44 WHISPERS FROM FAIRYLAND. fi.

 

and whom we have reason to believe is somewhere or
other in your kingdom,’

The Giant’s face crimsoned—then turned pale—
and then crimsoned again at these words.

‘By the memory of my great ancestor Grind-
bones !’ exclaimed he (referring to a fearful giant of
olden time, whose name is well known to all those
lovers of Fairy-tales who have read the marvellous
adventures of Joe Brown and Puss-Cat-Mew®*), ‘ what
wonderful tale is this ye bring! How can I tell where
everybody’s brother may be who happens to get lost?
However, come with me, my chickens, come with me,
and we will see all about it. Lucky it is that I made
my progress through the land in this direction to-day,
else had I missed ye. Come, jump up on to my car!’

As he spoke, the young men on the side of the car
nearest the Princesses made way for them to approach.
: The sisters trembled and hesitated, but it was very
plain to them that neither trembling nor hesitation
would avail in the slightest degree, and that there was
nothing for it but to obey the Giant’s orders. As he
was alone in his car, there was plenty of room for both
the girls by his side, especially as the vehicle was con-
structed to carry two (supposing they could be found)
of the same size as himself. With some little difficulty
therefore, and much greater dislike to it, they clam-
bered up into the car, or open chariot, as it might
more properly be called, when, at that moment, the
eye of the Giant lighted upon the dog Pincher, who
was following closely at their heels.

‘Ha!’ said he sharply and suddenly, ‘what dog

* See Stories for my Children, by the same Author.