r, and often in the night they could
hear savage animals growling and prowling about the cabin. Because
Nikobob minded his own business and never hunted the wild creatures to
injure them, the beasts had come to regard him as one of the natural
dwellers in the forest and did not molest him or his family. Still
Zella and her mother seldom wandered far from home, except on such
errands as carrying honey to Coregos, and at these times Nikobob
cautioned them to be very careful.

So when Zella set out on her journey to Queen Cor, with the two pails
of honey in her hands, she was undertaking a dangerous adventure and
there was no certainty that she would return safely to her loving
parents. But they were poor, and Queen Cor's money, which they expected
to receive for the honey, would enable them to purchase many things
that were needed; so it was deemed best that Zella should go. She was a
brave little girl and poor people are often obliged to take chances
that rich ones are spared.

A passing woodchopper had brought news to Nikobob's cabin that Queen
Cor had made a prisoner of the conquering Prince of Pingaree and that
Gos and his warriors were again back in their city of Regos; but these
struggles and conquests were matters which, however interesting, did
not concern the poor charcoal-burner or his family. They were more
anxious over the report that the warriors had become more reckless than
ever before, and delighted in annoying all the common people; so Zella
was told to keep away from the beaten path as much as possible, that
she might not encounter any of the King's soldiers.

"When it is necessary to choose between the warriors and the wild
beasts," said Nikobob, "the beasts will be found the more merciful."

The little girl had put on her best attire for the journey and her
mother threw a blue silk shawl over her head and shoulders. Upon her
feet were the pretty red shoes her father had brought her from Regos.
Thus prepared, she kissed her parents good-bye and started out with a
light heart, carrying the pails of honey in either hand.

It was necessary for Zella to cross the path that led from the mines to
the city, but once on the other side she was not likely to meet with
anyone, for she had resolved to cut through the forest and so reach the
bridge of boats without entering the City of Regos, where she might be
interrupted. For an hour or two she found the walking easy enough, but
then the forest, which in this