d her into the stately hall, the latter
finding it necessary to stoop each time he entered a doorway, for
although the castle was built on magnificent lines it had not occurred
to the architect that a giant would ever be a guest.

When they were all seated, except the giant, who sprawled on the floor,
as there was no chair large enough to accommodate him, the beautiful
princess said:

"I would ask you to spend the night here, but my wicked stepfather
returns tonight, and I fear he will do you some injury."

"I fear nothing," answered Ned courageously, standing up to appear more
dignified, "and if I can be of any service to you, say but a word, for I
have a trusty friend in the giant, and also a clever one in my little
bluebird, to say nothing of the magic of this ring," and he touched the
gold band about his finger and bowed again to the beautiful princess.

"My stepfather is very crafty," said the princess, looking at Ned
intently, as if weighing the possibilities of his assistance. "He once
changed a giant into a pine tree!" At these words, the giant began to
shake and tremble so that the cut glass chandeliers rattled all over the
castle.

"Remember, I have the magic ring," Ned whispered, leaning over to where
the giant lay upon the floor; "nothing can harm us with that in our
possession."

"What would you have me do?" asked Ned, turning again to the beautiful
princess, for he felt that she was unwilling to ask him the favor,
fearing it might prove of harm to him.

Still the beautiful princess remained silent until the bluebird began to
sing a sweet song, perching meanwhile upon her shoulder, as if intending
the song for her ears especially.

Then tears fell from her eyes.

"'Tis the song my brother was wont to sing," she said, "but now"--and
hiding her face in her hands, she wept more bitterly than before--"he
has been sent away and hidden by my cruel stepfather I know not where."

"We will find him for you, princess," cried Ned. "Fear not, for I have
confidence in my two comrades and in myself. Give us all something to
eat that we may have strength to undertake this adventure."

The princess immediately ordered a great feast to be set before them,
and when our three comrades had eaten their fill they once more set out
upon their journey, with the prayers of the beautiful princess for their
safety and successful return.

As they wound their way through the pleasant valley, every so often the
little blu