PETER AND THE MANIKIN.
In his troubles he resolved to go again into the deep forest, and seek the aid of the forest gnomes.
“If the good little gnome will not help me,” he said, “the big one will.”
As he passed along, ashamed of his conduct in not having better deserved of the good fairy, he began to cry,—
“Michael the Dutchman! Michael the Dutchman!”
In a few moments the giant raftsman stood before him.
“You’ve come to me at last,” he said. “Go with me to my house, and I will show you how I can be of service to you.”
Peter followed the giant to some steep rocks, and down into an abyss; there was the gnome’s palace.
“Your difficulties come from here,” said the gnome, placing his hands over the young man’s heart. “Let me have your heart, and you shall have riches.”
“Give you my heart?” said Peter; “I should die.”