232 THE FAIRY-FOLK OF THE BLUE HILL.

“Now, my fine prince, take us to thy royal
sire, or rather bring him to us, as the dwarf’s
castle would be rather small for one of our
size, and we will make the compact; but let us
have a good look at thee, my pretty dwarf
prince, ere we resign thee, for the features of
thy race are so small it is hard for us to tell
one from another.”

So saying, Cloudcatcher placed the elf on
the branch of an oak tree that grew near by.

The elf, as soon as he was released, executed
a fantastic dance, and making a low obeisance,
said: —

«Sire, the prince, — or, if thou please,
Toto the Slim,— I’m both of these.
To Rondo quick his son now bring,
And he will greet thee as his king.”
Then a grimace and a gay laugh
And twirl of his beloved mustache,
Or that part of his tiny face
Which once had been the mustache’s place,
Toto the elf, with saucy bow,

Said to the maid, as he bowed low,
“‘Sorry to cause thee so much pain,
But I will not offend again.”

Then suddenly sliding down the tree, Toto