“He had no sooner disappeared in his great clumsy craft, laden with seines and harpoons, and baskets and jugs, than a whispering began among the boys, a sad sort of sighing and crying, almost like the whispering of wind in the tree-tops, which changed again to looks and glances of surprise as a beautiful vessel with silken sails floated up to the wharf, and a lovely, gracious-looking lady clothed in white stepped from the boat, and came rapidly towards them.

“‘Boys,’ said she, addressing them in a very soft, sweet voice, ’I have come to release you from this cruel bondage; will you trust me, and go with me?’

“‘Yes, yes,’ came from more than a dozen little tongues.

“’Come, then, at once.  Drop your work, get into my boat, and we will be off.  We have no time to lose, for your cruel master might possibly change his course and overtake us; then we should be in great danger.’

“The boys crowded about her, and with a wild cry followed her to her little vessel, and almost tumbled into it in their delight.  It was with some difficulty that she kept them balanced, and prevented their falling out; but once packed, there were so many of them that they could not move.  The vessel seemed to start of itself; its sails swelled out and spread themselves like wings, and away they dashed over the rippling waves, which rose and fell and hurried them on their way.  The ogre’s castle was quickly left far behind, and the tired boys breathed more freely as it disappeared entirely from their view.  In another minute they fell fast asleep, and did not waken till the motion of the boat ceased, and they found themselves gliding into a quiet harbor, fringed on each side with lovely shrubs that dipped their beautiful flowers into the calm water.  Then the lady bade them follow her as she stepped from the boat on to the soft grass, and led them past fruits and flowers, and winding walks and fountains, up to the dazzling crystal palace in which she lived.  Here the boys were halted while she made them this little speech:  ’Boys, this is my home, these are my gardens; for a while you will have to remain here.  We may have trouble with the ogre, but I want you to have no trouble among yourselves.  Kindness, good-humor, pleasant looks and words, must prevail.  There must be no envy, no selfishness, no desire to get the better of each other in any way.  I demand obedience.  If I receive it, all will be well; if I do not, you will have to suffer the consequence.  Now I have said all that I need.  These flowers, these fruits, are yours to enjoy in moderation.’

“As she ceased speaking she clapped her hands, and a troop of servants appeared.  They led the boys to marble baths, where waters gushed and flowed in liquid beauty, and groves of orange-trees made a dense thicket about them.  Here each boy was made sweet and clean, and provided with a suit of white clothes.  When they emerged from the baths, they saw before them on the lawn tables filled with tempting food—­roasted meats, broiled birds, pitchers of milk and cream, biscuits and jellies and ices.