THE MAGIC RING

The Unhappy Little Princess leaned out of the window and sobbed.

Nedfollowed the beautiful princess and her brother into the castle, while the giant, who had to stoop nearly to the floor in order to enter the doorway, brought up the rear.

As it was late, everyone decided to go to bed. Besides, they were all well tired out after their exciting day.

You would have laughed to see the giant ascend the stairway to the royal bedchambers, for the steps were too small for hisfeet, and it was with great difficulty that he managed to get a foothold with the toes of his boots.

When at last he was safely inside his bedroom, the largest in the castle, it was found that the bedstead was not nearly long enough for him.

So the princess gave orders that two cot beds be placed ends together, and in this way the giant, by allowing his feet to project through the open window, could lie down at full length. His feet nearly reached the tree that grew just outside, on which the little bluebird had perched for the night, and it was lucky, indeed, that it was midsummer, for otherwise our big friend might have caught a severe cold.

After bidding the giant goodnight the little bluebird had a few minutes' talk with Ned while he undressed himself.

THE STEPS WERE TOO SMALL FOR THE GIANT.THE STEPS WERE TOO SMALL FOR THE GIANT.

She agreed to act as sentinel during thenight, to keep a vigilant lookout from the treetop, and in case of approaching danger instantly to awaken Ned and the giant.

Gradually the great castle grew quiet, until nothing was stirring, "not even a mouse."

At times the night wind rustled the leaves in the tree where the little bluebird sentinel sat winking and blinking, and the big yellow moon glistened fantastically on the big toe of the giant.

Toward midnight a faint sound in the distance, like the beat of horses' hoofs, startled the bluebird.

Hastily flying toward the castle entrance she gazed out upon the roadway that wound up from the valley below.

At some distance she made out dimly the figures of a number of horsemen.

Returning swiftly to the castle, she tweaked the giant's big toe. That, youcan easily imagine, awoke him with a start.

"What's the matter?" he asked in a frightened whisper which, although only a whisper, was enough to make the castle tremble, thereby awakening Ned and the princess herself.

"The crafty stepfather of the princess is coming," answered the bluebird.

"Then it's all up with me," cried the giant, "for he'll change me again into a pine tree."

The bluebird made no reply, but hastened to find Ned. On entering his bedroom through the half open window she found him already dressing. "Take the ring," he said, slipping it over her glossy neck, after she had informed him of what she had seen. "If you can manage to touch him with it, this wicked man will find that he has no power whatever to harm us."

"I will make haste," replied the little bird, "for they must by this time have reached the drawbridge."

So saying she flew swiftly away and reached the other side of the moat just as the cavalcade set foot upon the bridge.

Awaiting her opportunity to touch the wicked stepfather of the princess with the magic ring, she alighted quietly on the tip of a spear which one of the horsemen carried.

As they neared the center of the drawbridge the king, as if suddenly aware of an unseen power, exclaimed: "I feel there is danger near!"

Then the horseman shook his spear defiantly and so startled the little bluebird that she nearly lost her footing, and alas! what was much more serious, caused her to loosen her hold upon the little magic gold ring, which slipped from between her bill and fell into the waters of the moat.

Like a falling star, it shivered and glimmered in the rays of the moon as it descended, attracting the attention of a speckled trout, who opened his mouth and swallowed it as it splashed upon the silvery surface of the water.

"Your trusty spear has done me good service in times gone by," exclaimed the wicked king, not knowing that its owner had unknowingly been the cause of saving him at the present moment.

On came the cavalcade, the wicked attendants of the king inside the castle opening the gates and allowing him and his men to enter the courtyard.

Ned looked down from his window and wondered what had become of the bluebird. He did not feel afraid, but at the same time he realized that he was not in friendly hands. The giant, on hearing the gates open, had quickly drawn in his feet and was struggling to get hisshoes on when Ned appeared at the door.

"It's all up!" said the big fellow, with a wry face and a catch in his gruff voice. "I can feel already the pine-needles beginning to stick out all over me."

