224 THE FAIRY-FOLK OF THE BLUE HILL.

This motion satisfied Toto that he had made
some impression upon the thick skin of the
giant, and he repeated the thrust several times.

At each prick of the stick the giant rubbed
his cheek, but at last his heavy breathing
ceased; and he sat upright, exclaiming : —

“The mosquitoes are thick in these low
lands. I must choose a loftier site for my
nap.”

The next moment the giant caught sight of
the elf, and at once remembered that he was
awaiting him when he fell asleep.

“Well, friend elf,” said the giant, “what suc-
cess hadst thou with the dwarf?”