Magic Soap Bubble - David Cory

WEBVTT
1
00:00:00.920 --> 00:00:03.879
Chapter one of The Magic Soap Bubble. This is a
2
00:00:03.919 --> 00:00:07.679
LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain.
3
00:00:07.960 --> 00:00:12.279
For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org.
4
00:00:13.000 --> 00:00:16.359
The Magic Soap Bubble by David Cory. This is chapter
5
00:00:16.440 --> 00:00:20.960
one The Magic Soap Pipe. Ned had been reading a
6
00:00:21.079 --> 00:00:24.079
very interesting book about fairies and goblins, and how these
7
00:00:24.160 --> 00:00:27.559
real queer little folk inhabit dense forests and lofty mountain
8
00:00:27.600 --> 00:00:31.320
caves and lead a wonderful life apart from the homes
9
00:00:31.320 --> 00:00:34.119
and cities of men. The book was very large and heavy,
10
00:00:34.560 --> 00:00:37.359
and the afternoon was very warm, and the big arm
11
00:00:37.399 --> 00:00:40.240
chair in which he was curled up was so comfortable
12
00:00:40.439 --> 00:00:43.399
that by and by he let the book slip to
13
00:00:43.479 --> 00:00:46.200
one side. He had just closed his eyes for a
14
00:00:46.240 --> 00:00:48.759
moment to rest them, when he was startled by a
15
00:00:48.799 --> 00:00:51.799
little squeaky voice at his elbow. He opened his eyes
16
00:00:51.840 --> 00:00:54.119
with a start and saw a gnome standing on the
17
00:00:54.159 --> 00:00:57.679
window sill just in front of him. Yes, there was
18
00:00:57.719 --> 00:01:00.600
no mistake about it. It was a gnome, for had
19
00:01:00.600 --> 00:01:03.119
not ned a moment before seen his picture in the
20
00:01:03.119 --> 00:01:06.640
big book he had been reading. Indeed, it almost seemed
21
00:01:06.640 --> 00:01:08.439
as if the picture itself had stepped out of the
22
00:01:08.439 --> 00:01:11.719
page from between the covers, so exactly a duplicate did
23
00:01:11.760 --> 00:01:14.599
the little man appear. Hello, Ned, said the squeaky little
24
00:01:14.640 --> 00:01:17.200
voice again. I say hello. You ought to know me
25
00:01:17.280 --> 00:01:19.599
well enough by this time to answer, since you've been
26
00:01:19.599 --> 00:01:23.239
reading about me for the last hour. Hello yourself, replied Ned,
27
00:01:23.400 --> 00:01:25.959
laughing in spite of himself and rubbing his eyes again
28
00:01:26.040 --> 00:01:27.760
to make sure that it was not a picture from
29
00:01:27.799 --> 00:01:30.879
the book. Can't you see a fellow is sleepy after
30
00:01:30.920 --> 00:01:33.400
reading for so long a time. I didn't think you
31
00:01:33.480 --> 00:01:35.159
were coming out of the book to speak to me,
32
00:01:35.239 --> 00:01:38.680
you know, neither did, I retorted the gnome with a
33
00:01:38.719 --> 00:01:41.200
funny wink. I came from the forest to invite you
34
00:01:41.239 --> 00:01:43.319
to take a little journey with me through nome Land.
35
00:01:43.760 --> 00:01:45.799
I'm the King of the Nomes, and my subjects have
36
00:01:45.879 --> 00:01:48.239
told me how interested you are in reading about us,
37
00:01:48.400 --> 00:01:50.239
So I've come to take you for a trip through
38
00:01:50.239 --> 00:01:52.680
our kingdom. I know you will love to see all
39
00:01:52.719 --> 00:01:56.519
the wonderful things you have been reading about. Will you come? Indeed,
40
00:01:56.519 --> 00:01:59.359
I will, said Ned. Then follow me, replied the gnome.
41
00:02:00.400 --> 00:02:03.040
Ned jumped through the window after the little fellow, who
42
00:02:03.120 --> 00:02:05.760
ran swiftly down the walk and across the fields to
43
00:02:05.799 --> 00:02:09.199
the forest beyond. As they neared the brook that ran
44
00:02:09.240 --> 00:02:12.599
through the meadow, the gnome paused. Taking from his pocket
45
00:02:12.680 --> 00:02:15.800
a clay pipe, he stooped over and filled it with water.
46
00:02:16.439 --> 00:02:19.000
Did you ever blow soap bubbles? He asked, taking a
47
00:02:19.039 --> 00:02:21.520
piece of soap from another pocket and rubbing it carefully
48
00:02:21.599 --> 00:02:24.639
round the inside of the pipe bowl. Yes, replied Ned,
49
00:02:25.000 --> 00:02:27.719
lots of times. Well you wait and see what sort
50
00:02:27.759 --> 00:02:31.319
of bubble I'll blow, replied the gnome. It was a bubble.
51
00:02:31.759 --> 00:02:33.960
But the strangest part of all was that Ned found
52
00:02:34.039 --> 00:02:37.840
himself inside with his companion. How did we get inside
53
00:02:37.879 --> 00:02:39.719
or how did the bubble get around us? Asked Ned?
54
00:02:39.919 --> 00:02:42.400
But before his question was answered, away went the bubble
55
00:02:42.520 --> 00:02:45.199
up in the air, across the meadow, above the little brook,
56
00:02:45.319 --> 00:02:48.319
and Yes, over the roof of his own house, higher
57
00:02:48.360 --> 00:02:51.520
and higher, until finally it reached the big high mountain
58
00:02:52.039 --> 00:02:54.360
that he had so often dimly seen from the window
59
00:02:54.400 --> 00:02:57.240
of his bedroom at home. After circling about the highest peak,
60
00:02:57.319 --> 00:03:00.000
the bubble at length safely landed on a rocky lane.
61
00:03:00.599 --> 00:03:02.719
Before Ned could ask how they were ever going to
62
00:03:02.759 --> 00:03:05.639
get out, the Gnome opened a little door, through which
63
00:03:05.639 --> 00:03:08.479
he led him to the outer ranner. There was a
64
00:03:08.479 --> 00:03:11.360
great change in the temperature or else. The inside of
65
00:03:11.400 --> 00:03:14.240
the bubble was very warm. For Ned began to shiver
66
00:03:14.360 --> 00:03:18.759
and shake. Woohoo, he cried, it's cold, of course it is,
67
00:03:19.120 --> 00:03:23.280
look answered the Gnome, and Ned's eyes, following the pointing
68
00:03:23.280 --> 00:03:25.879
finger of his little friend, fell upon a strange and
69
00:03:26.000 --> 00:03:29.680
terrifying figure. Behind a bank of icicles stood a giant
70
00:03:30.080 --> 00:03:33.639
with an immense helmet upon his head, from which hung long,
71
00:03:33.719 --> 00:03:37.199
sharp pieces of ice. The top part was covered with snow,
72
00:03:37.560 --> 00:03:40.719
which slipped off at intervals like a small avalanche to
73
00:03:40.800 --> 00:03:44.840
the ground below. His beard and mustache were festooned with
74
00:03:45.000 --> 00:03:48.639
thin slivers of ice, and his shoulders bore epaulets of
75
00:03:48.759 --> 00:03:53.240
frosted snow. The cuffs of his greatcoat were fringed with snowflakes,
76
00:03:53.319 --> 00:03:57.159
and all together he was startling and frigid looking individual.
77
00:03:57.599 --> 00:03:59.919
In his hands he held the monstrous bellows, from which
78
00:03:59.879 --> 00:04:02.840
he forced out a blast of icy air, which, scattering
79
00:04:02.879 --> 00:04:06.080
the snow and whirling clouds, went howling down the rocky ravines.
80
00:04:06.719 --> 00:04:09.199
He's the wind man of the mountain, explained the Gnome,
81
00:04:09.599 --> 00:04:12.479
turning to shivering Ned, whose toes and figures by this
82
00:04:12.479 --> 00:04:15.319
time were quite numb with the cold. Well, I'd like
83
00:04:15.400 --> 00:04:17.879
to meet a hot air man, said Ned, blowing on
84
00:04:17.920 --> 00:04:20.079
his hands to keep them from freezing. I'd like to
85
00:04:20.079 --> 00:04:23.920
feel warm again. Well, then follow me, cried the Gnome, and,
86
00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:27.079
turning to a big rocky, tapped upon it twice with
87
00:04:27.160 --> 00:04:29.519
the toe of his little red boot. In a moment,
88
00:04:29.600 --> 00:04:32.720
a door opened, showing a pair of rocky steps leading
89
00:04:32.839 --> 00:04:36.680
down into the mountain. Be careful, admonished the Gnome as
90
00:04:36.720 --> 00:04:40.040
he and Ned descended the rough flight. Don't slip, for
91
00:04:40.160 --> 00:04:43.120
you might fall a long way. Ned assured him that
92
00:04:43.199 --> 00:04:45.560
he had no desire to fall, but that his feet
93
00:04:45.600 --> 00:04:48.439
were so numb he wasn't at all sure. But what
94
00:04:48.600 --> 00:04:51.199
he may slip no matter how hard he tried to
95
00:04:51.240 --> 00:04:54.079
be careful. Although it was not exactly dark at the
96
00:04:54.160 --> 00:04:57.360
same time, the light was not sufficient for Ned to
97
00:04:57.439 --> 00:05:01.560
make out anything distinctly, and as the stairway was narrow
98
00:05:01.839 --> 00:05:04.920
and the walls dim, he kept his eyes closely upon
99
00:05:05.000 --> 00:05:08.560
the ground. Soon they came to a level corridor, and
100
00:05:08.680 --> 00:05:11.319
he perceived a dim light in the distance. Where are
101
00:05:11.360 --> 00:05:13.600
we going, he asked, But at this point an iron
102
00:05:13.639 --> 00:05:16.720
door arrested their progress, and without pausing to answer, the
103
00:05:16.759 --> 00:05:19.879
gnome took from his pocket a key, Inserting into the lock.
104
00:05:20.199 --> 00:05:23.279
The door slowly swung open, and Ned heard the faint
105
00:05:23.360 --> 00:05:26.639
beating of a drum. Sit down, said the gnome, drawing
106
00:05:26.720 --> 00:05:29.759
forward the wooden stool, much too small for Ned, but
107
00:05:29.839 --> 00:05:32.680
probably just the right size for a gnome. Sit down
108
00:05:32.720 --> 00:05:34.360
and wait a moment while I go in search of
109
00:05:34.399 --> 00:05:37.040
the nome land band. I want you to hear them play,
110
00:05:37.360 --> 00:05:41.079
and I hear them practicing. Now Ned glanced curiously around
111
00:05:41.120 --> 00:05:43.839
the strange place. It suddenly occurred to him that he
112
00:05:44.000 --> 00:05:46.959
was a long, long way from home. Here he was
113
00:05:47.360 --> 00:05:50.920
deep down in the mountain, in a rocky cavern, sitting
114
00:05:50.920 --> 00:05:53.920
on a little nome stool, waiting for his friend to return.
115
00:05:54.399 --> 00:05:57.279
But what if he did not come back? Ned's hair
116
00:05:57.360 --> 00:06:00.199
suddenly stood on end at the thought. Going over over
117
00:06:00.240 --> 00:06:02.120
to the big iron door, he tried to turn the
118
00:06:02.160 --> 00:06:04.399
great knot, but his fingers either were not strong enough
119
00:06:04.480 --> 00:06:05.959
or he did not know the secret of the lock.
120
00:06:06.680 --> 00:06:09.120
Returning to his seat, he made up his mind to
121
00:06:09.199 --> 00:06:12.360
wait awhile before allowing his fears to get the better
122
00:06:12.399 --> 00:06:15.079
of him. This is what every brave boy would do
123
00:06:15.160 --> 00:06:18.040
under the circumstances, he said to himself, resolving not to
124
00:06:18.079 --> 00:06:21.199
be a coward. Presently, he was relieved to hear music
125
00:06:21.560 --> 00:06:24.519
as the gnome at the head of the Gnomeland band
126
00:06:24.600 --> 00:06:27.680
came into view and the funniest band that Ned had
127
00:06:27.680 --> 00:06:31.720
ever seen. Why each instrument was playing itself and dancing
128
00:06:31.759 --> 00:06:34.639
the mountain tango at the same time. The big drum
129
00:06:34.680 --> 00:06:38.720
went bum bum bum, dittly dumb and pranced around on
130
00:06:38.759 --> 00:06:41.680
a pair of short, fat legs and red stockings. Two
131
00:06:41.720 --> 00:06:44.600
fat little arms beat the drumsticks on top of his head,
132
00:06:44.680 --> 00:06:46.360
or what appeared to be the top of his head,
133
00:06:46.439 --> 00:06:49.879
which was in reality a funny face, which winked and
134
00:06:49.920 --> 00:06:53.560
blinked as the drumsticks traveled over the queer little features. Too.
135
00:06:53.639 --> 00:06:56.519
Toot went the big yellow horn as his fat little
136
00:06:56.519 --> 00:06:59.240
fingers pressed the brass stops that made the notes high
137
00:06:59.639 --> 00:07:02.800
or low or soft or shrill over the floor he
138
00:07:02.839 --> 00:07:06.959
skipped after the round fat drum. The cello and violin
139
00:07:07.079 --> 00:07:10.560
came next. The latter ran his bow across his stringed
140
00:07:10.560 --> 00:07:14.120
waistcoat in perfect time, while the former twang the strings
141
00:07:14.120 --> 00:07:17.000
that covered his happy face in a jolly fashion. The
142
00:07:17.000 --> 00:07:19.600
rest of the band played on themselves beautifully, and the
143
00:07:19.600 --> 00:07:23.800
Gnome with his baton, proved a most capable leader. In fact,
144
00:07:24.079 --> 00:07:26.879
the music was so delightful that Ned finally could restrain
145
00:07:26.959 --> 00:07:30.199
himself no longer, and, jumping up, began dancing around to
146
00:07:30.240 --> 00:07:34.480
the tune of for He's a jolly good fellow, Hey Ho, Hey,
147
00:07:34.600 --> 00:07:39.040
diddle down the mountain, deep fiddle and drum diddy, um,
148
00:07:39.160 --> 00:07:43.399
are you doing the lepbird leap? Just then the music stopped,
149
00:07:43.480 --> 00:07:46.160
or rather the musical instruments paused to take a breath,
150
00:07:46.480 --> 00:07:50.279
and Ned sat down again, wondering what would happen next.
