80 THE FAIRY-FOLK OF THE BLUE HILL.

nimbly over rocks, the swift-footed Beppo went
on his way, until he stood before the wall of
rock that formed the entrance to King Rondo’s
domains. Upon it, picking up a small stone
for the purpose, he loudly knocked.

No answer came, and, putting his ear to the
rock, the elf could hear the click of hammers
ringing within, and the voices of the gnomes
keeping time to the blows. Again and again
Beppo repeated his knock, each time more
loudly, until at last the heavy door swung back,
and a gnome stood before him.

“What dost thou wish, friend Beppo?” de-
manded the gnome.

“It is with the king I wish to speak,”
replied Beppo, “on most important business,
and I beg him to grant me an interview with-
out delay.”

“Enter replied the ‘onome, “andes: willl
acquaint his majesty with thy message.”

The elf entered the cavern, and as the
rocky door rolled back into place Beppo
became sensible of a most savory odor pro-
ceeding from the depths of the cavern. This
the elf knew was a favorable sign, for it was
well known that King Rondo was fond of