"HERE IS THE RING," SAID THE TROUT.
At this the Queen quickly withdrew her head, and in a short time emerged from the doorway of her castle.
Hastily running to the water's edge, she leaned over, grasping hold of a stalk to keep her from falling.
"Here is the ring," said the trout, holding it in his teeth and swimming as close to the bank as he was able.
The Queen reached out and took it safely from him.
"I will make you king of my fishes, noble Sir Trout," she cried, "for what you have this day accomplished. Remain here in my lake henceforth, and now, to the rescue!"
In an incredibly short time she was mounted on her swiftest robin and with her three ladies in waiting flew away toward the castle, where Ned and the beautiful princess, her brave brother and the giant were held prisoners by the magic of the wicked king.
Now, the little bluebird, as she saw her friend, the trout, swim away, suddenly thought of her former master, the King of the Gnomes, and decided to seek aid from him. So, whirling around in a circle to get her bearings, she darted off swiftly through the air toward the cave in the forest.
She made rapid progress until she reached the thick foliage of the woods, and here, in her eagerness, she nearly lost her way.
Indeed, in the uncertain light that struggled through the thick boughs, it was not easy to make out certain familiar landmarks which would guide her to her destination.