like a man that was hurt," said they.
"What is it to you what way I shouted?" said he.
"You might give a civil answer to a civil question," said they; "but
sure you were always Sharvan the Surly;" and they went away.
When the giants were out of sight, Sharvan took Pinkeen out of his
wallet.
"Some more berries, you little thief--I mean little Pinkeen," said
he.
"I have not any more," said Pinkeen; "but if you will guard the tree
in Dooros Wood you can feast on them from morn till night."
"I'll guard every tree in the wood, if I may do that," said the
giant.
"You'll have to guard only one," said Pinkeen.
"How am I to get to it?" said Sharvan.
"You must first come with me towards fairyland," said the fairy.
"Very well," said Sharvan; "let us go." And he took up the fairy and
put him into his wallet, and before very long they were on the top of
the mountain. Then the giant looked around towards the giant's land;
but a black cloud shut it out from view, while the sun was shining on
the valley that lay before him, and he could see away in the distance
the green woods and shining waters of fairyland.
It was not long until he reached its borders, but when he tried to
cross them his feet stuck to the ground and he could not move a step.
Sharvan gave three loud shouts that were heard all over fairyland, and
made the trees in the woods tremble, as if the wind of a storm was
sweeping over them.
"Oh, please, Mr. Giant, let me out," said Pinkeen. Sharvan took out
the little fellow, who, as soon as he saw he was on the borders of
fairyland ran as fast as his legs could carry him, and before he had
gone very far he met all the little fairies who, hearing the shouts
of the giant, came trooping out from the ferns to see what was the
matter. Pinkeen told them it was the giant who was to guard the tree,
shouting because he was stuck fast on the borders, and they need have
no fear of him. The fairies were so delighted to have Pinkeen back
again, that they took him up on their shoulders and carried him to the
king's palace, and all the harpers and pipers and fiddlers marched
before him playing the most jocund music that was ever heard. The king
and queen were on the lawn in front of the palace when the gay
procession came up and halted before them. The queen's eyes glistened
with pleasure when she saw the little favourite, and the king was also
glad at heart, but he looked very grave as he said:
"Why have you re
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