beds, the
blankets and sheets, and as many of our clothes as we can spare. All
these will not make a ladder long enough to reach the ground; but it
will carry us down to where the ivy branches are strong, and from there
we can climb safely to the bottom. We will go by night and find good old
Adam. He will feed and help us and tell us what to do."

"A splendid plan! Let us set to work while our strength holds out or it
will be too late," answered Plush, who was very white and weak with
hunger.

Busily flew the fingers, and soon long coils of cord were made; while
the poor lads chewed leaves and drank the rain to keep themselves alive.
At last they had enough to reach a long way down; and when night came
Purple made his brother go first,--for he was an hour younger, and
rather lighter, and he wanted to be sure he was safe before he escaped
himself. Down climbed Plush, while the other lad leaned out, with his
hands on the frail ladder, holding his breath till the dark figure was
out of sight in the gloom, and a soft whistle told him that all was safe
with the dear boy. Then he followed, and Plush caught him in his arms as
he came climbing down; while all the little birds sat silent in their
nests among the ivy, and not a stout branch broke under the clinging
hands and feet,--for birds and plants loved them, and were faithful
friends, as we shall see.

In the darkness the Princes found their way to Adam's house in the great
garden, and were welcomed joyfully; for the old man thought them dead.
When he heard their story he told them that they could never reach their
father, and that they were in danger of their lives if they tried to do
so; for the Queen was very cruel and powerful, and would not let them
live if she could help it.

"Go away till you are grown, my dear little masters; then come back as
men and take the kingdom that belongs to you."

"But how can we live? What can we do, since we have no money or friends
to help us?" asked the boys, as they rested after a good supper.

"Here are your lutes," said old Adam; "I took care of them for you; and
you can go singing through the world, and so earn money for your bread.
I will give you some magic seeds which my father left me, saying that
they would not grow unless royal hands planted them, when they would
bring fortune to the happy owner for whom they bloomed. I taught you how
to garden; so when you are safely out of the kingdom sow the seed in
some wild spot,