e!"

Presently there was a great confusion, rough hands seized Marianna, and
somebody caught the yellow bird. The Prince remained insensible on the
bed. At high noon, a trial was held, and since the doctors declared that
the Prince was dying, Marianna was condemned to be thrown from the
precipice. When somebody asked about the yellow bird, Garabin laughed,
and gave orders that the cook should wring its neck, and toss it to the
cat.

So Marianna was hurried to a dark prison-room and loaded with chains,
and the yellow bird was taken to the castle kitchen, and given to the
cook.

"Here, you wring its neck," said the cook to one of her helpers, "while
I go call the cat."

By great good fortune, the cook's helper was no other than the peasant
girl whom Marianna had saved. This girl recognized the yellow bird, and
instead of wringing its neck, let it fly out of the window. The yellow
bird flew to the window of the magician's room. The magician was in the
chamber, stirring the giant cauldron. The bird flew to the window of
Prince Desire's room, and saw that he was still insensible.

An hour later the castle-bell began to toll, and a dismal procession was
seen walking from the castle toward the frightful cliff from which
condemned witches and sorcerers were thrown. First came a troop of
soldiers, then Marianna, weighted down with chains, and last of all, a
little group in which were Garabin, the magician, and some of Garabin's
favorites.

The bell kept on sadly tolling and tolling. It roused the Prince from
his swoon, and with his last measure of strength, poor Desire dragged
himself to the window. The procession was then passing directly
underneath the window, and Desire's eyes met the eyes of Marianna.

"Stop! Stop!" cried the poor Prince, wildly; "I forbid--"

An instant later he sank fainting to the floor. The procession went on.

Meanwhile the yellow bird had returned to the magician's chamber. It was
empty. With a joyous cry, the bird fluttered through the window-bars,
and discovered the phial into which the magician had poured the water of
healing. Clutching it in his claws, the bird flew once more to the
Prince's room. Desire still lay in a heap by the window, and over him
the yellow bird poured the contents of the phial.

The Prince sprang up, strong as a lion, seized his sword, and rushed
down to save Marianna. He arrived at the cliff just as the poor maiden
was about to be pushed off into space, and stand