66 WHISPERS FROM FAIRYLAND. [.

 

with a mutual yell of fury the two Dwarfs rushed
savagely upon each other, striking right and left in
ungovernable rage. The sisters, with clasped hands,
stood watching the combat, almost insensible to the
loud cries of battle which were all the time filling the air
outside the castle. Both the little men fought des-
perately. Macklethorpe scratched, bit, and kicked
with an almost supernatural energy ; whilst Rindel-
grover, hopping about with marvellous agility, planted
some terrible blows upon the face of his enraged ad-
versary. The sisters would willingly have said the
magic words, had they not feared what the effect
might be upon their friend so long as he had not the
worst of the combat. At last, however, he had de-
cidedly the best of it, for a well-aimed blow taking
effect upon the nose of Macklethorpe, stretched him
upon the floor. Rindelgrover, without an instant’s
delay, leaped upon him-with a cry of triumph, when
at that very instant the doors of the drawing-room
were thrown violently open, and new characters ap-
peared upon the scene. Foremost among these were
two men of royal appearance, armed to the teeth, and
evidently just emerged from the fray. They led
between them, conquered and bound, none other than
the Giant Pattle-perry himself. It needed no wizard
to inform the sisters who were the victors who thus
appeared. The noble King of the Islands was on
one side, the young and handsome River King on
the other. With joyful and triumphant looks they
led their captive to the feet of the two Princesses, to
whom they made a lowly obeisance.

“Royal ladies !’ said the King of the Islands, who,