eemed strong enough to fight a dozen. One of them
stayed to take care of the young lady, while the three others went after
Gris-de-line, who gave them a great deal of unwelcome exercise.

Meantime the young lady continued her cries and complaints. "Oh, my dear
princess," said she, "how happy was I in your palace! Did you but
know my sad misfortune, you would send your Amazons to rescue poor
Abricotina."

Leander, having listened to what she said, without delay seized the
ruffian that held her, and bound him fast to a tree before he had time
or strength to defend himself. He then went to the second, and taking
him by both arms, bound him in the same manner to another tree. In the
meantime Abricotina made the best of her good fortune and betook herself
to her heels, not knowing which way she went. But Leander, missing her,
called out to his horse Gris-de-line; who, by two kicks with his hoof,
rid himself of the two ruffians who had pursued him: one of them had his
head broken and the other three of his ribs. And now Leander only wanted
to overtake Abricotina; for he thought her so handsome that he wished
to see her again. He found her leaning against a tree. When she saw
Gris-de-line coming toward her, "How lucky am I!" cried she; "this
pretty little horse will carry me to the palace of pleasure." Leander
heard her, though she saw him not: he rode up to her; Gris-de-line
stopped, and when Abricotina mounted him, Leander clasped her in his
arms and placed her gently before him. Oh, how great was Abricotina's
fear to feel herself fast embraced, and yet see nobody! She durst not
stir, and shut her eyes for fear of seeing a spirit. But Leander took
off his little cap. "How comes it, fair Abricotina," said he, "that you
are afraid of me, who delivered you out of the hands of the ruffians?"

With that she opened her eyes, and knowing him again, "Oh, sir," said
she, "I am infinitely obliged to you; but I was afraid, for I felt
myself held fast and could see no one."

"Surely," replied Leander, "the danger you have been in has disturbed
you and cast a mist before your eyes."

Abricotina would not seem to doubt him, though she was otherwise
extremely sensible. And after they had talked for some time of
indifferent things, Leander requested her to tell him her age, her
country, and by what accident she fell into the hands of the ruffians.

"Know then, sir," said she, "there was a certain very great fairy
married to a prince w