151
00:07:51.199 --> 00:07:54.079
In a few minutes, the round fat drum commenced to
152
00:07:54.079 --> 00:07:58.000
be left right, left right, and the Gnomeland band fell
153
00:07:58.000 --> 00:08:00.920
into line and marched slowly down the long until it
154
00:08:00.959 --> 00:08:04.879
was out of sight. End of Chapter one, The Magic
155
00:08:04.959 --> 00:08:13.439
Soap Pipe. Chapter two of The Magic Soap Bubble. This
156
00:08:13.480 --> 00:08:16.560
is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the
157
00:08:16.560 --> 00:08:20.360
public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit
158
00:08:20.519 --> 00:08:25.160
LibriVox dot org. The Magic Soap Bubble by David Cory,
159
00:08:25.959 --> 00:08:31.800
Chapter two, The Magic Cake. As the last drum beat
160
00:08:31.839 --> 00:08:34.759
died away in the distance, the Gnome turned to Ned
161
00:08:34.799 --> 00:08:38.279
and said, come let us hasten, for I'm rather hungry,
162
00:08:38.559 --> 00:08:41.639
and you, no doubt are in need of nursement. Also
163
00:08:41.840 --> 00:08:45.279
Ned obeyed willingly, for he had tasted nothing since breakfast
164
00:08:45.919 --> 00:08:49.200
and was now as hungry as a healthy youngster should be.
165
00:08:50.080 --> 00:08:53.559
At the further end of the cavern was an inclined plane,
166
00:08:53.679 --> 00:08:57.240
very much like the shoots at Coney Island. Carefully seating
167
00:08:57.279 --> 00:08:59.919
Ned at his side, the gnome said, now hold tight,
168
00:09:00.159 --> 00:09:02.440
and hold your breath, and hold your tongue. In fact,
169
00:09:02.480 --> 00:09:05.200
hold everything you've got, for we are going to take
170
00:09:05.279 --> 00:09:07.399
a swift shoot to the bottom of the mountain, and
171
00:09:07.440 --> 00:09:10.559
you'll find out what the word swift means if you've
172
00:09:10.559 --> 00:09:14.039
never had before. At this they began to move, and
173
00:09:14.159 --> 00:09:16.360
in another moment they were traveling as fast as a
174
00:09:16.360 --> 00:09:19.919
bullet from a gun. The wind whistling by cut Ned's
175
00:09:19.960 --> 00:09:23.279
cheeks like little sharp needles. His hair stood out behind
176
00:09:23.440 --> 00:09:26.559
like feathers on a speeding arrow. They were going so
177
00:09:26.720 --> 00:09:30.759
fast it was almost impossible to breathe. Presently, a tiny
178
00:09:30.840 --> 00:09:33.480
light appeared in the distance, and he saw that they
179
00:09:33.519 --> 00:09:36.159
were now on a level, although still going at a
180
00:09:36.159 --> 00:09:39.200
tremendous rate of speed. In another moment, they shot through
181
00:09:39.200 --> 00:09:41.639
the little round hole of light, which turned out to
182
00:09:41.679 --> 00:09:44.080
be the opening at the other end, and he and
183
00:09:44.120 --> 00:09:46.720
the gnome landed safely on a big, soft bunker of
184
00:09:46.840 --> 00:09:50.600
moss in the midst of a beautiful forest. Birds were
185
00:09:50.639 --> 00:09:53.200
singing in the tree tops, and little rabbits were skipping
186
00:09:53.240 --> 00:09:56.720
on the soft carpet of the woodland. Pretty flowers sent
187
00:09:56.759 --> 00:10:00.240
forth a delicious perfume, and a brick close at hand
188
00:10:00.320 --> 00:10:03.519
rippled over the pebbly bottom of its bed. Wait, cried
189
00:10:03.519 --> 00:10:06.320
the gnome as Ned leaned over to drink the cool water. Wait,
190
00:10:06.720 --> 00:10:09.399
I offer you the most delicious drink, if you will
191
00:10:09.440 --> 00:10:13.519
restrain your impatience a moment longer. Ned obeyed and followed
192
00:10:13.519 --> 00:10:16.000
the gnome along the narrow path until they came to
193
00:10:16.039 --> 00:10:19.399
a small clearing, where the blue sky smiled down upon them.
194
00:10:19.679 --> 00:10:22.240
In the center of the spot was a monstrous watermelon
195
00:10:22.320 --> 00:10:25.240
standing up on end, the thick vine supporting it like
196
00:10:25.279 --> 00:10:29.559
a strong round barrel stave. A large wooden spigot protruded
197
00:10:29.600 --> 00:10:32.799
from one side, and over it leaned a gnome, who
198
00:10:32.840 --> 00:10:35.600
had climbed upon the vine in order to reach the handle.
199
00:10:36.879 --> 00:10:39.799
Ned's little companion lifted a goblin cup to catch the
200
00:10:39.879 --> 00:10:43.480
drops of delicious looking pink juice, which began to drip
201
00:10:43.559 --> 00:10:46.759
slowly from the spicket when the gnome carefully turned the handle.
202
00:10:47.279 --> 00:10:50.080
Careful now, commanded the gnome as he handed the brimming
203
00:10:50.120 --> 00:10:53.440
goblet to Ned. See that you spill not a drop
204
00:10:53.480 --> 00:10:57.759
of the precious nectar. Good is it? He inquired, seeing
205
00:10:57.799 --> 00:11:00.159
the sparkle in Ned's eyes and hearing the smack on
206
00:11:00.240 --> 00:11:03.879
his lips as the last drop disappeared. Pretty good, Eh,
207
00:11:03.919 --> 00:11:07.879
better than soda water, replied Ned, lots better. The little
208
00:11:07.919 --> 00:11:11.240
gnome at the spiggott smiled. I grew the melon, he said,
209
00:11:11.240 --> 00:11:14.120
with bride. It's the largest so far a gnome land.
210
00:11:14.799 --> 00:11:17.039
But next year I'm going to grow an even bigger one.
211
00:11:18.200 --> 00:11:20.240
How do you make them grow so large? Inquired Ned,
212
00:11:20.519 --> 00:11:23.039
hoping he would be invited to have another glass of
213
00:11:23.080 --> 00:11:26.600
the juice. Not another drop, said Ned's little friend. A
214
00:11:26.639 --> 00:11:29.480
second goblet, and you would be so hungry you could
215
00:11:29.519 --> 00:11:33.159
eat stones. Come with me, said the small gnome. Guide
216
00:11:33.200 --> 00:11:37.200
we must eat. Ned eagerly followed him, and they pressed
217
00:11:37.200 --> 00:11:39.399
forward at a rapid walk until they came to a
218
00:11:39.519 --> 00:11:43.000
queer little hut, from which issued a most delicious odor
219
00:11:43.039 --> 00:11:47.080
of sponge cake around the door, or, more properly, what
220
00:11:47.159 --> 00:11:49.919
appeared to be one, but which was in fact but
221
00:11:49.960 --> 00:11:54.840
a small opening, stood several goblins, evidently awaiting order from somebody.
222
00:11:55.559 --> 00:11:58.360
As Ned drew near, he perceived that instead of a hut,
223
00:11:58.679 --> 00:12:01.879
it was in reality a huge oven in which something
224
00:12:02.000 --> 00:12:05.960
very delicious was being paked. Minions called out, Ned's friend,
225
00:12:06.559 --> 00:12:10.440
is not the goblin? Cake? Ready? Yes, sire, responded several voices,
226
00:12:11.000 --> 00:12:13.600
and in another moment, the oven was taken apart and
227
00:12:13.679 --> 00:12:16.600
removed from the most delicious looking sponge cake that Ned
228
00:12:16.639 --> 00:12:20.159
had ever seen. A soft, warm brown color made it
229
00:12:20.399 --> 00:12:23.919
most tempting to the eyes, and the delicious smell made
230
00:12:23.919 --> 00:12:27.279
Ned so anxious to commence eating that he could with
231
00:12:27.399 --> 00:12:31.879
difficulty restrain himself. Help yourself, cried his little friend, and
232
00:12:31.919 --> 00:12:35.039
without a moment's hesitation, Ned pulled off a piece of
233
00:12:35.039 --> 00:12:39.240
cake and eagerly commenced. Be Gone, commanded the gnome to
234
00:12:39.279 --> 00:12:42.720
the small bakers, who still stood around cautiously watching their
235
00:12:42.759 --> 00:12:45.879
cake disappearing down the mouth of a mortal as rapidly
236
00:12:45.879 --> 00:12:48.440
as its owner could cram it in. Be gone and
237
00:12:48.519 --> 00:12:51.320
leave us to enjoy the cake alone. At this they
238
00:12:51.360 --> 00:12:54.159
turned away and descended the steep hill, which lay to
239
00:12:54.200 --> 00:12:58.159
the right and disappeared below. Be careful, admonished the Gnome,
240
00:12:58.279 --> 00:13:01.159
as Ned showed no signs of finishish. You may eat
241
00:13:01.200 --> 00:13:05.320
too much. Gnome cake, while most delicious, is more filling
242
00:13:05.440 --> 00:13:08.879
than that of mortal cake. But Ned paid no heed.
243
00:13:09.279 --> 00:13:11.799
Already he had eaten a great hole in the cake, and,
244
00:13:11.960 --> 00:13:15.480
finding the inside warm and flaky, he squeezed himself in.
245
00:13:16.159 --> 00:13:18.679
It was much easier to eat the inside, as it
246
00:13:18.759 --> 00:13:21.759
was softer, and the crust had already grown quite hard.
247
00:13:22.480 --> 00:13:24.679
He was so busy eating, and I'm sorry to say,
248
00:13:24.840 --> 00:13:28.480
so greedy, that he did not notice that as he
249
00:13:28.960 --> 00:13:32.159
ate away the interior of the sponge cake, the outside
250
00:13:32.200 --> 00:13:36.120
gradually grew tighter, and the opening, which he made at
251
00:13:36.120 --> 00:13:39.440
the beginning of his feast and through which he had crowded,
252
00:13:39.799 --> 00:13:44.360
became smaller and smaller, until finally it closed altogether. When
253
00:13:44.399 --> 00:13:47.159
Ned perceived this, and it was some time after, I
254
00:13:47.200 --> 00:13:51.039
assure you, he was indeed frightened. He pounded on the
255
00:13:51.039 --> 00:13:53.879
walls of his sponge cake prison and called loudly to
256
00:13:53.919 --> 00:13:57.600
the Gnome, but for some time he heard nothing. Finally,
257
00:13:57.639 --> 00:14:02.759
after frantically running around inside the huge cake ball, he
258
00:14:02.840 --> 00:14:05.600
thought he heard the voice of his small friend. He
259
00:14:05.720 --> 00:14:09.120
pressed his ear close to the wall and listened. Sure
260
00:14:09.240 --> 00:14:12.159
enough he could just hear the words hold on tight
261
00:14:12.240 --> 00:14:16.159
to one side, embrace your feet, and the next moment
262
00:14:16.200 --> 00:14:19.919
he perceived that the cake was in motion, slowly at first,
263
00:14:20.159 --> 00:14:22.679
but in a few minutes the great cake ball began
264
00:14:22.799 --> 00:14:26.279
to revolve faster and faster. Ned was terrified at first,
265
00:14:26.320 --> 00:14:28.600
as it was with great difficulty that he kept his
266
00:14:28.679 --> 00:14:32.600
body from playing battle door and shuttlecock. The greater the
267
00:14:32.639 --> 00:14:36.120
speed of the huge mass, however, the less inclination there
268
00:14:36.200 --> 00:14:38.960
was to bounce around, and he soon found himself literally
269
00:14:39.000 --> 00:14:42.879
glued as it were, to one side. While thus traveling
270
00:14:42.919 --> 00:14:45.600
in this novel way, he began to entertain some fear
271
00:14:45.799 --> 00:14:48.519
as to what would happen should an obstacle be encountered,
272
00:14:49.000 --> 00:14:52.080
And by some strange coincidence, no sooner had the idea
273
00:14:52.200 --> 00:14:55.679
come than it was followed by a terrific crash. The
274
00:14:55.799 --> 00:14:58.559
crust of the cake ball broke into a thousand pieces,
275
00:14:58.600 --> 00:15:02.799
and Ned landed safely some distance from the spot, still
276
00:15:02.879 --> 00:15:06.360
clinging to a huge piece of sponge cake which acted
277
00:15:06.440 --> 00:15:09.639
like a cushion between him and the ground, looking anxiously around.
278
00:15:09.679 --> 00:15:12.360
After wiping some stray crumbs from his eyes, he saw
279
00:15:12.360 --> 00:15:16.480
his little friend, the gnome, running frantically down the steep incline, which,
280
00:15:16.559 --> 00:15:19.080
luckily for Ned, had been the cause of his liberation.
281
00:15:20.039 --> 00:15:22.320
Finding him unhurt, the Gnome sat down on a piece
282
00:15:22.360 --> 00:15:26.279
of cake to rest himself and regain his breath before speaking.
