your knapsack and I will make you
+famous."</p>
+
+<p>Ned picked up the pickaxe and placing
+it in his knapsack, again went on.</p>
+
+<p>After a while he came to a brook which
+he followed up the hillside.</p>
+
+<p>The farther he went the smaller it grew
+until finally, it ended in a little nutshell,
+from which this tiny stream began its
+journey down the mountain.</p>
+
+<p>"Good morning, Miss Spring," said<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span>
+Ned. "Doesn't it tire you to be gushing
+away all alone by yourself in your little
+corner?"</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed it does, my little man. Put
+me in your knapsack and I will make you
+famous."</p>
+
+<p>Ned picked up the little nutshell and
+plugging it up with moss, placed it carefully
+in his knapsack with the Magic Axe
+and the Magic Pickaxe.</p>
+
+<p>After some little time he came to a
+king's palace. Now, although it was a
+magnificent palace, everyone living there
+was perfectly miserable, for one morning,
+without the least warning, an immense
+oak had sprung up, with leaves and
+branches so thick that they shut out the
+sun from all the windows, making the
+castle as dark as night.</p>
+
+<p>Of course in those days there was no gas
+and electricity, and although the king had
+commanded that candles be made as high<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span>
+as barber poles, they spluttered and often
+went out when the wind blew.</p>
+
+<p>All the woodcutters in the kingdom had
+tried to cut down this tree, but its bark
+was so tough that it turned the edge of
+every axe, and for every branch that was
+lopped off, two instantly grew in its place.
+At last the king had offered three bags of
+gold to anyone who would rid him of his
+troublesome oaktree.</p>
+
+<p>Now this was not the only trouble that
+beset the poor king. For, although the
+surrounding country was rich in springs
+and brooks, the royal gardens were dry
+as the desert of Sahara. And although
+the king had also promised three bags of
+gold to anyone who would dig a well, no
+one had yet been able to dig deeper than a
+foot, as the palace was built on a rock of
+solid granite.</p>
+
+<p>Each day the king grew more angry,
+but of course that did no good. At last<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span>
+calling the poet laureate of his kingdom,
+he asked him what should be done.</p>
+
+<p>Running his fingers through his long
+curly hair, the poet thought a while.
+Then summoning the Royal Carpenter,
+ordered him to make an immense placard,
+on which, when finished, this wise poet
+printed:</p>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"To him who cuts my oaktree down<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">I'll give three bags of gold</span><br />
+But he who fails shall lose his life<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">And lie beneath the mold."</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<p>"But what good will that exquisite
+poem do?" asked the king, sarcastically.</p>
+
+<p>"It will keep your Royal Highness
+from being irritated by this endless sound
+of chop, chop, chop," replied the poet.
+"I verily believe every man in your kingdom
+has had a hack at the tree. Now, he
+who reads this sign, will first make sure
+his axe is a good one. And my poetic ears<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span>
+will be spared much of this frightful noise
+which is far worse than a steel rivetter at
+work on a ninety story building in New
+York City." Which shows that this poet
+had an eye that could see into the future,
+for at that time, as far as I know, Columbus
+hadn't even asked the Queen of Spain
+to pawn her diamond rings!</p>
+
+<p>"Very well," replied the king, "have
+the sign nailed on this dreadful tree and
+we will see what happens."</p>
+
+<p>As soon as Ned arrived at the castle he
+bowed politely to the king, who happened
+to be standing nearby with all his
+courtiers.</p>
+
+<p>"Ha, ha," laughed the king, as Ned
+read the sign. "Do you, too, wish to lose
+your ears?" At which all the courtiers
+laughed heartily, the first time in many
+months that anybody in that castle had
+laughed, or even smiled, for that matter.</p>
+
+<p>"I can but try," answered Ned bravely,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>
+and opening his knapsack, took out his
+Magic Axe. Standing it up, with the
+handle leaning against the enchanted tree,
+he stepped back a few feet and shouted:
+"Chop, chop, chop!"</p>
+
+<p>At once the axe began to chop, now
+right, now left, and up and down, and in
+an incredibly short time that immense
+tree was cut to bits. It took only a quarter
+of an hour, and yet there was such a
+monstrous heap of wood that the whole
+court needed nothing else to burn for a
+whole year.</p>
+
+<p>But when Ned asked the king for the
+three bags of gold, that stingy old monarch
+said, "Before I give you the reward,
+you must perform another task."</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" asked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>"You must dig me a well so that I may
+have plenty of water," answered the king.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE MAGIC SPRING</h2>
+
+<div class='center'>Ned mounted the little Donkey and rode away.</div>
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i_067.png" width="400" height="250" alt="Ned mounted the little Donkey and rode away." title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h2>THE MAGIC SPRING</h2>
+
+
+<div class='unindent'>"<span class="smcap">I can</span> but try, your Majesty," said Ned
+bravely, and again opening his knapsack,
+took out his Magic Pickaxe. Laying it
+carefully on the ground in the proper position,
+he shouted:</div>
+
+<p>"Pick, pick, pick!"</p>
+
+<p>At once the pick began to burst the
+granite to splinters, and in less than a
+quarter of an hour had dug a well more
+than a hundred feet deep in the solid rock.</p>
+
+<p>"Is the well deep enough, your Majesty?"
+asked Ned politely.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," answered the king, "but
+where is the water to come from?" And
+he winked at his courtiers, who smiled to
+themselves, for they all thought Ned
+would fail, after all, for as yet there
+wasn't a drop of water in the well.</p>
+
+<p>But Ned wasn't discouraged. He
+quietly opened his knapsack again and
+took out the nutshell covered with moss,
+and placed it on a magnificent fountain
+vase which, not having any water, had
+been filled with a beautiful bouquet of
+flowers.</p>
+
+<p>"Gush, gush, gush!" he shouted, stepping
+aside to avoid a wetting.</p>
+
+<p>At once water began to burst out among
+the flowers, singing with a gentle murmur,
+and falling down in a sparkling cascade,
+that was so cold it made everybody shiver.
+And in less than a quarter of an hour the
+well was filled, and a deep trench had to
+be dug to take away the overflow, otherwise<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span>
+the whole palace would have been
+flooded.</p>
+
+<p>"You have indeed earned the reward,"
+said the king. And he ordered a little
+donkey saddled and bridled and the six
+bags of gold hung from his back, three on
+either side. After which Ned was invited
+to a great feast, and when that was over,
+he mounted the little donkey and rode
+away, with the three bags of gold hanging
+from each side of the saddle and a little
+gold ring on his finger, which the king's
+daughter gave him after washing her
+pretty face in water for the first time in
+many months.</p>
+
+<p>But before Ned rode away, he put his
+Magic Axe and his Magic Pickaxe back in
+his knapsack, "for who can tell," he said
+to himself, "what need I may have of
+these two useful tools."</p>
+
+<p>His knapsack was now well filled, for
+the cook in the royal kitchen had also<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>
+placed in it a loaf of bread, a cheese and
+a knife in case he became hungry while
+on his journey of adventure.</p>
+
+<p>As Ned traveled on, the forest became
+darker and darker, for the trees grew so
+close together that the sun could hardly
+shine through the thick leafy roof. Suddenly
+he heard a great voice singing:</p>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"I am the master of this wood<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">And everyone bows to me,</span><br />
+My head is as big as a drygoods box<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">And my legs as long as a tree."</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<p>Then, all at once, the voice changed to
+a whistle, which sounded like the siren
+on a sound steamer when the weather is
+foggy.</p>
+
+<p>"It must be a giant singing," thought
+Ned. "Goodness! but he's a loud whistler.
+I guess he blows through his
+fingers!" and he hid beneath a clump of
+bushes.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Ho, ho!" cried the voice, and a giant
+came crashing through the forest.</p>
+
+<p>On seeing Ned, he shouted:</p>
+
+<p>"Come out of there, and I'll make a
+mouthful of you."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be in a hurry," replied Ned
+bravely. "I'm going to make you my
+servant."</p>
+
+<p>"Ho, ho!" laughed the giant, "that is
+a good joke! I'll pitch you into that
+raven's nest up there to teach you to make
+less noise in my forest."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Your</i> forest!" laughed Ned. "It's as
+much mine as yours, and if you say another
+word, I'll cut it down in a quarter
+of an hour."</p>
+
+<p>"Ha, ha!" shouted the giant, "I should
+like to see you begin, my brave Sir Kid!"</p>
+
+<p>Carefully placing his Magic Axe on
+the ground, Ned shouted, "Chop, chop,
+chop!"</p>
+
+<p>At once the axe began to chop, now<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span>
+right, now left, and up and down, till the
+branches tumbled down on the giant's
+head like hail in autumn.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop, stop!" cried the giant. "Don't
+destroy my forest. Who the mischief are
+you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down and I'll tell you the story of
+the famous Puss in Boots, who once killed
+a giant and gave his castle to his Master,
+the Lord of Carabas," said Ned.</p>
+
+<p>"How could a cat kill a giant? You
+are making sport of me."</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all," replied Ned. "Have you
+never read the story of Puss in Boots?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, but I once heard my cousin, the
+Giant of the Beanstalk, speak of a cat who
+wore boots. But that was long ago when
+we were both boys."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'll tell you then," said Ned.
+"Puss in Boots' master was the youngest
+of three sons. When their father died,
+the two older brothers received the farm<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span>
+and money, while he was left nothing but
+a Cat, who said to him one day, 'Do just
+what I tell you and I will make you rich.
+Give me a bag and a pair of boots, because
+the brambles scratch my legs, and you
+shall see what I will do for you.'</p>
+
+<p>"Well, when the boots were made and
+he had put them on, he hung the bag about
+his neck, and set out for a rabbit warren
+where lived great numbers of rabbits.
+Opening the bag he stretched himself out
+as though he were dead, and waited for a
+hungry rabbit to poke his nose into the
+bag to eat the bran. Pretty soon along
+came a young rabbit and as soon as it had
+crept in to eat the bran, Puss in Boots
+pulled the string, and that was the last of
+the little rabbit.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, running off to the palace, he
+gave it to the king, saying it was a present
+from his master, my Lord of Carabas, the
+name he had invented for his young master.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span>
+Every day he brought some kind of
+game, until by and by the king thought my
+Lord of Carabas a great man and Puss in
+Boots a most wonderful cat, which indeed
+he was."</p>
+
+<p>"He was indeed," said the big giant,
+moving uneasily on the log on which he
+was sitting.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, one day," continued Ned, "Puss
+in Boots bade his master bathe in the
+river, and leave the rest to him. Just
+then the King passed by.</p>
+
+<p>"'Help, help!' cried Puss. 'Robbers
+have stolen my master's clothes!'</p>
+
+<p>"At once the king ordered his guards to
+the rescue, and fitting out my Lord of
+Carabas with a new suit of clothes, invited
+him to ride in the coach with his beautiful
+daughter.</p>
+
+<p>"As they rolled along they came in sight
+of a castle owned by a bad giant."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span></p>
+<h2>MAGIC FOOD</h2>
+
+<div class='center'>The Giant cannot understand how Ned can eat cheese.</div>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i_077.png" width="400" height="254" alt="The Giant cannot understand how Ned can eat cheese." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2>MAGIC FOOD</h2>
+
+
+<div class='unindent'>"<span class="smcap">Puss in Boots</span>, who had reached the castle
+in advance of the royal party, opened
+the door and said with a low bow to the
+wicked ogre:</div>
+
+<p>"'I hear you have the power to change
+yourself into any animal.'</p>
+
+<p>"'That is true,' answered the ogre, so
+pleased that at once he turned himself into
+a lion.</p>
+
+<p>"'I doubt if you can become as small as
+a mouse,' said Puss in Boots.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Instantly the ogre changed himself
+into a mouse, whereupon Puss in Boots
+pounced upon him and ate him up.</p>
+
+<p>"At that moment up drove the coach.
+Throwing open the castle door, Puss in
+Boots said with a hospitable bow:</p>
+
+<p>"'Welcome to the castle of my Lord of
+Carabas.' And, to make a long story
+short," laughed Ned, "his master married
+the King's daughter and lived happily
+ever after."</p>
+
+<p>"Whew!" gasped the giant. "He certainly
+was a wonderful cat," and he
+looked anxiously at the Magic Axe.</p>
+
+<p>Presently Ned began to feel hungry,
+and opening his knapsack, took out his
+bread and cheese.</p>
+
+<p>"What is that white stuff?" asked the
+giant, who had never seen cheese before.</p>
+
+<p>"That is a stone," answered Ned, commencing
+to eat it with a hungry appetite.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you eat stones?" asked the giant.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh yes," answered Ned. "That's my
+regular food, which explains why I'm not
+so big as you who eat oxen; but it's also
+the reason why, little as I am, I am ten
+times as strong as you are. Now take me
+to your house."</p>
+
+<p>The giant looked at the Magic Axe
+which had so nearly destroyed his forest,
+and then at Ned eating a stone with apparent
+relish.</p>
+
+<p>"I will," he said, and humbly led the
+way to his monstrous cabin.</p>
+
+<p>"Now listen," said Ned to the giant
+after they were fairly seated, "one of us
+must be the master, and the other the servant.
+If I can't do whatever you do, I
+am to be your slave; if you're not able to
+do whatever I do, you are to be mine."</p>
+
+<p>"Agreed," said the giant. "I'd be
+tickled to death to have a little servant
+like you. It's too much work for me to
+think, and you have brains enough for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>
+both. Well, let's start the trial. Here
+are my two buckets,&mdash;go and get the water
+to make the soup!"</p>
+
+<p>Ned looked at the buckets, the tops of
+which he couldn't even see, for they were
+two enormous hogsheads, ten feet high
+and six broad. It would have been much
+easier for him to drown himself in them
+than to move them.</p>
+
+<p>"Ho, ho!" shouted the giant. "Do
+what I do and get the water."</p>
+
+<p>"What's the good of that?" replied
+Ned. "I'll go get the spring itself to put
+in the pot," knowing that he could easily
+run back to the king's castle for the little
+magic nutshell.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no!" said the giant, "that won't
+do. You have already half spoiled my
+forest with your Magic Axe. I don't want
+you to take my spring away. You may
+attend to the fire, and I'll go for the
+water."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>So the giant hung up the kettle, put
+into it an ox cut into pieces, fifty cabbages,
+and a wagon-load of carrots, skimming
+the broth with a frying pan, tasting it
+every now and then until it was done.
+When everything was ready, he turned
+and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Now we'll see if you can do what I
+can. I feel like eating the whole ox, and
+you into the bargain. I think I'll serve
+you for dessert."</p>
+
+<p>"All right," answered little Ned. But
+before sitting down he slipped his knapsack
+under his jacket.</p>
+
+<p>Then the two champions set to work.
+Perhaps Ned was a trifle nervous, knowing
+only too well that if he failed he must
+be the giant's servant.</p>
+
+<p>Well, the giant ate and ate, and Ned
+wasn't idle; only he pitched everything,
+beef, cabbage, carrots, and all, into his
+knapsack when the giant wasn't looking.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Ouf!" at last grunted the giant, "I
+can't do much more. I've got to undo the
+lower button of my waistcoat."</p>
+
+<p>"Eat away, starveling!" cried Ned,
+sticking half a cabbage into his knapsack.</p>
+
+<p>"Ouf!" groaned the giant, "I must
+loosen another button. But what sort of
+an ostrich's stomach have you got, Kiddo?
+I should say you were used to eating
+stones!"</p>
+
+<p>"Eat away, lazy-bones!" said Ned,
+sticking a huge chunk of beef into his
+knapsack.</p>
+
+<p>"Ouf!" sighed the giant for the third
+time, "I must open the third button."</p>
+
+<p>"Bah!" answered Ned. "It's the
+easiest thing to relieve yourself," and taking
+his knife, he slit his jacket and the
+knapsack under it the whole length of his
+stomach. "Now's your turn. Do as I do,
+<i>if you can!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me!" gasped the giant. "You<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span>
+win. I'd rather be your servant than do
+that."</p>
+
+<p>Then kissing Ned's hand in token of
+submission, he lifted his little master on
+his shoulder, and slinging the six bags
+of gold over his back, started off through
+the forest.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait a minute," said Ned, "I've forgotten
+my Magic tools." So the giant
+picked them up and thrusting them in his
+pocket, again set off at a tremendous
+rate.</p>
+
+<p>After a while, they came in sight of a
+great castle where lived a lord even more
+wicked than the cruel Blue Beard. As
+they drew nearer, they heard loud screams
+like those of some fair lady in distress.
+The next minute the wicked lord dragged
+a lovely lady by the hair across the
+courtyard.</p>
+
+<p>With one stride the giant stepped over
+the castle wall.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Shall I toss him over the moon?" he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p>"No, leave him to me," replied Ned.
+The wicked lord trembled and grew as
+pale as a white swan that swam nearby
+in a beautiful fountain.</p>
+
+<p>"My giant servant at a sign from me,
+will pitch you over the moon. But instead,
+as you have the reputation of being
+the greatest liar that ever lived, we will
+see who can tell the biggest story, you or
+I. If you lose, you shall give your castle
+to this fair lady and take yourself off, I
+don't care where, but you must never
+return."</p>
+
+<p>At once the wicked lord commenced to
+tell the biggest story he could imagine.</p>
+
+<p>"I have a bull so large that a man can
+sit on each of his horns, and the two can't
+touch each other with a twenty foot pole."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that's nothing," replied Ned.
+"At home on the farm we have a bull so<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>
+large that a servant sitting on one of his
+horns can't see the servant sitting on the
+other."</p>
+
+<p>"You win," laughed the pretty princess,
+clapping her hands at Ned. Then the
+wicked lord went to his stable and saddling
+his best horse, rode away. But as
+he passed through the gate, Ned touched
+his steed with his magic gold ring. Instantly
+the horse turned into an immense
+bird and flew away. But where he went
+no one knows to this day.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span></p>
+<h2>MAGIC EARS</h2>
+
+<div class='center'>The Man with Ears like a Donkey invited Ned to eat with him.</div>
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i_089.png" width="400" height="252" alt="The Man with Ears like a Donkey invited Ned to eat with him." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2>MAGIC EARS</h2>
+
+
+<div class='unindent'>"<span class="smcap">Dear</span> me," said the giant suddenly.
+"I've forgotten all about my errand.
+You and your Magic Axe have robbed me
+of my memory," and the big man
+scratched his hand and looked anxiously
+at Ned.</div>
+
+<p>"What is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was to take a chicken to my old
+mother," answered the giant sadly.</p>
+
+<p>"Go ahead," said Ned. "I can take
+care of myself. At any rate it is about<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span>
+time my friend the Gnome came back
+to me."</p>
+
+<p>"You are very kind," said the giant.
+"Here are your Magic Axe and your
+Magic Pickaxe. I almost forgot them,"
+and he set off at a great rate for his
+mother's house.</p>
+
+<p>Ned, too, quickened his pace, for it was
+growing late, and the shadows creeping
+from tree to tree. At length he saw a
+light in the distance. It was a very little
+light, not much larger than a star, and at
+first Ned thought it might be a giant firefly.
+However, he kept on and after a
+while it turned out to be a little candle in
+the window of a poor woodcutter's hut.
