‘But they were so very old; besides, this is the him, papa.’
‘Ah, I see,’ said the papa, laughing. ‘It’s a case of “Ancient and Modern Hymns,” and you prefer the modern. But what about the notice?’
‘What is the notice?’ asked Treblo, rather puzzled; ‘and what has it got to do with me?’
‘More than you think,’ said the King. ‘It’s worth reading, I can tell you, especially during the next twenty-four hours. I should advise you to learn it by heart—that is, if you intend. However, I’ll go and fetch it, and you will be able to see for yourself.’
And the King went off to look for his notice.
When he had gone, the Princess said:
‘But how did you get here? I thought the mountains could not be crossed.’
‘I don’t know anything about the mountains, or how I came here either, for that matter. All I know is that I was suddenly caught up in a thick mist which hid me from every one, and every one from me too, and before I knew anything I was whirled off here in about a minute and a half, and then you came running down the steps—and that’s all I know. Now perhaps you’ll tell me where I am, for I haven’t the faintest idea?’
‘Why, you’re in the middle of the kingdom of Aoland, and that was my father, and this is my home—and it’s all right.’