CLOUDCATCHER AND HIS PRISONERS, 221

“What may those be, little elf?” asked the
king. “Much would I sacrifice to see once
more that sweet child, that mild-mannered
prince. Methinks I hear even now his dulcet
tones. Sleepless at night, not tempted even
by the most savory dishes by day” (here a
merry twinkle came into the king’s bright eyes
as he glanced at the empty
dish), “I shall know no
peaceful moments until
I behold the fairy prince
once more. Tell me, then,
the conditions, friend
eli

“The conditions, my
liege, are these: that thou
dost resign all right to thy
kingdom and acknowledge Cloudcatcher as
lawful king.”

“And is that all the giant wants?” asked
King Rondo. “Say to him that all this and
more would I gladly do to receive from him
my son and heir. Dost thou remember the
sweet prince, friend elf?”

Whereupon the elf began at once to throw
his arms about and stamp his feet, crying

peevishly :—