r up before, and then to kick up behind with
great violence. The prince clapped his hand on his trusty blade,
thinking he was approaching the giant, but on looking round in every
direction could see neither castle nor draw-bridge. Indeed nothing
visible seemed to justify the horse in his unseemly gambols, and the
prince accused his gallant steed of being in league with his enemies,
when happening to look over his shoulder, who should he see but Master
Whipswitchem seated quietly on the crupper, and spurring away with an
old rusty nail he had fixed in the heel of his shoe, while he held by
the horse's tail for a bridle. "I swear by the eyes of my beautiful
gold-fish," cried the prince, "but this is too bad!" And then he
attempted to dislodge the pestilent imp, by thrusting his elbow into
his back; but the little caitiff every time bounced up like a
tennis-ball, and the next instant was in his seat, crying, "Ho-ho!
ha-ha!" louder than ever. This time he was too cunning for the prince;
for knowing by experience that his nose was the most exposed part of
his outworks, he kept his back to the prince, and his face toward the
tail of the horse. At the expiration of an hour the prince became so
worried that he could scarcely lift his hand to his head, and his
horse so exhausted that he could kick no more. At length, however,
while the little caitiff was spurring and laughing away with great
glee, the prince turning suddenly round on the saddle, seized the rope
which he wore round his neck for a cravat, and leaping from his steed,
hoisted him up to an old sign-post at the road-side, where he left him
dangling in the air. "Ho-ho! ha-ha!" said the prince, "I think I shall
have no more trouble with Master Whipswitchem."

Finding himself as well as his steed quite exhausted, and both
requiring rest and refreshment, Prince Violet dismounted in a
pleasant, shady grove, through which meandered a clear stream,
bordered by rich, luxuriant grass, thus furnishing both drink and food
to the panting animal, whom, having turned loose, he left to roam at
will. Seating himself among a bed of fragrant flowers, he lighted a
cigar, and sat smoking and thinking of his future prospects.

"Ho-ho! ha-hah! my prince, what are you about? You put me in mind of a
smoking chimney, though from your mighty contented look, I should
suppose you were very pleasantly occupied. I should like to take a
puff too, if you have no objection."

"O, beneficent Fairy