the Giant put
the cheese upon his knees in such a manner as not to injure the heads
and feet of the lovers, and dropped into a very comfortable sleep.

"Don't I wish I could get my arms out!" whispered the Prince.

"O my!" whispered the Princess.

Ting-a-ling, having now nothing to occupy his mind, and desiring to
stretch his legs, got out of the vest-pocket where he had remained so
safely during all the disturbance, and descended to the ground to take a
little walk. He had not gone far before he met a young friend, who was
running along as fast as he could.

"Hallo! Ting-a-ling," cried the other. "Is that you? Come with me, and I
will show you the funniest thing you ever saw in your life."

"Is it far?" said Ting-a-ling, "for I must be back here by daylight."

"O no! come on. It won't take you long, and I tell you, it's fun!"

So away they ran, merrily vaulting over the hickory-nuts, or acorns,
that happened to be in their way, in mere playfulness, as if they were
nothing. They soon came to a large, open space, so brightly lighted by
the moon, that every object was as visible as if it were daylight.
Scattered over the smooth green were thousands of fairies of
Ting-a-ling's nation, the most of whom were standing gazing intently at
a very wonderful sight.

Seated on a stone, under a great tree that stood all alone in the centre
of this plain, was a woman without any head. She moved her hands rapidly
about over her shoulders, as if in search of the missing portion of
herself, and, encountering nothing but mere air, she got very angry, and
stamped her feet, and shrugged her shoulders, which amused the fairies
very much, and they all set up a great laugh, and seemed to be enjoying
the fun amazingly. On one side, down by a little brook, was a busy crowd
of fairies, who appeared to be washing something therein. Scattered all
around were portions of the Tower of Tears, much of which had fallen
hereabouts.

Ting-a-ling and his friend had not gazed long upon this scene before the
sound of music was heard, and in a few moments there appeared from out
the woods a gorgeous procession. First came a large band of music,
ringing blue-bells and blowing honeysuckles. Then came an array of
courtiers, magnificently dressed; and, after them, the Queen of the
fairies, riding in a beautiful water-lily, drawn by six royal purple
butterflies, and surrounded by a brilliant body of lords and ladies.

This procession halted at a short