h of his assertion.
First he blew so softly that it seemed like the gentle breeze at
evening, and then he turned round and raised such a mighty storm, that
he blew down a whole row of oak trees.

When Moscione saw this he was delighted, and begged Blow-Blast to join
his company. And as they went on their way they met another man, whom
Moscione addressed as usual: 'What's your name; where do you come from,
and what can you do?'

'I am called Strong-Back; I come from Power-borough, and I possess such
strength that I can take a mountain on my back, and it seems a feather
to me.'

'If that's the case,' said Moscione, 'you are a clever fellow; but I
should like some proof of your strength.'

Then Strong-Back loaded himself with great boulders of rock and trunks
of trees, so that a hundred waggons could not have taken away all that
he carried on his back.

When Moscione saw this he prevailed on Strong-Back to join his troop,
and they all continued their journey till they came to a country called
Flower Vale. Here there reigned a king whose only daughter ran as
quickly as the wind, and so lightly that she could run over a field of
young oats without bending a single blade. The king had given out a
proclamation that anyone who could beat the princess in a race should
have her for a wife, but that all who failed in the competition should
lose their head.

As soon as Moscione heard of the Royal Proclamation, he hastened to the
king and challenged the princess to race with him. But on the morning
appointed for the trial he sent word to the king that he was not feeling
well, and that as he could not run himself he would supply someone to
take his place.

'It's just the same to me,' said Canetella, the princess; 'let anyone
come forward that likes, I am quite prepared to meet him.'

At the time appointed for the race the whole place was crowded with
people anxious to see the contest, and, punctual to the moment,
Quick-as-Thought, and Canetella dressed in a short skirt and very
lightly shod, appeared at the starting-point.

Then a silver trumpet sounded, and the two rivals started on their race,
looking for all the world like a greyhound chasing a hare.

But Quick-as-Thought, true to his name, outran the princess, and when
the goal was reached the people all clapped their hands and shouted,
'Long live the stranger!'

[Illustration: The Princess beaten by Quick-as-Thought]

Canetella was much depressed by her defeat; b