283
00:15:26.559 --> 00:15:29.120
When he did, however, what he said caused Ned to
284
00:15:29.200 --> 00:15:31.440
run quickly over to the brook to look at himself
285
00:15:31.440 --> 00:15:33.960
in the water. To his dismay, what the gnome said
286
00:15:34.240 --> 00:15:37.519
was indeed too true. Ned was nearly as broad as
287
00:15:37.519 --> 00:15:40.360
he was high. The cake he had eaten had evidently
288
00:15:40.399 --> 00:15:43.039
occupied the same space inside of him as it had
289
00:15:43.320 --> 00:15:46.440
inside the brown crust. What am I ever going to do?
290
00:15:46.519 --> 00:15:49.600
Said Ned? Twas a lucky think I kept you from
291
00:15:49.679 --> 00:15:53.000
drinking another goblet of the watermelon juice, answered the gnome.
292
00:15:53.279 --> 00:15:55.960
Otherwise you might have eaten the whole cake, and then
293
00:15:56.039 --> 00:15:58.240
you might have been twice as large as you are now.
294
00:15:59.039 --> 00:16:01.679
I don't think there is anything to laugh at, said Ned,
295
00:16:01.759 --> 00:16:04.799
as his small friend burst into a hearty peal of laughter.
296
00:16:05.519 --> 00:16:08.080
Of course you don't, replied the gnome. You can't see
297
00:16:08.080 --> 00:16:11.679
yourself if you could, though, oh my, and he again
298
00:16:11.799 --> 00:16:15.399
burst into peals of laughter. Ned waited a few moments
299
00:16:15.440 --> 00:16:18.440
and then asked, well, what are we going to do?
300
00:16:18.440 --> 00:16:21.679
Don't worry, Ned dear replied his little friend, touched by
301
00:16:21.720 --> 00:16:25.000
his good nature and feeling sorry for him. Don't worry.
302
00:16:25.039 --> 00:16:28.039
The watermelon juice made the sponge cake swell. All that
303
00:16:28.120 --> 00:16:31.320
is necessary now is to take the antidote, and I
304
00:16:31.399 --> 00:16:36.000
know where it can be found without any trouble. This
305
00:16:36.039 --> 00:16:38.639
is the end of chapter two, The Magic Cake.
306
00:16:45.320 --> 00:16:49.159
Chapter three of The Magic Soap Bubble. This is a
307
00:16:49.159 --> 00:16:53.279
LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain.
308
00:16:53.799 --> 00:16:58.799
For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org.
309
00:17:00.320 --> 00:17:06.160
A Soap Bubble by David Cory. Chapter three, The Magic Nectar.
310
00:17:07.640 --> 00:17:10.480
Ned and the Gnome continued their journey down the valley,
311
00:17:10.920 --> 00:17:14.079
following the crystal stream, in whose waters he had just
312
00:17:14.119 --> 00:17:17.799
a short time before seen his distorted figure, until they
313
00:17:17.839 --> 00:17:22.200
came to a beautiful waterfall, down whose silvery sheens slid
314
00:17:22.319 --> 00:17:27.400
numerous water sprites and water fairies over Yonder exclaimed the
315
00:17:27.400 --> 00:17:30.720
Gnome lives the fairy of the lake. She brews a
316
00:17:30.839 --> 00:17:34.759
magic liquid from checkerberries, which I am told if you
317
00:17:34.839 --> 00:17:38.160
but drink a thimbleful will enable you to regain your
318
00:17:38.240 --> 00:17:42.920
natural shape. There she goes now over the bridge. On
319
00:17:43.079 --> 00:17:47.440
some such errand, I dare say, Ned watched the fairy
320
00:17:47.480 --> 00:17:50.720
stepping across the silver network, which hung above a miniature
321
00:17:50.839 --> 00:17:54.599
niagara that he could easily have spanned with a single step.
322
00:17:55.640 --> 00:17:58.880
Catching up a handful of berries. He followed her, not
323
00:17:59.039 --> 00:18:02.359
heeding the gnomes, or that she would probably prefer to
324
00:18:02.400 --> 00:18:06.759
pick them herself, and almost treading on some of the fairies,
325
00:18:06.799 --> 00:18:09.079
who were blowing about in the long grass, like the
326
00:18:09.079 --> 00:18:12.720
flowers they represented, threw the berries in a heap at
327
00:18:12.759 --> 00:18:16.759
the door of her castle. It was indeed a most
328
00:18:16.799 --> 00:18:21.440
beautiful little palace, made of brilliant crystals. It sparkled in
329
00:18:21.480 --> 00:18:25.920
the sun like a rainbow. Inside it was even more
330
00:18:26.000 --> 00:18:30.200
exquisite for all her little subjects, the flower fairies and
331
00:18:30.240 --> 00:18:34.079
the woodland fays, had adorned it with many lovely things.
332
00:18:35.400 --> 00:18:39.480
Ned stooped over and peeped in at the doorway. There
333
00:18:39.559 --> 00:18:42.279
was a bright light inside, which came from a little
334
00:18:42.319 --> 00:18:46.440
star suspended from the ceiling. The crystal walls on all
335
00:18:46.559 --> 00:18:51.559
sides reflecting the light with great brilliancy. Here and there
336
00:18:51.640 --> 00:18:55.880
were draped beautiful laces, no doubt spun by the spiders
337
00:18:56.000 --> 00:19:00.400
kept by the fairies for that purpose. Come, said the gnome,
338
00:19:00.480 --> 00:19:04.400
somewhat impatiently, as Ned's curiosity still held him at the
339
00:19:04.400 --> 00:19:08.200
little castle's doorway. Come away, or else the queen will
340
00:19:08.240 --> 00:19:11.160
not return. How is she to enter if you block
341
00:19:11.279 --> 00:19:16.400
up her entrance. Following his advice, Ned withdrew some little
342
00:19:16.440 --> 00:19:20.759
distance and stood watching the gay scene around him. Hundreds
343
00:19:20.799 --> 00:19:25.640
of insects were flying about, and large gay winged butterflies
344
00:19:25.759 --> 00:19:30.640
fluttered over the flowers. On some he noticed tiny figures,
345
00:19:31.039 --> 00:19:34.000
and others with blades of grass tied around the necks
346
00:19:34.000 --> 00:19:38.640
of robins. Bluebirds and golden orioles were also flying about
347
00:19:38.680 --> 00:19:42.119
in mid air, while some sailed on the silver backs
348
00:19:42.160 --> 00:19:45.480
of fishes, or floated in shelves upon the water near
349
00:19:45.480 --> 00:19:50.480
his feet. Look, cried the gnome. Suddenly, here she comes.
350
00:19:51.799 --> 00:19:57.000
A half horse chestnut with damask rose leaf cushions, mounted
351
00:19:57.039 --> 00:20:02.079
on four ivy berry wheels, and with four shining beetles
352
00:20:02.079 --> 00:20:07.480
for horses, came driving up from the waterfall. Leaning back
353
00:20:07.519 --> 00:20:11.480
in her carriage, sat the queen fairy, fanning her face
354
00:20:11.519 --> 00:20:15.200
with a fly's wing. The beatles came to a stand
355
00:20:15.279 --> 00:20:18.559
in front of the palace, and the queen, gathering up
356
00:20:18.559 --> 00:20:23.759
her white satin dress, stepped out Instantly. Numerous ladies in
357
00:20:23.799 --> 00:20:28.440
waiting jumped from off their butterfly steeds and escorted her
358
00:20:28.480 --> 00:20:33.680
through the palace door. Ned cautiously peeped in again. The
359
00:20:33.839 --> 00:20:38.079
room was filled with fairies about as large as your thumb,
360
00:20:38.799 --> 00:20:42.599
dancing here and there and singing a low, sweet song.
361
00:20:43.920 --> 00:20:47.319
On perceiving that a mortal was gazing at them, they
362
00:20:47.359 --> 00:20:53.480
began to dance more slowly, and presently ceased altogether, whereupon
363
00:20:53.559 --> 00:20:57.519
the Queen, looking about to ascertain the reason, and catching
364
00:20:57.559 --> 00:21:02.000
sight of Ned's admiring face, exclaimed, no wonder you feel
365
00:21:02.079 --> 00:21:04.720
so faint, my little face, and that you stop your
366
00:21:04.759 --> 00:21:08.400
merry dancing. The hot air is pouring in upon us
367
00:21:08.440 --> 00:21:12.519
from a fiery furnace outside. Look here, my giant friend,
368
00:21:13.160 --> 00:21:16.160
she added, coming up to Ned. If you want to
369
00:21:16.200 --> 00:21:19.359
see how we live, you mustn't hold your mouth open
370
00:21:19.400 --> 00:21:23.400
with astonishment. Your breath is very hot to us little people.
371
00:21:24.599 --> 00:21:29.079
With that, the mischievous queen jumped quite unexpectedly on Ned's
372
00:21:29.119 --> 00:21:33.359
nose and gave it a sharp pinch. Don't cry, said
373
00:21:33.400 --> 00:21:36.720
the fairy in a cheery voice. The laughs, falling from
374
00:21:36.759 --> 00:21:40.519
her like water drops from the cascade just outside. I
375
00:21:40.640 --> 00:21:42.920
only wanted to let you know what I could do,
376
00:21:43.519 --> 00:21:45.960
But I am ready to be as polite as you wish.
377
00:21:47.119 --> 00:21:50.960
May it please your highness, interposed the Gnome, who at
378
00:21:51.000 --> 00:21:54.279
this point squeezed himself through Ned's legs and entered the door,
379
00:21:54.799 --> 00:21:57.519
to give my mortal friend a drop of your crystal
380
00:21:57.559 --> 00:22:01.160
nectar in order that he may regain his boyish shape again.
381
00:22:02.400 --> 00:22:08.160
The Queen Fairy looked politely inquisitive, You see, your highness.
382
00:22:08.599 --> 00:22:11.839
The gnome went on to explain he has eaten too
383
00:22:11.920 --> 00:22:15.720
heartily of Nome cake, and that, together with a gobletful
384
00:22:15.799 --> 00:22:20.880
of gnome watermelon juice, has caused him much inconvenience, as
385
00:22:20.920 --> 00:22:25.480
well as an entire change of form. No sooner had
386
00:22:25.480 --> 00:22:29.160
he finished speaking, than the Queen called the Waterfall Fairy,
387
00:22:29.559 --> 00:22:34.400
the Brook Fairy, and yet another somewhat smaller called Violet
388
00:22:34.480 --> 00:22:38.599
Water hasten. She said to them, when they had assembled
389
00:22:38.640 --> 00:22:41.920
before her, hasten to make a draft of crystal nectar
390
00:22:42.279 --> 00:22:45.000
that this mortal may drink and assume once more his
391
00:22:45.160 --> 00:22:50.200
natural shape. Move off, cried a shrill voice in Ned's ear,
392
00:22:50.640 --> 00:22:53.799
and looking up, he saw a snap dragon who seemed
393
00:22:53.799 --> 00:22:56.880
to be a sort of policeman for the fairies. How
394
00:22:56.920 --> 00:22:59.759
can you expect these ladies in waiting to fulfill their
395
00:22:59.799 --> 00:23:02.839
qui means commands? If you stand there blocking the royal exit,
396
00:23:04.240 --> 00:23:07.319
tell your friend to sit him down and wait patiently,
397
00:23:07.960 --> 00:23:11.240
for it will take some time to brew the magic draft,
398
00:23:11.839 --> 00:23:14.519
said the queen to the gnome, who repeated her words
399
00:23:14.519 --> 00:23:18.680
to Ned. He was very glad, indeed to rest. For
400
00:23:19.039 --> 00:23:21.519
not being accustomed to carry so much weight on his
401
00:23:21.599 --> 00:23:26.839
young legs, he felt very weary and somewhat discouraged. However,
402
00:23:27.240 --> 00:23:30.920
relief was in sight, and, following the suggestion of the
403
00:23:30.960 --> 00:23:34.480
good Fairy, he threw himself down on a mossy bank
404
00:23:34.559 --> 00:23:40.799
and waited. Before long, the three fairies returned, bearing between
405
00:23:40.880 --> 00:23:46.680
them a lily filled with a white liquid. As they approached,
406
00:23:47.000 --> 00:23:51.160
the Queen herself came forth from her crystal palace, followed
407
00:23:51.160 --> 00:23:55.640
by many of her subjects. Stepping up to where Ned lay,
408
00:23:55.960 --> 00:23:59.720
she said, in a soft voice, do not rise for
409
00:23:59.759 --> 00:24:04.079
each even now you are much too tall, I myself
410
00:24:04.319 --> 00:24:08.880
must pour this magic nectar upon your lips. So saying,
411
00:24:09.359 --> 00:24:14.720
she stepped lightly upon a stone close by, and bending forward,
412
00:24:15.279 --> 00:24:20.000
placed the lily to Ned's mouth. The next moment, he
413
00:24:20.079 --> 00:24:24.480
felt a strange sensation running through him, and looking down
414
00:24:24.559 --> 00:24:27.599
at his hands and feet, was delighted to see that
415
00:24:27.680 --> 00:24:33.279
they were becoming smaller and smaller. Though great was his delight,
416
00:24:33.680 --> 00:24:36.799
he did not forget his manners, and, turning to the
417
00:24:36.799 --> 00:24:40.880
little fairy, said, how may I ever repay you for
418
00:24:41.000 --> 00:24:47.079
your great kindness? Indeed, he added, scarcely able to restrain
419
00:24:47.160 --> 00:24:51.519
the tears which came to his eyes. Whatever would my
420
00:24:51.599 --> 00:24:54.279
dear mother have thought had I returned to her in
421
00:24:54.319 --> 00:24:59.039
the form of a giant? Thank me no more, answered
422
00:24:59.039 --> 00:25:02.480
the fairy queen. For gladly will I do any favor
423
00:25:02.559 --> 00:25:05.559
for the boy who thinks of his mother first in
424
00:25:05.640 --> 00:25:10.039
the future? Should you need my aid, hang this ring
425
00:25:10.279 --> 00:25:13.480
about a blue bird's throat and send him to me.
