Just when they were ready a rabbit came up to them. “Hullo, little chaps,” said the rabbit, “where are you off to?”
“We are on our way to the fairies' cave,” they replied.
“You have a long way to go yet,” said the rabbit; “the cave is on an island in the sea; but I am going that way, and if you jump on my back I will give you a lift.”
The little brothers thanked the rabbit very much, as they were feeling tired after their hard work. As soon as they were safely seated the rabbit started off.
On and on they went until they had left the dark forest far behind, and were on the sea-shore. Here the rabbit stopped, saying, “I can take you no farther; you have now to cross the water, and must consult the Great Fish. He will appear if you knock three times on the rock. Take also this red dust, you will find it useful;” and putting a little bag of red dust into Red-Cap's hand the rabbit ran off.
The goblins did as the rabbit had told them, and when they had knocked three times on a rock a large fish raised itself slowly out of the water and said, “Why have you called me?”
“Please will you tell us how to get to the fairies' cave?” said Blue-Cap.
“Look between the rocks so green,
There a boat will soon be seen;
In the boat you all must sail,
Wafted gently by the gale.”
said the fish, and sank again beneath the blue waves.