+Knocking on the door, it was presently
+opened by a strange looking man. He
+had long hairy ears like a donkey and was
+dressed in the skins of wild animals.</p>
+
+<p>"Welcome," he said in a kindly voice,
+"I am just preparing my evening meal.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span>
+Come in and eat." Ned followed the
+donkey-eared man into the cottage and sat
+down at the rude wooden table on which
+were spread black bread and beans.</p>
+
+<p>"I have but humble fare to offer you,"
+said the donkey-eared man, but his smile
+was a kind one as he helped Ned to the
+beans with a large wooden spoon. "But
+as I see you are a traveler, you no doubt
+have fared worse at times," and he smiled
+again in such a friendly way, that Ned
+took a great liking to him.</p>
+
+<p>"You are right. I'm a traveler, seeking
+adventures and many strange things
+I have seen while visiting Gnomeland."</p>
+
+<p>"I have heard little of the world since
+my ears were changed into those of a donkey,"
+sighed the donkey-eared man.</p>
+
+<p>"Is there no magic charm which will
+remove them?" asked Ned, as he finished
+the last bean on his plate and wiped his
+mouth carefully with the pocket handkerchief<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span>
+which his kind mother had given
+him the very morning he had set out for
+Gnomeland.</p>
+
+<p>"None whatever," answered the man
+with a sigh. "There is no charm nor
+magic herb, but I've heard tell of a Magic
+Axe that once cut down a charmed oak
+tree overshadowing a king's palace. But
+where am I to find that Magic Axe?"</p>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"Oh master dear, pray ask this lad<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Your donkey ears to sever;</span><br />
+For then your own two ears will take<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">Their place as good as ever,"</span><br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='unindent'>sang a little bird from her tree in the
+forest.</div>
+
+<p>When Ned heard that, he jumped up
+and went behind the door where he had
+hung his knapsack. Taking out the
+Magic Axe, he laid it on the table before
+the donkey-eared man.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Cut off my ears!" shouted the donkey-eared
+man.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't do it," said Ned, trembling all
+over.</p>
+
+<p>"Do as I ask you," begged the donkey-eared
+man, laying his head on the table.</p>
+
+<p>Instead, however, Ned touched the donkey
+ears with his little magic gold ring,
+at the same time whispering, "Away with
+you!"</p>
+
+<p>Off went the long, hairy ears, and the
+next minute, two grew in their place, just
+like yours and mine.</p>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"Oh, now I'm free from donkey ears,<br />
+Three cheers and once, again, three cheers!<br />
+No more the witch's evil snare<br />
+Shall force me donkey ears to wear!"<br />
+</div>
+
+<div class='unindent'>sang the donkey-eared man, dancing
+about the room.</div>
+
+<p>All the next day Ned trudged on alone<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>
+until towards evening, he came to the
+edge of a pine-forest, where close at hand
+stood a small hut made of pine-branches,
+plastered with mud and thatched with
+rye-straw. No sooner had he tapped on
+the door than it was opened by a girl.
+She looked out timidly, thinking, I suppose,
+it might be a robber. But when she
+saw Ned, she smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Come in," she said, and Ned saw
+four small children staring curiously at
+him.</p>
+
+<p>The room was very smoky, for there
+was no chimney to the rude hut. A hole
+in the roof let the smoke out, and there
+were no windows, for the father of these
+children was a poor peasant who made his
+living by gathering turpentine in the pine
+forest.</p>
+
+<p>Ned sat down, while the girl went on
+with her work until the black beans were
+ready for supper, when she put them all in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>
+a big wooden bowl, and invited Ned to
+join her and the four children.</p>
+
+<p>While they were eating out of the bowl
+with a wooden spoon, a tame jackdaw who
+had been sitting on an old stool by the fireside,
+hopped over and perched himself
+close to Ned.</p>
+
+<p>When the supper was over, and the
+children were ready for bed, he whispered,
+"This little family is very poor. Their
+father is away selling turpentine, and
+there is little food in the cupboard. But
+if you will come with me tonight, I will
+show you how we can help them."</p>
+
+<p>When all the children were sound
+asleep, Ned looked over to the fireside
+where the jackdaw sat, his eyes shining
+brighter and brighter through the darkness,
+till they made the room so light that
+Ned could plainly see the five sleeping
+children huddled together on the straw
+bed in the corner.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Then the jackdaw nodded, and hopping
+down from the stool on which he sat,
+walked softly over to the door.</p>
+
+<p>The moon shone brightly on the bare
+brown fields silvered with white frost, and
+in the still, cold air, the forest looked like
+a black cloud just dropped upon the
+earth.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE MAGIC BASKET</h2>
+
+<div class='center'>The Little Old Woman made a low bow to the Jackdaw.</div>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i_099.png" width="400" height="256" alt="The Little Old Woman made a low bow to the Jackdaw." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2>THE MAGIC BASKET</h2>
+
+
+<div class='unindent'><span class="smcap">On</span> and on they went, the jackdaw hopping
+over the rough fields, and now and
+then turning his head and winking his
+fiery eyes at Ned, until they found themselves
+at the foot of a high, round hill.</div>
+
+<p>At one side of the great mound the
+stream which they had been following
+suddenly stopped short, making a deep
+well, over which hung an old oak tree,
+leafless now, but still strewing the ground
+with dry acorns.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Right at the foot of this tree was an upright
+gray stone, apparently part of a
+rock deeply sunk in the hillside. Beside
+this stone the jackdaw paused, and, turning
+to nod reassuringly at Ned, picked up
+a pebble about the size of an acorn and
+dropped it into the well, at the same time
+knocking gently on the flat stone with his
+bill.</p>
+
+<p>In a moment the rock opened in the
+middle, and there stood a little old woman,
+as withered as a spring apple and as
+bright as a butterfly, dressed in a scarlet
+bodice covered with spangles and a black
+petticoat worked in square characters
+with all the colors of the rainbow.</p>
+
+<p>Ned thought she was not nearly as attractive
+as the fairies whom he had but
+lately left, although she had on more
+colors than even the Queen Fairy.</p>
+
+<p>On seeing the jackdaw she made a low
+bow, and in a shrill eager voice invited<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span>
+them in. Ned hesitated, but the little old
+woman snatched his hand and pulled him
+in, asking in a whisper, "Dost thou fear
+for thyself when visiting the King of the
+Gnomes?"</p>
+
+<p>Then, opening a low door in the side of
+the cavern, she beckoned them to follow.
+In the middle of a still larger vault stood
+an arm chair fashioned from beryl and
+jasper, with knobs of amethyst and
+topaz, in which sat Ned's friend, the
+Gnome.</p>
+
+<p>He was dressed in a robe of velvet,
+green and soft as forest moss, and a ring
+of gold lay on his grizzled hair. His little
+eyes shone keen and fiery, and his hands,
+withered and brown, were now covered
+with glittering jewels.</p>
+
+<p>About the cave a hundred little men,
+smaller than he, were busy in a hundred
+ways. Some stirred kettles of smoking
+broth; others sliced fresh vegetables for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span>
+crisp salads. Some spread a table, with
+golden plates and crystal goblets; three
+turned huge pieces of meat on a spit before
+a fire at the end of the cavern, while
+a dozen more watched the simmering
+pots.</p>
+
+<p>The jackdaw hopped gravely past all
+this toward the chair of the Gnome King,
+who stretched out his sceptre, a tall bulrush
+of gold, and touched the jackdaw,
+who at once turned into a dwarf.</p>
+
+<p>Making a low bow to the Gnome King,
+he turned to Ned and said:</p>
+
+<p>"I was forced to take the form of a
+jackdaw for twenty years because I once
+said that gold was not as yellow as buttercups
+nor so bright as sunshine. This
+made the Gnomes angry, because their belief
+is that gold is the most beautiful thing
+in the world. My punishment is now
+over and I need never return to the earth
+again. But I would do a favor to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span>
+poor peasant children who were so good
+to me."</p>
+
+<p>"What favor would you ask for the
+poor peasant children?" asked the Gnome
+King.</p>
+
+<p>"I would send them a Magic Basket
+filled with food," answered the dwarf.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner had he spoken, than the
+Gnome ordered his subjects to fill a Magic
+Basket with all kinds of good things to
+eat. There was a golden bowl of smoking
+stew, a crystal goblet of wine, a golden
+dish of mashed potatoes and another of
+rice pudding.</p>
+
+<p>And when the Magic Basket was covered
+with a damask napkin, it was handed
+to a dwarf messenger to take to the poor
+woodcutter's children, while all the little
+dwarfs stood around him and sang:</p>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+"In this basket they will find<br />
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span>Food and drink of magic kind.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Never will it empty grow</span><br />
+And no hunger they shall know."<br />
+</div>
+
+<p>"Hereafter," said the Gnome King,
+looking kindly at Ned, "a bluebird shall
+be your companion and will show you
+many and curious things. I can spare no
+more time, for my people must be governed,
+and while I have given you more
+attention than any other mortal because
+of your great fondness for fairy tales, I
+must now leave you in the care of this
+bluebird, unless, perchance, you wish to
+return to earth at once."</p>
+
+<p>To which Ned answered eagerly that he
+would much rather see more of Gnomeland
+before again returning to the everyday
+routine of grammar school and
+lessons.</p>
+
+<p>"Good luck to you, then!" cried his
+friend, as he shook Ned warmly by the
+hand.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The door opened and Ned once more
+found himself by the side of the great flat
+stone in the hillside, where rippling waters
+of the little stream flowed into the
+pool at the foot of the great oak tree, on
+which sat a lovely bluebird.</p>
+
+<p>Following the bluebird, Ned turned to
+one side to avoid climbing the hill, and
+continued his journey for some time,
+keeping ever in sight the bluebird's beautiful
+form.</p>
+
+<p>It was almost dark when they were confronted
+by a dense forest. This was not
+particularly reassuring to Ned, especially
+as the bluebird flew back and settled herself
+on his shoulder, evidently not wishing
+to enter the woods at so late an hour.
+For in a deep, black forest, with all sorts
+of strange shadows and ghostly trees, one
+never knows what may be lurking about,
+and the same Ned who, with his two stout
+fists, in broad daylight would have undertaken<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span>
+to keep any living boy or man from
+doing serious mischief, felt his teeth set
+hard and his heart stand still as he came
+into the shadow of the great trees.</p>
+
+<p>The little bird nestled close to his cheek
+and refused to leave his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>Ned, indeed, felt that he must now look
+out for himself, and though his heart beat
+high, he bravely trudged forward.</p>
+
+<p>It was very unlike the woods to which
+he had been accustomed to go with his
+schoolmates at home, where bright green
+maples, beeches and birches made a leafy
+bower overhead. Instead, there were
+solemn pines and hemlocks, and as he entered
+deeper, great caverns appeared in
+the rocks and narrow gulleys, into which
+one might easily fall and break one's neck.</p>
+
+<p>Through this dismal place he trudged
+along, with his knees shaking, but with a
+brave heart, until he came to a great pine,
+which evidently had been struck by lightning,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span>
+for it stood up white and tall, lifting
+its bare arms to the sky, like some specter
+giant crying for vengeance.</p>
+
+<p>Luckily he had placed the bluebird in
+his pocket, fearing that the low hanging
+branches would sweep it from his shoulders.
+Had he not done so before arriving
+at this spot the opportunity would not
+have presented itself again.</p>
+
+<p>Right at the foot of the pine, on a decaying
+log, sat a little old man, who was
+altogether the ugliest looking object that
+Ned had ever seen. He was about half
+the size of ordinary men, though the
+whiteness of his hair and beard showed
+plainly that he would never be any taller,
+and though his body was short and
+crooked to the last degree, his face was
+long and pale, but was lighted up by wonderfully
+brilliant eyes.</p>
+
+<p>These were fixed on Ned from the moment
+he came in sight, and, piercing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span>
+through the darkness, it is no wonder that
+they chilled the poor boy's blood and
+failed to quicken his pace. Indeed, it is
+not quite certain that he would have gone
+forward at all if the greater part of the
+forest had not been behind him, though
+there seemed to be a spell in the strange
+eyes that drew the boy on in spite of
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Come along! What are you afraid
+of?" cried the dwarf in a little, dry voice,
+that sounded like the cracking of a dry
+twig beneath one's foot.</p>
+
+<p>Ned hesitated, and, as if seeking the
+comfort of something alive and friendly,
+thrust his hand into his pocket alongside
+of the little bluebird.</p>
+
+<p>"Come on! Come on, little master," repeated
+the dwarf. "Here I have been
+waiting more than an hour to tell you
+some good news, and now that you are<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span>
+here you would hinder me because you are
+such a coward."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know you," said Ned, as an
+excuse.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well, no matter for that. I
+know you well enough. Would you read
+about gnomes and then be so cowardly
+that you would fear to associate with
+them?"</p>
+
+<p>As he finished speaking, he arose, disclosing
+a doorway in the trunk of the pine
+tree behind him.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment, a beautiful dwarf
+maiden emerged therefrom, and, as if having
+heard the conversation, said: "He is
+no coward, father. See, he will shake
+hands with me!"</p>
+
+<p>Ned put out his hand, but drew it back
+just in time to escape having the gold ring
+which the Fairy Queen had given him,
+slipped off his finger by the dwarf maiden.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Selfish mortal," she cried, "'tis nothing
+but a little gold band. Give it to me.
+See, I will exchange this beautiful diamond
+for it," and she held out a sparkling
+stone set in a gold ring.</p>
+
+<p>Ned drew back in alarm, more especially
+as the dwarf himself advanced with
+a threatening attitude.</p>
+
+<p>Continuing to step back, Ned kept his
+eyes upon the dwarf, who advanced now
+with upraised fist. Seeing this, Ned
+quickly threw off his coat and picking up
+a stout stick, prepared to defend himself.</p>
+
+<p>It would have gone ill with him, for the
+dwarf was surprisingly strong and agile,
+had not relief come from an unexpected
+quarter.</p>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 351px;">
+<img src="images/i_111.png" width="351" height="500" alt="NED THREW OFF HIS COAT." title="" />
+<span class="caption">NED THREW OFF HIS COAT.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The little bluebird had quietly slipped
+out of Ned's pocket, and flying up to him,
+received the gold ring about her neck in
+accordance with the command of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span>
+Fairy Queen, which Ned remembered
+suddenly and luckily in time.</p>
+
+<p>Off flew the bird to the great tall pine
+and touched it with the magic ring. In
+an instant it changed into a giant, who
+stretched forth one of his great hands,
+and catching up the dwarf, hurled him
+headlong down the side of the ravine
+close by.</p>
+
+<p>The dwarf maiden, with a cry, rushed
+after him, climbing down the sides with
+wonderful agility.</p>
+
+<p>The giant now turned to Ned, saying:
+"Little Master, I owe it to you that I am
+once more my natural self. An evil spirit
+transformed me into yonder tree, but the
+magic of your ring has restored me once
+more to my natural shape. I will henceforth
+serve you while the occasion lasts,"
+and with these words he knelt before Ned
+most humbly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>At the same time the bluebird handed
+Ned his magic ring, and with this faithful
+little friend, his gold ring, and the giant
+for a servant, Ned felt that he had nothing
+further to fear while traveling in
+Gnomeland.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, my good friend," said
+Ned, placing his hand upon the bowed
+head of the giant. "You are certainly
+grateful for what I have done for you,
+which is more than can be said of many
+mortals. But had I not had the magic
+ring and the assistance of my little companion,
+the bluebird, you would still be
+the tree you were. Let us, therefore, the
+three of us, pledge allegiance to one another
+and set out upon our journey of
+adventure."</p>
+
+<p>As he finished speaking the giant arose
+and carefully placing Ned upon his shoulder,
+started off at a rapid stride.</p>
+
+<p>The little bluebird flew ahead, and in a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>
+short time the three comrades emerged
+from the forest.</p>
+
+<p>In the distance could be seen the turrets
+of a stately castle, which looked down
+from a high point of land upon a beautiful
+river that wound in and out like a
+silver ribbon through the meadow.</p>
+
+<p>"Who lives in yonder castle?" asked
+Ned, unconsciously adopting the style of
+language of Gnomeland.</p>
+
+<p>"I know not," answered the giant, "but
+with a few more steps we will be able to
+inquire at the postern gates."</p>
+
+<p>It was indeed a stately castle, and upon
+reaching the drawbridge Ned was surprised
+to find that it was not lowered for
+them to cross over, although they waited
+for some time.</p>
+
+<p>"I think I'll blow upon my policeman's
+whistle," said Ned, hunting through his
+pockets. "I certainly had it when I left
+home."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Blow hard," advised the giant as Ned
+brought it forth, "blow hard, that those
+within may think us worthy of admittance."</p>
+
+<p>Upon which Ned let out a blast that
+would do justice to any Knight of the
+Round Table. He was himself surprised
+at the volume of sound, but was too much
+interested in what was about to happen
+to realize that the touch of his magic ring
+had made it possible for the small nickel-plated
+whistle to create such a sound.</p>
+
+<p>Presently the drawbridge began slowly
+to descend, and when the creaking chains
+ceased their noise, our three comrades
+crossed over to the castle gates. These
+were thrown wide open, and just as the
+giant placed Ned upon his feet in front
+of the castle doors, they opened, disclosing
+a beautiful princess on the threshold.</p>
+
+<p>"Welcome, Ned, to you and your two
+friends."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Whereupon the giant bowed very low,
+and the little bluebird flew over and
+nestled on her shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>Ned was too delighted to speak for a
+moment, for up to this time his experiences
+had been most trying, but here at
+last it seemed that fortune smiled upon
+him.</p>
+
+<p>So he and the giant followed her into
+the stately hall, the latter finding it necessary
+to stoop each time he entered a
+doorway, for although the castle was built
+on magnificent lines it had not occurred to
+the architect that a giant would ever be
+a guest.</p>
+
+<p>When they were all seated, except the
+giant, who sprawled on the floor, as
+there was no chair large enough to accommodate
+him, the beautiful princess
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"I would ask you to spend the night
+here, but my wicked stepfather returns<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span>
+tonight, and I fear he will do you some
+injury."</p>
+
+<p>"I fear nothing," answered Ned courageously,
+standing up to appear more
+dignified, "and if I can be of any service
+to you, say but a word, for I have a trusty
+friend in the giant, and also a clever one
+in my little bluebird, to say nothing of
+the magic of this ring," and he touched
+the gold band about his finger and bowed
+again to the beautiful princess.</p>
+
+<p>"My stepfather is very crafty," said
+the princess, looking at Ned intently, as
+if weighing the possibilities of his assistance.
+"He once changed a giant into a
+pine tree!" At these words, the giant
+began to shake and tremble so that the cut
+glass chandeliers rattled all over the
+castle.</p>
+
+<p>"Remember, I have the magic ring,"
+Ned whispered, leaning over to where the
+giant lay upon the floor; "nothing can<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>
+harm us with that in our possession."</p>
+
+<p>"What would you have me do?" asked
+Ned, turning again to the beautiful
+princess, for he felt that she was unwilling
+to ask him the favor, fearing it might
+prove of harm to him.</p>
+
+<p>Still the beautiful princess remained
+silent until the bluebird began to sing a
+sweet song, perching meanwhile upon her
+shoulder, as if intending the song for her
+ears especially.</p>
+
+<p>Then tears fell from her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis the song my brother was wont
+to sing," she said, "but now"&mdash;and hiding
+her face in her hands, she wept more
+bitterly than before&mdash;"he has been sent
+away and hidden by my cruel stepfather
+I know not where."</p>
+
+<p>"We will find him for you, princess,"
+cried Ned. "Fear not, for I have confidence
+in my two comrades and in myself.
+Give us all something to eat that we may<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span>
+have strength to undertake this adventure."</p>
+
+<p>The princess immediately ordered a
+great feast to be set before them, and
+when our three comrades had eaten their
+fill they once more set out upon their journey,
+with the prayers of the beautiful
+princess for their safety and successful
+return.</p>
+
+<p>As they wound their way through the
+pleasant valley, every so often the little
+bluebird would sing her song, loud and
+sweet, and then would pause, with folded
+wing, to listen, as if expecting an answer.</p>
+
+<p>So they went on for many miles, until,
+as they approached a cottage by the roadside,
+Ned thought he heard a familiar air.
+Indeed, he was sure that something important
+was about to happen, for the
+bluebird was whirring around in circles
+and singing as if her life depended upon
+the way she trilled and warbled.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Why, there is a bluebird in that
+wicker cage!" exclaimed Ned, pointing
+toward the cottage porch, from which
+swung a bird cage.</p>
+
+<p>It was, indeed, true, and in another moment
+Ned's bluebird was perched on the
+railing close by.</p>
+
+<p>Scrambling down from the giant's
+friendly shoulder, Ned touched the cage,
+and, to his amazement, the little door flew
+open and out walked a handsome young
+prince, about his own age.</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you?" cried Ned, but before
+he could reply the giant exclaimed: "He
+must be the brother of the princess! We
+have, indeed, completed our adventure, or
+nearly so," he added, remembering they
+had yet to deal with the crafty stepfather.</p>
+
+<p>"How can I ever repay you?" cried the
+little prince, who was at first unable to
+speak from the joy of it all. "I am free!