426
00:25:14.839 --> 00:25:19.039
And with these words, she placed a slender gold ring
427
00:25:19.200 --> 00:25:23.240
upon Ned's little finger. But how shall I catch the bird?
428
00:25:23.960 --> 00:25:27.279
Asked Ned, his curiosity aroused before he had time to
429
00:25:27.279 --> 00:25:31.480
think of thanking her small highness. Whistle thrice upon a
430
00:25:31.519 --> 00:25:35.519
blade of grass, she answered, and the bird will fly
431
00:25:35.759 --> 00:25:39.920
to thee. Then place the ring about his neck and
432
00:25:40.039 --> 00:25:43.400
bid him hasten to the fairy Queen of the Late.
433
00:25:44.920 --> 00:25:49.279
During all this time, Ned had been growing smaller and smaller.
434
00:25:49.799 --> 00:25:52.920
He had almost forgotten this when his little friend, the
435
00:25:52.960 --> 00:25:58.240
Gnome exclaimed, there you're your own self again, at which
436
00:25:58.319 --> 00:26:02.160
Ned turned to the Queen, and, after thanking her again,
437
00:26:02.759 --> 00:26:06.359
ran hastily to the brook to assure himself that such
438
00:26:06.480 --> 00:26:11.599
was the case. So, bidding farewell to his kind friend,
439
00:26:11.799 --> 00:26:15.640
the Fairy Queen and her three ladies in waiting, he
440
00:26:15.720 --> 00:26:21.599
accompanied the Gnome down the valley. End of chapter three,
441
00:26:22.519 --> 00:26:34.079
read by Caroline Scypharth, May two thousand, twenty three. Chapter
442
00:26:34.279 --> 00:26:38.279
four of The Magic Soap Bubble. This is a LibriVox recording.
443
00:26:38.559 --> 00:26:42.000
All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more
444
00:26:42.039 --> 00:26:46.920
information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org. The
445
00:26:46.960 --> 00:26:54.920
Magic Soap Bubble by David Cory, Chapter four The Magic acts. Presently,
446
00:26:55.039 --> 00:26:58.160
the Gnome turned to Ned and said, I must leave
447
00:26:58.200 --> 00:27:01.119
you for a time, but with the Fairy Queen's magic
448
00:27:01.200 --> 00:27:04.279
ring upon your finger, you will be safe from harm.
449
00:27:04.599 --> 00:27:09.160
Self reliance is what all boys should practice. Therefore, travel
450
00:27:09.200 --> 00:27:12.000
for a few days alone. At the end of that time,
451
00:27:12.079 --> 00:27:15.200
I will join you. And with these words, the Gnome
452
00:27:15.279 --> 00:27:19.960
disappeared for a moment, Ned felt a wild desire to
453
00:27:20.000 --> 00:27:22.680
call him back, but with a shrug of his shoulder,
454
00:27:22.960 --> 00:27:25.519
he put away the thought and bravely set out in
455
00:27:25.559 --> 00:27:29.240
search of further adventure. He had gone but a short
456
00:27:29.279 --> 00:27:32.519
distance when he came to a magic axe chopping away
457
00:27:32.720 --> 00:27:37.000
all by itself at one of the tallest trees. Good morning,
458
00:27:37.079 --> 00:27:40.640
mistress axe, he said, doesn't it tire you to be
459
00:27:40.799 --> 00:27:44.519
chopping away all alone there at that old tree? Not
460
00:27:44.680 --> 00:27:47.799
at all, my son. Put me in your knapsack and
461
00:27:47.839 --> 00:27:51.759
I will make you famous. Picking up the axe, Ned
462
00:27:51.799 --> 00:27:54.599
placed it in his knapsack and set off once more.
463
00:27:55.519 --> 00:27:57.880
After a while he came to a place where the
464
00:27:57.960 --> 00:28:00.799
road was hollowed out of a mass of star solid rock.
465
00:28:01.359 --> 00:28:05.279
And here in the distance he heard a sharp noise
466
00:28:05.519 --> 00:28:11.119
like that of iron striking against stone. Some giant must
467
00:28:11.160 --> 00:28:14.519
be breaking rocks away up there, he said to himself,
468
00:28:14.559 --> 00:28:17.720
and climbed up the mountain. When he reached the top
469
00:28:17.799 --> 00:28:21.119
of the high rock, he found a magic pickaxe, all
470
00:28:21.160 --> 00:28:24.960
alone by itself, digging away at the hard stone as
471
00:28:25.000 --> 00:28:29.720
if it were soft clay. Every time that wonderful pickaxe
472
00:28:29.759 --> 00:28:32.599
struck a blow, it went more than a foot into
473
00:28:32.640 --> 00:28:38.000
the rock. Good morning, Mistress, Pickaxe said, Ned. Doesn't it
474
00:28:38.119 --> 00:28:41.519
tire you to be digging alone here, hollowing away at
475
00:28:41.519 --> 00:28:45.480
that old rock? Not at all, my little man. Put
476
00:28:45.480 --> 00:28:48.599
me in your knapsack, and I will make you famous.
477
00:28:49.559 --> 00:28:52.240
Ned picked up the pickaxe, and, placing it in his
478
00:28:52.319 --> 00:28:57.200
knapsack again, went on. After a while he came to
479
00:28:57.279 --> 00:29:00.799
a brook, which he followed up the hillside. The farther
480
00:29:00.960 --> 00:29:05.079
he went, the smaller it grew, until finally it ended
481
00:29:05.160 --> 00:29:09.160
in a little nutshell, from which this tiny stream began
482
00:29:09.240 --> 00:29:14.359
its journey down the mountain. Good morning, miss Spring, said Ned.
483
00:29:14.759 --> 00:29:18.039
Doesn't it tire you to be gushing away all alone
484
00:29:18.079 --> 00:29:22.400
by yourself in your little corner? Indeed it does, my
485
00:29:22.519 --> 00:29:25.640
little man, Put me in your knapsack, and I will
486
00:29:25.640 --> 00:29:30.000
make you famous. Ned picked up the little nutshell, and,
487
00:29:30.119 --> 00:29:32.920
plugging it up with moss, placed it carefully in his
488
00:29:33.039 --> 00:29:38.200
knapsack with the magic axe and the magic pickaxe. After
489
00:29:38.240 --> 00:29:42.079
some little time he came to a king's palace. Now,
490
00:29:42.160 --> 00:29:46.079
although it was a magnificent palace, everyone living there was
491
00:29:46.200 --> 00:29:51.240
perfectly miserable. For one morning, without the least warning, an
492
00:29:51.319 --> 00:29:55.480
immense oak had sprung up with leaves and branches, so
493
00:29:55.759 --> 00:29:58.759
thick that they shut out the sun from all the windows,
494
00:29:59.079 --> 00:30:03.839
making the castle as dark as night. Of course, in
495
00:30:03.920 --> 00:30:07.759
those days there was no gas and electricity, and although
496
00:30:07.799 --> 00:30:10.519
the king had commanded that candles be made as high
497
00:30:10.559 --> 00:30:14.759
as barber poles, they spluttered and often went out when
498
00:30:14.759 --> 00:30:18.799
the wind blew. All the woodcutters in the kingdom had
499
00:30:18.839 --> 00:30:21.920
tried to cut down this tree, but its bark was
500
00:30:22.039 --> 00:30:25.279
so tough that it turned the edge of every axe,
501
00:30:25.599 --> 00:30:29.799
and for every branch that was lopped off, too instantly
502
00:30:29.839 --> 00:30:33.920
grew in its place. At last, the king had offered
503
00:30:34.000 --> 00:30:37.400
three bags of gold to anyone who would rid him
504
00:30:37.440 --> 00:30:41.359
of his troublesome oak tree. Now this was not the
505
00:30:41.440 --> 00:30:44.920
only trouble that beset the poor king, for although the
506
00:30:45.000 --> 00:30:49.200
surrounding country was rich in springs and brooks, the royal
507
00:30:49.319 --> 00:30:53.319
gardens were dry as the desert of Sahara. And although
508
00:30:53.359 --> 00:30:56.519
the king had also promised three bags of gold to
509
00:30:56.599 --> 00:30:59.720
anyone who would dig a well, no one had yet
510
00:30:59.720 --> 00:31:02.599
been able to dig deeper than a foot, as the
511
00:31:02.680 --> 00:31:07.480
palace was built on a rock of solid granite. Each
512
00:31:07.640 --> 00:31:11.480
day the king grew more angry, but of course that
513
00:31:11.640 --> 00:31:15.720
did no good. At last, calling the poet laureate of
514
00:31:15.759 --> 00:31:20.359
his kingdom. He asked him what should be done, Running
515
00:31:20.359 --> 00:31:25.039
his fingers through his long curly hair, the poet thought awhile, then,
516
00:31:25.480 --> 00:31:30.079
summoning the royal carpenter, ordered him to make an immense placard,
517
00:31:30.519 --> 00:31:35.880
on which, when finished, this wise poet printed, to him
518
00:31:35.920 --> 00:31:39.200
who cuts my oak tree down, I'll give three bags
519
00:31:39.240 --> 00:31:43.559
of gold, but he who fails shall lose his life
520
00:31:43.680 --> 00:31:48.839
and lie beneath the mold. But what good will that
521
00:31:49.079 --> 00:31:54.319
exquisite poem do, asked the king sarcastically. It will keep
522
00:31:54.359 --> 00:31:57.759
your Royal Highness from being irritated by this endless sound
523
00:31:57.759 --> 00:32:03.160
of chop chop chop, replied the poet, I verily believe
524
00:32:03.400 --> 00:32:06.119
every man in your kingdom has had a hack at
525
00:32:06.119 --> 00:32:10.519
the tree. Now he who reads this sign will first
526
00:32:10.599 --> 00:32:13.799
make sure his axe is a good one, and my
527
00:32:13.920 --> 00:32:17.400
poetic ears will be spared much of this frightful noise,
528
00:32:17.480 --> 00:32:20.359
which is far worse than a steel riveter at work
529
00:32:20.400 --> 00:32:24.160
on a ninety story building in New York City, which
530
00:32:24.200 --> 00:32:26.799
shows that this poet had an eye that could see
531
00:32:26.839 --> 00:32:30.000
into the future. For at that time, as far as
532
00:32:30.079 --> 00:32:33.400
I know, Columbus hadn't even asked the Queen of Spain
533
00:32:33.519 --> 00:32:38.559
to pawn her diamond rings. Very well, replied the King.
534
00:32:39.160 --> 00:32:42.160
Have the sign nailed on this dreadful tree, and we
535
00:32:42.240 --> 00:32:46.319
will see what happens. As soon as Ned arrived at
536
00:32:46.319 --> 00:32:49.839
the castle, he bowed politely to the King, who happened
537
00:32:49.839 --> 00:32:53.839
to be standing near by with all his courtiers. Ha ha,
538
00:32:54.599 --> 00:32:58.079
laughed the king as Ned read the sign, Do you
539
00:32:58.279 --> 00:33:02.400
too wish to lose your ear? At which all the
540
00:33:02.480 --> 00:33:06.400
courtiers laughed heartily, the first time in many months that
541
00:33:06.559 --> 00:33:10.079
anybody in that castle had laughed or even smiled for
542
00:33:10.160 --> 00:33:16.319
that matter, I can but try, answered Ned bravely, and
543
00:33:16.519 --> 00:33:21.559
opening his knapsack, took out his magic axe. Standing it
544
00:33:21.720 --> 00:33:25.759
up with the handle leaning against the enchanted tree, he
545
00:33:25.920 --> 00:33:30.519
stepped back a few feet and shouted, chop, chop, chop.
546
00:33:31.759 --> 00:33:35.920
At once the axe began to chop now right, now, left,
547
00:33:36.000 --> 00:33:38.839
and up and down, and in an incredibly short time
548
00:33:38.960 --> 00:33:43.599
that immense tree was cut to bits. It took only
549
00:33:43.680 --> 00:33:46.720
a quarter of an hour, and yet there was such
550
00:33:46.759 --> 00:33:50.759
a monstrous heap of wood that the whole court needed
551
00:33:50.799 --> 00:33:54.759
nothing else to burn for a whole year. But when
552
00:33:54.839 --> 00:33:58.079
Ned asked the king for the three bags of gold,
553
00:33:58.759 --> 00:34:03.880
that stingy old monarch said, before I give you the reward,
554
00:34:04.440 --> 00:34:10.000
you must perform another task. What is it, asked Ned?
555
00:34:10.719 --> 00:34:13.800
You must dig me a well so that I may
556
00:34:13.840 --> 00:34:19.800
have plenty of water, answered the King. End of chapter four,
557
00:34:20.519 --> 00:34:30.599
read by Carolyn Sypharth, May two thousand, twenty three.
558
00:34:31.119 --> 00:34:34.840
Chapter five of The Magic Soap Bubble. This is a
559
00:34:34.880 --> 00:34:39.079
LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain.
560
00:34:39.880 --> 00:34:44.440
For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org.
561
00:34:45.440 --> 00:34:50.159
The Magic Soap Bubble by David Cory The Magic Spring
562
00:34:51.320 --> 00:34:55.639
I can but try, your majesty, said Ned bravely, and again,
563
00:34:55.840 --> 00:35:00.400
opening his knapsack, took out his magic pickaxe. Laying it
564
00:35:00.440 --> 00:35:06.320
carefully on the ground in the proper position, he shouted, pick, pick, pick.
565
00:35:07.440 --> 00:35:10.679
At once, the pick began to burst the granite to splinters,
566
00:35:11.239 --> 00:35:13.400
and in less than a quarter of an hour had
567
00:35:13.480 --> 00:35:15.559
dug a well more than a hundred feet deep in
568
00:35:15.639 --> 00:35:19.280
the solid rock. Is the well deep enough, your majesty,
569
00:35:19.679 --> 00:35:24.800
asked Ned politely, certainly, answered the King, But where is
570
00:35:24.800 --> 00:35:28.079
the water to come from? And he winked at his courtiers,
571
00:35:28.559 --> 00:35:32.159
who smiled to themselves, for they all thought Ned would fail.
