The Magic Herb. 7%

“Rapp stroked his beard in profound reflection a moment,
then struck the steel shield seven times. A peal of thunder
seemed to roll over the palace, and a Giant appeared, whose ar-
mor resembled dragon scales, with a helmet of brass on his head.

“«T obey your call, King Rapp, he said, in a deep voice.

“«What can restore the island lady to her home? asked
Rapp.

“<Tf she can pour some magic drops into his evening cup
of coffee that will make Mulkgraub sleep, I will bring my
brother, Fire, to dry the water between her and the mainland,
her former home,’ said the Giant.

“« How can the drink be obtained ? demanded Rapp.

“«Send a Gnome to the meadow beyond the brook for the
herb which has a scarlet flower and blue leaves. Put this into
a bottle, which the witch-child will give the prisoner. When
Mulkgraub sleeps, the Indian must spring twice over the top of
the pine-tree, calling Fire, softly. I will answer. With this
advice the Giant thundered away again.

“Rapp sent for the herb with a scarlet flower and blue
leaves, the liquid was distilled into a bottle, and the witch-
child once more stood on the ground in the daylight. There
was the sad island lady dragging her chain, and wishing her-
self home on the mainland. She was given the bottle, and
quickly told what to do when Mulkgraub came to her glass
box for his evening coffee.

“The witch-child hid on the shore, and watched for the sig-
nal which was to assure her that Mulkgraub slept. At last the
lady rose to the surface and waved her hand. Up sprang the

witch-child over the top of the pine-tree, touching the ground