.

"You have done well, noble Champion," said the Fairy. "You did not
despise me, or my words, when I appeared old and ugly, and from
henceforth you will find me ever ready to aid and protect you, as you
travel on in search of those heroic adventures after which your heart
pants. I bid you farewell; though, remember, that I will come when you
summon me;" saying this the Fairy mounted a golden chariot drawn by
peacocks, and, rapidly gliding through the air, disappeared amid the
clouds which floated round the sides of that lofty mountain. Scarcely
had she gone, and the six ladies were pouring forth their thanks to the
noble Knight who had delivered them from their cruel bondage, when the
King of Georgia, followed by all his knights and courtiers, entered the
garden of the castle to ascertain what had become of the strange Knight.

Nothing could exceed his astonishment, and delight, and gratitude, when
Saint Andrew presented to him his six daughters in their proper forms.

"You deserve them all," exclaimed the Monarch, in the warmth of his
emotion. To which the Scottish Knight, with true modesty, replied, that
he considered one far more than he deserved, and that as yet he felt
inclined to remain a bachelor.

The next day, after a sumptuous banquet which the King's cooks prepared
in the Giant's castle, the whole party marched back to the palace of the
Georgian Monarch with banners streaming, cymbals clashing, and drums and
trumpets sounding joyful melody. When, however, sad to relate, the King
inquired for his eldest daughter, he found that she had fled away with
the Champion of Italy.

This event, so grievous to the heart of the King, made him defer all the
triumphant arrangements which were forming to do honour to the Scottish
Knight and to his six fair daughters.

When, also, Saint Andrew heard that one of his noble comrades was so
near at hand, calling Murdoch to his side, he bade him prepare for their
departure. Wishing to avoid the pain of parting with the six
Princesses, and, lest their honoured sire might renew his generous
offer, Saint Andrew, without bidding farewell to the King of Georgia, or
to his chief councillors and ministers of state, and other great lords
of the realm, set off from the capital in pursuit of Saint Anthony of
Italy and the fair Rosalinde.

The next day, when the six Princesses heard of the departure of the
Knight they so much admired, providing themselves with sufficient
treas