returning to her native Valley. At the same time a feeling of
sorrow for the haughtiness with which she had treated the Birds
whom she had once loved, had grown so strong in her heart, that she
resolved to make amends for her former ill-conduct to these
good-natured creatures. Since the fatal day when her husband and
his people had been all destroyed, she had made her abode in this
tree, and taken under her tender care all the young birds whose
parents had died. Indeed she it really was who, in spite of her
fear of Men, had every night destroyed the Birdcatcher's nets, and
had warned the birds against venturing near him.

At this instant however she saw the danger which threatened her
countrymen, if these selfish people should discover the
Root-kingdom. All other considerations therefore must yield.
Without delay she desired the Cranes to convey her straight to her
own Valley, where she was resolved to alight, happen what might.

In the Nutfield, which had so recently been the scene of her false
splendour and her follies, the Rootmen happened on this very day to
be assembled. Notwithstanding her wrong conduct, they had not yet
given up the Princess, and, at the entreaties of her father, they
were met to consider what steps could be taken to search for her.

The Cranes alighted with the nest. In an instant the repentant
daughter fell on the neck of her overjoyed father, and all the
People compassionated her, and forgave her from the bottom of their
hearts. In their delight at seeing her again, all were ready to
give themselves up to unrestrained rejoicing, but the Princess
checked their merriment. She told her People the danger which
threatened them of being discovered by Men. Anxiety and terror
seized the Rootmen at this news: it was no longer possible to
remain in the forest. They at once resolved to leave Root-Valley,
and to emigrate by subterranean passages to distant lands.

The whole body put themselves forthwith in motion, when just at
that instant there appeared upon the rocky heights, behind the
thick hedge, the Birdcatcher with his family. If these folks had
been astonished at the first instant, how much more so were they
now, when they saw all the little Rootmen disappear in the rocks!

Angry and impatient at not being able to get at them, the
Birdcatcher tried all he could to break through the hedge, but in
vain,--he only came off with scratched and bleeding hands.

"Ill-luck!" he exclaimed; "had I bu