e me notice, as if I could help not being a
fairy!" said poor Norah weeping bitterly.

The little fellow was much distressed; he could not make out what was
the matter with her.

"Don't cry, little Fraeuleinchen," he said, "I am sure we never thought
you were so fond of us as all that; it is very gratifying, but it is
too late now to alter our decision; the way down into our kingdom is
sealed for ever!"

"I could soon open it again," said Karl wrathfully.

"As for that, it would not be quite such an easy matter as you think,"
said Mr Query mockingly. "However we are willing to offer you terms," he
continued, "if you will leave us alone and protect our secrets."

"What terms?" said Karl and Norah eagerly.

"You shall see," said the dwarf, "follow me to the fir-trees." So saying
he sprang down from the stone on which he had been sitting and came up
and shook hands with them.

"We are going to be married! what do you think of that?" they informed
him.

"Humph! Your taste, not mine," said Mr Query. "However Norah will be
able to clean your gold and silver dishes capitally; that's a comfort
for you."

"We haven't got any gold and silver dishes to clean, alas!" said Norah.

"Poor things," said Mr Query, "well we'll see." He proceeded to the
fir-trees where the Gentlemen of the Committee were again assembled,
standing in a solemn semicircle. "If you will sign this contract, we are
willing to give you a reward. I speak in the name of the Gentlemen of
the Committee," said Mr Query, and the little men nodded their heads in
assent. He drew out a roll of parchment from a bag he carried with him
and handed it to Karl. Norah looked over his shoulder.

On the parchment was written the following:

WE,
KARL HAMMERSTEIN,
NORAH O'BRIAN,

pledge our solemn oath _Christmas Tree_, that we will not attempt
to visit dwarfland again, or molest the dwarfs in any way, by
offering them modern inventions for which they have no use, etc.,
etc., or by revealing their secret chambers to the glaring light
of day.
_Signed_..............................
..............................

"We are willing enough to sign," said Karl, "but what are your terms,
old man; we want to know that first. You offered us a bribe, you know."

"All in good time," said Mr Query. "Gentlemen of the Committee, display
th