WHAT THE BROWN BEETLE SAW. 17

high rocky wall, and, looking over his band of
gnomes, addressed them in serious tones : —

“ Since ye must needs play your mischievous
pranks on the giants, I have decided to con-
fine ye to the interior of this hill, where ye will
be safe from the wrath of the enemy. I com-
mand ye to keep to the occupation of extend-
ing your underground domains, and to cease to
annoy my giant subjects, who are dangerous
fellows when aroused. Do ye note my com-
mandsi 3s.

“We hear and obey, master,” replied the
gnomes, bowing submissively.

Signing to the band to follow him, at a
given signal from the little gray man, the wall
of rock parted, and he disappeared within the
dark cavern, followed by his obedient subjects.
When the last gnome had vanished from sight,
the rock rolled back into place, and the brown
beetle found himself alone before the closed
entrance to the cavern.

“Can I have been dreaming?” said the
brown beetle to himself, as he passed one of his
prickly feet. across his eyes to clear his vision.
No; he had not dreamed at all, for there was
the cave with its rocky barrier before him, and