+I am free!" And he almost cried with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span>
+delight, flinging his arms about Ned's
+sturdy form and patting the leg of the
+giant.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, little bluebird, and let me
+thank you, too," he added, as the pretty
+bird circled in the air and alighted on
+Ned's shoulder. Indeed, it was a happy
+moment for all.</p>
+
+<p>"And now," said Ned, "let us think of
+the best way to return to the castle, so
+that the princess may receive her long-lost
+brother."</p>
+
+<p>"The easiest way is the best way," said
+the giant. "Both you boys climb up on
+my back, and in 500 short seconds we'll
+be back at the castle, or I have forgotten
+my early training on the cinder path."</p>
+
+<p>All of which goes to show that even in
+Gnomeland there are sports, although few
+fairy tales tell us anything about them.</p>
+
+<p>When Ned and the prince had seated
+themselves comfortably on the great<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>
+shoulders of the obliging giant, he set off
+at a tremendous rate, and soon they were
+ascending the hill on which stood the castle
+of the beautiful princess.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE MAGIC RING</h2>
+
+<div class='center'>The Unhappy Little Princess leaned out of the window and sobbed.</div>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i_127.png" width="400" height="256" alt="The Unhappy Little Princess leaned out of the window and sobbed." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2>THE MAGIC RING</h2>
+
+
+<div class='unindent'><span class="smcap">Ned</span> followed the beautiful princess and
+her brother into the castle, while the giant,
+who had to stoop nearly to the floor in
+order to enter the doorway, brought up
+the rear.</div>
+
+<p>As it was late, everyone decided to go
+to bed. Besides, they were all well tired
+out after their exciting day.</p>
+
+<p>You would have laughed to see the giant
+ascend the stairway to the royal bedchambers,
+for the steps were too small for his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span>
+feet, and it was with great difficulty that
+he managed to get a foothold with the
+toes of his boots.</p>
+
+<p>When at last he was safely inside his
+bedroom, the largest in the castle, it was
+found that the bedstead was not nearly
+long enough for him.</p>
+
+<p>So the princess gave orders that two cot
+beds be placed ends together, and in this
+way the giant, by allowing his feet to project
+through the open window, could lie
+down at full length. His feet nearly
+reached the tree that grew just outside,
+on which the little bluebird had perched
+for the night, and it was lucky, indeed,
+that it was midsummer, for otherwise our
+big friend might have caught a severe
+cold.</p>
+
+<p>After bidding the giant goodnight the
+little bluebird had a few minutes' talk
+with Ned while he undressed himself.</p>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 365px;">
+<img src="images/i_129.png" width="365" height="500" alt="THE STEPS WERE TOO SMALL FOR THE GIANT." title="THE STEPS WERE TOO SMALL FOR THE GIANT." />
+<span class="caption">THE STEPS WERE TOO SMALL FOR THE GIANT.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>She agreed to act as sentinel during the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span>
+night, to keep a vigilant lookout from the
+treetop, and in case of approaching danger
+instantly to awaken Ned and the
+giant.</p>
+
+<p>Gradually the great castle grew quiet,
+until nothing was stirring, "not even a
+mouse."</p>
+
+<p>At times the night wind rustled the
+leaves in the tree where the little bluebird
+sentinel sat winking and blinking, and the
+big yellow moon glistened fantastically on
+the big toe of the giant.</p>
+
+<p>Toward midnight a faint sound in the
+distance, like the beat of horses' hoofs,
+startled the bluebird.</p>
+
+<p>Hastily flying toward the castle entrance
+she gazed out upon the roadway
+that wound up from the valley below.</p>
+
+<p>At some distance she made out dimly
+the figures of a number of horsemen.</p>
+
+<p>Returning swiftly to the castle, she
+tweaked the giant's big toe. That, you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>
+can easily imagine, awoke him with a
+start.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter?" he asked in a
+frightened whisper which, although only
+a whisper, was enough to make the castle
+tremble, thereby awakening Ned and the
+princess herself.</p>
+
+<p>"The crafty stepfather of the princess
+is coming," answered the bluebird.</p>
+
+<p>"Then it's all up with me," cried the
+giant, "for he'll change me again into a
+pine tree."</p>
+
+<p>The bluebird made no reply, but hastened
+to find Ned. On entering his bedroom
+through the half open window she
+found him already dressing. "Take the
+ring," he said, slipping it over her glossy
+neck, after she had informed him of what
+she had seen. "If you can manage to
+touch him with it, this wicked man will
+find that he has no power whatever to
+harm us."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I will make haste," replied the little
+bird, "for they must by this time have
+reached the drawbridge."</p>
+
+<p>So saying she flew swiftly away and
+reached the other side of the moat just as
+the cavalcade set foot upon the bridge.</p>
+
+<p>Awaiting her opportunity to touch the
+wicked stepfather of the princess with the
+magic ring, she alighted quietly on the
+tip of a spear which one of the horsemen
+carried.</p>
+
+<p>As they neared the center of the drawbridge
+the king, as if suddenly aware of
+an unseen power, exclaimed: "I feel
+there is danger near!"</p>
+
+<p>Then the horseman shook his spear defiantly
+and so startled the little bluebird
+that she nearly lost her footing, and alas!
+what was much more serious, caused her
+to loosen her hold upon the little magic
+gold ring, which slipped from between her
+bill and fell into the waters of the moat.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Like a falling star, it shivered and glimmered
+in the rays of the moon as it descended,
+attracting the attention of a
+speckled trout, who opened his mouth and
+swallowed it as it splashed upon the silvery
+surface of the water.</p>
+
+<p>"Your trusty spear has done me good
+service in times gone by," exclaimed the
+wicked king, not knowing that its owner
+had unknowingly been the cause of saving
+him at the present moment.</p>
+
+<p>On came the cavalcade, the wicked attendants
+of the king inside the castle
+opening the gates and allowing him and
+his men to enter the courtyard.</p>
+
+<p>Ned looked down from his window and
+wondered what had become of the bluebird.
+He did not feel afraid, but at the
+same time he realized that he was not in
+friendly hands. The giant, on hearing
+the gates open, had quickly drawn in
+his feet and was struggling to get his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span>
+shoes on when Ned appeared at the door.</p>
+
+<p>"It's all up!" said the big fellow, with
+a wry face and a catch in his gruff voice.
+"I can feel already the pine-needles beginning
+to stick out all over me."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that's gooseflesh, you're so
+scared!" replied Ned, smiling in spite of
+the gravity of the situation. "It may not
+be as bad as you think!"</p>
+
+<p>Just then a great pounding on the front
+doors told them that the King was seeking
+admittance. "Who has locked the
+doors?" he shouted.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait a minute," said the sweet voice
+of the princess; "we did not expect you
+so late," and she ran down the stairs and
+opened the door herself.</p>
+
+<p>"I have two visitors upstairs," she said,
+as the angry monarch stepped inside.</p>
+
+<p>"What!" he shouted hoarsely, "bring
+them to me. How do I know but that
+they are enemies?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Indeed they are not," she replied, "as
+you will see in 500 short seconds."</p>
+
+<p>"Ned, come down!" she called, "bring
+your friend with you, for I would have
+you meet the King!"</p>
+
+<p>Ned turned to the giant, whose big face
+was twitching with terror. "He'll recognize
+me as sure as eggs is eggs!" he
+groaned.</p>
+
+<p>"What! is that thunder?" exclaimed
+the King below, mistaking the giant's
+moan for a thunderclap, but before his
+question was answered Ned and his friend
+appeared at the head of the stairway.</p>
+
+<p>After shaking hands with Ned in quite
+a friendly way the wicked King turned to
+the giant. "Ha, ha!" he cried, "have I
+not had the pleasure of meeting you before,
+my fine friend?"</p>
+
+<p>The giant said nothing, for what could
+he say?</p>
+
+<p>"Have I not met you before?" repeated<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span>
+the King, with a fierce gesture. "Methinks
+you would look better as a pine tree
+than a hulking giant," and before the
+words were fairly out of the King's mouth
+a stately pine tree was standing in the
+courtyard, through which the wind of the
+early morning made a moaning noise
+much like the pitiful groan of the poor,
+late giant.</p>
+
+<p>"And you, my little cockatoo," continued
+the wicked King, turning quickly to
+Ned, "would look better in a cage!"</p>
+
+<p>And in another minute Ned found himself
+in a wicker cage, suspended from the
+lowest limb of the pine tree.</p>
+
+<p>"And now," cried the wicked King,
+"where is your third guest?" The princess
+paused a moment. "Oh, the little
+bluebird!" she exclaimed, "where has it
+gone?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, not the little bluebird, but he that
+was the bluebird."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>At this the poor princess became very
+pale. She had hidden her brother the
+evening before when they had gone to bed
+in a closet in her room, hoping to have
+the opportunity of disguising him and
+sending him away with Ned and the giant
+the first thing in the morning. But, now,
+alas, her wicked stepfather undoubtedly
+suspected something. For else why
+should he ask for him?</p>
+
+<p>She was in despair, for she knew not
+what to say. And where was Ned's little
+friend, the bluebird herself, all this time?
+Had she deserted her friends, the little
+princess asked herself?</p>
+
+<p>"Answer my question!" cried the
+King, grasping hold of her wrist.</p>
+
+<p>The princess screamed with terror and
+her brother, hearing her cry, rushed forth
+from the closet and down the stairs.</p>
+
+<p>Whipping his sword from its scabbard,
+he made for the cruel tyrant.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Alas, that bravery and valor do not always
+win! It was useless for him to fight
+against so experienced a swordsman as
+the King, and in short time the prince
+was wounded and his sword thrown from
+his grasp.</p>
+
+<p>"Little gamecock!" cried his conqueror,
+"you must needs grow larger
+spurs before you tackle an old rooster like
+me! And since you remind me of one,
+a rooster you shall be," and in five short
+seconds the little prince was changed into
+a young gamecock.</p>
+
+<p>"Out into the courtyard!" cried the
+King; "a castle is no chicken house," and
+the little prince found himself unceremoniously
+thrown under the big pine tree.</p>
+
+<p>"Have pity!" cried the little princess.
+"Is there no pity for a little orphan
+princess?"</p>
+
+<p>"Enough," answered the King, with a
+stamp of his foot. "Go to your room,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span>
+else you may find yourself also changed
+into a bird, or a tree, or a pretty
+butterfly."</p>
+
+<p>So the unhappy little princess went up
+the stairs, crying bitterly, to her own
+chamber. Closing the door, she leaned
+out of the window and sobbed as if her
+heart would break.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment she did not notice that
+the topmost branch of the pine tree was
+close to her casement. In fact, she would
+not have noticed it for some time probably,
+as her face was buried in her hands,
+had not the branch brushed against her
+fingers.</p>
+
+<p>As she withdrew her hands from her
+face she heard the giant's voice, very
+much subdued, speaking to her.</p>
+
+<p>"Ned says not to despair, for he feels
+sure that his little friend, the bluebird,
+will yet find a way to liberate us all."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE MAGIC BALLOON</h2>
+
+<div class='center'>Ned leaves the Magic Soap Bubble.</div>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i_143.png" width="400" height="250" alt="Ned leaves the Magic Soap Bubble." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2>THE MAGIC BALLOON</h2>
+
+
+<div class='unindent'><span class="smcap">Great</span> was the grief of the little bluebird
+as she skimmed over the waters of the
+moat, realizing how impossible it was for
+her to regain the lost ring.</div>
+
+<p>She had not the heart for the moment
+to return to the castle to inform Ned of
+his loss; so she perched herself disconsolately
+on a bush which grew close to the
+margin of the moon-lit water, wondering
+what was best to do.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the speckled trout rose to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span>
+the surface, and, seeing how despondent
+was the pretty bluebird, inquired the
+cause of her grief.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, me!" she sighed in answer. "I
+have lost a magic gold ring, and I know
+not what to do, nor how to recover it."</p>
+
+<p>At this the speckled trout flapped his
+silvery tail gleefully, and answered:
+"Worry no more, pretty bluebird, for I
+have it safely tucked away inside of me."</p>
+
+<p>"If that be the case, Sir Trout," joyously
+chirped the happy bird, "swim at
+your greatest speed and deliver the ring
+to her majesty, the Waterfall Fairy,
+Queen of the Lake. Tell her that Ned,
+her little mortal friend, is in dire peril
+and that he needs her aid."</p>
+
+<p>"That will I gladly do," answered the
+speckled trout, and without more delay
+he darted off down the moat toward the
+dam at the farther side, over which the
+water ran in a clear stream into the purling<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span>
+brook, which finally led to the lake,
+where lived Ned's friend, the Fairy
+Queen. Down the silvery cascade he
+glided and whirled away through the running
+water, frightening the minnows and
+miller's thumbs lying among the stones
+in the shallow places, and startling the
+crawfishes and little fresh water lobsters
+hidden under the hollow banks.</p>
+
+<p>Faster and faster he swam, like a courier
+with important dispatches, down the
+clear stream running over its pebbly bed,
+with the luscious meadow sweet and the
+large blue geranium blooming all about its
+banks, and the wild rose on its bushes.</p>
+
+<p>Nor did he pause until with a loud
+splash he dived over the waterfall safely
+into the lake and rose to the surface close
+to the palace of the Queen of the Lake.</p>
+
+<p>A big black spider was busily at work
+mending the suspension bridge which
+spanned the water at this narrow point,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span>
+for the heavy drops of dew had broken
+the slender strands in several places.</p>
+
+<p>He stopped his work to look at the
+speckled trout, who at once addressed
+him.</p>
+
+<p>"I am the bearer of a most important
+dispatch for her highness," he began.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, and I am engaged in the most
+important duty of repairing her highness'
+bridge," replied the spider.</p>
+
+<p>"So, I see," answered the trout, "but&mdash;&mdash;"
+At this very moment the Queen herself,
+hearing voices at so early an hour
+outside her window, peeped out. Catching
+sight of her the trout called out
+boldly:</p>
+
+<p>"Listen to me, I beg of you, most gracious
+Queen. I have brought you the
+gold ring from Ned, who sorely needs thy
+aid!"</p>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 355px;">
+<img src="images/i_147.png" width="355" height="500" alt="&quot;HERE IS THE RING,&quot; SAID THE TROUT." title="&quot;HERE IS THE RING,&quot; SAID THE TROUT." />
+<span class="caption">&quot;HERE IS THE RING,&quot; SAID THE TROUT.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>At this the Queen quickly withdrew her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span>
+head, and in a short time emerged from
+the doorway of her castle.</p>
+
+<p>Hastily running to the water's edge,
+she leaned over, grasping hold of a stalk
+to keep her from falling.</p>
+
+<p>"Here is the ring," said the trout, holding
+it in his teeth and swimming as close
+to the bank as he was able.</p>
+
+<p>The Queen reached out and took it
+safely from him.</p>
+
+<p>"I will make you king of my fishes,
+noble Sir Trout," she cried, "for what
+you have this day accomplished. Remain
+here in my lake henceforth, and now, to
+the rescue!"</p>
+
+<p>In an incredibly short time she was
+mounted on her swiftest robin and with
+her three ladies in waiting flew away toward
+the castle, where Ned and the beautiful
+princess, her brave brother and the
+giant were held prisoners by the magic
+of the wicked king.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Now, the little bluebird, as she saw her
+friend, the trout, swim away, suddenly
+thought of her former master, the King
+of the Gnomes, and decided to seek aid
+from him. So, whirling around in a circle
+to get her bearings, she darted off
+swiftly through the air toward the cave
+in the forest.</p>
+
+<p>She made rapid progress until she
+reached the thick foliage of the woods,
+and here, in her eagerness, she nearly lost
+her way.</p>
+
+<p>Indeed, in the uncertain light that
+struggled through the thick boughs, it
+was not easy to make out certain familiar
+landmarks which would guide her to her
+destination.</p>
+
+<p>At length, just at dawn, she found herself
+at the foot of the hill wherein was
+the cave of the King of the Gnomes.</p>
+
+<p>Worn out with her arduous journey,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span>
+she fluttered down to the edge of the bubbling
+fountain and drank of its refreshing
+waters.</p>
+
+<p>Then, picking up a pebble, she dropped
+it into the little gravelly basin, hopped
+painfully over to the great flat stone, and
+tapped upon it three times with her beak.</p>
+
+<p>No one replied, but the rock opened in
+the middle, and there stood the King of
+the Gnomes himself.</p>
+
+<p>On seeing the little bluebird, he
+stretched out a kindly hand for her to rest
+upon, and carried her into the inner room.</p>
+
+<p>It was his breakfast hour, for gnomes
+are early risers. Seating himself at the
+table, he ordered that the little bird be
+served with breakfast at once, for well he
+knew that a hungry bird's first wish must
+be for food.</p>
+
+<p>The King had scarce given this order
+before several nimble little men of the forest<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span>
+placed seeds and grains of wheat and
+a goblet of golden fruit juice before the
+bluebird.</p>
+
+<p>Soon she was sufficiently revived to address
+the gnomes, and it took her but a
+few moments to tell him all.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, let us hasten," he said, as she
+finished, and, slipping into his pocket his
+magic pipe and little pieces of soap, he
+left the cave and walked rapidly toward
+a small clearing.</p>
+
+<p>Leaning over a little pool in the hollow
+of the grassy earth, he filled his pipe,
+rubbed the soap about the rim, and in a
+moment more blew a large soap bubble.</p>
+
+<p>Taking the little bluebird in his hand,
+he opened a small door and entered the
+magic balloon. Up and up it went, until
+it was well above the tops of the trees.</p>
+
+<p>Then it took a course toward the east,
+where the rising sun was gilding the sky
+with its golden fingers.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Faster and faster it sailed, overtaking
+in a short time the Fairy Queen and her
+three ladies-in-waiting, mounted on their
+friendly robins.</p>
+
+<p>In the distance could be seen the turrets
+of the castle, gleaming in the morning sun
+like bayonets thrust up from the earth
+in monster guns.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, little bluebird," said the Gnome,
+opening the little door and thrusting her
+out upon his hand, as the big Soap Bubble
+hovered above the castle, "fly down
+and tell Ned that deliverance is near at
+hand. So also inform the beautiful
+Princess, who, I see, is still sitting at her
+window, but asleep!"</p>
+
+<p>Off flew the bluebird on her happy
+errand.</p>
+
+<p>"Your Majesty," cried the Gnome, addressing
+the Fairy Queen, as she drew
+rein at the doorway of the soap bubble,
+"I would suggest that you touch with the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span>
+Magic Ring only the cage wherein is confined
+our friend Ned, instructing him,
+while still in the form of a cockatoo, to
+fly up to the topmost branch of the pine
+tree. Also for the Princess' brother,
+while he is still a gamecock, to do likewise.
+After I have brought the bubble
+close to the window ledge, so that the
+beautiful Princess may step easily inside,
+I will cause it to rise to the treetop, from
+which advantageous position Ned and the
+Princess' brother can step within. But
+what to do with the Pine Tree Giant,"
+said the Gnome, scratching his beard reflectively,
+"gets me! However, one thing
+at a time, as my old grandfather used to
+say when I was a boy, 'one thing at a
+time!'"</p>
+
+<p>As the bluebird whispered in the ear of
+the beautiful Princess, the Magic Soap
+Bubble approached the window ledge.</p>
+
+<p>Rubbing her eyes, but making no outcry,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span>
+although she was very much startled,
+she obeyed the bluebird's command to
+"step softly," and entered the Bubble.
