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diff --git a/26944-h/26944-h.htm b/26944-h/26944-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..009fe27 --- /dev/null +++ b/26944-h/26944-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,3993 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Magic Soap Bubble, by David Cory. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p {margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + text-indent: 1.25em; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + img {border: 0;} + .tnote {border: dashed 1px; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em;} + ins {text-decoration:none; border-bottom: thin dotted gray;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + .copyright {text-align: center; font-size: 70%;} + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%; text-align: justify;} + + .bbox {border: solid 2px; margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .caption {font-weight: bold;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: + 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .unindent {margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + .right {text-align: right;} + .poem {margin-left: 30%; margin-right: 10%; text-align: left;} + .poem2 {margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 10%; text-align: left;} + .sig {margin-right: 10%; text-align: right;} + .u {text-decoration: underline;} + .hang1 {text-indent: -3em; margin-left: 3em;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<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=""I've lost a magic ring," 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'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> <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 /> + +———————————</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 & DUNLAP<br /> +PUBLISHERS NEW YORK<br /> +———————————</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 & 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'> </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—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!"</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—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=""DO NOT RISE," SAID THE FAIRY QUEEN." title="" /> +<span class="caption">"DO NOT RISE," 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,—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"—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."</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——" +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=""HERE IS THE RING," SAID THE TROUT." title=""HERE IS THE RING," SAID THE TROUT." /> +<span class="caption">"HERE IS THE RING," 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"—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—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 & 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 & 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 & 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 & 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=""Give me the bag," 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=""Your Highness," 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 + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAGIC SOAP BUBBLE *** + +***** This file should be named 26944-h.htm or 26944-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/6/9/4/26944/ + +Produced by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper, Emmy and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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