40 WHISPERS FROM FAIRYLAND. [1.

 

that would enter the territory of the great and
glorious Pattle-perry ? Show us your passports !?

The sisters were sadly confused in this address, for
neither Rindelgrover nor anyone else had hinted at
passports being necessary in order to enter the country
of the Giant, and they certainly had nothing of the
kind about them. The ready wit of Pettina, how-
ever, came to their aid, and she said, whilst both she
and her sister looked the speaker straight in the
face,

‘What nonsense you are talking! no passports
are necessary when we are going to visit our uncle
Pattle-perry. Leave the road free, or you shall be
reported without fail.’

At these words the man turned as pale as the black
dust on his face would permit, and drew back re-
spectfully without another word, as did his companions
also. The two Princesses walked calmly through
them, followed closely by Pincher, and descended the
rest of the hill without interruption. They observed,
however, that two of the men followed them at a
distance, which caused Malvina some alarm.

‘My dear sister,’ she remarked, ‘you have doubt-
less done cleverly in getting us over ¢hat difficulty,
but I greatly fear what the result may be. Those
who follow. us will doubtless report your words at
court, and if the Giant hears that we have claimed him
as our uncle, he may take advantage of the pretended
relationship to detain us in his kingdom for a longer
time than we wish to stay.’

‘Never mind, my darling sister,’ replied Pettina,
‘T was obliged to say what came uppermost at the