+It then ascended till it was on a line with
+the topmost branch, where it swayed in
+the gentle morning breeze, like a barnyard
+weather cock, the game rooster on
+one side and the cockatoo on the other!</p>
+
+<p>The Fairy Queen touched them with the
+ring as they hopped into the bubble, and
+they regained immediately their natural
+shape.</p>
+
+<p>The Princess threw her arms around
+her dear brother and hugged Ned, so
+great was her delight.</p>
+
+<p>Ned ran over to his little friend, the
+Gnome, and thanked him again and again
+for his aid, and was about to lean out of
+the doorway to also thank the Fairy
+Queen when the Gnome restrained him.</p>
+
+<p>"Not so fast, Ned, my boy! All is not
+yet over."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"No, indeed," answered Ned, "we must
+rescue the giant."</p>
+
+<p>"Aye, there's the rub," replied the
+Gnome. "How are we ever to get him in
+the bubble, either as a tree or as a giant?"</p>
+
+<p>At this point the Fairy Queen joined in
+the conversation, kissing Ned at the same
+time as he attempted to thank her.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me first change him into his natural
+form," she said. "Then he can walk
+across the courtyard and out upon the
+drawbridge. From there he can easily
+step off into the bubble, which your majesty
+can lower to the right height above
+the water of the moat."</p>
+
+<p>"Good!" said the Gnome. "Go and do
+your part and I will attend to the bubble."</p>
+
+<p>Just as the bubble cleared it the pine
+tree became once more the friendly giant,
+who immediately strode across the courtyard.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Quickly lowering the drawbridge he
+hastened out upon it.</p>
+
+<p>The creaking of the chains, however,
+had aroused the wicked King, who looked
+out of his window to see what was the
+cause of the noise. In another moment
+he was rushing toward the gates at the
+head of the castle guard.</p>
+
+<p>"Quick!" shouted the Gnome to the
+giant. "Get in!"</p>
+
+<p>But, alas! The doorway was too small.
+In vain the giant wiggled and squirmed.
+In vain Ned and the princess' brother
+pulled his arms. His great shoulders
+could not be forced through the doorway.
+Finally, with a tremendous shove he managed
+to go half way in, but no further,
+for at this point his head was against the
+opposite side of the bubble.</p>
+
+<p>On came the wicked King and his castle
+attendants, who, seeing the predicament<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span>
+of the giant, fitted arrows to their strong
+bows, preparing to shoot the hapless
+fellow.</p>
+
+<p>"Blow the bubble larger!" shouted Ned.
+"Put the pipe in his mouth and tell him
+to blow like thunder."</p>
+
+<p>The Gnome placed the pipestem between
+the lips of the giant and commanded
+him to blow for his life, and before
+an arrow left a bow the bubble
+widened sufficiently to enable the giant to
+crawl inside. Slamming the door shut
+the Gnome cried out exultingly: "We
+are safe!"</p>
+
+<p>Away sailed the Magic Soap Bubble,
+with the Fairy Queen and her little robin
+perched securely on the top, and her three
+ladies in waiting standing close by on
+their own little feathered steeds.</p>
+
+<p>Back to the beautiful Waterfall Lake,
+where the Fairy Queen bade Ned goodby;
+back to the friendly Gnome's cave in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span>
+woods, where he said farewell to Ned;
+back to Big Man's Land, where lived the
+Giant with his kind old mother; back to
+the castle where lived the beautiful
+Princess and her brother before the
+wicked King had kidnapped them, and
+back at last to Ned's own home, where it
+left him in the old easy chair by the window,
+from which he had started out to
+visit Gnomeland.</p>
+
+<p>Well, well, little reader, here we are,
+you and I, at the end of the book. What
+shall we do, for we have grown to be such
+good friends while you have been reading
+this story of mine.</p>
+
+<p>Listen, I will tell you another story,
+it's called "The Iceberg Express"&mdash;it is
+one of The Little Journeys to Happyland
+books. So come with me on the Iceberg
+Express.</p>
+
+<div class='sig'>
+<span style="margin-right: 3em;">Yours for a story,</span><br />
+<span class="smcap">David Cory.</span><br /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span><br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span><br /></p>
+
+<h2>LITTLE JOURNEYS TO HAPPYLAND</h2>
+
+<h3>By DAVID CORY</h3>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class='center'>
+<b>Profusely Illustrated. Individual Colored Wrappers.</b><br />
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class='center'>
+Printed in large type&mdash;easy to read.<br />
+For children from 6 to 8 years.<br />
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>A new series of exciting adventures by the author
+of the LITTLE JACK RABBIT books. This
+series is unique in that it deals with unusual and exciting
+adventures on land and sea and in the air.</p>
+
+
+<p>THE CRUISE OF THE NOAH'S ARK</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>This is a good rainy day story. On just such a day Mr. Noah
+invites Marjorie to go for a trip in Noah's Ark. She gets aboard
+just in time and away it floats out into the big wide world.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>THE MAGIC SOAP BUBBLE</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The king of the gnomes has a magic pipe with which he
+blows a wonderful bubble and taking Ned with him they both
+have a delightful time in Gnomeland.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>THE ICEBERG EXPRESS</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The Mermaid's magic comb changes little Mary Louise into
+a mermaid. The Polar Bear Porter on the Iceberg Express
+invites her to take a trip with him and away they go.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>THE WIND WAGON</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Little Hero stepped aboard the Wind Wagon and started on a
+journey to many wonderful places and had a delightful time.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>THE MAGIC UMBRELLA</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>A little old man gave Jimmy the Magic Umbrella which took
+him to Happyland, where he had many adventures.</p></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+<div class='center'>
+GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP, <span class="smcap">Publishers</span>, NEW YORK<br />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span></p>
+<h2>Little Jack Rabbit Books</h2>
+
+<div class='center'><small>(Trademark Registered)</small></div>
+
+<h3>By DAVID CORY</h3>
+
+<div class='center'>Author of "Little Journeys to Happyland"</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class='center'>
+<b>Colored Wrappers With Text Illustrations.</b><br />
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>A new and unique series about the furred and feathered
+little people of the wood and meadow.</p>
+
+<p>Children will eagerly follow the doings of little Jack
+Rabbit, and the clever way in which he escapes from his
+three enemies, Danny Fox, Mr. Wicked Wolf and
+Hungry Hawk will delight the youngsters.</p>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Little Jack Rabbit series">
+<tr><td align='left'>LITTLE JACK RABBIT'S ADVENTURES</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND DANNY FOX</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND THE SQUIRREL BROTHERS</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND CHIPPY CHIPMUNK</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND THE BIG BROWN BEAR</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND UNCLE JOHN HARE</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND PROFESSOR CROW</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND OLD MAN WEASEL</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND MR. WICKED WOLF</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND HUNGRY HAWK</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND THE POLICEMAN DOG</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND MISS MOUSIE</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND UNCLE LUCKY</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND THE YELLOW DOG TRAMP</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class='center'>
+GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP, <i>Publishers</i>, NEW YORK<br /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>THE PUSS-IN-BOOTS, Jr. SERIES</h2>
+
+<h3>By DAVID CORY</h3>
+
+<div class='center'>Author of "The Little Jack Rabbit Stories" and "Little
+Journeys to Happyland"</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class='center'>
+<b>Handsomely Bound. Colored Wrappers. Illustrated.<br />
+Each Volume Complete in Itself.</b><br />
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>To know Puss Junior once is to love him forever.
+That's the way all the little people feel about this
+young, adventurous cat, son of a very famous father.</p>
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'>THE ADVENTURES OF PUSS-IN-BOOTS, <span class="smcap">Jr.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><br />FURTHER ADVENTURES OF PUSS-IN-BOOTS, <span class="smcap">Jr.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><br />PUSS-IN-BOOTS, <span class="smcap">Jr.</span> IN FAIRYLAND</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><br />TRAVELS OF PUSS-IN-BOOTS, <span class="smcap">Jr.</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><br />PUSS-IN-BOOTS, <span class="smcap">Jr.</span>, AND OLD MOTHER GOOSE</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><br />PUSS-IN-BOOTS, <span class="smcap">Jr.</span>, IN NEW MOTHER GOOSE LAND</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><br />PUSS-IN-BOOTS, <span class="smcap">Jr.</span>, AND THE GOOD GRAY HORSE</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><br />PUSS-IN-BOOTS, <span class="smcap">Jr.</span>, AND TOM THUMB</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><br />PUSS-IN-BOOTS, <span class="smcap">Jr.</span>, AND ROBINSON CRUSOE</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'><br />PUSS-IN-BOOTS, <span class="smcap">Jr.</span>, AND THE MAN IN THE MOON</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class='center'>
+GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP, <i>Publishers</i>, NEW YORK<br /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS<br />
+SERIES</h2>
+
+<h3>By LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY</h3>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class='center'>
+Handsomely Bound. Colored Wrappers. Illustrated.<br />
+For Children 6 to 12 Years<br />
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>This series presents early American history in a manner
+that impresses the young readers. Because of George and
+Martha Washington Parke, two young descendants of the
+famous General Washington, these stories follow exactly
+the life of the great American, by means of playing they
+act the life of the Washingtons, both in battles and in
+society.</p>
+
+
+<p>THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS</p>
+
+<p>Their thrilling battles and expeditions generally end in "punishment"
+lessons read by Mrs. Parke from the "Life of Washington." The culprits
+listen intently, for this reading generally gives them new ideas for further
+games of Indian warfare and Colonists' battles.</p>
+
+
+<p>THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS RELATIVES</p>
+
+<p>The Davis children visit the Parke home and join zealously in the games
+of playing General Washington. So zealously, in fact, that little Jim
+almost loses his scalp.</p>
+
+
+<p>THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' TRAVELS</p>
+
+<p>The children wage a fierce battle upon the roof of a hotel in New York
+City. Then, visiting the Davis home in Philadelphia, the patriotic Washingtons
+vanquish the Hessians on a battle-field in the empty lot back of
+the Davis property.</p>
+
+
+<p>THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS AT SCHOOL</p>
+
+<p>After the school-house battle the Washingtons discover a band of gypsies
+camping near the back road to their homes and incidentally they secure
+the stolen horse which the gypsies had taken from the "butter and egg
+farmer" of the Parkes.</p>
+
+
+<p>THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' HOLIDAYS</p>
+
+<p>They spend a pleasant summer on two adjoining farms in Vermont.
+During the voyage they try to capture a "frigate" but little Jim is caught
+and about to be punished by the Captain when his confederates hasten in
+and save him.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class='center'>
+GROSSET &amp; DUNLAP, <span class="smcap">Publishers</span>, NEW YORK<br /></div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i_back_end_papers-1.jpg" width="400" height="278" alt="&quot;Give me the bag,&quot; the Steward said" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+<i>"Give me the bag," the Steward said,</i><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>A frown upon his face.</i></span><br />
+<i>"I'll lock you in a dungeon deep</i><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>That you may know your place."</i></span><br />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i_back_end_papers-2.jpg" width="400" height="242" alt="Help, help! The Polar Bears are left" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+<i>"Help, help! The Polar Bears are left</i><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Upon the Iceberg chill.</i></span><br />
+<i>Turn back the Ark; we cannot leave</i><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Them on that icy hill!"</i></span><br />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/i_back_end_papers-3.jpg" width="400" height="245" alt="&quot;Your Highness,&quot; cried the Polar Bear" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+<i>"Your Highness," cried the Polar Bear,</i><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>"The fast Iceberg Express</i></span><br />
+<i>Has broken into smithereens;</i><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>Too bad, I must confess."</i></span><br />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 425px;">
+<img src="images/i_back_end_papers-4.jpg" width="425" height="259" alt="When Little Hero met the Goose" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class='poem'>
+<i>When Little Hero met the Goose</i><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>He asked her what to do.</i></span><br />
+<i>So, children, read the Wind Wagon</i><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><i>And learn how it came true.</i></span><br />
+</div>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class='tnote'><h3>Transcriber's Notes:</h3>
+<p>Page 70, an opening quotation mark was added. ("As they rolled along)</p>
+
+<p>Page 157, "Ed." changed to "Ned" (and taking Ned with him)</p></div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Magic Soap Bubble, by David Cory
+
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+</body>
+</html>
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@@ -0,0 +1,2830 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Magic Soap Bubble, by David Cory
+
+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 Magic Soap Bubble
+
+Author: David Cory
+
+Illustrator: E. I. Jones
+             P. H. Webb
+
+Release Date: October 17, 2008 [EBook #26944]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAGIC SOAP BUBBLE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper, Emmy and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+          _"Come with me for a visit
+             To Fairyland, dear Ned.
+            I'll show you many won'drous things,"
+              The tiny Gnomeman said._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+          _"I've lost a magic golden ring,"
+              The pretty Bluebird sighed.
+           "Don't worry," laughed the kind old fish,
+              "I have it safe inside."_
+
+[Illustration]
+
+          _"I'll hurry, Mother," Jimmy cried,
+              As down the road he ran,
+            When in a jiffy up there jumped
+              A little Rabbitman._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+          _"Come, Mr. Elephant," cried Shem,
+              "Don't fear the dreadful Shark.
+            The Circus Folk are calling us
+              To leave the big Noah's Ark."_
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE MAGIC SOAP BUBBLE
+
+by
+
+DAVID CORY
+
+
+
+
+LITTLE JOURNEYS TO HAPPYLAND
+
+          The Cruise of the Noah's Ark
+          The Magic Soap-Bubble
+          The Iceberg Express
+          The Wind Wagon
+          The Magic Umbrella
+
+          BY
+          DAVID CORY
+          Author of
+          Little Jack Rabbit Series
+          (Trademark Registered)
+
+[Illustration: NED ATE THE MAGIC CAKE
+
+_The Magic Soap Bubble_ _Frontispiece_]
+
+
+
+
+LITTLE JOURNEYS TO HAPPY LAND
+
+(Trademark Registered)
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+THE MAGIC SOAP BUBBLE
+
+BY
+
+DAVID CORY
+
+AUTHOR OF
+
+THE LITTLE JACK RABBIT BOOKS
+
+[Illustration]
+
+PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED
+
+BY
+
+E.I. JONES AND P.H. WEBB
+
+          GROSSET & DUNLAP
+          PUBLISHERS  NEW YORK
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Made in the United States of America
+
+
+
+
+          COPYRIGHT, 1922, BY
+          GROSSET & DUNLAP.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+                                PAGE
+
+          THE MAGIC SOAP PIPE      9
+
+          THE MAGIC CAKE          25
+
+          THE MAGIC NECTAR        39
+
+          THE MAGIC AXE           53
+
+          THE MAGIC SPRING        63
+
+          MAGIC FOOD              73
+
+          MAGIC EARS              85
+
+          THE MAGIC BASKET        95
+
+          THE MAGIC RING         123
+
+          THE MAGIC BALLOON      139
+
+
+
+
+THE MAGIC SOAP PIPE
+
+The King of the Gnomes prepares the Magic Pipe for making the Magic Soap
+Bubble.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE MAGIC SOAP PIPE
+
+
+NED had been reading a very interesting book about fairies and goblins,
+and how these real queer little folk inhabit dense forests and lofty
+mountain caves and lead a wonderful life apart from the homes and cities
+of men.
+
+The book was very large and heavy, and the afternoon was very warm, and
+the big armchair in which he was curled up was so comfortable that by
+and by he let the book slip to one side.
+
+He had just closed his eyes for a moment to rest them, when he was
+startled by a little squeaky voice at his elbow.
+
+He opened his eyes with a start and saw a Gnome standing on the
+window-sill just in front of him. Yes, there was no mistake about it, it
+was a Gnome. For had not Ned a moment before seen his picture in the big
+book he had been reading? Indeed, it almost seemed as if the picture
+itself had stepped out of the page from between the covers, so exactly a
+duplicate did the little man appear.
+
+"Hello, Ned!" said the little squeaky voice again. "I say, hello! You
+ought to know me well enough by this time to answer, since you've been
+reading about me for the last hour."
+
+"Hello, yourself!" replied Ned, laughing in spite of himself, and
+rubbing his eyes again to make sure that it was not a picture from the
+book.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"Can't you see a fellow is sleepy after reading so long a time? I
+didn't think you were coming out of the book to speak to me, you know."
+
+"Neither did I," retorted the Gnome, with a funny wink. "I came from the
+forest to invite you to take a little journey with me through Gnomeland.
+I am the King of the Gnomes, and my subjects have told me how interested
+you are in reading about us, so I have come to take you for a trip
+through our kingdom. I know you will love to see all the wonderful
+things you have been reading about. Will you come?"
+
+"Indeed, I will," said Ned.
+
+"Then follow me," replied the Gnome.
+
+Ned jumped through the window after the little fellow, who ran swiftly
+down the walk and across the fields to the forest beyond.
+
+As they neared the brook that ran through the meadow, the Gnome paused.
+Taking from his pocket a clay pipe, he stooped over and filled it with
+water.
+
+"Did you ever blow soap bubbles?" he asked, taking a piece of soap from
+another pocket and rubbing it carefully around the inside of the
+pipe-bowl.
+
+"Yes," replied Ned, "lots of times."
+
+"Well, you wait and see what sort of a bubble I'll blow," replied the
+Gnome.
+
+It was a bubble! But the strangest part of it all was that Ned found
+himself inside of it with his companion.
+
+"How did we get inside, or how did the bubble get around us?" asked Ned,
+but before his question was answered away went the bubble up in the air,
+across the meadow, above the little brook, yes, over the roof of his own
+house, higher and higher, until finally it reached the big high mountain
+that he had so often dimly seen from the window of his bedroom at home.
+
+After circling about the highest peak the bubble at length safely
+landed on a rocky ledge.
+
+Before Ned could ask how they were ever going to get out the Gnome
+opened a little door through which he led him to the outer air.
+
+There was a great change in the temperature, or else the inside of the
+bubble was very warm, for Ned began to shiver and shake. "Who-o-!" he
+cried; "it's co-old!"
+
+"Of course it is. Look," answered the Gnome, and Ned's eyes, following
+the pointing finger of his little friend, fell upon a strange and
+terrifying figure.
+
+Behind a bank of icicles stood a giant, with an immense helmet upon his
+head, from which hung long sharp pieces of ice. The top part was covered
+with snow which slipped off at intervals like a small avalanche to the
+ground below. His beard and mustache were festooned with thin slivers
+of ice, and his shoulders bore epaulets of frosted snow. The cuffs of
+his greatcoat were fringed with snowflakes, and altogether he was a
+startling and frigid looking individual. In his hands he held a
+monstrous bellows, from which he forced out a blast of icy air which,
+scattering the snow in whirling clouds, went howling down the rocky
+ravines.
+
+"He's the Wind Man of the Mountain," explained the Gnome, turning to
+shivering Ned, whose toes and fingers by this time were quite numb with
+the cold.
+
+"Well, I'd like to meet a Hot Air Man," said Ned, blowing on his hands
+to keep them from freezing. "I'd like to feel warm again."
+
+"Well, then follow me!" cried the Gnome, and turning to a big rock he
+tapped upon it twice with the toe of his little red boot. In a moment a
+door opened, showing a pair of rocky steps leading down into the
+mountain.
+
+"Be careful," admonished the Gnome, as he and Ned descended the rough
+flight. "Don't slip, for you might fall a long way."
+
+Ned assured him he had no desire to fall, but that his feet were so numb
+he wasn't at all sure but what he might slip, no matter how hard he
+tried to be careful.
+
+Although it was not exactly dark, at the same time the light was not
+sufficient for Ned to make out anything distinctly, and as the stairway
+was narrow and the walls dim he kept his eyes closely upon the ground.
+
+Soon they came to a level corridor and he perceived a dim light in the
+distance. "Where are we going?" he asked. But at this point an iron door
+arrested their progress, and without pausing to answer, the Gnome took
+from his pocket a key. Inserting it in the lock, the door slowly swung
+open, and Ned heard the faint beating of a drum.
+
+"Sit down," said the Gnome, drawing forward a wooden stool, much too
+small for Ned, but probably just the right size for a Gnome; "sit down
+and wait a moment while I go in search of the Gnomeland Band. I want you
+to hear them play, and I hear them practising now."
+
+Ned glanced curiously around the strange place. It suddenly occurred to
+him that he was a long, long way from home. Here he was, deep down in
+the mountain, in a rocky cavern, sitting on a little Gnome stool,
+waiting for his friend to return. But what if he did not come back?