572
00:35:32.440 --> 00:35:35.239
After all, for as yet there wasn't a drop of
573
00:35:35.280 --> 00:35:39.719
water in the well. But Ned wasn't discouraged. He quietly
574
00:35:39.760 --> 00:35:43.079
opened his knapsack again and took out the nutshell, covered
575
00:35:43.119 --> 00:35:47.280
with moss, and placed it on a magnificent fountain vase, which,
576
00:35:47.960 --> 00:35:50.840
not having any water, had been filled with a beautiful
577
00:35:50.840 --> 00:35:57.400
bouquet of flowers. Gush, Gush, gush, he shouted, stepping aside
578
00:35:57.400 --> 00:36:01.599
to avoid a wedding. At once water began to burst
579
00:36:01.599 --> 00:36:05.039
out among the flowers, singing with a gentle murmur, and
580
00:36:05.119 --> 00:36:08.840
falling down in a sparkling cascade that was so cold
581
00:36:09.320 --> 00:36:13.079
it made everybody shiver. And in less than a quarter
582
00:36:13.119 --> 00:36:15.960
of an hour the well was filled, and a deep
583
00:36:16.000 --> 00:36:18.400
trench had to be dug to take away the overflow,
584
00:36:19.119 --> 00:36:23.039
otherwise the whole palace would have been flooded. You have
585
00:36:23.159 --> 00:36:26.880
indeed earned the rewards, said the king, and he ordered
586
00:36:26.880 --> 00:36:30.079
a little donkey saddled and bridled, and the six bags
587
00:36:30.079 --> 00:36:33.280
of gold hung from his back, three on either side,
588
00:36:33.960 --> 00:36:37.400
after which Ned was invited to a great feast, And
589
00:36:37.480 --> 00:36:40.360
when that was over, he mounted the little donkey and
590
00:36:40.480 --> 00:36:43.480
rode away with the three bags of gold hanging from
591
00:36:43.519 --> 00:36:46.400
each side of the saddle, and a little gold ring
592
00:36:46.480 --> 00:36:49.960
on his finger, which the king's daughter gave him after
593
00:36:50.000 --> 00:36:52.559
watching her pretty face in water for the first time
594
00:36:52.599 --> 00:36:56.159
in many months. But before Ned rode away, he put
595
00:36:56.159 --> 00:36:59.559
his magic axe and his magic pickaxe back at his knapsack.
596
00:37:00.280 --> 00:37:03.519
Or who can tell? He said to himself, what need
597
00:37:03.559 --> 00:37:07.519
I may have of these two useful tools. His knapsack
598
00:37:07.719 --> 00:37:10.400
was now well filled, for the cook in the royal
599
00:37:10.480 --> 00:37:12.960
kitchen had also placed in it a loaf of bread,
600
00:37:13.519 --> 00:37:16.840
a cheese, and a knife, and Casey became hungry while
601
00:37:16.880 --> 00:37:20.719
on his journey of adventure. As Ned traveled on, the
602
00:37:20.800 --> 00:37:24.239
forest became darker and darker, for the trees grew so
603
00:37:24.360 --> 00:37:27.440
close together that the sun could hardly shine through the
604
00:37:27.480 --> 00:37:31.360
thick leafy roof. Suddenly he heard a great voice singing,
605
00:37:32.519 --> 00:37:34.960
I am the master of this wood, and every one
606
00:37:35.000 --> 00:37:37.880
bows to me. My head is as big as a
607
00:37:37.960 --> 00:37:42.039
dry goods box, and my legs as long as a tree.
608
00:37:42.480 --> 00:37:45.639
Then all at once the voice changed to a whistle,
609
00:37:46.199 --> 00:37:49.280
which sounded like the siren on a sand steamer when
610
00:37:49.280 --> 00:37:53.320
the weather is foggy. It must be a giant singing,
611
00:37:53.519 --> 00:37:58.000
thought Ned. Goodness, but he's a loud whistler. I guess
612
00:37:58.000 --> 00:38:01.079
he blows through his fingers, and he hid beneath a
613
00:38:01.079 --> 00:38:05.920
clump of bushes. Oh ho, cried the voice, and a
614
00:38:06.039 --> 00:38:11.039
giant came crashing through the forest. On seeing Ned, he shouted,
615
00:38:11.800 --> 00:38:14.119
come out of there, and I'll make a mouthful of you.
616
00:38:15.320 --> 00:38:18.480
Don't be in a hurry, replied Ned bravely, I'm going
617
00:38:18.519 --> 00:38:23.199
to make you my servant. Ho ho, laughed the giant.
618
00:38:23.719 --> 00:38:26.719
That is a good joke. I'll pitch you into that
619
00:38:26.840 --> 00:38:29.159
raven's nest up there to teach you to make less
620
00:38:29.199 --> 00:38:34.239
noise in my forest. Your forest, laughed Ned. It's as
621
00:38:34.320 --> 00:38:37.280
much moraine as yours. And if you say another word,
622
00:38:37.639 --> 00:38:39.639
I'll cut it down in a quarter of an hour.
623
00:38:40.920 --> 00:38:44.320
Ha ha, shouted the giant. I should like to see
624
00:38:44.360 --> 00:38:48.800
you begin, my brave sir kid Carefully placing his magic
625
00:38:48.880 --> 00:38:55.000
axe on the ground, Ned shouted, chop, chop, chop. At once,
626
00:38:55.400 --> 00:38:58.719
the axe began to chop. Now write now, laugh, and
627
00:38:58.920 --> 00:39:01.639
up and down till the branches tumbled down on the
628
00:39:01.679 --> 00:39:07.559
giant's head like hale in autumn. Stop stop, cried the giant.
629
00:39:08.000 --> 00:39:12.760
Don't destroy my forest. Who the mischief are you? Sit
630
00:39:12.880 --> 00:39:15.280
down and I'll tell you the story of the famous
631
00:39:15.320 --> 00:39:18.280
Pussan boots, who once killed a giant and gave his
632
00:39:18.400 --> 00:39:22.280
castle to his master. The lord of Carabas said, Ned,
633
00:39:23.400 --> 00:39:26.519
how could a cat kill a giant? You are making
634
00:39:26.599 --> 00:39:31.119
sport of me, not at all, replied Ned. Have you
635
00:39:31.199 --> 00:39:35.360
never read the story at Puss and Boots. No, but
636
00:39:35.440 --> 00:39:38.760
I once heard my cousin, the giant of the Beanstalk,
637
00:39:39.119 --> 00:39:42.159
speak of a cat who wore boots. But that was
638
00:39:42.239 --> 00:39:46.559
long ago, when we were both boys. Well, i'll tell you, then,
639
00:39:46.840 --> 00:39:51.119
said Ned. Pussenboot's master was the youngest of three sons.
640
00:39:51.559 --> 00:39:54.639
When their father died, the two older brothers received the
641
00:39:54.719 --> 00:39:57.880
farm and money, while he has left nothing but a cat,
642
00:39:58.360 --> 00:40:01.159
who said to him, one day, do just what I
643
00:40:01.239 --> 00:40:04.039
tell you, and I will make you rich. Give me
644
00:40:04.079 --> 00:40:07.119
a bag and a pair of boots, because the brambles
645
00:40:07.119 --> 00:40:09.880
scratched my legs, and you shall see what I will
646
00:40:09.880 --> 00:40:13.880
do for you. Well, when the boots were made and
647
00:40:14.000 --> 00:40:16.440
he had put them on, he hung the bag about
648
00:40:16.440 --> 00:40:19.559
his neck and set out for a rabbit warren where
649
00:40:19.559 --> 00:40:24.039
lived great numbers of rabbits. Opening the bag, he stretched
650
00:40:24.119 --> 00:40:27.119
himself out as though he were dead, and waited for
651
00:40:27.119 --> 00:40:29.559
a hungry rabbit to poke his nose under the bag.
652
00:40:29.639 --> 00:40:34.079
To eat the brand. Pretty soon along came a young rabbit,
653
00:40:34.559 --> 00:40:36.480
and as soon as it had crept in to eat
654
00:40:36.519 --> 00:40:39.559
the brand, Puss and Boots pulled the string, and that
655
00:40:39.800 --> 00:40:43.760
was the last of the little rabbit. Then running off
656
00:40:43.840 --> 00:40:46.440
to the palace, he gave it to the king, saying
657
00:40:46.480 --> 00:40:49.840
it was a present from his master, my Lord of Karabbas,
658
00:40:50.400 --> 00:40:53.920
the name he had invented for his young master. Every
659
00:40:53.960 --> 00:40:56.880
day he brought some kind of game, until by and
660
00:40:56.960 --> 00:41:00.000
by the King thought my Lord of Karabas a great
661
00:41:00.000 --> 00:41:04.760
great man, and Pussimboots a most wonderful cat, which indeed
662
00:41:04.840 --> 00:41:09.199
he was. He was, indeed, said the big giant, moving
663
00:41:09.280 --> 00:41:13.039
uneasily on the log on which he was sitting. Well
664
00:41:13.280 --> 00:41:16.960
one day, continued ned Puss and Boots bade his master
665
00:41:17.039 --> 00:41:19.559
bathe in the river and leave the rest to him.
666
00:41:20.519 --> 00:41:25.800
Just then the king pass by, help help, cried, Puss,
667
00:41:26.280 --> 00:41:30.719
robbers have stolen my master's clothes. At once the King
668
00:41:30.840 --> 00:41:33.840
ordered his guards to the rescue and fitting out my
669
00:41:33.920 --> 00:41:37.239
Lord of Korrabos with a new suit of clothes, invited
670
00:41:37.280 --> 00:41:39.599
him to ride in the coach with his beautiful daughter.
671
00:41:40.840 --> 00:41:43.239
As they rolled along, they came in sight of a
672
00:41:43.320 --> 00:41:47.440
castle owned by a bad Giant end of chapter five,
673
00:41:48.039 --> 00:41:53.679
read by Nancy Cochranngergen Gilbert Arizona, May thirty, two thousand,
674
00:41:53.719 --> 00:42:03.639
twenty three, Chapter six of The Magic Soap Bubble. This
675
00:42:03.800 --> 00:42:07.360
is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the
676
00:42:07.360 --> 00:42:12.159
public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit
677
00:42:12.239 --> 00:42:16.679
LibriVox dot org. The Magic Soap Bubble by David Kory,
678
00:42:17.760 --> 00:42:21.800
Magic Food. Puss and Boots, who had reached the castle
679
00:42:21.880 --> 00:42:25.239
in advance of the royal party, opened the door and said,
680
00:42:25.280 --> 00:42:28.360
with a low bow to the wicked Ogre. I hear
681
00:42:28.480 --> 00:42:31.079
you have the power to change yourself in the any animal.
682
00:42:32.239 --> 00:42:35.519
That is true, answered the Ogre, so pleased that at
683
00:42:35.559 --> 00:42:39.119
once he turned himself into a lion. I doubt if
684
00:42:39.119 --> 00:42:43.679
you can become small as a mouse, said pussin Boots. Instantly,
685
00:42:43.760 --> 00:42:47.000
the Ogre changed himself into a mouse, whereupon Puss and
686
00:42:47.039 --> 00:42:51.440
Boods pounced upon him and ate him up. At that moment,
687
00:42:51.599 --> 00:42:55.119
up drove the coach, throwing open the castle door. Pussin
688
00:42:55.159 --> 00:42:59.119
Boods said, with a hospitable bow, welcome to the castle
689
00:42:59.159 --> 00:43:02.280
of my Lord of kara Us. And to make a
690
00:43:02.320 --> 00:43:06.119
long story short, laughed Ned his master married the king's
691
00:43:06.159 --> 00:43:11.480
daughter and lived happily ever after. Phew gasped the giant,
692
00:43:11.960 --> 00:43:15.440
he certainly was a wonderful cat, and he looked anxiously
693
00:43:15.519 --> 00:43:20.679
at the magic axe. Presently, Ned began to feel hungry, and,
694
00:43:21.280 --> 00:43:25.719
opening his knapsack, took out his bread and cheese. What
695
00:43:25.880 --> 00:43:29.000
is that white stuff, asked the giant, who had never
696
00:43:29.039 --> 00:43:34.320
seen cheese before. That is a stone, answered Ned, commencing
697
00:43:34.360 --> 00:43:38.480
to eat it with a hungry appetite. Do you eat stones,
698
00:43:39.000 --> 00:43:44.480
asked the giant. Oh yes, answered Ned. That's my regular food,
699
00:43:44.519 --> 00:43:47.239
which explains why I'm not so big as you who
700
00:43:47.320 --> 00:43:51.039
eat oxen. But it's also the reason why little as
701
00:43:51.079 --> 00:43:53.960
I am, I am ten times as strong as you are.
702
00:43:54.679 --> 00:43:58.239
Now take me to your house. The giant looked at
703
00:43:58.280 --> 00:44:01.199
the magic axe, which had so nearly destroyed his forest,
704
00:44:01.719 --> 00:44:05.079
and then at Ned eating a stone with apparent relish.
705
00:44:05.920 --> 00:44:08.599
I will, he said, and humbly led the way to
706
00:44:08.639 --> 00:44:13.280
his monstrous cabin. Now listen, said Ned to the giant.
707
00:44:13.360 --> 00:44:16.480
After they were fairly seated. One of us must be
708
00:44:16.559 --> 00:44:20.079
the master and the other the servant. If I can't
709
00:44:20.119 --> 00:44:22.719
do whatever you do, I am to be your slave.
