nds if you stand there blocking the royal exit?"

"Tell your friend to sit him down and wait patiently, for it will take
some time to brew the magic draft," said the Queen to the Gnome, who
repeated her words to Ned.

He was very glad indeed to rest, for, not being accustomed to carry so
much weight on his young legs, he felt very weary and somewhat
discouraged.

However, relief was in sight, and, following the suggestion of the good
fairy, he threw himself down on a mossy bank and waited.

Before long the three fairies returned, bearing between them a lily
filled with a white liquid.

As they approached the Queen herself came forth from her crystal palace,
followed by many of her subjects.

Stepping up to where Ned lay, she said in a soft voice: "Do not rise,
for even now you are much too tall. I myself must pour this magic nectar
upon your lips."

So saying, she stepped lightly upon a stone close by and, bending
forward, placed the lily to Ned's mouth.

[Illustration: "DO NOT RISE," SAID THE FAIRY QUEEN.]

The next moment he felt a strange sensation running through him, and
looking down at his hands and feet was delighted to see that they
were becoming smaller and smaller.

Though great was his delight, he did not forget his manners, and,
turning to the little fairy, said: "How may I ever repay you for your
great kindness? Indeed," he added, scarcely able to restrain the tears
which came to his eyes, "whatever would my dear mother have thought had
I returned to her in the form of a giant?"

"Thank me no more," answered the Fairy Queen, "for gladly will I do any
favor for the boy who thinks of his mother first. In the future, should
you need my aid, hang this ring about a bluebird's throat and send him
to me."

And with these words she placed a slender gold ring upon Ned's little
finger.

"But how shall I catch the bird?" asked Ned, his curiosity aroused
before he had time to think of thanking her small highness.

"Whistle thrice upon a blade of grass," she answered, "and the bird will
fly to thee. Then place the ring about his neck and bid him hasten to
the Fairy Queen of the Lake."

During all this time Ned had been growing smaller and smaller. He had
almost forgotten this, when his little friend, the Gnome, exclaimed:
"There! You're your own self again!" At which Ned turned to the Queen,
and, after thanking her again ran hastily to the brook to assure himself
that such was the case.

So, biddin