“It is true—quite true,” replied the Owl in a dignified manner. “The ring he gave you is a magic ring, and as soon as it was placed on Filina’s finger, she vanished from the earth.” “She did—she did! but where is she now?” “Down below in the Realm of Gold. To-morrow she will be given up as the bride of the King of Fire.” “Cannot I save her?” “I don’t know,” said the Owl reflectively. “If your heart is strong, and you don’t feel afraid, perhaps you may.” “Oh, I’m not afraid!” cried Kelch quickly. “Do help me to save her, dear Mrs. Owl—please do!” “I’ll help you to save Filina and punish wicked old Hocky on one condition,” said the Owl slowly; “and that is that you never cut down my oak tree yourself, or let any one else cut it down.” “Oh, I’ll promise that,” answered Kelch earnestly. “Your oak tree will always be safe.” “Then you keep your promise and I’ll keep mine,” cried the Owl. “Now, first you must get to the Realm of Gold.” “But how?” “Don’t be impatient, and I’ll tell you. The way to the Realm of Gold is down the trunk of this oak tree, so if you climb up to my nest, I’ll show you how to crawl down.” “But I’m too big,” said Kelch, looking at his sturdy figure. “Oh, that will be all right; climb up to my nest, and as you climb you’ll grow smaller.” Kelch lost no time in obeying Mrs. Owl, and started to climb up the great trunk of the oak tree. As he did so, he found himself shrinking every minute, and when he arrived at the nest he was only two feet high, and able to enter the hole without bowing his head. The Owl received him very graciously, and showed him her home, which was beautifully furnished with dry grass, and curtains of green moss. “These are my books,” said Mrs. Owl, showing him some dried leaves; “for I read a great deal—it improves my mind. The Faery Minervetta gave me these beautiful volumes.” “They look like dried leaves,” observed Kelch. “To you; yes, because you are a mortal, but I am a faery owl, and can read faery books. However, there’s no time to be lost, or Filina will become the bride of the King of Fire, and then I cannot help you. Now, take this phial of water.” “What good will it do?” asked Kelch, putting the phial in his pocket. “A great deal of good,” replied the Owl severely; “all the subjects of the Golden Goblin are mortals who are discontented with their lot, and want gold to buy all sorts of bad things; that phial contains the water of contentment, and if you sprinkle it over the men and women you find in the Realm of Gold, they will grow satisfied with their station in life, and not want any gold; therefore the Goblin will lose all his subjects. When he sees that, he’ll soon make terms with you, and then you can demand back Filina.” “I understand,” said Kelch; “but how do the men and women get to the Realm of Gold if they are mortal?”