+
+Ned's hair suddenly stood on end at the thought. Going over to the big
+iron door, he tried to turn the great knob, but his fingers either were
+not strong enough or he did not know the secret of the lock. Returning
+to his seat, he made up his mind to wait a while before allowing his
+fears to get the better of him. This is what every brave boy would do
+under the circumstances, he said to himself, resolving not to be a
+coward.
+
+Presently he was relieved to hear music, as the Gnome, at the head of
+the Gnomeland Band, came into view; and the funniest band that Ned had
+ever seen. Why, each instrument was playing itself and dancing the
+Mountain Tango at the same time!
+
+The big drum went "Bum, bum, bum, diddle dum," and pranced around on a
+pair of short, fat legs in red stockings. Two fat little arms beat the
+drumsticks on the top of his head, or what appeared to be the top of his
+head, which was in reality a funny face, which winked and blinked as
+the drumsticks traveled over the queer little features.
+
+"Toot! toot!" went the big yellow horn, as his fat little fingers
+pressed in the brass stops that made the notes high or low, or soft or
+shrill. Over the floor he skipped, after the round, fat drum.
+
+The 'cello and the violin came next. The latter ran his bow across his
+stringed waistcoat in perfect time, while the former twanged the strings
+that covered his happy face in a jolly fashion. The rest of the band
+played on themselves beautifully, and the Gnome, with his baton, proved
+a most capable leader. In fact, the music was so delightful that Ned
+finally could restrain himself no longer, and, jumping up, began dancing
+around to the tune of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow!"
+
+          "Heigh-ho! hey diddle-do!
+             Down in the mountain deep,
+           Fiddle and drum, tiddle-dy-um,
+             Are doing the Leopard Leap!"
+
+Just then the music stopped, or, rather, the Musical Instruments paused
+to take breath, and Ned sat down again, wondering what next would
+happen. In a few minutes the round, fat drum commenced to beat "Left,
+right! left, right!" and the Gnomeland Band fell into line and marched
+slowly down the long cavern until it was out of sight.
+
+
+
+
+THE MAGIC CAKE
+
+Ned and the Gnome landed safely on a big soft bunker of moss.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE MAGIC CAKE
+
+
+AS the last drum beat died away in the distance, the Gnome turned to Ned
+and said: "Come, let us hasten, for I am rather hungry, and you no doubt
+are in need of nourishment also."
+
+Ned obeyed willingly, for he had tasted nothing since breakfast and was
+now as hungry as a healthy youngster should be.
+
+At the farther end of the cavern was an inclined plane, very much like
+the chutes at Coney Island.
+
+Carefully seating Ned at his side the Gnome said: "Now hold tight, and
+hold your breath and hold your tongue--in fact, hold everything you've
+got--for we are going to take a swift shoot to the bottom of the
+mountain and you'll find out what the word swift means if you never have
+before!"
+
+At this they began to move, and in another moment they were traveling as
+fast as a bullet from a gun.
+
+The wind, whistling by, cut Ned's cheeks like little sharp needles; his
+hair stood out behind like feathers on a speeding arrow.
+
+They were going so fast it was almost impossible to breathe.
+
+Presently a tiny light appeared in the distance, and he saw that they
+were now on a level, although still going at a tremendous rate of speed.
+
+In another moment they shot through the little round hole of light,
+which turned out to be the opening at the other end, and he and the
+Gnome landed safely on a big soft bunker of moss in the midst of a
+beautiful forest.
+
+Birds were singing in the treetops and little rabbits were skipping on
+the soft carpet of the woodland.
+
+Pretty flowers sent forth a delicious perfume and a brook close at hand
+rippled over the pebbly bottom of its bed.
+
+"Wait," cried the Gnome, as Ned leaned over to drink the cool water.
+"Wait; I have for you the most delicious drink if you will restrain your
+impatience a moment longer."
+
+Ned obeyed and followed the Gnome along a narrow path until they came to
+a small clearing, where the blue sky smiled down upon them.
+
+In the center of the spot was a monstrous watermelon, standing up on
+end, the thick vine supporting it like a strong round barrel stave.
+
+A large wooden spigot protruded from one side and over it leaned a
+Gnome, who had climbed upon the vine in order to reach the handle.
+
+Ned's little companion lifted a goblin cup to catch the drops of
+delicious looking pink juice which began to drip slowly from the spigot
+when the Gnome carefully turned the handle.
+
+"Careful, now," commanded the Gnome, as he handed the brimming goblet to
+Ned. "See that you spill not a drop of the precious nectar.
+
+"Good, is it?" he inquired, seeing the sparkle in Ned's eyes and hearing
+the smack on his lips as the last drop disappeared. "Pretty good, eh?"
+
+"Better'n soda water," replied Ned; "lots better."
+
+The little Gnome at the spigot smiled. "I grew the melon," he said with
+pride. "It's the largest so far in Gnomeland. But next year I'm going to
+grow even a bigger one!"
+
+"How do you make them grow so large?" inquired Ned, hoping he would be
+invited to have another glass of the juice.
+
+"Not another drop!" said Ned's little friend. "A second goblet and you
+would be so hungry you could eat stones."
+
+"Come with me," said the small Gnome guide. "We must eat."
+
+Ned eagerly followed him, and they pressed forward at a rapid walk until
+they came to a queer little hut, from which issued a most delicious odor
+of sponge cake.
+
+Around the door, or, more properly, what appeared to be one, but which
+was in fact but a small opening, stood several goblins, evidently
+awaiting orders from someone.
+
+As Ned drew near he perceived that instead of a hut it was in reality a
+huge oven, in which something very delicious was being baked.
+
+"Minions!" called out Ned's friend, "is not the goblin cake ready?"
+
+"Yes, sire!" responded several voices, and in another moment the oven
+was taken apart and removed from the most delicious looking sponge cake
+that Ned had ever seen. A soft, warm brown color made it most tempting
+to the eyes, and the delicious smell made Ned so anxious to commence
+eating that he could with difficulty restrain himself.
+
+"Help yourself," cried his little friend, and without a moment's
+hesitation Ned pulled off a piece of cake and eagerly commenced.
+
+"Begone!" commanded the Gnome to the small bakers, who still stood
+around curiously watching their cake disappearing down the mouth of a
+mortal as rapidly as its owner could cram it in; "begone and leave us to
+enjoy the cake alone!"
+
+At this they turned away and descended the steep hill which lay to the
+right and disappeared below.
+
+"Be careful," admonished the Gnome, as Ned showed no signs of finishing,
+"you may eat too much. Gnome cake, while most delicious, is more filling
+than that of mortal make!"
+
+But Ned paid no heed. Already he had eaten a great hole in the cake and,
+finding the inside warm and flaky, he squeezed himself in.
+
+It was much easier to eat the inside, as it was softer, and the crust
+had already grown quite hard.
+
+He was so busy eating and, I'm sorry to say, so greedy, that he did not
+notice that as he ate away the interior of the sponge cake the outside
+gradually grew tighter, and the opening which he had made at the
+beginning of his feast, and through which he had crowded, became smaller
+and smaller, until finally it closed altogether.
+
+When Ned perceived this, and it was some time after, I assure you, he
+was indeed frightened. He pounded on the walls of his sponge cake prison
+and called loudly to the Gnome, but for some time he heard nothing.
+
+Finally, after frantically running around and around inside the huge
+cake ball, he thought he heard the voice of his small friend. He pressed
+his ear close to the wall and listened.
+
+Sure enough, he could just hear the words, "Hold on tight to one side,
+and brace your feet," and the next moment he perceived that the cake was
+in motion.
+
+Slowly at first, but in a few minutes the great cake ball began to
+revolve faster and faster.
+
+Ned was terrified at first, as it was with great difficulty that he kept
+his body from playing battledore and shuttlecock. The greater the speed
+of the huge mass, however, the less inclination there was to bounce
+about, and he soon found himself literally glued, as it were, to one
+side.
+
+While thus traveling in this novel way, he began to entertain some fear
+as to what would happen should an obstacle be encountered, and by some
+strange coincidence no sooner had, the idea come than it was followed by
+a terrific crash!
+
+The crust of the cake ball broke into a thousand pieces, and Ned landed
+safely some distance from the spot, still clinging to a huge piece of
+sponge cake, which acted like a cushion between him and the ground.
+
+Looking anxiously around, after wiping some stray crumbs from his eyes,
+he saw his little friend, the Gnome, running frantically down the steep
+incline, which, luckily for Ned, had been the cause of his liberation.
+
+Finding him unhurt, the Gnome sat down on the piece of cake to rest
+himself and regain his breath before speaking.
+
+When he did, however, what he said caused Ned to run quickly over to the
+brook to look at himself in the water.
+
+To his dismay, what the Gnome had said was, indeed, too true. Ned was
+nearly as broad as he was high.
+
+The cake he had eaten had evidently occupied the same space inside of
+him as it had inside the brown crust.
+
+"What am I ever going to do?" said Ned.
+
+"'Twas a lucky think I kept you from drinking another gobletful of the
+watermelon juice," answered the Gnome. "Otherwise you might have eaten
+the whole cake, and then you might have been twice as large as you are
+now."
+
+"I don't think there is anything to laugh at," said Ned, as his small
+friend burst into a hearty peal of laughter.
+
+"Of course you don't," replied the Gnome, "you can't see yourself. If
+you could, though--oh, my!" and he again burst into peals of laughter.
+
+Ned waited a few moments and then asked: "Well, what are we going to
+do?"
+
+"Don't worry, Ned, dear," replied his little friend, touched by his good
+nature and feeling sorry for him, "don't worry. The watermelon juice
+made the sponge cake swell. All that is necessary now is to take the
+antidote, and I know where it can be found without any trouble."
+
+
+
+
+THE MAGIC NECTAR
+
+The Fairies brought a lily filled with the Magic Nectar.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE MAGIC NECTAR
+
+
+NED and the Gnome continued their journey down the valley, following the
+crystal stream, in whose waters he had just a short time before seen his
+distorted figure, until they came to a beautiful waterfall, down whose
+silvery sheen slid numerous water sprites and water fairies.
+
+"Over yonder," exclaimed the Gnome, "lives the Fairy of the Lake. She
+brews a magic liquid from checkerberries, which, I am told, if you but
+drink a thimbleful, will enable you to regain your natural shape. There
+she goes now, over the bridge, on some such errand I dare say."
+
+Ned watched the fairy stepping across the silver network which hung
+above a miniature Niagara that he could easily have spanned with a
+single step. Catching up a handful of berries he followed her, not
+heeding the Gnome's remark "that she would probably prefer to pick them
+herself," and, almost treading on some of the fairies who were blowing
+about in the long grass like the flowers they represented, threw the
+berries in a heap at the door of her castle.
+
+It was, indeed, a most beautiful little palace. Made of brilliant
+crystals, it sparkled in the sun like a rainbow. Inside, it was even
+more exquisite, for all her little subjects, the flower fairies and the
+woodland fays, had adorned it with many lovely things.
+
+Ned stooped over and peeped in at the doorway. There was a bright light
+inside which came from a little star suspended from the ceiling, the
+crystal walls on all sides reflecting the light with great brilliancy.
+Here and there were draped beautiful laces, no doubt spun by the spiders
+kept by the fairies for that purpose.
+
+"Come," said the Gnome somewhat impatiently, as Ned's curiosity still
+held him at the little castle's doorway. "Come away, or else the Queen
+will not return. How is she to enter if you block up her entrance?"
+
+Following his advice, Ned withdrew some little distance and stood
+watching the gay scene around him.
+
+Hundreds of insects were flying about and large, gay-winged butterflies
+fluttered over the flowers. On some he noticed tiny figures and others
+with blades of grass tied around the necks of robins, bluebirds and
+golden orioles were also flying about in mid-air, while some sailed on
+the silver backs of fishes or floated in shells upon the water near his
+feet.
+
+"Look!" cried the Gnome suddenly, "here she comes."
+
+A half horsechestnut, with damask roseleaf cushions, mounted on four
+ivy-berry wheels and with four shining beetles for horses came driving
+up from the waterfall.
+
+Leaning back in her carriage sat the Queen Fairy, fanning her face with
+a fly's wing.
+
+The beetles came to a stand in front of the palace, and the Queen,
+gathering up her white satin dress, stepped out.
+
+Instantly numerous ladies in waiting, jumped from off their butterfly
+steeds and escorted her through the palace door.
+
+Ned cautiously peeped in again. The room was filled with fairies about
+as large as your thumb, dancing here and there and singing a low, sweet
+song.
+
+On perceiving that a mortal was gazing at them they began to dance more
+slowly, and presently ceased altogether. Whereupon the Queen, looking
+about to ascertain the reason and catching sight of Ned's admiring face,
+exclaimed:
+
+"No wonder you feel so faint, my little fays, and that you stop your
+merry dancing. The hot air is pouring in upon us from a fiery furnace
+outside. Look here, my giant friend," she added, coming up to Ned, "if
+you want to see how we live you mustn't hold your mouth open with
+astonishment. Your breath is very hot to us little people!"
+
+With that the mischievous Queen jumped quite unexpectedly on Ned's nose
+and gave it a sharp pinch.
+
+"Don't cry," said the fairy in a cheery voice, the laughs falling from
+her like waterdrops from the cascade just outside; "I only wanted to
+let you know what I could do; but I am ready to be as polite as you
+wish."
+
+"May it please your highness," interposed the Gnome, who at this point
+squeezed himself through Ned's legs and entered the door, "to give my
+mortal friend a drop of your crystal nectar, in order that he may regain
+his boyish shape again?"
+
+The Queen Fairy looked politely inquisitive.
+
+"You see, your highness," the Gnome went on to explain, "he has eaten
+too heartily of gnome cake, and that together with a gobletful of gnome
+watermelon juice, has caused him much inconvenience, as well as an
+entire change of form."
+
+No sooner had he finished speaking than the Queen called the Waterfall
+Fairy, the Brook Fairy and yet another, somewhat smaller, called Violet
+Water.
+
+"Hasten," she said to them when they had assembled before her, "hasten
+to make a draft of crystal nectar, that this mortal may drink and assume
+once more his natural shape."
+
+"Move off!" cried a shrill voice in Ned's ear, and, looking up, he saw a
+Snapdragon, who seemed to be a sort of policeman for the fairies.
+
+"How can you expect these Ladies-in-Waiting to fulfill their Queen's
+commands if you stand there blocking the royal exit?"
+
+"Tell your friend to sit him down and wait patiently, for it will take
+some time to brew the magic draft," said the Queen to the Gnome, who
+repeated her words to Ned.
+
+He was very glad indeed to rest, for, not being accustomed to carry so
+much weight on his young legs, he felt very weary and somewhat
+discouraged.
+
+However, relief was in sight, and, following the suggestion of the good
+fairy, he threw himself down on a mossy bank and waited.
+
+Before long the three fairies returned, bearing between them a lily
+filled with a white liquid.
+
+As they approached the Queen herself came forth from her crystal palace,
+followed by many of her subjects.
+
+Stepping up to where Ned lay, she said in a soft voice: "Do not rise,
+for even now you are much too tall. I myself must pour this magic nectar
+upon your lips."
+
+So saying, she stepped lightly upon a stone close by and, bending
+forward, placed the lily to Ned's mouth.
+
+[Illustration: "DO NOT RISE," SAID THE FAIRY QUEEN.]
+
+The next moment he felt a strange sensation running through him, and
+looking down at his hands and feet was delighted to see that they
+were becoming smaller and smaller.
+
+Though great was his delight, he did not forget his manners, and,
+turning to the little fairy, said: "How may I ever repay you for your
+great kindness? Indeed," he added, scarcely able to restrain the tears
+which came to his eyes, "whatever would my dear mother have thought had
+I returned to her in the form of a giant?"
+
+"Thank me no more," answered the Fairy Queen, "for gladly will I do any
+favor for the boy who thinks of his mother first. In the future, should
+you need my aid, hang this ring about a bluebird's throat and send him
+to me."
+
+And with these words she placed a slender gold ring upon Ned's little
+finger.
+
+"But how shall I catch the bird?" asked Ned, his curiosity aroused
+before he had time to think of thanking her small highness.
+
+"Whistle thrice upon a blade of grass," she answered, "and the bird will
+fly to thee. Then place the ring about his neck and bid him hasten to
+the Fairy Queen of the Lake."
+
+During all this time Ned had been growing smaller and smaller. He had
+almost forgotten this, when his little friend, the Gnome, exclaimed:
+"There! You're your own self again!" At which Ned turned to the Queen,
+and, after thanking her again ran hastily to the brook to assure himself
+that such was the case.
+
+So, bidding farewell to his kind friend, the Fairy Queen, and her three
+Ladies-in-Waiting, he accompanied the Gnome down the valley.
+
+
+
+
+THE MAGIC AXE
+
+Ned meets the King and proposes to cut down the big Oak Tree.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE MAGIC AXE
+
+
+PRESENTLY the Gnome turned to Ned and said:
+
+"I must leave you for a time. But with the Fairy Queen's magic ring upon
+your finger, you will be safe from harm. Self reliance is what all boys
+should practise. Therefore, travel for a few days alone. At the end of
+that time I will join you." And with these words the Gnome disappeared.
+
+For a moment Ned felt a wild desire to call him back. But with a shrug
+of his shoulder, he put away the thought and bravely set out in search
+of further adventure.
+
+He had gone but a short distance when he came to a Magic Axe, chopping
+away all by itself at one of the tallest trees.
+
+"Good morning, Mistress Axe," he said. "Doesn't it tire you to be
+chopping away all alone there at that old tree?"
+
+"Not at all, my son. Put me in your knapsack and I will make you
+famous."
+
+Picking up the axe, Ned placed it in his knapsack and set off once more.
+After a while, he came to a place where the road was hollowed out of a
+mass of solid rock, and here, in the distance, he heard a sharp noise
+like that of iron striking against stone.
+
+"Some giant must be breaking rocks away up there," he said to himself,
+and climbed up the mountain. When he reached the top of the high rock,
+he found a Magic Pickaxe, all alone by itself, digging away at the hard
+stone as if it were soft clay.
+
+Every time that wonderful pickaxe struck a blow it went more than a foot
+into the rock.
+
+"Good morning, Mistress Pickaxe," said Ned. "Doesn't it tire you to be
+digging alone here, hollowing away at that old rock?"
+
+"Not at all, my little man. Put me in your knapsack and I will make you
+famous."
+
+Ned picked up the pickaxe and placing it in his knapsack, again went on.
+
+After a while he came to a brook which he followed up the hillside.
+
+The farther he went the smaller it grew until finally, it ended in a
+little nutshell, from which this tiny stream began its journey down the
+mountain.
+
+"Good morning, Miss Spring," said Ned. "Doesn't it tire you to be
+gushing away all alone by yourself in your little corner?"
+
+"Indeed it does, my little man. Put me in your knapsack and I will make
+you famous."
+
+Ned picked up the little nutshell and plugging it up with moss, placed
+it carefully in his knapsack with the Magic Axe and the Magic Pickaxe.
+
+After some little time he came to a king's palace. Now, although it was
+a magnificent palace, everyone living there was perfectly miserable, for
+one morning, without the least warning, an immense oak had sprung up,
+with leaves and branches so thick that they shut out the sun from all
+the windows, making the castle as dark as night.
+
+Of course in those days there was no gas and electricity, and although
+the king had commanded that candles be made as high as barber poles,
+they spluttered and often went out when the wind blew.
+
+All the woodcutters in the kingdom had tried to cut down this tree, but
+its bark was so tough that it turned the edge of every axe, and for
+every branch that was lopped off, two instantly grew in its place. At
+last the king had offered three bags of gold to anyone who would rid him
+of his troublesome oaktree.
+
+Now this was not the only trouble that beset the poor king. For,
+although the surrounding country was rich in springs and brooks, the
+royal gardens were dry as the desert of Sahara. And although the king
+had also promised three bags of gold to anyone who would dig a well, no
+one had yet been able to dig deeper than a foot, as the palace was built
+on a rock of solid granite.
+
+Each day the king grew more angry, but of course that did no good. At
+last calling the poet laureate of his kingdom, he asked him what should
+be done.