710
00:44:23.519 --> 00:44:25.840
If you're not able to do whatever I do. You
711
00:44:25.920 --> 00:44:30.480
are to be mine, agreed, said the giant. I'd be
712
00:44:30.559 --> 00:44:32.719
tickled to death to have a little servant like you.
713
00:44:33.400 --> 00:44:35.639
It's too much work for me to think, and you
714
00:44:35.760 --> 00:44:39.360
have brains enough for both. Well, let's start the trial.
715
00:44:39.960 --> 00:44:42.440
Here are my two buckets. Go and get the water
716
00:44:42.559 --> 00:44:46.639
to make the soup. Ned looked at the buckets, the
717
00:44:46.679 --> 00:44:49.440
tops of which he couldn't even see, for there were
718
00:44:49.440 --> 00:44:54.280
two enormous hogsheads, ten feet high and six broad. It
719
00:44:54.280 --> 00:44:56.559
would have been much easier for him to drown himself
720
00:44:56.559 --> 00:45:01.079
in them than to move them. Ho ho, shouted the giant.
721
00:45:01.480 --> 00:45:04.960
Do what I do and get the water. What's the
722
00:45:05.000 --> 00:45:08.199
good of that, replied Ned. I'll go get the spring
723
00:45:08.239 --> 00:45:11.159
itself to put in the pot, knowing that he could
724
00:45:11.159 --> 00:45:14.079
easily run back to the king's castle for the little
725
00:45:14.119 --> 00:45:19.199
magic nutshell. No, no, said the giant. That won't do.
726
00:45:19.840 --> 00:45:22.920
You have already half spoiled my forest with your magic axe.
727
00:45:23.239 --> 00:45:25.599
I don't want you to take my spring away. You
728
00:45:25.679 --> 00:45:28.239
may attend to the fire and I'll go for the water.
729
00:45:29.679 --> 00:45:32.320
So the giant hung up the kettle and put into
730
00:45:32.360 --> 00:45:36.519
it an ox, cutting to pieces, fifty cabbages and a
731
00:45:36.559 --> 00:45:40.000
wagon load of carrots, skimming the broth with a frying pan,
732
00:45:40.480 --> 00:45:43.000
tasting it every now and then until it was done.
733
00:45:43.679 --> 00:45:47.679
When everything was ready, he turned and said, now we'll
734
00:45:47.679 --> 00:45:50.039
see if you can do what I can. I feel
735
00:45:50.119 --> 00:45:53.039
like eating the whole ox, and you into the bargain.
736
00:45:53.559 --> 00:45:57.519
I think i'll serve you for dessert. All right, answered
737
00:45:57.519 --> 00:46:01.159
little Ned, But before sitting down, he slipped his knapsack
738
00:46:01.280 --> 00:46:05.119
under his jacket. Then the two champions set to work.
739
00:46:05.800 --> 00:46:09.280
Perhaps Ned was a trifle nervous, knowing only too well
740
00:46:09.320 --> 00:46:13.639
that if he failed, he must be the giant's servant. Well,
741
00:46:13.920 --> 00:46:16.960
the giant ate and ate, and Ned was an idol.
742
00:46:17.480 --> 00:46:21.800
Only he pitched everything beef, cabbage, carrots and all into
743
00:46:21.800 --> 00:46:26.599
his knapsack when the Giant wasn't looking. Uf at last
744
00:46:26.639 --> 00:46:29.880
grunted the giant. I can't do much more. I've got
745
00:46:29.920 --> 00:46:34.159
to undo the lower button of my waistcoat. Eat away, startling,
746
00:46:34.519 --> 00:46:39.079
cried Ned, sticking half a cabbage into his knapsack. UF
747
00:46:39.679 --> 00:46:43.159
groaned the giant. I must loosen another button. But what
748
00:46:43.320 --> 00:46:46.480
sort of an ostrich's stomach have you got, kiddo? I
749
00:46:46.519 --> 00:46:50.519
should say you were used to eating stones? Eat away,
750
00:46:50.679 --> 00:46:54.199
lazy Bones, said Ned, sticking a huge chunk of beef
751
00:46:54.239 --> 00:46:59.000
into his knapsack, uf sighed the giant for the third time,
752
00:46:59.559 --> 00:47:04.519
I must open the third button, Bah, answered Ned, it's
753
00:47:04.559 --> 00:47:08.159
the easiest thing to relieve yourself, and taking his knife,
754
00:47:08.440 --> 00:47:11.320
he slid his jacket and the knapsack under it the
755
00:47:11.320 --> 00:47:15.280
whole length of his stomach. Now's your turn. Do as
756
00:47:15.320 --> 00:47:20.840
I do, if you can, excuse me, gasped the giant.
757
00:47:21.599 --> 00:47:25.880
You win, I'd rather be your servant than do that. Then,
758
00:47:26.079 --> 00:47:29.400
kissing Ned's hand in token of submission, he lifted his
759
00:47:29.519 --> 00:47:33.079
little master on his shoulders, and, slinging the six bags
760
00:47:33.079 --> 00:47:36.119
of gold over his back, started off through the forest.
761
00:47:37.320 --> 00:47:40.679
Wait a minute, said Ned, I've forgotten my magic duels.
762
00:47:41.280 --> 00:47:43.639
So the giant picked them up, and, thrusting them in
763
00:47:43.719 --> 00:47:48.519
his pocket again, set off at a tremendous rate. After
764
00:47:48.559 --> 00:47:51.119
a while, they came in sight of a great castle
765
00:47:51.239 --> 00:47:54.679
where lived a lord even more wicked than the cruel Bluebeard.
766
00:47:55.639 --> 00:47:58.639
As they drew nearer, they heard loud screams like those
767
00:47:58.679 --> 00:48:02.519
of some fair lady in distress. The next minute, the
768
00:48:02.559 --> 00:48:04.920
wicked lord dragged me, a lovely lady by the hair,
769
00:48:05.039 --> 00:48:09.360
across the courtyard with one stride the giant stepped over
770
00:48:09.400 --> 00:48:13.039
the castle wall. Shall I toss him over the moon?
771
00:48:13.360 --> 00:48:18.239
He asked, No, leave him to me, replied Ned. The
772
00:48:18.239 --> 00:48:21.199
wicked Lord trembled and grew as pale as a white
773
00:48:21.280 --> 00:48:25.760
swan that swam near by in a beautiful fountain. My
774
00:48:25.880 --> 00:48:29.440
giant servant, at a sign from me, will pitch you
775
00:48:29.519 --> 00:48:33.119
over the moon. But instead, as you have the reputation
776
00:48:33.280 --> 00:48:36.119
of being the greatest liar that ever lived, we will
777
00:48:36.119 --> 00:48:40.199
see who can tell the biggest story, You or I.
778
00:48:40.199 --> 00:48:42.800
If you lose, you shall give your castle to this
779
00:48:42.920 --> 00:48:46.400
fair lady and take yourself off. I don't care where,
780
00:48:46.840 --> 00:48:51.559
but you must never return. At once, the wicked Lord
781
00:48:51.599 --> 00:48:55.239
commenced to tell the biggest story he could imagine. I
782
00:48:55.360 --> 00:48:58.239
have a bull so large that a man can sit
783
00:48:58.360 --> 00:49:01.039
on each of his horns, and the two can't touch
784
00:49:01.079 --> 00:49:05.360
each other with a twenty foot pole. Oh that's nothing,
785
00:49:05.519 --> 00:49:09.039
replied Ned. At home on the farm, we have a
786
00:49:09.119 --> 00:49:11.719
bull so large that a servant sitting on one of
787
00:49:11.719 --> 00:49:14.559
his horns can't see the servants sitting on the other.
788
00:49:15.880 --> 00:49:19.480
You win, laughed the pretty princess, clapping her hands at Ned.
789
00:49:20.239 --> 00:49:23.880
Then the wicked Lord went to his stable and saddling
790
00:49:23.920 --> 00:49:27.760
his best horse rode away, but as he passed through
791
00:49:27.760 --> 00:49:32.599
the gate, Ned touched his steed with his magic gold ring. Instantly,
792
00:49:32.719 --> 00:49:35.239
the horse turned into an immense bird and flew away.
793
00:49:36.079 --> 00:49:39.000
But where he went no one knows to this day.
794
00:49:40.280 --> 00:49:45.400
End of Chapter six. Read by Nancy Cochran Gergin Gilbert Arizona,
795
00:49:45.920 --> 00:49:53.599
June one, two thousand twenty three.
796
00:49:54.880 --> 00:49:58.400
Section seven of The Magic Soap Bubble. This is a
797
00:49:58.440 --> 00:50:01.960
LibriVox recording. All krivox recordings are in the public domain.
798
00:50:02.400 --> 00:50:06.159
For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org.
799
00:50:07.079 --> 00:50:11.400
Read by Amanda Leayung The Magic Soap Bubble by David Cory.
800
00:50:12.360 --> 00:50:17.800
Magic Ears. Dear me, said the giant. Suddenly, I've forgotten
801
00:50:17.840 --> 00:50:20.280
all about my errand you and your magic axe have
802
00:50:20.400 --> 00:50:23.599
robbed me of my memory. And the big man scratched
803
00:50:23.639 --> 00:50:26.760
his hand and looked anxiously at Ned. What is it.
804
00:50:27.679 --> 00:50:29.440
I was to take a chicken to my old mother,
805
00:50:29.880 --> 00:50:34.079
answered the Giant. Sadly. Go ahead, said Ned. I can
806
00:50:34.079 --> 00:50:36.920
take care of myself at any rate. It is about time,
807
00:50:36.960 --> 00:50:39.760
my friend, the Nome came back to me. You are
808
00:50:39.880 --> 00:50:43.360
very kind, said the Giant. Here are your magic acts
809
00:50:43.400 --> 00:50:46.559
and your magic pickaxe. I almost forgot them, and he
810
00:50:46.599 --> 00:50:48.880
set off at a great rate for his mother's house.
811
00:50:49.920 --> 00:50:52.920
Ned too quickened his pace, for it was growing late,
812
00:50:53.000 --> 00:50:56.599
and the shadows creeping from tree to tree. At length,
813
00:50:56.639 --> 00:50:59.239
he saw a light in the distance. It was a
814
00:50:59.320 --> 00:51:02.239
very little line, not much larger than a star, and
815
00:51:02.360 --> 00:51:06.840
at first Ned thought it might be a giant firefly. However,
816
00:51:06.920 --> 00:51:09.159
he kept on and after a while it turned out
817
00:51:09.199 --> 00:51:11.119
to be a little candle in the window of a
818
00:51:11.159 --> 00:51:14.960
poor woodcutter's hut. Knocking on the door, it was presently
819
00:51:15.039 --> 00:51:18.880
opened by a strange looking man. He had long, hairy
820
00:51:18.920 --> 00:51:21.519
ears like a donkey, and was dressed in the skins
821
00:51:21.519 --> 00:51:26.199
of wild animals. Welcome, he said, in a kindly voice.
822
00:51:26.719 --> 00:51:30.639
I am just preparing my evening meal. Come in and eat.
823
00:51:31.519 --> 00:51:34.039
Ned followed the donkey eared man into the cottage and
824
00:51:34.119 --> 00:51:36.559
sat down at the rude wooden table, on which were
825
00:51:36.559 --> 00:51:41.840
spread black bread and beans. I have but humble fare
826
00:51:41.920 --> 00:51:45.280
to offer you, said the donkey eared man, But his
827
00:51:45.400 --> 00:51:48.039
smile was a kind one, as he helped Ned to
828
00:51:48.079 --> 00:51:51.119
the beans with a large wooden spoon. But as I
829
00:51:51.159 --> 00:51:53.960
see you are a traveler, you no doubt have fared
830
00:51:54.000 --> 00:51:57.320
worse at times and he smiled again in such a
831
00:51:57.320 --> 00:51:59.719
friendly way that Ned took a great liking to him.
832
00:52:00.760 --> 00:52:04.159
You are right, I'm a traveler seeking adventures and many
833
00:52:04.239 --> 00:52:08.360
strange things I have seen while visiting Nomeland. I have
834
00:52:08.480 --> 00:52:11.280
heard little of the world since my ears were changed
835
00:52:11.280 --> 00:52:14.599
into those of a donkey, sighed the donkey eared man.
836
00:52:16.280 --> 00:52:19.360
Is there no magic charm which will remove them? Asked Ned,
837
00:52:19.480 --> 00:52:21.519
as he finished the last bean on his plate and
838
00:52:21.639 --> 00:52:24.679
wiped his mouth carefully with the pocket handkerchief which his
839
00:52:24.800 --> 00:52:27.079
kind mother had given him the very morning he had
840
00:52:27.079 --> 00:52:31.400
set out for Nomeland. None whatever, answered the man with
841
00:52:31.440 --> 00:52:35.000
a sigh. There is no charm nor magic herb. But
842
00:52:35.079 --> 00:52:37.639
I've heard tell of a magic axe that once cut
843
00:52:37.679 --> 00:52:41.320
down a charmed oak tree overshadowing a king's palace. But
844
00:52:41.360 --> 00:52:46.199
where am I to find that magic axe? Oh Master,
845
00:52:46.320 --> 00:52:49.320
dear pray, ask this lad your donkey ears to sever,
846
00:52:50.079 --> 00:52:52.920
For then your own two ears will take their place
847
00:52:53.079 --> 00:52:56.039
as good as ever, sing a little bird from her
848
00:52:56.079 --> 00:52:59.719
tree in the forest. When Ned heard that, he jumped
849
00:52:59.800 --> 00:53:01.800
up and went behind the door where he had hung
850
00:53:01.800 --> 00:53:04.800
his knapsack. Taking out the magic axe. He laid it
851
00:53:04.840 --> 00:53:08.840
on the table before the donkey eared man cut off
852
00:53:08.880 --> 00:53:13.599
my ears, shouted the donkey eared man. I can't do it,
853
00:53:13.760 --> 00:53:17.280
said Ned, trembling all over. Do as I ask, you,
854
00:53:17.840 --> 00:53:22.480
begged the donkey eared man, laying his head on the table. Instead. However,
855
00:53:22.639 --> 00:53:25.480
Ned touched the donkey ears with his little magic gold
856
00:53:25.559 --> 00:53:31.519
ring at the same time whispering away with you. Off
857
00:53:31.559 --> 00:53:34.159
went the long hairy ears, and the next minute two
858
00:53:34.199 --> 00:53:38.119
grew in their place, just like yours and mine. Oh
859
00:53:38.199 --> 00:53:41.840
now I'm free from donkey ears. Three cheers, and once again,
860
00:53:41.960 --> 00:53:45.760
three cheers. No more the witch's evil snare shall force
861
00:53:45.840 --> 00:53:49.320
me donkey ears to wear, sang the donkey eared man,
862
00:53:49.400 --> 00:53:53.360
dancing about the room. All the next day, Ned trudged
863
00:53:53.400 --> 00:53:56.119
on alone until towards evening he came to the edge
864
00:53:56.119 --> 00:53:59.199
of a pine forest, where close at hand stood a
865
00:53:59.239 --> 00:54:03.039
small hut of pine branches, plastered with mud and thatched
866
00:54:03.039 --> 00:54:06.159
with rye straw. No sooner had he tapped on the
867
00:54:06.199 --> 00:54:09.239
door than it was opened by a girl. She looked
868
00:54:09.280 --> 00:54:12.199
out timidly, thinking I suppose it might be a robber.
