'The history of Kribbelgauw, the great hero among spiders, who lived very long ago and had a net which spread over three trees, and in which he caught millions of flies every day. Before the time of Kribbelgauw spiders made no nets, but lived on grass and dead creatures; but Kribbelgauw was a very clever fellow, and proved that all living insects were created on purpose for food for spiders. Then, by the most laborious calculation, Kribbelgauw discovered the art of making nets, for he was very learned. And to this day the wood-spiders make their nets exactly as he taught them, thread for thread, only much smaller. For the spider race is greatly degenerate. Kribbelgauw caught great birds in his net, and murdered thousands of his own children--he was something like a spider! At last there came a great storm and carried away Kribbelgauw and his net, with the three trees it was made fast to, through the air to a distant wood, where he is now perpetually honoured for his great achievements and sagacity.' 'Is that all true?' asked Johannes. 'It is all in this book,' said Wistik. 'Do you believe it?' The boguey shut one eye and laid his forefinger to his nose. 'The sacred books of other creatures, when they mention Kribbelgauw, speak of him as a hateful and contemptible monster. But that is no concern of mine.' 'And is there a Sprites' Book, Wistik?' Wistik looked at Johannes rather suspiciously. 'What sort of creature are you really, Johannes? There is something--just something--human about you, so to speak.' 'No, no; be easy, Wistik,' said Windekind, 'we are elves. But formerly Johannes saw a good deal of men and their doings. You may trust him entirely. It can do him no harm.' 'Ay, ay, well and good. But I am called the wisest of the sprites--and I studied long and hard before I knew what I know. So now I must be cautious with my learning. If I tell you too much, I shall lose my reputation.' 'But in what book do you think that the truth is to be found?' 'I have read a great deal, but I do not believe that I have ever read that book. It is not the Elves' Book nor the Sprites'. Yet it must exist.' 'The Men's Book perhaps?' 'That I do not know, but I do not think it. For the True Book must bring with it great peace and great happiness. In it there must be an exact explanation of why everything is as it is, so that no one need ever ask or inquire any more. Now men, I believe, have not got so far as that.' 'Oh dear, no!' said Windekind, laughing. 'Is there anywhere such a book?' said Johannes eagerly. 'Yes, yes,' whispered the sprite. 'I know there is, from very ancient legends. And--hush!--I know where it is, and who can find it.' 'Oh, Wistik! Wistik!' 'Why then have you not yet got it?' asked Windekind.