+
+Running his fingers through his long curly hair, the poet thought a
+while. Then summoning the Royal Carpenter, ordered him to make an
+immense placard, on which, when finished, this wise poet printed:
+
+          "To him who cuts my oaktree down
+             I'll give three bags of gold
+          But he who fails shall lose his life
+             And lie beneath the mold."
+
+"But what good will that exquisite poem do?" asked the king,
+sarcastically.
+
+"It will keep your Royal Highness from being irritated by this endless
+sound of chop, chop, chop," replied the poet. "I verily believe every
+man in your kingdom has had a hack at the tree. Now, he who reads this
+sign, will first make sure his axe is a good one. And my poetic ears
+will be spared much of this frightful noise which is far worse than a
+steel rivetter at work on a ninety story building in New York City."
+Which shows that this poet had an eye that could see into the future,
+for at that time, as far as I know, Columbus hadn't even asked the Queen
+of Spain to pawn her diamond rings!
+
+"Very well," replied the king, "have the sign nailed on this dreadful
+tree and we will see what happens."
+
+As soon as Ned arrived at the castle he bowed politely to the king, who
+happened to be standing nearby with all his courtiers.
+
+"Ha, ha," laughed the king, as Ned read the sign. "Do you, too, wish to
+lose your ears?" At which all the courtiers laughed heartily, the first
+time in many months that anybody in that castle had laughed, or even
+smiled, for that matter.
+
+"I can but try," answered Ned bravely, and opening his knapsack, took
+out his Magic Axe. Standing it up, with the handle leaning against the
+enchanted tree, he stepped back a few feet and shouted: "Chop, chop,
+chop!"
+
+At once the axe began to chop, now right, now left, and up and down, and
+in an incredibly short time that immense tree was cut to bits. It took
+only a quarter of an hour, and yet there was such a monstrous heap of
+wood that the whole court needed nothing else to burn for a whole year.
+
+But when Ned asked the king for the three bags of gold, that stingy old
+monarch said, "Before I give you the reward, you must perform another
+task."
+
+"What is it?" asked Ned.
+
+"You must dig me a well so that I may have plenty of water," answered
+the king.
+
+
+
+
+THE MAGIC SPRING
+
+Ned mounted the little Donkey and rode away.
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE MAGIC SPRING
+
+
+"I CAN but try, your Majesty," said Ned bravely, and again opening his
+knapsack, took out his Magic Pickaxe. Laying it carefully on the ground
+in the proper position, he shouted:
+
+"Pick, pick, pick!"
+
+At once the pick began to burst the granite to splinters, and in less
+than a quarter of an hour had dug a well more than a hundred feet deep
+in the solid rock.
+
+"Is the well deep enough, your Majesty?" asked Ned politely.
+
+"Certainly," answered the king, "but where is the water to come from?"
+And he winked at his courtiers, who smiled to themselves, for they all
+thought Ned would fail, after all, for as yet there wasn't a drop of
+water in the well.
+
+But Ned wasn't discouraged. He quietly opened his knapsack again and
+took out the nutshell covered with moss, and placed it on a magnificent
+fountain vase which, not having any water, had been filled with a
+beautiful bouquet of flowers.
+
+"Gush, gush, gush!" he shouted, stepping aside to avoid a wetting.
+
+At once water began to burst out among the flowers, singing with a
+gentle murmur, and falling down in a sparkling cascade, that was so cold
+it made everybody shiver. And in less than a quarter of an hour the well
+was filled, and a deep trench had to be dug to take away the overflow,
+otherwise the whole palace would have been flooded.
+
+"You have indeed earned the reward," said the king. And he ordered a
+little donkey saddled and bridled and the six bags of gold hung from his
+back, three on either side. After which Ned was invited to a great
+feast, and when that was over, he mounted the little donkey and rode
+away, with the three bags of gold hanging from each side of the saddle
+and a little gold ring on his finger, which the king's daughter gave him
+after washing her pretty face in water for the first time in many
+months.
+
+But before Ned rode away, he put his Magic Axe and his Magic Pickaxe
+back in his knapsack, "for who can tell," he said to himself, "what need
+I may have of these two useful tools."
+
+His knapsack was now well filled, for the cook in the royal kitchen had
+also placed in it a loaf of bread, a cheese and a knife in case he
+became hungry while on his journey of adventure.
+
+As Ned traveled on, the forest became darker and darker, for the trees
+grew so close together that the sun could hardly shine through the thick
+leafy roof. Suddenly he heard a great voice singing:
+
+          "I am the master of this wood
+             And everyone bows to me,
+          My head is as big as a drygoods box
+             And my legs as long as a tree."
+
+Then, all at once, the voice changed to a whistle, which sounded like
+the siren on a sound steamer when the weather is foggy.
+
+"It must be a giant singing," thought Ned. "Goodness! but he's a loud
+whistler. I guess he blows through his fingers!" and he hid beneath a
+clump of bushes.
+
+"Ho, ho!" cried the voice, and a giant came crashing through the forest.
+
+On seeing Ned, he shouted:
+
+"Come out of there, and I'll make a mouthful of you."
+
+"Don't be in a hurry," replied Ned bravely. "I'm going to make you my
+servant."
+
+"Ho, ho!" laughed the giant, "that is a good joke! I'll pitch you into
+that raven's nest up there to teach you to make less noise in my
+forest."
+
+"_Your_ forest!" laughed Ned. "It's as much mine as yours, and if you
+say another word, I'll cut it down in a quarter of an hour."
+
+"Ha, ha!" shouted the giant, "I should like to see you begin, my brave
+Sir Kid!"
+
+Carefully placing his Magic Axe on the ground, Ned shouted, "Chop, chop,
+chop!"
+
+At once the axe began to chop, now right, now left, and up and down,
+till the branches tumbled down on the giant's head like hail in autumn.
+
+"Stop, stop!" cried the giant. "Don't destroy my forest. Who the
+mischief are you?"
+
+"Sit down and I'll tell you the story of the famous Puss in Boots, who
+once killed a giant and gave his castle to his Master, the Lord of
+Carabas," said Ned.
+
+"How could a cat kill a giant? You are making sport of me."
+
+"Not at all," replied Ned. "Have you never read the story of Puss in
+Boots?"
+
+"No, but I once heard my cousin, the Giant of the Beanstalk, speak of a
+cat who wore boots. But that was long ago when we were both boys."
+
+"Well, I'll tell you then," said Ned. "Puss in Boots' master was the
+youngest of three sons. When their father died, the two older brothers
+received the farm and money, while he was left nothing but a Cat, who
+said to him one day, 'Do just what I tell you and I will make you rich.
+Give me a bag and a pair of boots, because the brambles scratch my legs,
+and you shall see what I will do for you.'
+
+"Well, when the boots were made and he had put them on, he hung the bag
+about his neck, and set out for a rabbit warren where lived great
+numbers of rabbits. Opening the bag he stretched himself out as though
+he were dead, and waited for a hungry rabbit to poke his nose into the
+bag to eat the bran. Pretty soon along came a young rabbit and as soon
+as it had crept in to eat the bran, Puss in Boots pulled the string, and
+that was the last of the little rabbit.
+
+"Then, running off to the palace, he gave it to the king, saying it was
+a present from his master, my Lord of Carabas, the name he had invented
+for his young master. Every day he brought some kind of game, until by
+and by the king thought my Lord of Carabas a great man and Puss in Boots
+a most wonderful cat, which indeed he was."
+
+"He was indeed," said the big giant, moving uneasily on the log on which
+he was sitting.
+
+"Well, one day," continued Ned, "Puss in Boots bade his master bathe in
+the river, and leave the rest to him. Just then the King passed by.
+
+"'Help, help!' cried Puss. 'Robbers have stolen my master's clothes!'
+
+"At once the king ordered his guards to the rescue, and fitting out my
+Lord of Carabas with a new suit of clothes, invited him to ride in the
+coach with his beautiful daughter.
+
+"As they rolled along they came in sight of a castle owned by a bad
+giant."
+
+
+
+
+MAGIC FOOD
+
+The Giant cannot understand how Ned can eat cheese.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+MAGIC FOOD
+
+
+"PUSS IN BOOTS, who had reached the castle in advance of the royal
+party, opened the door and said with a low bow to the wicked ogre:
+
+"'I hear you have the power to change yourself into any animal.'
+
+"'That is true,' answered the ogre, so pleased that at once he turned
+himself into a lion.
+
+"'I doubt if you can become as small as a mouse,' said Puss in Boots.
+
+"Instantly the ogre changed himself into a mouse, whereupon Puss in
+Boots pounced upon him and ate him up.
+
+"At that moment up drove the coach. Throwing open the castle door, Puss
+in Boots said with a hospitable bow:
+
+"'Welcome to the castle of my Lord of Carabas.' And, to make a long
+story short," laughed Ned, "his master married the King's daughter and
+lived happily ever after."
+
+"Whew!" gasped the giant. "He certainly was a wonderful cat," and he
+looked anxiously at the Magic Axe.
+
+Presently Ned began to feel hungry, and opening his knapsack, took out
+his bread and cheese.
+
+"What is that white stuff?" asked the giant, who had never seen cheese
+before.
+
+"That is a stone," answered Ned, commencing to eat it with a hungry
+appetite.
+
+"Do you eat stones?" asked the giant.
+
+"Oh yes," answered Ned. "That's my regular food, which explains why I'm
+not so big as you who eat oxen; but it's also the reason why, little as
+I am, I am ten times as strong as you are. Now take me to your house."
+
+The giant looked at the Magic Axe which had so nearly destroyed his
+forest, and then at Ned eating a stone with apparent relish.
+
+"I will," he said, and humbly led the way to his monstrous cabin.
+
+"Now listen," said Ned to the giant after they were fairly seated, "one
+of us must be the master, and the other the servant. If I can't do
+whatever you do, I am to be your slave; if you're not able to do
+whatever I do, you are to be mine."
+
+"Agreed," said the giant. "I'd be tickled to death to have a little
+servant like you. It's too much work for me to think, and you have
+brains enough for both. Well, let's start the trial. Here are my two
+buckets,--go and get the water to make the soup!"
+
+Ned looked at the buckets, the tops of which he couldn't even see, for
+they were two enormous hogsheads, ten feet high and six broad. It would
+have been much easier for him to drown himself in them than to move
+them.
+
+"Ho, ho!" shouted the giant. "Do what I do and get the water."
+
+"What's the good of that?" replied Ned. "I'll go get the spring itself
+to put in the pot," knowing that he could easily run back to the king's
+castle for the little magic nutshell.
+
+"No, no!" said the giant, "that won't do. You have already half spoiled
+my forest with your Magic Axe. I don't want you to take my spring away.
+You may attend to the fire, and I'll go for the water."
+
+So the giant hung up the kettle, put into it an ox cut into pieces,
+fifty cabbages, and a wagon-load of carrots, skimming the broth with a
+frying pan, tasting it every now and then until it was done. When
+everything was ready, he turned and said:
+
+"Now we'll see if you can do what I can. I feel like eating the whole
+ox, and you into the bargain. I think I'll serve you for dessert."
+
+"All right," answered little Ned. But before sitting down he slipped his
+knapsack under his jacket.
+
+Then the two champions set to work. Perhaps Ned was a trifle nervous,
+knowing only too well that if he failed he must be the giant's servant.
+
+Well, the giant ate and ate, and Ned wasn't idle; only he pitched
+everything, beef, cabbage, carrots, and all, into his knapsack when the
+giant wasn't looking.
+
+"Ouf!" at last grunted the giant, "I can't do much more. I've got to
+undo the lower button of my waistcoat."
+
+"Eat away, starveling!" cried Ned, sticking half a cabbage into his
+knapsack.
+
+"Ouf!" groaned the giant, "I must loosen another button. But what sort
+of an ostrich's stomach have you got, Kiddo? I should say you were used
+to eating stones!"
+
+"Eat away, lazy-bones!" said Ned, sticking a huge chunk of beef into his
+knapsack.
+
+"Ouf!" sighed the giant for the third time, "I must open the third
+button."
+
+"Bah!" answered Ned. "It's the easiest thing to relieve yourself," and
+taking his knife, he slit his jacket and the knapsack under it the whole
+length of his stomach. "Now's your turn. Do as I do, _if you can!_"
+
+"Excuse me!" gasped the giant. "You win. I'd rather be your servant
+than do that."
+
+Then kissing Ned's hand in token of submission, he lifted his little
+master on his shoulder, and slinging the six bags of gold over his back,
+started off through the forest.
+
+"Wait a minute," said Ned, "I've forgotten my Magic tools." So the giant
+picked them up and thrusting them in his pocket, again set off at a
+tremendous rate.
+
+After a while, they came in sight of a great castle where lived a lord
+even more wicked than the cruel Blue Beard. As they drew nearer, they
+heard loud screams like those of some fair lady in distress. The next
+minute the wicked lord dragged a lovely lady by the hair across the
+courtyard.
+
+With one stride the giant stepped over the castle wall.
+
+"Shall I toss him over the moon?" he asked.
+
+"No, leave him to me," replied Ned. The wicked lord trembled and grew as
+pale as a white swan that swam nearby in a beautiful fountain.
+
+"My giant servant at a sign from me, will pitch you over the moon. But
+instead, as you have the reputation of being the greatest liar that ever
+lived, we will see who can tell the biggest story, you or I. If you
+lose, you shall give your castle to this fair lady and take yourself
+off, I don't care where, but you must never return."
+
+At once the wicked lord commenced to tell the biggest story he could
+imagine.
+
+"I have a bull so large that a man can sit on each of his horns, and the
+two can't touch each other with a twenty foot pole."
+
+"Oh, that's nothing," replied Ned. "At home on the farm we have a bull
+so large that a servant sitting on one of his horns can't see the
+servant sitting on the other."
+
+"You win," laughed the pretty princess, clapping her hands at Ned. Then
+the wicked lord went to his stable and saddling his best horse, rode
+away. But as he passed through the gate, Ned touched his steed with his
+magic gold ring. Instantly the horse turned into an immense bird and
+flew away. But where he went no one knows to this day.
+
+
+
+
+MAGIC EARS
+
+The Man with Ears like a Donkey invited Ned to eat with him.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+MAGIC EARS
+
+
+"DEAR me," said the giant suddenly. "I've forgotten all about my errand.
+You and your Magic Axe have robbed me of my memory," and the big man
+scratched his hand and looked anxiously at Ned.
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"I was to take a chicken to my old mother," answered the giant sadly.
+
+"Go ahead," said Ned. "I can take care of myself. At any rate it is
+about time my friend the Gnome came back to me."
+
+"You are very kind," said the giant. "Here are your Magic Axe and your
+Magic Pickaxe. I almost forgot them," and he set off at a great rate for
+his mother's house.
+
+Ned, too, quickened his pace, for it was growing late, and the shadows
+creeping from tree to tree. At length he saw a light in the distance. It
+was a very little light, not much larger than a star, and at first Ned
+thought it might be a giant firefly. However, he kept on and after a
+while it turned out to be a little candle in the window of a poor
+woodcutter's hut. Knocking on the door, it was presently opened by a
+strange looking man. He had long hairy ears like a donkey and was
+dressed in the skins of wild animals.
+
+"Welcome," he said in a kindly voice, "I am just preparing my evening
+meal. Come in and eat." Ned followed the donkey-eared man into the
+cottage and sat down at the rude wooden table on which were spread black
+bread and beans.
+
+"I have but humble fare to offer you," said the donkey-eared man, but
+his smile was a kind one as he helped Ned to the beans with a large
+wooden spoon. "But as I see you are a traveler, you no doubt have fared
+worse at times," and he smiled again in such a friendly way, that Ned
+took a great liking to him.
+
+"You are right. I'm a traveler, seeking adventures and many strange
+things I have seen while visiting Gnomeland."
+
+"I have heard little of the world since my ears were changed into those
+of a donkey," sighed the donkey-eared man.
+
+"Is there no magic charm which will remove them?" asked Ned, as he
+finished the last bean on his plate and wiped his mouth carefully with
+the pocket handkerchief which his kind mother had given him the very
+morning he had set out for Gnomeland.
+
+"None whatever," answered the man with a sigh. "There is no charm nor
+magic herb, but I've heard tell of a Magic Axe that once cut down a
+charmed oak tree overshadowing a king's palace. But where am I to find
+that Magic Axe?"
+
+          "Oh master dear, pray ask this lad
+             Your donkey ears to sever;
+          For then your own two ears will take
+             Their place as good as ever,"
+
+sang a little bird from her tree in the forest.
+
+When Ned heard that, he jumped up and went behind the door where he had
+hung his knapsack. Taking out the Magic Axe, he laid it on the table
+before the donkey-eared man.
+
+"Cut off my ears!" shouted the donkey-eared man.
+
+"I can't do it," said Ned, trembling all over.
+
+"Do as I ask you," begged the donkey-eared man, laying his head on the
+table.
+
+Instead, however, Ned touched the donkey ears with his little magic gold
+ring, at the same time whispering, "Away with you!"
+
+Off went the long, hairy ears, and the next minute, two grew in their
+place, just like yours and mine.
+
+          "Oh, now I'm free from donkey ears,
+          Three cheers and once, again, three cheers!
+          No more the witch's evil snare
+          Shall force me donkey ears to wear!"
+
+sang the donkey-eared man, dancing about the room.
+
+All the next day Ned trudged on alone until towards evening, he came to
+the edge of a pine-forest, where close at hand stood a small hut made of
+pine-branches, plastered with mud and thatched with rye-straw. No sooner
+had he tapped on the door than it was opened by a girl. She looked out
+timidly, thinking, I suppose, it might be a robber. But when she saw
+Ned, she smiled.
+
+"Come in," she said, and Ned saw four small children staring curiously
+at him.
+
+The room was very smoky, for there was no chimney to the rude hut. A
+hole in the roof let the smoke out, and there were no windows, for the
+father of these children was a poor peasant who made his living by
+gathering turpentine in the pine forest.
+
+Ned sat down, while the girl went on with her work until the black beans
+were ready for supper, when she put them all in a big wooden bowl, and
+invited Ned to join her and the four children.
+
+While they were eating out of the bowl with a wooden spoon, a tame
+jackdaw who had been sitting on an old stool by the fireside, hopped
+over and perched himself close to Ned.
+
+When the supper was over, and the children were ready for bed, he
+whispered, "This little family is very poor. Their father is away
+selling turpentine, and there is little food in the cupboard. But if you
+will come with me tonight, I will show you how we can help them."
+
+When all the children were sound asleep, Ned looked over to the fireside
+where the jackdaw sat, his eyes shining brighter and brighter through
+the darkness, till they made the room so light that Ned could plainly
+see the five sleeping children huddled together on the straw bed in the
+corner.
+
+Then the jackdaw nodded, and hopping down from the stool on which he
+sat, walked softly over to the door.
+
+The moon shone brightly on the bare brown fields silvered with white
+frost, and in the still, cold air, the forest looked like a black cloud
+just dropped upon the earth.
+
+
+
+
+THE MAGIC BASKET
+
+The Little Old Woman made a low bow to the Jackdaw.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE MAGIC BASKET
+
+
+ON and on they went, the jackdaw hopping over the rough fields, and now
+and then turning his head and winking his fiery eyes at Ned, until they
+found themselves at the foot of a high, round hill.
+
+At one side of the great mound the stream which they had been following
+suddenly stopped short, making a deep well, over which hung an old oak
+tree, leafless now, but still strewing the ground with dry acorns.
+
+Right at the foot of this tree was an upright gray stone, apparently
+part of a rock deeply sunk in the hillside. Beside this stone the
+jackdaw paused, and, turning to nod reassuringly at Ned, picked up a
+pebble about the size of an acorn and dropped it into the well, at the
+same time knocking gently on the flat stone with his bill.
+
+In a moment the rock opened in the middle, and there stood a little old
+woman, as withered as a spring apple and as bright as a butterfly,
+dressed in a scarlet bodice covered with spangles and a black petticoat
+worked in square characters with all the colors of the rainbow.
+
+Ned thought she was not nearly as attractive as the fairies whom he had
+but lately left, although she had on more colors than even the Queen
+Fairy.
