re and there
was no certainty that she would return safely to her loving parents. But
they were poor, and Queen Cor's money, which they expected to receive
for the honey, would enable them to purchase many things that were
needed; so it was deemed best that Zella should go. She was a brave
little girl and poor people are often obliged to take chances that rich
ones are spared.

[Illustration]

A passing woodchopper had brought news to Nikobob's cabin that Queen Cor
had made a prisoner of the conquering Prince of Pingaree and that Gos
and his warriors were again back in their city of Regos; but these
struggles and conquests were matters which, however interesting, did not
concern the poor charcoal-burner or his family. They were more anxious
over the report that the warriors had become more reckless than ever
before, and delighted in annoying all the common people; so Zella was
told to keep away from the beaten path as much as possible, that she
might not encounter any of the King's soldiers.

"When it is necessary to choose between the warriors and the wild
beasts," said Nikobob, "the beasts will be found the more merciful."

The little girl had put on her best attire for the journey and her
mother threw a blue silk shawl over her head and shoulders. Upon her
feet were the pretty red shoes her father had brought her from Regos.
Thus prepared, she kissed her parents good-bye and started out with a
light heart, carrying the pails of honey in either hand.

It was necessary for Zella to cross the path that led from the mines to
the city, but once on the other side she was not likely to meet with
anyone, for she had resolved to cut through the forest and so reach the
bridge of boats without entering the City of Regos, where she might be
interrupted. For an hour or two she found the walking easy enough, but
then the forest, which in this part was unknown to her, became badly
tangled. The trees were thicker and creeping vines intertwined between
them. She had to turn this way and that to get through at all, and
finally she came to a place where a network of vines and branches
effectually barred her farther progress.

Zella was dismayed, at first, when she encountered this obstacle, but
setting down her pails she made an endeavor to push the branches aside.
At her touch they parted as if by magic, breaking asunder like dried
twigs, and she found she could pass freely. At another place a great log
had fallen across her wa