68 WHISPERS FROM FAIRYLAND. fr.

 

always that his utmost endeavours have been em-
ployed to make the boy forget his family and his
native country. No wonder, then, that he attempted
to deceive you in every possible way, and to palm off
impostors upon you as your brother. He has failed,
however, and, moreover, the young Prince has by no
means forgotten his old home and relations. Here
he is safe and sound, and you will have the satisfac-
tion of restoring him to his and your anxious parents.
Now, what shall be done with the Robber-giant who
has caused all these troubles? We have taken him
entirely by surprise. The oppressed people of his
country received us gladly ; we have completely routed
and dispersed his army, most of whom have either
been ridden down by my white horsemen, or have
had their left eyes pecked out by the swan warriors
of my royal brother. In fact, the Giant is at your
mercy, and you have only to say the word and his
head shall be struck off immediately.’

‘Oh no!’ cried both the sisters simultaneously ;
and then Malvina continued: ‘We should be sorry
indeed to return evil for evil, especially as the Giant
has done us no harm in reality, and the joy of re-
covering our dear brother has effaced from our minds
the trouble we have endured. Let him live, provided
that he will take an oath never to interfere with our
father’s kingdom again or to carry off straggling
children, be they princes or peasants.’

At these words the Giant’s face, which had hither-
to been mightily downcast, lighted up with a sudden
joy.

‘Lovely and merciful ladies!’ he exclaimed, in a