+
+On seeing the jackdaw she made a low bow, and in a shrill eager voice
+invited them in. Ned hesitated, but the little old woman snatched his
+hand and pulled him in, asking in a whisper, "Dost thou fear for thyself
+when visiting the King of the Gnomes?"
+
+Then, opening a low door in the side of the cavern, she beckoned them to
+follow. In the middle of a still larger vault stood an arm chair
+fashioned from beryl and jasper, with knobs of amethyst and topaz, in
+which sat Ned's friend, the Gnome.
+
+He was dressed in a robe of velvet, green and soft as forest moss, and a
+ring of gold lay on his grizzled hair. His little eyes shone keen and
+fiery, and his hands, withered and brown, were now covered with
+glittering jewels.
+
+About the cave a hundred little men, smaller than he, were busy in a
+hundred ways. Some stirred kettles of smoking broth; others sliced fresh
+vegetables for crisp salads. Some spread a table, with golden plates
+and crystal goblets; three turned huge pieces of meat on a spit before a
+fire at the end of the cavern, while a dozen more watched the simmering
+pots.
+
+The jackdaw hopped gravely past all this toward the chair of the Gnome
+King, who stretched out his sceptre, a tall bulrush of gold, and touched
+the jackdaw, who at once turned into a dwarf.
+
+Making a low bow to the Gnome King, he turned to Ned and said:
+
+"I was forced to take the form of a jackdaw for twenty years because I
+once said that gold was not as yellow as buttercups nor so bright as
+sunshine. This made the Gnomes angry, because their belief is that gold
+is the most beautiful thing in the world. My punishment is now over and
+I need never return to the earth again. But I would do a favor to the
+poor peasant children who were so good to me."
+
+"What favor would you ask for the poor peasant children?" asked the
+Gnome King.
+
+"I would send them a Magic Basket filled with food," answered the dwarf.
+
+No sooner had he spoken, than the Gnome ordered his subjects to fill a
+Magic Basket with all kinds of good things to eat. There was a golden
+bowl of smoking stew, a crystal goblet of wine, a golden dish of mashed
+potatoes and another of rice pudding.
+
+And when the Magic Basket was covered with a damask napkin, it was
+handed to a dwarf messenger to take to the poor woodcutter's children,
+while all the little dwarfs stood around him and sang:
+
+          "In this basket they will find
+          Food and drink of magic kind.
+            Never will it empty grow
+          And no hunger they shall know."
+
+"Hereafter," said the Gnome King, looking kindly at Ned, "a bluebird
+shall be your companion and will show you many and curious things. I can
+spare no more time, for my people must be governed, and while I have
+given you more attention than any other mortal because of your great
+fondness for fairy tales, I must now leave you in the care of this
+bluebird, unless, perchance, you wish to return to earth at once."
+
+To which Ned answered eagerly that he would much rather see more of
+Gnomeland before again returning to the everyday routine of grammar
+school and lessons.
+
+"Good luck to you, then!" cried his friend, as he shook Ned warmly by
+the hand.
+
+The door opened and Ned once more found himself by the side of the great
+flat stone in the hillside, where rippling waters of the little stream
+flowed into the pool at the foot of the great oak tree, on which sat a
+lovely bluebird.
+
+Following the bluebird, Ned turned to one side to avoid climbing the
+hill, and continued his journey for some time, keeping ever in sight the
+bluebird's beautiful form.
+
+It was almost dark when they were confronted by a dense forest. This was
+not particularly reassuring to Ned, especially as the bluebird flew back
+and settled herself on his shoulder, evidently not wishing to enter the
+woods at so late an hour. For in a deep, black forest, with all sorts of
+strange shadows and ghostly trees, one never knows what may be lurking
+about, and the same Ned who, with his two stout fists, in broad daylight
+would have undertaken to keep any living boy or man from doing serious
+mischief, felt his teeth set hard and his heart stand still as he came
+into the shadow of the great trees.
+
+The little bird nestled close to his cheek and refused to leave his
+shoulder.
+
+Ned, indeed, felt that he must now look out for himself, and though his
+heart beat high, he bravely trudged forward.
+
+It was very unlike the woods to which he had been accustomed to go with
+his schoolmates at home, where bright green maples, beeches and birches
+made a leafy bower overhead. Instead, there were solemn pines and
+hemlocks, and as he entered deeper, great caverns appeared in the rocks
+and narrow gulleys, into which one might easily fall and break one's
+neck.
+
+Through this dismal place he trudged along, with his knees shaking, but
+with a brave heart, until he came to a great pine, which evidently had
+been struck by lightning, for it stood up white and tall, lifting its
+bare arms to the sky, like some specter giant crying for vengeance.
+
+Luckily he had placed the bluebird in his pocket, fearing that the low
+hanging branches would sweep it from his shoulders. Had he not done so
+before arriving at this spot the opportunity would not have presented
+itself again.
+
+Right at the foot of the pine, on a decaying log, sat a little old man,
+who was altogether the ugliest looking object that Ned had ever seen. He
+was about half the size of ordinary men, though the whiteness of his
+hair and beard showed plainly that he would never be any taller, and
+though his body was short and crooked to the last degree, his face was
+long and pale, but was lighted up by wonderfully brilliant eyes.
+
+These were fixed on Ned from the moment he came in sight, and, piercing
+through the darkness, it is no wonder that they chilled the poor boy's
+blood and failed to quicken his pace. Indeed, it is not quite certain
+that he would have gone forward at all if the greater part of the forest
+had not been behind him, though there seemed to be a spell in the
+strange eyes that drew the boy on in spite of himself.
+
+"Come along! What are you afraid of?" cried the dwarf in a little, dry
+voice, that sounded like the cracking of a dry twig beneath one's foot.
+
+Ned hesitated, and, as if seeking the comfort of something alive and
+friendly, thrust his hand into his pocket alongside of the little
+bluebird.
+
+"Come on! Come on, little master," repeated the dwarf. "Here I have been
+waiting more than an hour to tell you some good news, and now that you
+are here you would hinder me because you are such a coward."
+
+"I don't know you," said Ned, as an excuse.
+
+"Well, well, no matter for that. I know you well enough. Would you read
+about gnomes and then be so cowardly that you would fear to associate
+with them?"
+
+As he finished speaking, he arose, disclosing a doorway in the trunk of
+the pine tree behind him.
+
+At that moment, a beautiful dwarf maiden emerged therefrom, and, as if
+having heard the conversation, said: "He is no coward, father. See, he
+will shake hands with me!"
+
+Ned put out his hand, but drew it back just in time to escape having the
+gold ring which the Fairy Queen had given him, slipped off his finger by
+the dwarf maiden.
+
+"Selfish mortal," she cried, "'tis nothing but a little gold band. Give
+it to me. See, I will exchange this beautiful diamond for it," and she
+held out a sparkling stone set in a gold ring.
+
+Ned drew back in alarm, more especially as the dwarf himself advanced
+with a threatening attitude.
+
+Continuing to step back, Ned kept his eyes upon the dwarf, who advanced
+now with upraised fist. Seeing this, Ned quickly threw off his coat and
+picking up a stout stick, prepared to defend himself.
+
+It would have gone ill with him, for the dwarf was surprisingly strong
+and agile, had not relief come from an unexpected quarter.
+
+[Illustration: NED THREW OFF HIS COAT.]
+
+The little bluebird had quietly slipped out of Ned's pocket, and flying
+up to him, received the gold ring about her neck in accordance with the
+command of the Fairy Queen, which Ned remembered suddenly and luckily
+in time.
+
+Off flew the bird to the great tall pine and touched it with the magic
+ring. In an instant it changed into a giant, who stretched forth one of
+his great hands, and catching up the dwarf, hurled him headlong down the
+side of the ravine close by.
+
+The dwarf maiden, with a cry, rushed after him, climbing down the sides
+with wonderful agility.
+
+The giant now turned to Ned, saying: "Little Master, I owe it to you
+that I am once more my natural self. An evil spirit transformed me into
+yonder tree, but the magic of your ring has restored me once more to my
+natural shape. I will henceforth serve you while the occasion lasts,"
+and with these words he knelt before Ned most humbly.
+
+At the same time the bluebird handed Ned his magic ring, and with this
+faithful little friend, his gold ring, and the giant for a servant, Ned
+felt that he had nothing further to fear while traveling in Gnomeland.
+
+"Thank you, my good friend," said Ned, placing his hand upon the bowed
+head of the giant. "You are certainly grateful for what I have done for
+you, which is more than can be said of many mortals. But had I not had
+the magic ring and the assistance of my little companion, the bluebird,
+you would still be the tree you were. Let us, therefore, the three of
+us, pledge allegiance to one another and set out upon our journey of
+adventure."
+
+As he finished speaking the giant arose and carefully placing Ned upon
+his shoulder, started off at a rapid stride.
+
+The little bluebird flew ahead, and in a short time the three comrades
+emerged from the forest.
+
+In the distance could be seen the turrets of a stately castle, which
+looked down from a high point of land upon a beautiful river that wound
+in and out like a silver ribbon through the meadow.
+
+"Who lives in yonder castle?" asked Ned, unconsciously adopting the
+style of language of Gnomeland.
+
+"I know not," answered the giant, "but with a few more steps we will be
+able to inquire at the postern gates."
+
+It was indeed a stately castle, and upon reaching the drawbridge Ned was
+surprised to find that it was not lowered for them to cross over,
+although they waited for some time.
+
+"I think I'll blow upon my policeman's whistle," said Ned, hunting
+through his pockets. "I certainly had it when I left home."
+
+"Blow hard," advised the giant as Ned brought it forth, "blow hard, that
+those within may think us worthy of admittance."
+
+Upon which Ned let out a blast that would do justice to any Knight of
+the Round Table. He was himself surprised at the volume of sound, but
+was too much interested in what was about to happen to realize that the
+touch of his magic ring had made it possible for the small nickel-plated
+whistle to create such a sound.
+
+Presently the drawbridge began slowly to descend, and when the creaking
+chains ceased their noise, our three comrades crossed over to the castle
+gates. These were thrown wide open, and just as the giant placed Ned
+upon his feet in front of the castle doors, they opened, disclosing a
+beautiful princess on the threshold.
+
+"Welcome, Ned, to you and your two friends."
+
+Whereupon the giant bowed very low, and the little bluebird flew over
+and nestled on her shoulder.
+
+Ned was too delighted to speak for a moment, for up to this time his
+experiences had been most trying, but here at last it seemed that
+fortune smiled upon him.
+
+So he and the giant followed her into the stately hall, the latter
+finding it necessary to stoop each time he entered a doorway, for
+although the castle was built on magnificent lines it had not occurred
+to the architect that a giant would ever be a guest.
+
+When they were all seated, except the giant, who sprawled on the floor,
+as there was no chair large enough to accommodate him, the beautiful
+princess said:
+
+"I would ask you to spend the night here, but my wicked stepfather
+returns tonight, and I fear he will do you some injury."
+
+"I fear nothing," answered Ned courageously, standing up to appear more
+dignified, "and if I can be of any service to you, say but a word, for I
+have a trusty friend in the giant, and also a clever one in my little
+bluebird, to say nothing of the magic of this ring," and he touched the
+gold band about his finger and bowed again to the beautiful princess.
+
+"My stepfather is very crafty," said the princess, looking at Ned
+intently, as if weighing the possibilities of his assistance. "He once
+changed a giant into a pine tree!" At these words, the giant began to
+shake and tremble so that the cut glass chandeliers rattled all over the
+castle.
+
+"Remember, I have the magic ring," Ned whispered, leaning over to where
+the giant lay upon the floor; "nothing can harm us with that in our
+possession."
+
+"What would you have me do?" asked Ned, turning again to the beautiful
+princess, for he felt that she was unwilling to ask him the favor,
+fearing it might prove of harm to him.
+
+Still the beautiful princess remained silent until the bluebird began to
+sing a sweet song, perching meanwhile upon her shoulder, as if intending
+the song for her ears especially.
+
+Then tears fell from her eyes.
+
+"'Tis the song my brother was wont to sing," she said, "but now"--and
+hiding her face in her hands, she wept more bitterly than before--"he
+has been sent away and hidden by my cruel stepfather I know not where."
+
+"We will find him for you, princess," cried Ned. "Fear not, for I have
+confidence in my two comrades and in myself. Give us all something to
+eat that we may have strength to undertake this adventure."
+
+The princess immediately ordered a great feast to be set before them,
+and when our three comrades had eaten their fill they once more set out
+upon their journey, with the prayers of the beautiful princess for their
+safety and successful return.
+
+As they wound their way through the pleasant valley, every so often the
+little bluebird would sing her song, loud and sweet, and then would
+pause, with folded wing, to listen, as if expecting an answer.
+
+So they went on for many miles, until, as they approached a cottage by
+the roadside, Ned thought he heard a familiar air. Indeed, he was sure
+that something important was about to happen, for the bluebird was
+whirring around in circles and singing as if her life depended upon the
+way she trilled and warbled.
+
+"Why, there is a bluebird in that wicker cage!" exclaimed Ned, pointing
+toward the cottage porch, from which swung a bird cage.
+
+It was, indeed, true, and in another moment Ned's bluebird was perched
+on the railing close by.
+
+Scrambling down from the giant's friendly shoulder, Ned touched the
+cage, and, to his amazement, the little door flew open and out walked a
+handsome young prince, about his own age.
+
+"Who are you?" cried Ned, but before he could reply the giant exclaimed:
+"He must be the brother of the princess! We have, indeed, completed our
+adventure, or nearly so," he added, remembering they had yet to deal
+with the crafty stepfather.
+
+"How can I ever repay you?" cried the little prince, who was at first
+unable to speak from the joy of it all. "I am free! I am free!" And he
+almost cried with delight, flinging his arms about Ned's sturdy form
+and patting the leg of the giant.
+
+"Come, little bluebird, and let me thank you, too," he added, as the
+pretty bird circled in the air and alighted on Ned's shoulder. Indeed,
+it was a happy moment for all.
+
+"And now," said Ned, "let us think of the best way to return to the
+castle, so that the princess may receive her long-lost brother."
+
+"The easiest way is the best way," said the giant. "Both you boys climb
+up on my back, and in 500 short seconds we'll be back at the castle, or
+I have forgotten my early training on the cinder path."
+
+All of which goes to show that even in Gnomeland there are sports,
+although few fairy tales tell us anything about them.
+
+When Ned and the prince had seated themselves comfortably on the great
+shoulders of the obliging giant, he set off at a tremendous rate, and
+soon they were ascending the hill on which stood the castle of the
+beautiful princess.
+
+
+
+
+THE MAGIC RING
+
+The Unhappy Little Princess leaned out of the window and sobbed.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE MAGIC RING
+
+
+NED followed the beautiful princess and her brother into the castle,
+while the giant, who had to stoop nearly to the floor in order to enter
+the doorway, brought up the rear.
+
+As it was late, everyone decided to go to bed. Besides, they were all
+well tired out after their exciting day.
+
+You would have laughed to see the giant ascend the stairway to the royal
+bedchambers, for the steps were too small for his feet, and it was with
+great difficulty that he managed to get a foothold with the toes of his
+boots.
+
+When at last he was safely inside his bedroom, the largest in the
+castle, it was found that the bedstead was not nearly long enough for
+him.
+
+So the princess gave orders that two cot beds be placed ends together,
+and in this way the giant, by allowing his feet to project through the
+open window, could lie down at full length. His feet nearly reached the
+tree that grew just outside, on which the little bluebird had perched
+for the night, and it was lucky, indeed, that it was midsummer, for
+otherwise our big friend might have caught a severe cold.
+
+After bidding the giant goodnight the little bluebird had a few minutes'
+talk with Ned while he undressed himself.
+
+[Illustration: THE STEPS WERE TOO SMALL FOR THE GIANT.]
+
+She agreed to act as sentinel during the night, to keep a vigilant
+lookout from the treetop, and in case of approaching danger instantly to
+awaken Ned and the giant.
+
+Gradually the great castle grew quiet, until nothing was stirring, "not
+even a mouse."
+
+At times the night wind rustled the leaves in the tree where the little
+bluebird sentinel sat winking and blinking, and the big yellow moon
+glistened fantastically on the big toe of the giant.
+
+Toward midnight a faint sound in the distance, like the beat of horses'
+hoofs, startled the bluebird.
+
+Hastily flying toward the castle entrance she gazed out upon the roadway
+that wound up from the valley below.
+
+At some distance she made out dimly the figures of a number of horsemen.
+
+Returning swiftly to the castle, she tweaked the giant's big toe. That,
+you can easily imagine, awoke him with a start.
+
+"What's the matter?" he asked in a frightened whisper which, although
+only a whisper, was enough to make the castle tremble, thereby awakening
+Ned and the princess herself.
+
+"The crafty stepfather of the princess is coming," answered the
+bluebird.
+
+"Then it's all up with me," cried the giant, "for he'll change me again
+into a pine tree."
+
+The bluebird made no reply, but hastened to find Ned. On entering his
+bedroom through the half open window she found him already dressing.
+"Take the ring," he said, slipping it over her glossy neck, after she
+had informed him of what she had seen. "If you can manage to touch him
+with it, this wicked man will find that he has no power whatever to harm
+us."
+
+"I will make haste," replied the little bird, "for they must by this
+time have reached the drawbridge."
+
+So saying she flew swiftly away and reached the other side of the moat
+just as the cavalcade set foot upon the bridge.
+
+Awaiting her opportunity to touch the wicked stepfather of the princess
+with the magic ring, she alighted quietly on the tip of a spear which
+one of the horsemen carried.
+
+As they neared the center of the drawbridge the king, as if suddenly
+aware of an unseen power, exclaimed: "I feel there is danger near!"
+
+Then the horseman shook his spear defiantly and so startled the little
+bluebird that she nearly lost her footing, and alas! what was much more
+serious, caused her to loosen her hold upon the little magic gold ring,
+which slipped from between her bill and fell into the waters of the
+moat.
+
+Like a falling star, it shivered and glimmered in the rays of the moon
+as it descended, attracting the attention of a speckled trout, who
+opened his mouth and swallowed it as it splashed upon the silvery
+surface of the water.
+
+"Your trusty spear has done me good service in times gone by," exclaimed
+the wicked king, not knowing that its owner had unknowingly been the
+cause of saving him at the present moment.
+
+On came the cavalcade, the wicked attendants of the king inside the
+castle opening the gates and allowing him and his men to enter the
+courtyard.
+
+Ned looked down from his window and wondered what had become of the
+bluebird. He did not feel afraid, but at the same time he realized that
+he was not in friendly hands. The giant, on hearing the gates open, had
+quickly drawn in his feet and was struggling to get his shoes on when
+Ned appeared at the door.
+
+"It's all up!" said the big fellow, with a wry face and a catch in his
+gruff voice. "I can feel already the pine-needles beginning to stick out
+all over me."
+
+"Oh, that's gooseflesh, you're so scared!" replied Ned, smiling in spite
+of the gravity of the situation. "It may not be as bad as you think!"
+
+Just then a great pounding on the front doors told them that the King
+was seeking admittance. "Who has locked the doors?" he shouted.
+
+"Wait a minute," said the sweet voice of the princess; "we did not
+expect you so late," and she ran down the stairs and opened the door
+herself.
+
+"I have two visitors upstairs," she said, as the angry monarch stepped
+inside.
+
+"What!" he shouted hoarsely, "bring them to me. How do I know but that
+they are enemies?"
+
+"Indeed they are not," she replied, "as you will see in 500 short
+seconds."
+
+"Ned, come down!" she called, "bring your friend with you, for I would
+have you meet the King!"
+
+Ned turned to the giant, whose big face was twitching with terror.
+"He'll recognize me as sure as eggs is eggs!" he groaned.
+
+"What! is that thunder?" exclaimed the King below, mistaking the giant's
+moan for a thunderclap, but before his question was answered Ned and his
+friend appeared at the head of the stairway.
+
+After shaking hands with Ned in quite a friendly way the wicked King
+turned to the giant. "Ha, ha!" he cried, "have I not had the pleasure of
+meeting you before, my fine friend?"