"Oh, that's gooseflesh, you're so scared!" replied Ned, smiling in spite of the gravity of the situation. "It may not be as bad as you think!"

Just then a great pounding on the front doors told them that the King was seeking admittance. "Who has locked the doors?" he shouted.

"Wait a minute," said the sweet voice of the princess; "we did not expect you so late," and she ran down the stairs and opened the door herself.

"I have two visitors upstairs," she said, as the angry monarch stepped inside.

"What!" he shouted hoarsely, "bring them to me. How do I know but that they are enemies?"

"Indeed they are not," she replied, "as you will see in 500 short seconds."

"Ned, come down!" she called, "bring your friend with you, for I would have you meet the King!"

Ned turned to the giant, whose big face was twitching with terror. "He'll recognize me as sure as eggs is eggs!" he groaned.

"What! is that thunder?" exclaimed the King below, mistaking the giant's moan for a thunderclap, but before his question was answered Ned and his friend appeared at the head of the stairway.

After shaking hands with Ned in quite a friendly way the wicked King turned to the giant. "Ha, ha!" he cried, "have I not had the pleasure of meeting you before, my fine friend?"

The giant said nothing, for what could he say?

"Have I not met you before?" repeatedthe King, with a fierce gesture. "Methinks you would look better as a pine tree than a hulking giant," and before the words were fairly out of the King's mouth a stately pine tree was standing in the courtyard, through which the wind of the early morning made a moaning noise much like the pitiful groan of the poor, late giant.

"And you, my little cockatoo," continued the wicked King, turning quickly to Ned, "would look better in a cage!"

And in another minute Ned found himself in a wicker cage, suspended from the lowest limb of the pine tree.

"And now," cried the wicked King, "where is your third guest?" The princess paused a moment. "Oh, the little bluebird!" she exclaimed, "where has it gone?"

"No, not the little bluebird, but he that was the bluebird."

At this the poor princess became very pale. She had hidden her brother the evening before when they had gone to bed in a closet in her room, hoping to have the opportunity of disguising him and sending him away with Ned and the giant the first thing in the morning. But, now, alas, her wicked stepfather undoubtedly suspected something. For else why should he ask for him?

She was in despair, for she knew not what to say. And where was Ned's little friend, the bluebird herself, all this time? Had she deserted her friends, the little princess asked herself?

"Answer my question!" cried the King, grasping hold of her wrist.

The princess screamed with terror and her brother, hearing her cry, rushed forth from the closet and down the stairs.

Whipping his sword from its scabbard, he made for the cruel tyrant.

Alas, that bravery and valor do not always win! It was useless for him to fight against so experienced a swordsman as the King, and in short time the prince was wounded and his sword thrown from his grasp.

"Little gamecock!" cried his conqueror, "you must needs grow larger spurs before you tackle an old rooster like me! And since you remind me of one, a rooster you shall be," and in five short seconds the little prince was changed into a young gamecock.

"Out into the courtyard!" cried the King; "a castle is no chicken house," and the little prince found himself unceremoniously thrown under the big pine tree.

"Have pity!" cried the little princess. "Is there no pity for a little orphan princess?"

"Enough," answered the King, with a stamp of his foot. "Go to your room,else you may find yourself also changed into a bird, or a tree, or a pretty butterfly."

So the unhappy little princess went up the stairs, crying bitterly, to her own chamber. Closing the door, she leaned out of the window and sobbed as if her heart would break.

For a moment she did not notice that the topmost branch of the pine tree was close to her casement. In fact, she would not have noticed it for some time probably, as her face was buried in her hands, had not the branch brushed against her fingers.

As she withdrew her hands from her face she heard the giant's voice, very much subdued, speaking to her.

"Ned says not to despair, for he feels sure that his little friend, the bluebird, will yet find a way to liberate us all."

Ned leaves the Magic Soap Bubble.

Greatwas the grief of the little bluebird as she skimmed over the waters of the moat, realizing how impossible it was for her to regain the lost ring.

