“The utmost order prevailed.  Starved as the poor boys were, the grace and beauty of their surroundings made them gentle and patient.  At each plate was a tiny nose-gay held in the beak of a crystal bird, the body of which was a finger-bowl.  Every plate was of exquisite workmanship.  Some had birds of gay plumage; some had fierce tigers’ heads or shaggy-maned lions; others bore designs of tools or curious instruments; but that which most delighted the boys was a dish of crystal, an exact imitation of the Swan—­the Fairy Swan—­in which they had sailed to this lovely island.  It was laden with choice fruits.  While the boys feasted as they had never before, strains of sweet music became audible; they could also hear the soft splash of the waves on the shore, or the dripping of fountains, as the waters sparkled and fell in their marble basins.

“After they had feasted, the boys wandered off in most delightful idleness to all parts of the island.  They climbed the trees, which bore blossoms, fruits, and nuts, all at the same time; they fished in the little coves; they waded in the shallow basins; and nothing would have marred their happiness had not one tall boy, with unnaturally strong and keen vision, declared that he saw the ogre’s sail coming in the direction of the island.

“This was terrible, and had the effect of bringing all the boys together from their various amusements, just as chickens run from a hovering hawk.  Together they crowded for a moment in mute dismay, unable to speak, to even hide, waiting the approach of their cruel foe.

“Nearer came the sail, and now they could all discern it.  Its great clumsy shape, its heavy lumbering action, were not to be mistaken.

“What should they do?

“‘Run for the Princess,’ said one.

“‘Too cowardly, that,’ said another; and indeed their good, abundant meal had begun to put strange courage in their little hearts.

“‘Let’s meet him, and fight him,’ said one.

“‘Let’s upset his boat,’ said another.

“‘How?’

“‘By pelting him with stones when he comes near enough.’

“‘Good!’ cried they all; and they began gathering all the bits of rock and pebbles they could find.

“Now came a roar of ogreish rage from the boat as it neared them.

“‘I’ll have ye again!’ screamed the ogre.

“Then began the attack—­a volley of small stones, nuts, fruits, anything they had in their pockets.

“One of the ogre’s eyes was closed, so certain had been the aim of the tall boy who acted as leader.

“But the boat came nearer, and they were very much afraid the ogre would leap from it, when one of the boys whispered, ’I’ll go out to tempt him.  Once get him in the water, and he’s a goner.  He’ll be bewitched.’

“So he off with his jacket, and out he waded, while the others looked on in breathless admiration.