70 The Catskill Fairies.

“ A spacious garden surrounded the palace, with winding
paths, arbors, and fountains, and gorgeous birds flitted from
tree to tree. All was fresh and sparkling, but even the trees
and the fruit on the branches were carved from metals or
jewels. The walls of the palace were jasper and malachite,
while the floors were solid gold, polished like glass.

“On they went, through the gates and into the palace, com-
ing to the Gnome King’s chamber, which had a ceiling of dia-
mond stars, and a bed of silver, fringed and embroidered with
pearls. At the head of the bed hung the large shield, and the
witch-child tapped on it. Rapp appeared immediately, his eyes
greener, his carbuncle nose redder, and his face more like a
burnished copper kettle than ever.

“«T want to help the lady chained in the lake.’

“She is an island, said Rapp. ‘When the lake overflowed
it made her an island by separation from the mainland.’

“«Mulkgraub is very wicked to keep her a prisoner against
her will, said the witch-child. ‘Please assist me to set her
free from his bondage.’

“As to that, we are sworn enemies ; my weapon is volcanic
fire, and his floods of water. Mulkgraub would make you a
slave, if he could, because I helped you; still, you must remem-
ber that he does a great deal of good in the world, as well as
some harm.’

“«What good can he do?’ inquired the witch-child.

“*He works hard for man, carrying vessels, pushing rafts,
and turning mill-wheels. If it were not for my precious metals,
he would be of more service than I am. As for this lady isl-

and, we must see.’