When he uttered to himself "midway" the cap clasped itself tightly to his head, so he answered, "Midway."
The goblin gave a hollow laugh. "The cap has counselled you wisely," he said. "Had you said above, I should have carried you so high that you would have almost died of terror before we ended our short journey. Had you said on the ground, you would have been dragged over rocks and bushes, so as to get there much hurt, and I would have had no power to change this. But as you have said midway, you will have a swift and pleasant journey. Let us depart."
Gofaster felt something take his hand and lead him out of the door. Then he was drawn upward slightly, and forward, with great speed but no discomfort. It was noon when they started. They passed over lakes, rivers, and mountains, the weather changing to somewhat more chilly from what they had departed; and it seemed as though they must have gone the whole night through without his knowing it, for when they gently touched the ground at the end of the journey there appeared to Gofaster the rays of the morning sun.
CHAPTER II.
The place where the giant alighted was nearly in front of what, in spite of its two stories, seemed to be a mere hut. It was surrounded by a well-kept garden.
"I wonder," said Gofaster, aloud, "if I will get shelter here for the night."
A hollow laugh at his elbow showed that his friend had not departed. "The days here," said the goblin, "are six months long, and the nights are just as long as the days. During the day, which has just begun, the weather is tolerably comfortable, and mid-day is the only summer the Huperboreans have; the night is intensely cold, but you will be able to purchase furs to make you comfortable. Tho owner of this house is a man of fair fortune, but as he lives on the outskirts of the city, apart somewhat from his fellows, he likes to entertain travellers if he take the least fancy toward them at sight. Knock, and make your bargain with him, for you will find there a good place to stay for a while, and its owner can give you whatever information you require about the King, the Court, and the people."
Gofaster obeyed the commands of his monitor. He entered the pathway, and, on arriving at the door, rapped. In a moment or so the door was opened, and there stood a slender old man, with a face full of wrinkles, in which appeared a pair of sharp, twinkling eyes.
"I am called Gofaster," said the giant, bowing, "and am on a visit to this country unattended. I am informed that you occasionally entertain travellers, and if you could make room for me I should feel under obligation, and be prepared to compensate you fairly."
