ebird would sing her song, loud and sweet, and then would
pause, with folded wing, to listen, as if expecting an answer.

So they went on for many miles, until, as they approached a cottage by
the roadside, Ned thought he heard a familiar air. Indeed, he was sure
that something important was about to happen, for the bluebird was
whirring around in circles and singing as if her life depended upon the
way she trilled and warbled.

"Why, there is a bluebird in that wicker cage!" exclaimed Ned, pointing
toward the cottage porch, from which swung a bird cage.

It was, indeed, true, and in another moment Ned's bluebird was perched
on the railing close by.

Scrambling down from the giant's friendly shoulder, Ned touched the
cage, and, to his amazement, the little door flew open and out walked a
handsome young prince, about his own age.

"Who are you?" cried Ned, but before he could reply the giant exclaimed:
"He must be the brother of the princess! We have, indeed, completed our
adventure, or nearly so," he added, remembering they had yet to deal
with the crafty stepfather.

"How can I ever repay you?" cried the little prince, who was at first
unable to speak from the joy of it all. "I am free! I am free!" And he
almost cried with delight, flinging his arms about Ned's sturdy form
and patting the leg of the giant.

"Come, little bluebird, and let me thank you, too," he added, as the
pretty bird circled in the air and alighted on Ned's shoulder. Indeed,
it was a happy moment for all.

"And now," said Ned, "let us think of the best way to return to the
castle, so that the princess may receive her long-lost brother."

"The easiest way is the best way," said the giant. "Both you boys climb
up on my back, and in 500 short seconds we'll be back at the castle, or
I have forgotten my early training on the cinder path."

All of which goes to show that even in Gnomeland there are sports,
although few fairy tales tell us anything about them.

When Ned and the prince had seated themselves comfortably on the great
shoulders of the obliging giant, he set off at a tremendous rate, and
soon they were ascending the hill on which stood the castle of the
beautiful princess.

THE MAGIC RING

The Unhappy Little Princess leaned out of the window and sobbed.

[Illustration]

THE MAGIC RING

NED followed the beautiful princess and her brother into the castle,
while the giant, who had to stoop nearly to the floor in order t