of a sudden pounced down amongst a mass of rock.
Instantly a heart-rending cry reached their ears, and, running quickly
to the place, they saw, with horror, that the eagle had seized their
former acquaintance, the dwarf, and was just about to carry him off.
The kind children did not hesitate for an instant. They took a firm
hold of the little man, they strove so stoutly with the eagle for
possession of his contemplated prey, that, after much rough treatment
on both sides, the dwarf was left in the hands of his brave little
friends, and the eagle took to flight.

As soon as the little man had in some measure recovered from his
alarm, his small, squeaky, cracked voice was heard saying, "Couldn't
you have held me more gently? See my little coat; you have rent and
damaged it in a fine manner, you clumsy, officious things!" Then he
picked up a sack of jewels, and slipped out of sight behind a piece of
rock.

The maidens by this time were quite used to his ungrateful, ungracious
ways; so they took no notice of it, but went on their way, made their
purchases, and then were ready to return to their happy home.

[Illustration: _Painted by Jennie Harbour_
SNOW-WHITE AND ROSE-RED]

On their way back, suddenly, once more they ran across their dwarf
friend.

Upon a clear space he had turned out his sack of jewels, so that he
could count and admire them, for he had not imagined that anybody
would at so late an hour be coming across the common. The setting sun
was shining upon the brilliant stones, and their changing hues and
sparkling rays caused the children to pause to admire them also.

"What are you gazing at?" cried the dwarf, at the same time becoming
red with rage; "and what are you standing there for, making ugly
faces?"

It is probable that he might have proceeded in the same complimentary
manner, but suddenly a great growl was heard near by them, and a big
bear joined the party. Up jumped the dwarf in extremest terror, but
could not get to his hiding-place, the bear was too close to him; so
he cried out in very evident anguish--

"Dear Mr. Bear, forgive me, I pray! I will render to you all my
treasure. Just see those precious stones lying there! Grant me my
life! What would you do with such an insignificant little fellow?
You would not notice me between your teeth. See, though, those
two children, they would be delicate morsels, and are as plump as
partridges; I beg of you to take them, good Mr. Bear, and let me