orn smooth by the
waters, and round the windows were rows of pearls; the great doors were
standing open, and the whole troop floated into the chamber of audience,
where the queen, who was half a woman after all, was seated on a throne
made of a green and blue shell.

'Who are you, and where do you come from?' said she to the little fish,
whom the others had pushed in front. And in a low, trembling voice, the
visitor told her story.

'I was once a girl too,' answered the queen, when the fish had ended;
'and my father was the king of a great country. A husband was found for
me, and on my wedding-day my mother placed her crown on my head and told
me that as long as I wore it I should likewise be queen. For many months
I was as happy as a girl could be, especially when I had a little son
to play with. But, one morning, when I was walking in my gardens, there
came a giant and snatched the crown from my head. Holding me fast,
he told me that he intended to give the crown to his daughter, and to
enchant my husband the prince, so that he should not know the difference
between us. Since then she has filled my place and been queen in my
stead. As for me, I was so miserable that I threw myself into the sea,
and my ladies, who loved me, declared that they would die too; but,
instead of dying, some wizard, who pitied my fate, turned us all into
fishes, though he allowed me to keep the face and body of a woman. And
fished we must remain till someone brings me back my crown again!'

'I will bring it back if you tell me what to do!' cried the little fish,
who would have promised anything that was likely to carry her up to
earth again. And the queen answered:

'Yes, I will tell you what to do.'

She sat silent for a moment, and then went on:

'There is no danger if you will only follow my counsel; and first you
must return to earth, and go up to the top of a high mountain, where
the giant has built his castle. You will find him sitting on the steps
weeping for his daughter, who has just died while the prince was away
hunting. At the last she sent her father my crown by a faithful servant.
But I warn you to be careful, for if he sees you he may kill you.
Therefore I will give you the power to change yourself into any creature
that may help you best. You have only to strike your forehead, and call
out its name.'

This time the journey to land seemed much shorter than before, and when
once the fish reached the shore she struck her