+
+The giant said nothing, for what could he say?
+
+"Have I not met you before?" repeated the King, with a fierce gesture.
+"Methinks you would look better as a pine tree than a hulking giant,"
+and before the words were fairly out of the King's mouth a stately pine
+tree was standing in the courtyard, through which the wind of the early
+morning made a moaning noise much like the pitiful groan of the poor,
+late giant.
+
+"And you, my little cockatoo," continued the wicked King, turning
+quickly to Ned, "would look better in a cage!"
+
+And in another minute Ned found himself in a wicker cage, suspended from
+the lowest limb of the pine tree.
+
+"And now," cried the wicked King, "where is your third guest?" The
+princess paused a moment. "Oh, the little bluebird!" she exclaimed,
+"where has it gone?"
+
+"No, not the little bluebird, but he that was the bluebird."
+
+At this the poor princess became very pale. She had hidden her brother
+the evening before when they had gone to bed in a closet in her room,
+hoping to have the opportunity of disguising him and sending him away
+with Ned and the giant the first thing in the morning. But, now, alas,
+her wicked stepfather undoubtedly suspected something. For else why
+should he ask for him?
+
+She was in despair, for she knew not what to say. And where was Ned's
+little friend, the bluebird herself, all this time? Had she deserted her
+friends, the little princess asked herself?
+
+"Answer my question!" cried the King, grasping hold of her wrist.
+
+The princess screamed with terror and her brother, hearing her cry,
+rushed forth from the closet and down the stairs.
+
+Whipping his sword from its scabbard, he made for the cruel tyrant.
+
+Alas, that bravery and valor do not always win! It was useless for him
+to fight against so experienced a swordsman as the King, and in short
+time the prince was wounded and his sword thrown from his grasp.
+
+"Little gamecock!" cried his conqueror, "you must needs grow larger
+spurs before you tackle an old rooster like me! And since you remind me
+of one, a rooster you shall be," and in five short seconds the little
+prince was changed into a young gamecock.
+
+"Out into the courtyard!" cried the King; "a castle is no chicken
+house," and the little prince found himself unceremoniously thrown under
+the big pine tree.
+
+"Have pity!" cried the little princess. "Is there no pity for a little
+orphan princess?"
+
+"Enough," answered the King, with a stamp of his foot. "Go to your
+room, else you may find yourself also changed into a bird, or a tree,
+or a pretty butterfly."
+
+So the unhappy little princess went up the stairs, crying bitterly, to
+her own chamber. Closing the door, she leaned out of the window and
+sobbed as if her heart would break.
+
+For a moment she did not notice that the topmost branch of the pine tree
+was close to her casement. In fact, she would not have noticed it for
+some time probably, as her face was buried in her hands, had not the
+branch brushed against her fingers.
+
+As she withdrew her hands from her face she heard the giant's voice,
+very much subdued, speaking to her.
+
+"Ned says not to despair, for he feels sure that his little friend, the
+bluebird, will yet find a way to liberate us all."
+
+
+
+
+THE MAGIC BALLOON
+
+Ned leaves the Magic Soap Bubble.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE MAGIC BALLOON
+
+
+GREAT was the grief of the little bluebird as she skimmed over the
+waters of the moat, realizing how impossible it was for her to regain
+the lost ring.
+
+She had not the heart for the moment to return to the castle to inform
+Ned of his loss; so she perched herself disconsolately on a bush which
+grew close to the margin of the moon-lit water, wondering what was best
+to do.
+
+Suddenly the speckled trout rose to the surface, and, seeing how
+despondent was the pretty bluebird, inquired the cause of her grief.
+
+"Ah, me!" she sighed in answer. "I have lost a magic gold ring, and I
+know not what to do, nor how to recover it."
+
+At this the speckled trout flapped his silvery tail gleefully, and
+answered: "Worry no more, pretty bluebird, for I have it safely tucked
+away inside of me."
+
+"If that be the case, Sir Trout," joyously chirped the happy bird, "swim
+at your greatest speed and deliver the ring to her majesty, the
+Waterfall Fairy, Queen of the Lake. Tell her that Ned, her little mortal
+friend, is in dire peril and that he needs her aid."
+
+"That will I gladly do," answered the speckled trout, and without more
+delay he darted off down the moat toward the dam at the farther side,
+over which the water ran in a clear stream into the purling brook,
+which finally led to the lake, where lived Ned's friend, the Fairy
+Queen. Down the silvery cascade he glided and whirled away through the
+running water, frightening the minnows and miller's thumbs lying among
+the stones in the shallow places, and startling the crawfishes and
+little fresh water lobsters hidden under the hollow banks.
+
+Faster and faster he swam, like a courier with important dispatches,
+down the clear stream running over its pebbly bed, with the luscious
+meadow sweet and the large blue geranium blooming all about its banks,
+and the wild rose on its bushes.
+
+Nor did he pause until with a loud splash he dived over the waterfall
+safely into the lake and rose to the surface close to the palace of the
+Queen of the Lake.
+
+A big black spider was busily at work mending the suspension bridge
+which spanned the water at this narrow point, for the heavy drops of
+dew had broken the slender strands in several places.
+
+He stopped his work to look at the speckled trout, who at once addressed
+him.
+
+"I am the bearer of a most important dispatch for her highness," he
+began.
+
+"Well, and I am engaged in the most important duty of repairing her
+highness' bridge," replied the spider.
+
+"So, I see," answered the trout, "but----" At this very moment the Queen
+herself, hearing voices at so early an hour outside her window, peeped
+out. Catching sight of her the trout called out boldly:
+
+"Listen to me, I beg of you, most gracious Queen. I have brought you the
+gold ring from Ned, who sorely needs thy aid!"
+
+[Illustration: "HERE IS THE RING," SAID THE TROUT.]
+
+At this the Queen quickly withdrew her head, and in a short time
+emerged from the doorway of her castle.
+
+Hastily running to the water's edge, she leaned over, grasping hold of a
+stalk to keep her from falling.
+
+"Here is the ring," said the trout, holding it in his teeth and swimming
+as close to the bank as he was able.
+
+The Queen reached out and took it safely from him.
+
+"I will make you king of my fishes, noble Sir Trout," she cried, "for
+what you have this day accomplished. Remain here in my lake henceforth,
+and now, to the rescue!"
+
+In an incredibly short time she was mounted on her swiftest robin and
+with her three ladies in waiting flew away toward the castle, where Ned
+and the beautiful princess, her brave brother and the giant were held
+prisoners by the magic of the wicked king.
+
+Now, the little bluebird, as she saw her friend, the trout, swim away,
+suddenly thought of her former master, the King of the Gnomes, and
+decided to seek aid from him. So, whirling around in a circle to get her
+bearings, she darted off swiftly through the air toward the cave in the
+forest.
+
+She made rapid progress until she reached the thick foliage of the
+woods, and here, in her eagerness, she nearly lost her way.
+
+Indeed, in the uncertain light that struggled through the thick boughs,
+it was not easy to make out certain familiar landmarks which would guide
+her to her destination.
+
+At length, just at dawn, she found herself at the foot of the hill
+wherein was the cave of the King of the Gnomes.
+
+Worn out with her arduous journey, she fluttered down to the edge of
+the bubbling fountain and drank of its refreshing waters.
+
+Then, picking up a pebble, she dropped it into the little gravelly
+basin, hopped painfully over to the great flat stone, and tapped upon it
+three times with her beak.
+
+No one replied, but the rock opened in the middle, and there stood the
+King of the Gnomes himself.
+
+On seeing the little bluebird, he stretched out a kindly hand for her to
+rest upon, and carried her into the inner room.
+
+It was his breakfast hour, for gnomes are early risers. Seating himself
+at the table, he ordered that the little bird be served with breakfast
+at once, for well he knew that a hungry bird's first wish must be for
+food.
+
+The King had scarce given this order before several nimble little men of
+the forest placed seeds and grains of wheat and a goblet of golden
+fruit juice before the bluebird.
+
+Soon she was sufficiently revived to address the gnomes, and it took her
+but a few moments to tell him all.
+
+"Come, let us hasten," he said, as she finished, and, slipping into his
+pocket his magic pipe and little pieces of soap, he left the cave and
+walked rapidly toward a small clearing.
+
+Leaning over a little pool in the hollow of the grassy earth, he filled
+his pipe, rubbed the soap about the rim, and in a moment more blew a
+large soap bubble.
+
+Taking the little bluebird in his hand, he opened a small door and
+entered the magic balloon. Up and up it went, until it was well above
+the tops of the trees.
+
+Then it took a course toward the east, where the rising sun was gilding
+the sky with its golden fingers.
+
+Faster and faster it sailed, overtaking in a short time the Fairy Queen
+and her three ladies-in-waiting, mounted on their friendly robins.
+
+In the distance could be seen the turrets of the castle, gleaming in the
+morning sun like bayonets thrust up from the earth in monster guns.
+
+"Now, little bluebird," said the Gnome, opening the little door and
+thrusting her out upon his hand, as the big Soap Bubble hovered above
+the castle, "fly down and tell Ned that deliverance is near at hand. So
+also inform the beautiful Princess, who, I see, is still sitting at her
+window, but asleep!"
+
+Off flew the bluebird on her happy errand.
+
+"Your Majesty," cried the Gnome, addressing the Fairy Queen, as she drew
+rein at the doorway of the soap bubble, "I would suggest that you touch
+with the Magic Ring only the cage wherein is confined our friend Ned,
+instructing him, while still in the form of a cockatoo, to fly up to the
+topmost branch of the pine tree. Also for the Princess' brother, while
+he is still a gamecock, to do likewise. After I have brought the bubble
+close to the window ledge, so that the beautiful Princess may step
+easily inside, I will cause it to rise to the treetop, from which
+advantageous position Ned and the Princess' brother can step within. But
+what to do with the Pine Tree Giant," said the Gnome, scratching his
+beard reflectively, "gets me! However, one thing at a time, as my old
+grandfather used to say when I was a boy, 'one thing at a time!'"
+
+As the bluebird whispered in the ear of the beautiful Princess, the
+Magic Soap Bubble approached the window ledge.
+
+Rubbing her eyes, but making no outcry, although she was very much
+startled, she obeyed the bluebird's command to "step softly," and
+entered the Bubble. It then ascended till it was on a line with the
+topmost branch, where it swayed in the gentle morning breeze, like a
+barnyard weather cock, the game rooster on one side and the cockatoo on
+the other!
+
+The Fairy Queen touched them with the ring as they hopped into the
+bubble, and they regained immediately their natural shape.
+
+The Princess threw her arms around her dear brother and hugged Ned, so
+great was her delight.
+
+Ned ran over to his little friend, the Gnome, and thanked him again and
+again for his aid, and was about to lean out of the doorway to also
+thank the Fairy Queen when the Gnome restrained him.
+
+"Not so fast, Ned, my boy! All is not yet over."
+
+"No, indeed," answered Ned, "we must rescue the giant."
+
+"Aye, there's the rub," replied the Gnome. "How are we ever to get him
+in the bubble, either as a tree or as a giant?"
+
+At this point the Fairy Queen joined in the conversation, kissing Ned at
+the same time as he attempted to thank her.
+
+"Let me first change him into his natural form," she said. "Then he can
+walk across the courtyard and out upon the drawbridge. From there he can
+easily step off into the bubble, which your majesty can lower to the
+right height above the water of the moat."
+
+"Good!" said the Gnome. "Go and do your part and I will attend to the
+bubble."
+
+Just as the bubble cleared it the pine tree became once more the
+friendly giant, who immediately strode across the courtyard.
+
+Quickly lowering the drawbridge he hastened out upon it.
+
+The creaking of the chains, however, had aroused the wicked King, who
+looked out of his window to see what was the cause of the noise. In
+another moment he was rushing toward the gates at the head of the castle
+guard.
+
+"Quick!" shouted the Gnome to the giant. "Get in!"
+
+But, alas! The doorway was too small. In vain the giant wiggled and
+squirmed. In vain Ned and the princess' brother pulled his arms. His
+great shoulders could not be forced through the doorway. Finally, with a
+tremendous shove he managed to go half way in, but no further, for at
+this point his head was against the opposite side of the bubble.
+
+On came the wicked King and his castle attendants, who, seeing the
+predicament of the giant, fitted arrows to their strong bows, preparing
+to shoot the hapless fellow.
+
+"Blow the bubble larger!" shouted Ned. "Put the pipe in his mouth and
+tell him to blow like thunder."
+
+The Gnome placed the pipestem between the lips of the giant and
+commanded him to blow for his life, and before an arrow left a bow the
+bubble widened sufficiently to enable the giant to crawl inside.
+Slamming the door shut the Gnome cried out exultingly: "We are safe!"
+
+Away sailed the Magic Soap Bubble, with the Fairy Queen and her little
+robin perched securely on the top, and her three ladies in waiting
+standing close by on their own little feathered steeds.
+
+Back to the beautiful Waterfall Lake, where the Fairy Queen bade Ned
+goodby; back to the friendly Gnome's cave in the woods, where he said
+farewell to Ned; back to Big Man's Land, where lived the Giant with his
+kind old mother; back to the castle where lived the beautiful Princess
+and her brother before the wicked King had kidnapped them, and back at
+last to Ned's own home, where it left him in the old easy chair by the
+window, from which he had started out to visit Gnomeland.
+
+Well, well, little reader, here we are, you and I, at the end of the
+book. What shall we do, for we have grown to be such good friends while
+you have been reading this story of mine.
+
+Listen, I will tell you another story, it's called "The Iceberg
+Express"--it is one of The Little Journeys to Happyland books. So come
+with me on the Iceberg Express.
+
+                         Yours for a story,
+                                           DAVID CORY.
+
+
+
+
+LITTLE JOURNEYS TO HAPPYLAND
+
+By DAVID CORY
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+          =Profusely Illustrated. Individual Colored Wrappers.=
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+          Printed in large type--easy to read.
+          For children from 6 to 8 years.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A new series of exciting adventures by the author of the LITTLE JACK
+RABBIT books. This series is unique in that it deals with unusual and
+exciting adventures on land and sea and in the air.
+
+
+THE CRUISE OF THE NOAH'S ARK
+
+          This is a good rainy day story. On just such a day
+          Mr. Noah invites Marjorie to go for a trip in
+          Noah's Ark. She gets aboard just in time and away
+          it floats out into the big wide world.
+
+
+THE MAGIC SOAP BUBBLE
+
+          The king of the gnomes has a magic pipe with which
+          he blows a wonderful bubble and taking Ned with
+          him they both have a delightful time in Gnomeland.
+
+
+THE ICEBERG EXPRESS
+
+          The Mermaid's magic comb changes little Mary
+          Louise into a mermaid. The Polar Bear Porter on
+          the Iceberg Express invites her to take a trip
+          with him and away they go.
+
+
+THE WIND WAGON
+
+          Little Hero stepped aboard the Wind Wagon and
+          started on a journey to many wonderful places and
+          had a delightful time.
+
+
+THE MAGIC UMBRELLA
+
+          A little old man gave Jimmy the Magic Umbrella
+          which took him to Happyland, where he had many
+          adventures.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+Little Jack Rabbit Books
+
+(Trademark Registered)
+
+By DAVID CORY
+
+Author of "Little Journeys to Happyland"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+          Colored Wrappers With Text Illustrations.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A new and unique series about the furred and feathered little people of
+the wood and meadow.
+
+Children will eagerly follow the doings of little Jack Rabbit, and the
+clever way in which he escapes from his three enemies, Danny Fox, Mr.
+Wicked Wolf and Hungry Hawk will delight the youngsters.
+
+          LITTLE JACK RABBIT'S ADVENTURES
+          LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND DANNY FOX
+          LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND THE SQUIRREL BROTHERS
+          LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND CHIPPY CHIPMUNK
+          LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND THE BIG BROWN BEAR
+          LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND UNCLE JOHN HARE
+          LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND PROFESSOR CROW
+          LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND OLD MAN WEASEL
+          LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND MR. WICKED WOLF
+          LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND HUNGRY HAWK
+          LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND THE POLICEMAN DOG
+          LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND MISS MOUSIE
+          LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND UNCLE LUCKY
+          LITTLE JACK RABBIT AND THE YELLOW DOG TRAMP
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+          GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE PUSS-IN-BOOTS, Jr. SERIES
+
+By DAVID CORY
+
+Author of "The Little Jack Rabbit Stories" and "Little Journeys to
+Happyland"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+          =Handsomely Bound. Colored Wrappers. Illustrated.
+          Each Volume Complete in Itself.=
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+To know Puss Junior once is to love him forever. That's the way all the
+little people feel about this young, adventurous cat, son of a very
+famous father.
+
+          THE ADVENTURES OF PUSS-IN-BOOTS, JR.
+
+          FURTHER ADVENTURES OF PUSS-IN-BOOTS, JR.
+
+          PUSS-IN-BOOTS, JR. IN FAIRYLAND
+
+          TRAVELS OF PUSS-IN-BOOTS, JR.
+
+          PUSS-IN-BOOTS, JR., AND OLD MOTHER GOOSE
+
+          PUSS-IN-BOOTS, JR., IN NEW MOTHER GOOSE LAND
+
+          PUSS-IN-BOOTS, JR., AND THE GOOD GRAY HORSE
+
+          PUSS-IN-BOOTS, JR., AND TOM THUMB
+
+          PUSS-IN-BOOTS, JR., AND ROBINSON CRUSOE
+
+          PUSS-IN-BOOTS, JR., AND THE MAN IN THE MOON
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+          GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS SERIES
+
+By LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+          Handsomely Bound. Colored Wrappers. Illustrated.
+          For Children 6 to 12 Years
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+This series presents early American history in a manner that impresses
+the young readers. Because of George and Martha Washington Parke, two
+young descendants of the famous General Washington, these stories follow
+exactly the life of the great American, by means of playing they act the
+life of the Washingtons, both in battles and in society.
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS
+
+Their thrilling battles and expeditions generally end in "punishment"
+lessons read by Mrs. Parke from the "Life of Washington." The culprits
+listen intently, for this reading generally gives them new ideas for
+further games of Indian warfare and Colonists' battles.
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS RELATIVES
+
+The Davis children visit the Parke home and join zealously in the games
+of playing General Washington. So zealously, in fact, that little Jim
+almost loses his scalp.
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' TRAVELS
+
+The children wage a fierce battle upon the roof of a hotel in New York
+City. Then, visiting the Davis home in Philadelphia, the patriotic
+Washingtons vanquish the Hessians on a battle-field in the empty lot
+back of the Davis property.
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS AT SCHOOL
+
+After the school-house battle the Washingtons discover a band of gypsies
+camping near the back road to their homes and incidentally they secure
+the stolen horse which the gypsies had taken from the "butter and egg
+farmer" of the Parkes.
+
+
+THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' HOLIDAYS
+
+They spend a pleasant summer on two adjoining farms in Vermont. During
+the voyage they try to capture a "frigate" but little Jim is caught and
+about to be punished by the Captain when his confederates hasten in and
+save him.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+          GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
+
+[Illustration]
+
+          _"Give me the bag," the Steward said,
+             A frown upon his face.
+           "I'll lock you in a dungeon deep
+             That you may know your place."_
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+          _"Help, help! The Polar Bears are left
+              Upon the Iceberg chill.
+            Turn back the Ark; we cannot leave
+              Them on that icy hill!"_
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+          _"Your Highness," cried the Polar Bear,
+             "The fast Iceberg Express
+           Has broken into smithereens;
+             Too bad, I must confess."_
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+          _When Little Hero met the Goose
+             He asked her what to do.
+           So, children, read the Wind Wagon
+             And learn how it came true._
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+Page 70, opening quotation mark added ("As they rolled along)
+
+Page 157, "Ed." changed to "Ned" (and taking Ned with him)
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Magic Soap Bubble, by David Cory
+
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author	Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org>	2025-10-15 02:33:21 -0700
committer	Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org>	2025-10-15 02:33:21 -0700
commit	95a5337e4870696760805242de3080ebf4b90305 (patch)
tree	73a5b35c6ed7cfb9222b7d8919e9b5434375facb