The King and Grimaçon started quite alone, the King taking nothing with him but a sword which he had inherited from his grandfather, and which he thought might bring him luck. The hilt was made of a single topaz, and the blade was of such superfine Damascus steel, that when it was forged it was considered the eighth wonder of the world. The dwarf carried with him nothing but the Enchanted Leaf. “I think, your Majesty,” he observed, “that we shall do well to follow the course of the stream that has taken Moonflower away; and if so, we will have recourse to this.” And he pulled the Enchanted Leaf out of his pocket, and, touching it with the third finger of his left hand, he thought of the old woman who had given it to the Princess, wondering whether it would be of the same use to him as it had been to her. Instantly it began to grow larger and larger, until it became big enough for the King and Grimaçon to sit upon it. In another moment they were being whirled onward upon the face of the water. “Now that we are fairly launched,” observed the dwarf, “I am sure that your Majesty has never travelled in this way before and with such a companion.” “As to the travelling,” answered the King, “I would put up with anything in order to reach Moonflower; and I shall indeed do well if I never start upon an enterprise with a less brave and loyal friend.” The dwarf was greatly pleased at finding himself so much esteemed by the King, and, as they sailed along, his heart grew lighter, for he felt sure that they would find the lost Princess some day. They journeyed on, stopping here and there to gather the fruits that grew on the banks, and at night resting at the water-side, for the King, being strong, they were able to stop their boat and pull it ashore. After a weary journey they saw in front of them the same dark spot that Moonflower had remarked at the foot of the Crystal Mountains. When they became aware that it was a deep cavern towards which they were rushing, they were rather startled. “Well, well,” sighed the King, “if she has perished, let us also perish, and in the same manner.” When they entered the mouth of the hole and found themselves sliding down, down, down, deeper and deeper, even Grimaçon grew frightened, and held tightly to his Majesty’s doublet. At last they beheld a tiny speck of light shining far below them. “Courage, Grimaçon,” exclaimed the King, “For I see a light.” Here the dwarf peered round the King’s elbow (for he was seated behind him), and, when he saw the little spark, he felt that, after all, fortune might yet permit them to land somewhere in safety. At last they came out, as Moonflower had done, into the lonely marsh. The stream sailed on, but much more slowly, and the King and his companion began to find the leaf on which they sat decreasing in size. “I feel sure that it is a sign of our voyage being at an end,” said Grimaçon.