f
the tree.

"Do not be alarmed," she said, smiling at their startled faces. "You
have nothing to fear. I am the fairy Peaceful and was enchanted by the
Evil Magician because I had rescued your father from his hands, and was
working against him in other ways in this kingdom.

"The leaves you saw upon the waters were my sorrows, and as my
unhappiness increased I was compelled to drop more and more leaves.
These poisoned the water and kept Prince Sadna's people in a kind of
stupor.

"But," she continued, stepping towards the lake, "I can now restore the
water to its natural purity."

She waved her wand over it as she spoke, and Daimur could see that the
oily substance seemed to evaporate immediately.

"Oh, tell us, good fairy, is our father still alive?" cried Prince
Redmond.

"He is," answered the fairy, "though very feeble. He will not live
much longer. Thank goodness I had him safely hidden away before the
Evil Magician pounced upon me on this lonely hilltop. If you will
follow me you may see him."

She led the way to what appeared to be a wall of solid rock a short
distance from the lake shore. Reaching up she tapped the wall with her
wand, and instantly a passage appeared. They followed her through it,
and on the other side found themselves in a long green valley,
completely surrounded on all sides by overhanging cliffs and tree tops.
In the center of the valley stood a long low white thatched cottage,
almost covered with honeysuckle and climbing roses, while about it were
gardens, and plenty of trees where birds sang sweetly.

"This is my own secret bower," the fairy explained with a smile. "It
is hidden from mortal eyes, and on account of my Wonderful Plant the
Evil Magician could not disturb it."

They walked along a pretty path, and turning around a hedge came upon
the aged King, seated in an easy chair under a peach tree. Directly in
front of him stood a Wonderful Plant, fully as large as that which
Tasmir had seen on the oasis, and quite full of golden flowers.

The King was in the act of sipping a glass of milk and eating some
fruit which a maid had just brought him, and looked very bright and
comfortable.

He turned his head at the sound of voices, and at the sight of his sons
arose with a cry of joy, and came slowly forward leaning on his cane.
Tasmir and Redmond wept with happiness as they kissed him, and turning
to the fairy asked what they might do to show their gratitude.

"Only