And it was mighty lucky for the little rabbit that the log was there, for if it hadn’t been he would have rolled right over the edge of the mountain. Just think of that!
And just then a voice began to sing:
Oh, I’m the king of the windy cave
Where I have my windy throne.
And there I rule where it’s nice and cool
’Mid the glitter of precious stone.
And when the autumn days are come
I come forth with a lusty shout,
And strip the trees of their whispering leaves
And strew them all about.
And then all the trees began to shiver and shake, but the wind king only laughed, as he whispered to the little rabbit: “Don’t be afraid, Billy Bunny. I won’t hurt you. Come into my cave and I’ll give you a present!”
“What kind of a present?” asked the little rabbit, for he wasn’t going to be fooled, no sireemam!
“A big ruby pin!” said the wind king.
So the little bunny went inside the cave with the wind king, but he didn’t go in very far, for he was afraid.
“What’s the matter?” asked the wind king. “You’re not frightened, are you?”
“Not exactly,” said Billy Bunny, trying to keep his teeth from chattering. “I guess I’m cold!”
Then the king opened a door and, oh my! wasn’t it beautiful inside! The sides of the cave were diamonds and rubies and emeralds, and little gold and silver bells swung back and forth making a sweet kind of music.