At last, when the dinner was over, and the giant had dried the wish bone on the steam heater till it was nice and dry, he handed little Mary Louise the magic knife and told her to make it into a whistle. And would you believe it if I didn't say so, in less than five hundred short seconds she had carved out the prettiest little whistle you ever saw.
"Now, little girl," said Mr. Merry Laugh, "blow on it and make a wish. But don't make the same wish you did before."
"Oh dear me," sighed the little girl. "I only wish one thing, and that is to be home with mother."
"Get your pony back and I'll help you," said Mr. Merry Laugh kindly.
So Mary Louise blew on her whistle and made a wish, when, all of a sudden, quicker than a wink, they heard a neigh in the courtyard, and looking out of the window, saw Dapple Gray.
"Here, take this little ring," said the giant, "and if ever you are in trouble, turn it around your finger three times and a half."
Just then the little yellow bird began to sing:
"'Tis a little golden ring,
Such a tiny, pretty thing.
But be careful lest you lose it,
For you may have need to use it,
It possesses such a charm
It will keep you from all harm."
"Good luck," said Mr. Merry Laugh as he opened the castle door. "Good-by and good luck. Drop in the next time you're in town, and don't forget Castle Merry Laugh, Forest City, U.S.A."
"Thank you," answered Mary Louise.