She had not the heart for the moment to return to the castle to inform Ned of his loss; so she perched herself disconsolately on a bush which grew close to the margin of the moon-lit water, wondering what was best to do.

Suddenly the speckled trout rose tothe surface, and, seeing how despondent was the pretty bluebird, inquired the cause of her grief.

"Ah, me!" she sighed in answer. "I have lost a magic gold ring, and I know not what to do, nor how to recover it."

At this the speckled trout flapped his silvery tail gleefully, and answered: "Worry no more, pretty bluebird, for I have it safely tucked away inside of me."

"If that be the case, Sir Trout," joyously chirped the happy bird, "swim at your greatest speed and deliver the ring to her majesty, the Waterfall Fairy, Queen of the Lake. Tell her that Ned, her little mortal friend, is in dire peril and that he needs her aid."

"That will I gladly do," answered the speckled trout, and without more delay he darted off down the moat toward the dam at the farther side, over which the water ran in a clear stream into the purlingbrook, which finally led to the lake, where lived Ned's friend, the Fairy Queen. Down the silvery cascade he glided and whirled away through the running water, frightening the minnows and miller's thumbs lying among the stones in the shallow places, and startling the crawfishes and little fresh water lobsters hidden under the hollow banks.

Faster and faster he swam, like a courier with important dispatches, down the clear stream running over its pebbly bed, with the luscious meadow sweet and the large blue geranium blooming all about its banks, and the wild rose on its bushes.

Nor did he pause until with a loud splash he dived over the waterfall safely into the lake and rose to the surface close to the palace of the Queen of the Lake.

A big black spider was busily at work mending the suspension bridge which spanned the water at this narrow point,for the heavy drops of dew had broken the slender strands in several places.

He stopped his work to look at the speckled trout, who at once addressed him.

"I am the bearer of a most important dispatch for her highness," he began.

"Well, and I am engaged in the most important duty of repairing her highness' bridge," replied the spider.

"So, I see," answered the trout, "but——" At this very moment the Queen herself, hearing voices at so early an hour outside her window, peeped out. Catching sight of her the trout called out boldly:

"Listen to me, I beg of you, most gracious Queen. I have brought you the gold ring from Ned, who sorely needs thy aid!"

"HERE IS THE RING," SAID THE TROUT."HERE IS THE RING," SAID THE TROUT.

At this the Queen quickly withdrew herhead, and in a short time emerged from the doorway of her castle.

Hastily running to the water's edge, she leaned over, grasping hold of a stalk to keep her from falling.

"Here is the ring," said the trout, holding it in his teeth and swimming as close to the bank as he was able.

The Queen reached out and took it safely from him.

"I will make you king of my fishes, noble Sir Trout," she cried, "for what you have this day accomplished. Remain here in my lake henceforth, and now, to the rescue!"

In an incredibly short time she was mounted on her swiftest robin and with her three ladies in waiting flew away toward the castle, where Ned and the beautiful princess, her brave brother and the giant were held prisoners by the magic of the wicked king.

Now, the little bluebird, as she saw her friend, the trout, swim away, suddenly thought of her former master, the King of the Gnomes, and decided to seek aid from him. So, whirling around in a circle to get her bearings, she darted off swiftly through the air toward the cave in the forest.

She made rapid progress until she reached the thick foliage of the woods, and here, in her eagerness, she nearly lost her way.

Indeed, in the uncertain light that struggled through the thick boughs, it was not easy to make out certain familiar landmarks which would guide her to her destination.

At length, just at dawn, she found herself at the foot of the hill wherein was the cave of the King of the Gnomes.

Worn out with her arduous journey,she fluttered down to the edge of the bubbling fountain and drank of its refreshing waters.

Then, picking up a pebble, she dropped it into the little gravelly basin, hopped painfully over to the great flat stone, and tapped upon it three times with her beak.

No one replied, but the rock opened in the middle, and there stood the King of the Gnomes himself.