869
00:54:13.000 --> 00:54:16.760
But when she saw Ned she smiled. Come in, she said,
870
00:54:17.039 --> 00:54:21.000
and Ned saw four small children staring curiously at him.
871
00:54:22.800 --> 00:54:25.400
The room was very smoky, for there was no chimney
872
00:54:25.400 --> 00:54:27.639
to the rude hut. A hole in the roof let
873
00:54:27.719 --> 00:54:29.800
the smoke out, and there were no windows. For the
874
00:54:29.840 --> 00:54:32.239
father of these children was a poor peasant who made
875
00:54:32.280 --> 00:54:37.239
his living by gathering turpentine in the pine forest. Ned
876
00:54:37.280 --> 00:54:39.400
sat down while the girl went on with her work
877
00:54:39.559 --> 00:54:42.119
until the black beans were ready for supper, and she
878
00:54:42.199 --> 00:54:44.360
put them all in a big wooden bowl, and invited
879
00:54:44.400 --> 00:54:47.880
Ned to join her and the four children. While they
880
00:54:47.880 --> 00:54:49.800
were eating out of the bowl with a wooden spoon,
881
00:54:50.239 --> 00:54:52.840
a tame jackdaw, who had been sitting on an old
882
00:54:52.880 --> 00:54:56.480
stool by the fireside, hopped over and perched himself close
883
00:54:56.519 --> 00:54:59.800
to Ned. When the supper was over and the children
884
00:54:59.840 --> 00:55:03.840
were ready for bed, he whispered, this little family is
885
00:55:04.039 --> 00:55:08.000
very poor. Their father is away selling turpentine, and there
886
00:55:08.039 --> 00:55:10.519
is little food in the cupboard. But if you will
887
00:55:10.559 --> 00:55:12.960
come with me tonight, I will show you how we
888
00:55:13.039 --> 00:55:17.000
can help them. When all the children were sound asleep,
889
00:55:17.400 --> 00:55:20.199
Ned looked over to the fireside where the jackdaw sat,
890
00:55:20.639 --> 00:55:24.360
his eyes shining brighter and brighter through the darkness, till
891
00:55:24.400 --> 00:55:27.440
they made the room so light that Ned could plainly
892
00:55:27.480 --> 00:55:30.440
see the five sleeping children huddled together on the straw
893
00:55:30.480 --> 00:55:34.679
bed in the corner. Then the jackdaw nodded, and, hopping
894
00:55:34.719 --> 00:55:37.920
down from the stool on which he sat, walked softly
895
00:55:38.000 --> 00:55:41.960
over to the door. The moon shone brightly on the
896
00:55:42.000 --> 00:55:46.039
bare brown fields, silvered with white frost, and in the
897
00:55:46.159 --> 00:55:49.639
still cold air, the forest looked like a black cloud
898
00:55:49.920 --> 00:55:59.679
just dropped upon the earth. End of section seven Section
899
00:55:59.800 --> 00:56:03.320
eight of The Magic Soap Bubble. This is a LibriVox recording.
900
00:56:03.559 --> 00:56:06.599
All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more
901
00:56:06.599 --> 00:56:11.239
information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org. Read
902
00:56:11.239 --> 00:56:14.880
by Amanda Leung, The Magic Soap Bubble by David Cory,
903
00:56:15.880 --> 00:56:20.079
The Magic Basket. On and on they went, the jackdaw
904
00:56:20.199 --> 00:56:22.719
hopping over the rough fields and now and then, turning
905
00:56:22.760 --> 00:56:25.679
his head and winking his fiery eyes at ned, until
906
00:56:25.719 --> 00:56:28.039
they found themselves at the foot of a high round
907
00:56:28.119 --> 00:56:31.679
hill at one side of the great Mound. The stream
908
00:56:31.719 --> 00:56:35.000
which they had been following suddenly stopped short, making a
909
00:56:35.039 --> 00:56:38.400
deep well over which hung an old oak tree, leafless
910
00:56:38.400 --> 00:56:42.880
now but still strewing the ground with dry acorns. Right
911
00:56:42.920 --> 00:56:45.599
at the foot of the tree was an upright gray stone,
912
00:56:46.039 --> 00:56:49.000
apparently part of a rock deeply sunk in the hillside.
913
00:56:49.559 --> 00:56:53.679
Beside this stone, the jackdaw paused, and, turning to nod resuringly,
914
00:56:53.719 --> 00:56:56.159
at Ned picked up a pebble about the size of
915
00:56:56.199 --> 00:56:58.840
an acorn, and dropped it into the well at the
916
00:56:58.880 --> 00:57:01.840
same time knocking on the flat stone with his bill.
917
00:57:03.280 --> 00:57:05.320
In a moment, the rock opened in the middle, and
918
00:57:05.400 --> 00:57:07.880
there stood a little old woman, as withered as a
919
00:57:07.920 --> 00:57:11.239
spring apple and as bright as a butterfly, dressed in
920
00:57:11.280 --> 00:57:14.719
a scarlet bodice covered with spangles and a black petticoat,
921
00:57:14.840 --> 00:57:18.239
worked in square characters with all the colors of the rainbow.
922
00:57:20.000 --> 00:57:22.559
Ned thought she was not nearly as attractive as the fairies,
923
00:57:22.599 --> 00:57:25.159
whom he had but lately left, although she had on
924
00:57:25.239 --> 00:57:28.920
more colors than even the Queen Fairy. On seeing the jackdaw,
925
00:57:29.000 --> 00:57:31.519
she made a low bow and in a shrill, eager
926
00:57:31.639 --> 00:57:35.880
voice invited them in. Ned hesitated, but the little old
927
00:57:35.920 --> 00:57:38.480
woman snatched his hand and pulled him in, asking in
928
00:57:38.519 --> 00:57:42.559
a whisper, dost thou fear for thyself when visiting the
929
00:57:42.639 --> 00:57:46.639
King of the Nomes. Then, opening a low door in
930
00:57:46.719 --> 00:57:49.119
the side of the cavern, she beckoned them to follow.
931
00:57:50.239 --> 00:57:52.559
In the middle of a still larger vault, stood an
932
00:57:52.639 --> 00:57:55.639
arm chair fashioned from beryl and jasper, with knobs of
933
00:57:55.679 --> 00:57:59.559
amethyst and topaz, in which sat Ned's friend, the Gnome.
934
00:58:00.679 --> 00:58:03.119
He was dressed in a robe of velvet green and
935
00:58:03.199 --> 00:58:06.480
soft as forest moss, and a ring of gold lay
936
00:58:06.519 --> 00:58:11.039
on his grizzled hair. His little eyes shone keen and fiery,
937
00:58:11.159 --> 00:58:14.199
and his hands, withered and brown, were now covered with
938
00:58:14.320 --> 00:58:18.719
glittering jewels. About the cave a hundred little men smaller
939
00:58:18.760 --> 00:58:21.960
than he were busy in a hundred ways. Some stirred
940
00:58:22.039 --> 00:58:25.920
kettles of smoking broth. Others sliced fresh vegetables for crisp salads.
941
00:58:26.320 --> 00:58:29.320
Some spread a table with golden plates and crystal goblets.
942
00:58:30.079 --> 00:58:32.719
Three turned huge pieces of meat on a spit before
943
00:58:32.719 --> 00:58:34.639
a fire at the end of the cavern, while a
944
00:58:34.719 --> 00:58:39.719
dozen more watched the simmering pots. The jackdaw hopped gravely
945
00:58:39.800 --> 00:58:42.079
past all this toward the chair of the Nome King,
946
00:58:42.199 --> 00:58:45.440
who stretched out his scepter a tall bulrush of gold,
947
00:58:45.760 --> 00:58:48.800
and touched the jackdaw, who at once turned into a dwarf,
948
00:58:50.360 --> 00:58:52.679
making a low bow to the Nome King. He turned
949
00:58:52.679 --> 00:58:55.800
to Ned and said, I was forced to take the
950
00:58:55.840 --> 00:58:58.559
form of a jackdaw for twenty years, because I once
951
00:58:58.599 --> 00:59:01.760
said that gold was not as yellow as buttercups, nor
952
00:59:01.800 --> 00:59:05.519
so bright as sunshine. This made the gnomes angry, because
953
00:59:05.559 --> 00:59:08.079
their belief is that gold is the most beautiful thing
954
00:59:08.119 --> 00:59:11.320
in the world. My punishment is now over, and I
955
00:59:11.400 --> 00:59:14.360
need never return to the earth again. But I would
956
00:59:14.400 --> 00:59:16.639
do a favor to the poor peasant children who were
957
00:59:16.719 --> 00:59:20.760
so good to me. What favor would you ask for
958
00:59:20.800 --> 00:59:25.760
the poor peasant children, asked the Nome king. I would
959
00:59:25.800 --> 00:59:29.280
send them a magic basket filled with food, answered the dwarf.
960
00:59:30.280 --> 00:59:32.760
No sooner had he spoken than the Gnome ordered his
961
00:59:32.840 --> 00:59:35.519
subjects to fill a magic basket with all kinds of
962
00:59:35.519 --> 00:59:38.239
good things to eat. There was a golden bowl of
963
00:59:38.280 --> 00:59:41.840
smoking stew, a crystal goblet of wine, a gold dish
964
00:59:41.880 --> 00:59:45.599
of mashed potatoes, and another of rice pudding. And when
965
00:59:45.639 --> 00:59:48.480
the magic basket was covered with a damask napkin, it
966
00:59:48.559 --> 00:59:51.159
was handed to a dwarf messenger to take to the
967
00:59:51.199 --> 00:59:54.760
poor woodcutter's children, while all the little dwarfs stood around
968
00:59:54.840 --> 00:59:59.440
him and sang, in this basket they well find food
969
00:59:59.480 --> 01:00:02.960
and drink of magic kind. Never will it empty grow,
970
01:00:03.199 --> 01:00:07.840
and no hunger they shall know. Hereafter, said the nome
971
01:00:07.920 --> 01:00:11.280
king looking kindly at Ned. A blue bird shall be
972
01:00:11.360 --> 01:00:14.639
your companion and will show you many and curious things.
973
01:00:15.199 --> 01:00:17.639
I can spare no more time, for my people must
974
01:00:17.679 --> 01:00:20.000
be governed and well. I have given you more attention
975
01:00:20.159 --> 01:00:22.639
than any other mortal because of your great fondness for
976
01:00:22.679 --> 01:00:25.400
fairy tales. I must now leave you in the care
977
01:00:25.480 --> 01:00:28.960
of this blue bird, unless perchance you wish to return
978
01:00:29.000 --> 01:00:33.159
to Earth at once, to which Ned answered eagerly that
979
01:00:33.199 --> 01:00:35.679
he would much rather see more of nome Land before
980
01:00:35.719 --> 01:00:38.239
again returning to the every day routine of grammar school
981
01:00:38.280 --> 01:00:42.320
and lessons. Good luck to you, then, cried his friend,
982
01:00:42.599 --> 01:00:46.559
as he shook Ned warmly by the hand. The door opened,
983
01:00:46.599 --> 01:00:49.440
and Ned once more found himself by the side of
984
01:00:49.440 --> 01:00:52.800
the great flat stone in the hillside, where rippling waters
985
01:00:52.840 --> 01:00:55.239
of the little stream flowed into the pool at the
986
01:00:55.239 --> 01:00:57.800
foot of the great oak tree, on which sat a
987
01:00:57.840 --> 01:01:02.800
lovely blue bird. Following the bluebird, Ned turned to one
988
01:01:02.840 --> 01:01:06.159
side to avoid climbing the hill, and continued his journey
989
01:01:06.199 --> 01:01:10.639
for some time, keeping ever in sight the bluebird's beautiful form.
