No sooner had the King said this, than he heard a little squeaking voice near his foot: “You shall have a lovely Baby, if you will give me what I ask.”
The King looked down, and there was the funniest little Dwarf that ever was seen. He had a high red cap like a flower. He had a big moustache, and a short beard that curled outwards. His cloak was red, like his cap, and his coat was green, and he rode on a green Frog. Many people would have been frightened, but the King was used to Fairies.
“You shall have a beautiful Baby, if you will give me what I ask,” said the Dwarf again.
“I’ll give you anything you like,” said the King.
“Then promise to give me NIENTE,” said the Dwarf.
“Certainly,” said the King (who had not an idea what NIENTE meant). “How will you take it?”
“I will take it,” said the Dwarf, “in my own way, on my own day.”
But the children were as jolly as ever, except one naughty baby, and even he was petted, as you see!