On seeing the little bluebird, he stretched out a kindly hand for her to rest upon, and carried her into the inner room.

It was his breakfast hour, for gnomes are early risers. Seating himself at the table, he ordered that the little bird be served with breakfast at once, for well he knew that a hungry bird's first wish must be for food.

The King had scarce given this order before several nimble little men of the forestplaced seeds and grains of wheat and a goblet of golden fruit juice before the bluebird.

Soon she was sufficiently revived to address the gnomes, and it took her but a few moments to tell him all.

"Come, let us hasten," he said, as she finished, and, slipping into his pocket his magic pipe and little pieces of soap, he left the cave and walked rapidly toward a small clearing.

Leaning over a little pool in the hollow of the grassy earth, he filled his pipe, rubbed the soap about the rim, and in a moment more blew a large soap bubble.

Taking the little bluebird in his hand, he opened a small door and entered the magic balloon. Up and up it went, until it was well above the tops of the trees.

Then it took a course toward the east, where the rising sun was gilding the sky with its golden fingers.

Faster and faster it sailed, overtaking in a short time the Fairy Queen and her three ladies-in-waiting, mounted on their friendly robins.

In the distance could be seen the turrets of the castle, gleaming in the morning sun like bayonets thrust up from the earth in monster guns.

"Now, little bluebird," said the Gnome, opening the little door and thrusting her out upon his hand, as the big Soap Bubble hovered above the castle, "fly down and tell Ned that deliverance is near at hand. So also inform the beautiful Princess, who, I see, is still sitting at her window, but asleep!"

Off flew the bluebird on her happy errand.

"Your Majesty," cried the Gnome, addressing the Fairy Queen, as she drew rein at the doorway of the soap bubble, "I would suggest that you touch with theMagic Ring only the cage wherein is confined our friend Ned, instructing him, while still in the form of a cockatoo, to fly up to the topmost branch of the pine tree. Also for the Princess' brother, while he is still a gamecock, to do likewise. After I have brought the bubble close to the window ledge, so that the beautiful Princess may step easily inside, I will cause it to rise to the treetop, from which advantageous position Ned and the Princess' brother can step within. But what to do with the Pine Tree Giant," said the Gnome, scratching his beard reflectively, "gets me! However, one thing at a time, as my old grandfather used to say when I was a boy, 'one thing at a time!'"

As the bluebird whispered in the ear of the beautiful Princess, the Magic Soap Bubble approached the window ledge.

Rubbing her eyes, but making no outcry,although she was very much startled, she obeyed the bluebird's command to "step softly," and entered the Bubble. It then ascended till it was on a line with the topmost branch, where it swayed in the gentle morning breeze, like a barnyard weather cock, the game rooster on one side and the cockatoo on the other!

The Fairy Queen touched them with the ring as they hopped into the bubble, and they regained immediately their natural shape.

The Princess threw her arms around her dear brother and hugged Ned, so great was her delight.

Ned ran over to his little friend, the Gnome, and thanked him again and again for his aid, and was about to lean out of the doorway to also thank the Fairy Queen when the Gnome restrained him.

"Not so fast, Ned, my boy! All is not yet over."

"No, indeed," answered Ned, "we must rescue the giant."

"Aye, there's the rub," replied the Gnome. "How are we ever to get him in the bubble, either as a tree or as a giant?"

At this point the Fairy Queen joined in the conversation, kissing Ned at the same time as he attempted to thank her.

"Let me first change him into his natural form," she said. "Then he can walk across the courtyard and out upon the drawbridge. From there he can easily step off into the bubble, which your majesty can lower to the right height above the water of the moat."

"Good!" said the Gnome. "Go and do your part and I will attend to the bubble."

Just as the bubble cleared it the pine tree became once more the friendly giant, who immediately strode across the courtyard.

Quickly lowering the drawbridge he hastened out upon it.

The creaking of the chains, however, had aroused the wicked King, who looked out of his window to see what was the cause of the noise. In another moment he was rushing toward the gates at the head of the castle guard.

