"You see, your highness," the Gnome went on to explain, "he has eaten too heartily of gnome cake, and that together with a gobletful of gnome watermelon juice, has caused him much inconvenience, as well as an entire change of form." No sooner had he finished speaking than the Queen called the Waterfall Fairy, the Brook Fairy and yet another, somewhat smaller, called Violet Water. "Hasten," she said to them when they had assembled before her, "hasten to make a draft of crystal nectar, that this mortal may drink and assume once more his natural shape." "Move off!" cried a shrill voice in Ned's ear, and, looking up, he saw a Snapdragon, who seemed to be a sort of policeman for the fairies. "How can you expect these Ladies-in-Waiting to fulfill their Queen's commands if you stand there blocking the royal exit?" "Tell your friend to sit him down and wait patiently, for it will take some time to brew the magic draft," said the Queen to the Gnome, who repeated her words to Ned. He was very glad indeed to rest, for, not being accustomed to carry so much weight on his young legs, he felt very weary and somewhat discouraged. However, relief was in sight, and, following the suggestion of the good fairy, he threw himself down on a mossy bank and waited. Before long the three fairies returned, bearing between them a lily filled with a white liquid. As they approached the Queen herself came forth from her crystal palace, followed by many of her subjects. Stepping up to where Ned lay, she said in a soft voice: "Do not rise, for even now you are much too tall. I myself must pour this magic nectar upon your lips." So saying, she stepped lightly upon a stone close by and, bending forward, placed the lily to Ned's mouth. [Illustration: "DO NOT RISE," SAID THE FAIRY QUEEN.] The next moment he felt a strange sensation running through him, and looking down at his hands and feet was delighted to see that they were becoming smaller and smaller. Though great was his delight, he did not forget his manners, and, turning to the little fairy, said: "How may I ever repay you for your great kindness? Indeed," he added, scarcely able to restrain the tears which came to his eyes, "whatever would my dear mother have thought had I returned to her in the form of a giant?" "Thank me no more," answered the Fairy Queen, "for gladly will I do any favor for the boy who thinks of his mother first. In the future, should you need my aid, hang this ring about a bluebird's throat and send him to me." And with these words she placed a slender gold ring upon Ned's little finger. "But how shall I catch the bird?" asked Ned, his curiosity aroused before he had time to think of thanking her small highness. "Whistle thrice upon a blade of grass," she answered, "and the bird will fly to thee. Then place the ring about his neck and bid him hasten to the Fairy Queen of the Lake."