"Of course," the answer came very eagerly.
"You, Pierre," said the guard fairy, "must think of a number. You, Iona, must think of a letter. Be sure not to forget them. Then when I tell you what to do you must each get on them, one on the letter and one on the number and sail across the Wapsipinicon. On the opposite bank you will find a pool lying in the midst of bulrushes. That is a fairy pool and there you will meet a sentry called Bullfrog. He will ask your names and your business and you must tell him what you are seeking and he will help you on your way. As soon as you get on your letter and number I will push you off from the bank with my sword and you will have a safe journey."
"O let us go at once," cried the children.
The guard looked very strange for a moment. "It is so long since I helped mortals to go to the fairy court that I have forgotten something," he said slowly. "The last children that went to court did a dreadful thing and I had forgotten it. I don't believe you will be able to go after all."
"Tell us what it was," begged Pierre. "How could anything other children did keep us from going?"
"Why they lost the key to the palace gate," said the guard. "Of course fairies don't need it, but mortals do. You can not enter without it."
Pierre and Iona looked at one another. This was surely a hard situation.
"There is no harm in our hunting for the key, is there?" asked Iona.
"No," returned the guard, "No harm, and no hope. You must know that many people have searched for it."
"Let us try at any rate," said Pierre. "If we should find the key and come back may we call you?"