"Quick!" shouted the Gnome to the giant. "Get in!"

But, alas! The doorway was too small. In vain the giant wiggled and squirmed. In vain Ned and the princess' brother pulled his arms. His great shoulders could not be forced through the doorway. Finally, with a tremendous shove he managed to go half way in, but no further, for at this point his head was against the opposite side of the bubble.

On came the wicked King and his castle attendants, who, seeing the predicamentof the giant, fitted arrows to their strong bows, preparing to shoot the hapless fellow.

"Blow the bubble larger!" shouted Ned. "Put the pipe in his mouth and tell him to blow like thunder."

The Gnome placed the pipestem between the lips of the giant and commanded him to blow for his life, and before an arrow left a bow the bubble widened sufficiently to enable the giant to crawl inside. Slamming the door shut the Gnome cried out exultingly: "We are safe!"

Away sailed the Magic Soap Bubble, with the Fairy Queen and her little robin perched securely on the top, and her three ladies in waiting standing close by on their own little feathered steeds.

Back to the beautiful Waterfall Lake, where the Fairy Queen bade Ned goodby; back to the friendly Gnome's cave in thewoods, where he said farewell to Ned; back to Big Man's Land, where lived the Giant with his kind old mother; back to the castle where lived the beautiful Princess and her brother before the wicked King had kidnapped them, and back at last to Ned's own home, where it left him in the old easy chair by the window, from which he had started out to visit Gnomeland.

Well, well, little reader, here we are, you and I, at the end of the book. What shall we do, for we have grown to be such good friends while you have been reading this story of mine.

Listen, I will tell you another story, it's called "The Iceberg Express"—it is one of The Little Journeys to Happyland books. So come with me on the Iceberg Express.

Yours for a story,David Cory.

Profusely Illustrated. Individual Colored Wrappers.

Printed in large type—easy to read.For children from 6 to 8 years.

A new series of exciting adventures by the author of the LITTLE JACK RABBIT books. This series is unique in that it deals with unusual and exciting adventures on land and sea and in the air.

THE CRUISE OF THE NOAH'S ARK

This is a good rainy day story. On just such a day Mr. Noah invites Marjorie to go for a trip in Noah's Ark. She gets aboard just in time and away it floats out into the big wide world.

THE MAGIC SOAP BUBBLE

The king of the gnomes has a magic pipe with which he blows a wonderful bubble and taking Ned with him they both have a delightful time in Gnomeland.

THE ICEBERG EXPRESS

The Mermaid's magic comb changes little Mary Louise into a mermaid. The Polar Bear Porter on the Iceberg Express invites her to take a trip with him and away they go.

THE WIND WAGON

Little Hero stepped aboard the Wind Wagon and started on a journey to many wonderful places and had a delightful time.

THE MAGIC UMBRELLA

A little old man gave Jimmy the Magic Umbrella which took him to Happyland, where he had many adventures.

GROSSET & DUNLAP,Publishers, NEW YORK

(Trademark Registered)

Author of "Little Journeys to Happyland"

Colored Wrappers With Text Illustrations.

A new and unique series about the furred and feathered little people of the wood and meadow.

Children will eagerly follow the doings of little Jack Rabbit, and the clever way in which he escapes from his three enemies, Danny Fox, Mr. Wicked Wolf and Hungry Hawk will delight the youngsters.

