THE LITTLE GRAY MAN’S DECISION. 239

of it as the footprint of the disappointed giant
king, Cloudcatcher, as he left his old home.

The rover and his family obeyed the com-
mands of the little man in gray, and so well
did the arrangement work that the rover’s and
the hunter’s families became fast friends, and
in course of time cultivated much of the land
in the vicinity of Blue Hill.

As for the gnomes, those busy sprites re-
mained in their underground home, extending
their domains and attending strictly to their
own business.

The blue dragon-fly, after her imprisonment,
lost much of her haughty demeanor, but her
love of pleasure never left her, and has been
transmitted to her descendants, who to this
day may be seen sporting over the calm waters
of the lakes that surround Blue Hill.

The brown beetle, too, lived a long and use-
ful life, conscientiously doing his duty in his
little world, and always retaining his admi-
ration for the beautiful blue dragon-fly.

As for the elves, it seems as if the harmless,
gay little creatures must be still in their old
homes, for there are some people who think
they have caught glimpses of them dancing