The King, who was young, handsome, accomplished, and a great monarch, desired that the wood-cutter should be brought before him. When he heard that a lovely maiden, with hair like the moon’s rays, was asleep on the banks of a stream scarce half a league distant, watched over by a dwarf, his curiosity knew no bounds; so, having rewarded the venerable man with a gold piece and a fricasseed goose from the royal breakfast table, he commanded his chariot to be brought, and was soon on his way to the banks of the stream, accompanied by the Queen, his mother, who was also dying to behold so wonderful a sight. When the Princess awoke some time afterwards, what was her amazement on beholding a large body of people, headed by a chariot of crystal, the wheels of which were of silver and the cushions of velvet, and which was drawn by six Spanish horses, advancing towards her. In this equipage was seated a lady, magnificently dressed, and a handsome young man, who, stopping the chariot, desired the Princess and Grimaçon to approach. “Ah!” exclaimed the dwarf, “this is none other than the King of the Crystal Mountains, Madame; let us try to propitiate so great a monarch, for we are completely in his power!” So saying, he bowed till his back hair swept the ground. The Princess was then questioned by the Queen as to who she was and where she had come from, but, as she did not wish to give her real name, for fear that Blackwig might by chance hear of her, Moonflower only told their Majesties that she was a stranger, obliged to fly from her country, and craved their protection. She did not know that she was in a kingdom more than a million leagues from her own, and, moreover, one of which Blackwig knew nothing. He was an ignorant fellow, and had forgotten all the history and geography he had ever learnt. “Your Majesties,” said the dwarf, “if it may be permitted to one so humble to speak in such august company, I would like to mention that we have had no food for several days but the wild roots and berries which grow here.” The Queen, who had espied the Princess’s marvellous hair, was enchanted with the sight, and at once thought she would like to have her for a maid-of-honour. “Such a person in my train would make me the eighth wonder of the world,” she said to herself. “Will you come back with me to the palace?” she inquired aloud. “I will admit you into my household.” Moonflower fell upon her knees and thanked her. “Get into the chariot,” said the Queen, “and let us be off!” “But we must have him too,” said the King, pointing to Grimaçon, “for he is a brave little fellow and speaks well.” And he directed one of the men-at-arms to place him before him on his horse. “This is the second ride of the sort I have had lately,” observed Grimaçon to himself, “but I think it is likely to end better than the last!”