LITTLE JACK RABBIT'S ADVENTURESLITTLE JACK RABBIT AND DANNY FOXLITTLE JACK RABBIT AND THE SQUIRREL BROTHERSLITTLE JACK RABBIT AND CHIPPY CHIPMUNKLITTLE JACK RABBIT AND THE BIG BROWN BEARLITTLE JACK RABBIT AND UNCLE JOHN HARELITTLE JACK RABBIT AND PROFESSOR CROWLITTLE JACK RABBIT AND OLD MAN WEASELLITTLE JACK RABBIT AND MR. WICKED WOLFLITTLE JACK RABBIT AND HUNGRY HAWKLITTLE JACK RABBIT AND THE POLICEMAN DOGLITTLE JACK RABBIT AND MISS MOUSIELITTLE JACK RABBIT AND UNCLE LUCKYLITTLE JACK RABBIT AND THE YELLOW DOG TRAMP

GROSSET & DUNLAP,Publishers, NEW YORK

Author of "The Little Jack Rabbit Stories" and "Little Journeys to Happyland"

Handsomely Bound. Colored Wrappers. Illustrated.Each Volume Complete in Itself.

To know Puss Junior once is to love him forever. That's the way all the little people feel about this young, adventurous cat, son of a very famous father.

THE ADVENTURES OF PUSS-IN-BOOTS,Jr.FURTHER ADVENTURES OF PUSS-IN-BOOTS,Jr.PUSS-IN-BOOTS,Jr.IN FAIRYLANDTRAVELS OF PUSS-IN-BOOTS,Jr.PUSS-IN-BOOTS,Jr., AND OLD MOTHER GOOSEPUSS-IN-BOOTS,Jr., IN NEW MOTHER GOOSE LANDPUSS-IN-BOOTS,Jr., AND THE GOOD GRAY HORSEPUSS-IN-BOOTS,Jr., AND TOM THUMBPUSS-IN-BOOTS,Jr., AND ROBINSON CRUSOEPUSS-IN-BOOTS,Jr., AND THE MAN IN THE MOON

GROSSET & DUNLAP,Publishers, NEW YORK

Handsomely Bound. Colored Wrappers. Illustrated.For Children 6 to 12 Years

This series presents early American history in a manner that impresses the young readers. Because of George and Martha Washington Parke, two young descendants of the famous General Washington, these stories follow exactly the life of the great American, by means of playing they act the life of the Washingtons, both in battles and in society.

THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS

Their thrilling battles and expeditions generally end in "punishment" lessons read by Mrs. Parke from the "Life of Washington." The culprits listen intently, for this reading generally gives them new ideas for further games of Indian warfare and Colonists' battles.

THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS RELATIVES

The Davis children visit the Parke home and join zealously in the games of playing General Washington. So zealously, in fact, that little Jim almost loses his scalp.

THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' TRAVELS

The children wage a fierce battle upon the roof of a hotel in New York City. Then, visiting the Davis home in Philadelphia, the patriotic Washingtons vanquish the Hessians on a battle-field in the empty lot back of the Davis property.

THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS AT SCHOOL

After the school-house battle the Washingtons discover a band of gypsies camping near the back road to their homes and incidentally they secure the stolen horse which the gypsies had taken from the "butter and egg farmer" of the Parkes.

THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS' HOLIDAYS

They spend a pleasant summer on two adjoining farms in Vermont. During the voyage they try to capture a "frigate" but little Jim is caught and about to be punished by the Captain when his confederates hasten in and save him.

GROSSET & DUNLAP,Publishers, NEW YORK

"Give me the bag," the Steward said

"Give me the bag," the Steward said,A frown upon his face."I'll lock you in a dungeon deepThat you may know your place."

Help, help! The Polar Bears are left

"Help, help! The Polar Bears are leftUpon the Iceberg chill.Turn back the Ark; we cannot leaveThem on that icy hill!"

"Your Highness," cried the Polar Bear

"Your Highness," cried the Polar Bear,"The fast Iceberg ExpressHas broken into smithereens;Too bad, I must confess."

When Little Hero met the Goose

When Little Hero met the GooseHe asked her what to do.So, children, read the Wind WagonAnd learn how it came true.

Transcriber's Notes:Page 70, an opening quotation mark was added. ("As they rolled along)Page 157, "Ed." changed to "Ned" (and taking Ned with him)

Page 70, an opening quotation mark was added. ("As they rolled along)

Page 157, "Ed." changed to "Ned" (and taking Ned with him)

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