; "I'll tell you the real story of those rocks as it
occurred, let's see--about eight or nine hundred years ago. I remember
it quite well, for it was one of those occasions when I was _most_
distressed at having to disappear at what was for me the very worst
possible moment."

I settled myself comfortably on the rocks beside Shin Shira and prepared
to listen with great interest.

"Let's think for a moment," said the little Yellow Dwarf, looking about
him.

"It began--oh, yes! I know now. In that cave over yonder--I was eight
or nine hundred years younger then, and a very warm-blooded and
impressionable young fellow at that time; and I can remember being
struck with the extreme beauty of the charming Princess whom I
discovered in tears there when I suddenly appeared.

"The cave itself was hung about with the most beautiful silken curtains
and tapestries, and on the floor were spread rugs and carpets and
cushions of Oriental magnificence. Tiny tables, inlaid with ivory and
mother-of-pearl, were scattered about, on which were caskets filled with
beautiful jewels and rare curios from foreign lands.

"The Princess herself was reclining on one of the cushions, sobbing as
though her heart would break, and her beautiful hair was lying in
dishevelled glory about her shoulders.

"I was afraid of alarming her, so I coughed slightly to attract her
attention.

"She started up immediately with a look of terror, but was calmed in an
instant when she saw who it was.

"'Oh!' she cried, 'have you slain him? You must have done in order to
have reached here. Oh! have you come to save me?' and she looked at me
with wild, eager eyes.

"'Calm yourself, fair lady!' said I. 'What is it that alarms you? Be
sure that I will do all in my power to protect you from any evil that
threatens you.'

"'The Dragon!' gasped the Princess. 'Have you not slain him? How else
can you have entered? He lies at the door of the cave.'

"She caught me by the hand and led me to the entrance, and then,
clasping one hand over her eyes and shuddering with terror, she pointed
to where, a short distance beyond, under the shadow of some rocks, lay a
terrible Dragon, watching with cruel and expectant eyes for any prey
that might come his way.

"'I cannot get away from here except I pass him, and I have been
imprisoned here now for two days,' sobbed the Princess. 'The King, my
father, must indeed be distraught at my absence,' and she burst into
fresh weeping