THE LITTLE GRAY MAN’S DECISION. 229

the giant was looking eagerly for the fairy
prince, something fluttered by him and flew
quickly away. It was the blue dragon-fly,
who, delighted at being released, betook her-
self home as fast as her wings could carry
her.

“Oh! it’s thou, my little lady, is it?” ex-
claimed the giant as his eyes followed the
dragon-fly, who was fast disappearing in the
distance. “Well, our business is not with
thee.”

The stone was removed, and out walked
Wassa.

“ Where is the prince, my maid?” asked the
giant anxiously as his eyes peered into the
dark cave. “ What hast thou done with thy
charge, the dwarf prince?”

“The fairy prince dost thou mean?” asked
Wassa, surprised. “What have / done with
him? Why, I am but too thankful to de
done with him. Where should he be but in
the realms of King Rondo, his father?”

“Stay!” thundered the giant as Wassa was
about to depart ; “do not trifle with me, or thou
shalt learn what it is to offend the giant king.
I ask thee once again, where is the dwarf