rd.

Quietly they slipped away lest the King of the Forest surprise
them, and back they went to the King of the Little People.

"Good again," acknowledged the King, and he commanded the bird to
sing.

"I'm almost minded to let you off the third task," the King
exclaimed, "but a vow is a vow and must not be broken. Bring me
last the hare that dances by moonlight."

Shamus went off a third time and traveled until he came to a fine
grassy slope, and there he awaited the full moon. Sure enough, as
he lay hidden, out came the hare and began to dance, leaping and
bounding and playing with his shadow.

Then Shamus began to play, softly at first and then louder and
louder. Higher and faster danced the hare to the music and when it
was done he sat down, panting, on the grass.

"It is a good song, and never have I danced so well," exclaimed he.

"And never," said Shamus, "have I seen such wonderful dancing."

"Thank you for that," rejoined the hare. "It is not often that I
get an audience which can appreciate me, and you know yourself that
a bit of praise helps wonderfully to make one do his best."

"'Tis so," said Shamus. "A word of praise is meat and drink to one
who sings--or dances," he added remembering the hare.

Shamus told the hare of the King of the Little People and the good
things at his court.

"Belike he'd have a bit of a carrot or a patch of good clover,"
said the hare wistfully.

"That he would," Shamus returned heartily. "Come with me and I'll
show you."

"I'll do it," said the hare, and off they went to the King of the
Little People.

"You have done all that I asked," said the King, "and do you still
wish to return to the world?"

"It is my fate to do so," said Shamus.

"So be it," said the King, "but long will you lament the day. It is
easier to go than to return. However, I'm not saying that some day
you may not come back to me, for I like you well."

The King gave Shamus the magic goblet and ordered that he be borne
from Elfland, and Shamus returned to the world.

With the goblet in his pocket and his harp slung over his shoulder,
he made his way to the court of the King and the Princess. On the
throne sat an old woman, and the faces of those around were strange
to him.

"Who are you?" she asked.

Shamus told her th