the window of a poor
woodcutter's hut. Knocking on the door, it was presently opened by a
strange looking man. He had long hairy ears like a donkey and was
dressed in the skins of wild animals.

"Welcome," he said in a kindly voice, "I am just preparing my evening
meal. Come in and eat." Ned followed the donkey-eared man into the
cottage and sat down at the rude wooden table on which were spread black
bread and beans.

"I have but humble fare to offer you," said the donkey-eared man, but
his smile was a kind one as he helped Ned to the beans with a large
wooden spoon. "But as I see you are a traveler, you no doubt have fared
worse at times," and he smiled again in such a friendly way, that Ned
took a great liking to him.

"You are right. I'm a traveler, seeking adventures and many strange
things I have seen while visiting Gnomeland."

"I have heard little of the world since my ears were changed into those
of a donkey," sighed the donkey-eared man.

"Is there no magic charm which will remove them?" asked Ned, as he
finished the last bean on his plate and wiped his mouth carefully with
the pocket handkerchief which his kind mother had given him the very
morning he had set out for Gnomeland.

"None whatever," answered the man with a sigh. "There is no charm nor
magic herb, but I've heard tell of a Magic Axe that once cut down a
charmed oak tree overshadowing a king's palace. But where am I to find
that Magic Axe?"

"Oh master dear, pray ask this lad
Your donkey ears to sever;
For then your own two ears will take
Their place as good as ever,"

sang a little bird from her tree in the forest.

When Ned heard that, he jumped up and went behind the door where he had
hung his knapsack. Taking out the Magic Axe, he laid it on the table
before the donkey-eared man.

"Cut off my ears!" shouted the donkey-eared man.

"I can't do it," said Ned, trembling all over.

"Do as I ask you," begged the donkey-eared man, laying his head on the
table.

Instead, however, Ned touched the donkey ears with his little magic gold
ring, at the same time whispering, "Away with you!"

Off went the long, hairy ears, and the next minute, two grew in their
place, just like yours and mine.

"Oh, now I'm free from donkey ears,
Three cheers and once, again, three cheers!
No more the witch's evil snare
Shall force me donkey ears to wear!"

sang the d