460 THE YELLOW DWARF. ‘Tuere was once a queen, who, though she had been the mother of several children, had buried them all except one daughter, of whom she was excessively fond, humouring and indulging-her in all her ways and wishes. This princess was so extremely beautiful, that she was called All-Fair, and twenty kings were, at one time, paying their addresses to her. Her mother, being advanced in years, was anxious to see her married and settled before she died ; but as no entreaties eould prevail, she determined to go to the Desert Fairy to ask advice concerning her stubborn daughter. Now, this fairy being guarded by two fierce lions, the queen made a cake of millet, sugar-candy, and crocodiles’ eggs, in order to appease their fury, and pass by them ; and having thus provided herself, she set out. After travelling some time she found herself weary, and lying down under a tree fell asleep. When she awoke, she heard the roaring of the lions which guarded the fairy, and on looking for her cake she found it was gone. This threw her ‘} into the utmost agony, not knowing how to save herself from being Scenes oe hearing somebody approach, she raised her