990
01:01:11.119 --> 01:01:13.840
It was almost dark when they were confronted by a
991
01:01:13.920 --> 01:01:19.000
dense forest. This was not particularly resuring to Ned. Especially
992
01:01:19.039 --> 01:01:21.280
as the blue bird flew back and settled herself on
993
01:01:21.360 --> 01:01:24.679
his shoulder, evidently not wishing to enter the woods at
994
01:01:24.679 --> 01:01:28.079
so late an hour. For in a deep black forest,
995
01:01:28.280 --> 01:01:32.760
with all sorts of strange shadows and ghostly trees, one
996
01:01:32.760 --> 01:01:37.480
never knows what may be lurking about. And the same ned, who,
997
01:01:37.519 --> 01:01:41.079
with his two stout fists in broad daylight, would have
998
01:01:41.119 --> 01:01:44.039
undertaken to keep any living boy or man from doing
999
01:01:44.119 --> 01:01:49.039
serious mischief, felt his teeth set hard and his heart
1000
01:01:49.159 --> 01:01:52.119
stand still. As he came into the shadow of the
1001
01:01:52.159 --> 01:01:56.599
great trees, the little bird nestled close to his cheek
1002
01:01:56.679 --> 01:02:00.320
and refused to leave his shoulder. Ned indeed felt that
1003
01:02:00.360 --> 01:02:02.920
he must now look out for himself, and though his
1004
01:02:02.920 --> 01:02:07.760
heart beat high, he bravely trudged forward. It was very
1005
01:02:07.800 --> 01:02:10.119
unlike the woods to which he had been accustomed to
1006
01:02:10.119 --> 01:02:13.360
go with his schoolmates at home, where bright green maples,
1007
01:02:13.400 --> 01:02:18.920
beeches and birches made a leafy bower overhead. Instead there
1008
01:02:18.960 --> 01:02:22.800
were solemn pines and hemlocks, And as he entered deeper,
1009
01:02:22.960 --> 01:02:27.000
great caverns appeared in the rocks and narrow gullies into
1010
01:02:27.039 --> 01:02:31.280
which one might easily fall and break one's neck. Through
1011
01:02:31.360 --> 01:02:35.639
this dismal place. He trudged along, with his knees shaking,
1012
01:02:35.880 --> 01:02:38.840
but with a brave heart, until he came to a
1013
01:02:38.920 --> 01:02:42.880
great pine, which evidently had been struck by lightning, for
1014
01:02:43.000 --> 01:02:46.920
it stood up white and tall, lifting its bare arms
1015
01:02:46.960 --> 01:02:53.119
to the sky like some specter giant crying for vengeance. Luckily,
1016
01:02:53.199 --> 01:02:55.639
he had placed the bluebird in his pocket, fearing that
1017
01:02:55.679 --> 01:02:58.320
the low hanging branches would sweep it from his shoulders.
1018
01:02:59.199 --> 01:03:01.639
Had he not done so so before arriving at this spot,
1019
01:03:01.719 --> 01:03:05.719
the opportunity would not have presented itself again. Right at
1020
01:03:05.719 --> 01:03:08.519
the foot of the pine, on a decaying log sat
1021
01:03:08.559 --> 01:03:11.920
a little old man who was altogether the ugliest looking
1022
01:03:11.920 --> 01:03:15.519
object that Ned had ever seen. He was about half
1023
01:03:15.559 --> 01:03:18.119
the size of ordinary men, although the whiteness of his
1024
01:03:18.199 --> 01:03:20.639
hair and beard showed plainly that he would never be
1025
01:03:20.679 --> 01:03:23.880
any taller, and though his body was short and crooked
1026
01:03:23.880 --> 01:03:26.320
to the last degree, his face was long and pale,
1027
01:03:26.880 --> 01:03:30.960
but was lighted up by wonderfully brilliant eyes. These were
1028
01:03:31.000 --> 01:03:33.280
fixed on Ned from the moment he came in sight,
1029
01:03:33.840 --> 01:03:37.239
and piercing through the darkness. It is no wonder that
1030
01:03:37.280 --> 01:03:40.159
they chilled the poor boy's blood and failed to quicken
1031
01:03:40.239 --> 01:03:43.679
his pace. Indeed, it is not quite certain that he
1032
01:03:43.719 --> 01:03:46.039
would have gone forward at all if the greater part
1033
01:03:46.039 --> 01:03:48.960
of the forest had not been behind him. Though there
1034
01:03:49.000 --> 01:03:51.239
seemed to be a spell in the strange eyes that
1035
01:03:51.360 --> 01:03:55.280
drew the boy on in spite of himself. Come along,
1036
01:03:55.440 --> 01:03:58.519
what are you afraid of? Cried the dwarf in a little,
1037
01:03:58.599 --> 01:04:01.480
dry voice sounded like the cracking of a dry twig
1038
01:04:01.519 --> 01:04:05.639
beneath one's foot. Ned hesitated, and, as if seeking the
1039
01:04:05.639 --> 01:04:08.360
comfort of something alive and friendly, thrust his hand into
1040
01:04:08.400 --> 01:04:12.559
his pocket alongside of the little bluebird. Come on, come on,
1041
01:04:12.760 --> 01:04:14.639
little master, repeated the dwarf.
1042
01:04:15.280 --> 01:04:15.480
Here.
1043
01:04:15.559 --> 01:04:17.440
I have been waiting for more than an hour to
1044
01:04:17.480 --> 01:04:19.599
tell you some good news, and now that you are here,
1045
01:04:19.719 --> 01:04:22.039
you would hinder me because you are such a coward.
1046
01:04:23.239 --> 01:04:27.800
I don't know you, said Ned, as an excuse. Well, well,
1047
01:04:27.840 --> 01:04:30.679
no matter for that, I know you well enough. Would
1048
01:04:30.679 --> 01:04:32.719
you read about gnomes and then be so cowardly that
1049
01:04:32.760 --> 01:04:37.079
you would fear to associate with them? As he finished speaking,
1050
01:04:37.360 --> 01:04:40.239
he arose disclosing a doorway in the trunk of the
1051
01:04:40.280 --> 01:04:44.320
pine tree behind him. At that moment, a beautiful dwarf
1052
01:04:44.360 --> 01:04:48.119
maiden emerged therefrom and as if, having heard the conversation,
1053
01:04:48.320 --> 01:04:51.719
said he is no coward. Father, See he will shake
1054
01:04:51.760 --> 01:04:54.960
hands with me. Ned put out his hand, but drew
1055
01:04:54.960 --> 01:04:57.400
it back just in time to escape, having the gold
1056
01:04:57.480 --> 01:05:00.239
ring which the fairy Queen had given him slipped off
1057
01:05:00.239 --> 01:05:05.000
his finger by the dwarf maiden, selfish mortal, she cried,
1058
01:05:05.320 --> 01:05:07.960
tis nothing but a little gold band. Give it to me.
1059
01:05:08.360 --> 01:05:11.400
See I will exchange this beautiful diamond for it, and
1060
01:05:11.480 --> 01:05:14.039
she held out a sparkling stone set in a gold ring.
1061
01:05:15.559 --> 01:05:18.199
Ned drew back an alarm, more especially as the dwarf
1062
01:05:18.239 --> 01:05:22.880
himself advanced with a threatening attitude. Continuing to step back,
1063
01:05:23.320 --> 01:05:25.840
Ned kept his eyes upon the dwarf, who advanced now
1064
01:05:25.880 --> 01:05:29.719
with upraised fist. Seeing this, Ned quickly threw off his
1065
01:05:29.800 --> 01:05:33.079
coat and picking up a stout stick, prepared to defend himself.
1066
01:05:34.519 --> 01:05:36.760
It would have gone ill with him, for the dwarf
1067
01:05:36.800 --> 01:05:40.360
was surprisingly strong and agile. Had not relief come from
1068
01:05:40.360 --> 01:05:44.760
an unexpected quarter. The little blue bird had quietly slipped
1069
01:05:44.800 --> 01:05:47.519
out of Ned's pocket, and, flying up to him, received
1070
01:05:47.559 --> 01:05:49.880
the gold ring about her neck in accordance with the
1071
01:05:49.880 --> 01:05:53.320
command of the fairy Queen, which Ned remembered suddenly and
1072
01:05:53.400 --> 01:05:56.840
luckily in time, off, flew the bird to the great
1073
01:05:56.920 --> 01:06:00.159
tall pine and touched it with the magic ring. In
1074
01:06:00.199 --> 01:06:04.159
an instant, it changed into a giant, who stretched forth
1075
01:06:04.199 --> 01:06:07.119
one of his great hands, and catching up the dwarf,
1076
01:06:07.519 --> 01:06:10.599
hurled him headlong down the side of the ravine. Close by,
1077
01:06:11.599 --> 01:06:14.599
the dwarf maiden, with a cry, rushed after him, climbing
1078
01:06:14.599 --> 01:06:18.559
down the sides with wonderful agility. The giant now turned
1079
01:06:18.559 --> 01:06:21.920
to Ned, saying. The giant now turned to Ned, saying,
1080
01:06:23.000 --> 01:06:25.159
little master, I owe it to you that I have
1081
01:06:25.199 --> 01:06:29.079
once more my natural self. An evil spirit transformed me
1082
01:06:29.199 --> 01:06:32.159
into yonder tree, but the magic of your ring has
1083
01:06:32.199 --> 01:06:35.679
restored me once more to my natural shape. I will
1084
01:06:35.760 --> 01:06:39.800
henceforth serve you while the occasion lasts. And with these
1085
01:06:39.800 --> 01:06:44.159
words he knelt before Ned most humbly. At the same time,
1086
01:06:44.400 --> 01:06:47.440
the bluebird handed Ned his magic ring, and with this
1087
01:06:47.519 --> 01:06:50.239
faithful little friend his gold ring, and the giant for
1088
01:06:50.320 --> 01:06:53.559
a servant, Ned felt that he had nothing further to
1089
01:06:53.599 --> 01:06:57.280
fear while traveling in homeland. Thank you, my good friend,
1090
01:06:57.480 --> 01:07:00.039
said Ned, placing his hand upon the bowed head of
1091
01:06:59.920 --> 01:07:02.840
the giant. You are certainly grateful for what I have
1092
01:07:02.880 --> 01:07:04.639
done for you, which is more that can be said
1093
01:07:04.639 --> 01:07:07.440
of many mortals, But had I not had the magic
1094
01:07:07.519 --> 01:07:10.079
ring and the assistance of my little companion, the bluebird,
1095
01:07:10.639 --> 01:07:13.760
you would still be the tree you were let us. Therefore,
1096
01:07:13.880 --> 01:07:17.000
the three of us pledge allegiance to one another, and
1097
01:07:17.079 --> 01:07:21.320
set out upon our journey of adventure. As he finished speaking,
1098
01:07:21.400 --> 01:07:24.440
the Giant arose, and, carefully, placing Ned upon his shoulder,
1099
01:07:24.599 --> 01:07:28.440
started off at a rapid stride. The little blue bird
1100
01:07:28.480 --> 01:07:31.320
flew ahead, and in a short time the three comrades
1101
01:07:31.360 --> 01:07:34.920
emerged from the forest. In the distance could be seen
1102
01:07:34.960 --> 01:07:37.800
the turrets of a stately castle, which looked down from
1103
01:07:37.800 --> 01:07:40.639
a high point of land upon a beautiful river that
1104
01:07:40.760 --> 01:07:43.800
wound in and out like a silver ribbon through the meadow.
1105
01:07:45.519 --> 01:07:49.239
Who lives in yonder castle? Asked Ned, unconsciously adopting the
1106
01:07:49.280 --> 01:07:53.920
style of language of homeland. I know not, answered the Giant,
1107
01:07:54.679 --> 01:07:56.920
But with a few more steps we will be able
1108
01:07:56.960 --> 01:08:01.000
to inquire at the postern gates. It was indeed a
1109
01:08:01.039 --> 01:08:04.639
stately castle, and upon reaching the drawbridge, Ned was surprised
1110
01:08:04.639 --> 01:08:06.360
to find that it was not lowered for them to
1111
01:08:06.400 --> 01:08:10.400
cross over. Although they waited for some time, I think
1112
01:08:10.400 --> 01:08:13.440
I'll blow upon my policeman's whistle said Ned, hunting through
1113
01:08:13.440 --> 01:08:16.119
his pockets. I certainly had it when I left home.
1114
01:08:17.279 --> 01:08:20.640
Blow Hard advised the Giant, as Ned brought it forth,
1115
01:08:21.239 --> 01:08:25.159
blow Hard that those within may think us worthy of admittance,
1116
01:08:26.840 --> 01:08:29.159
upon which Ned let out a blast that would do
1117
01:08:29.399 --> 01:08:32.359
justice to any night of the round table. He was
1118
01:08:32.439 --> 01:08:35.000
himself surprised at the volume of the sound, but was
1119
01:08:35.039 --> 01:08:37.239
too much interested in what was about to happen to
1120
01:08:37.359 --> 01:08:40.039
realize that the touch of his magic ring had made
1121
01:08:40.039 --> 01:08:43.199
it possible for the small nickel plated whistle to create
1122
01:08:43.279 --> 01:08:47.680
such a sound. Presently, the drawbridge began slowly to descend,
1123
01:08:48.199 --> 01:08:51.319
and when the creaking chains ceased stern noise, our three
1124
01:08:51.359 --> 01:08:55.439
comrades crossed over to the castle gates. These were thrown
1125
01:08:55.479 --> 01:08:58.159
wide open, and just as the Giant placed Ned upon
1126
01:08:58.199 --> 01:09:01.279
his feet in front of the castle doors, they opened,
1127
01:09:01.399 --> 01:09:05.960
disclosing a beautiful princess on the threshold. Welcome Ned to
1128
01:09:06.000 --> 01:09:10.079
you and your two friends. Whereupon the giant bowed very low,
1129
01:09:10.199 --> 01:09:12.199
and the little blue bird flew over and nestled on
1130
01:09:12.279 --> 01:09:15.960
her shoulder. Ned was too delighted to speak for a moment,
1131
01:09:16.119 --> 01:09:19.319
for up to this time his experiences had been most trying.
1132
01:09:19.960 --> 01:09:23.279
But here at last it seemed that fortune smiled upon him,
1133
01:09:24.239 --> 01:09:26.800
so he and the giant followed her into the stately hall,
1134
01:09:27.239 --> 01:09:29.640
the latter finding it necessary to stoop each time he
1135
01:09:29.760 --> 01:09:32.479
entered a doorway, for although the castle was built on
1136
01:09:32.560 --> 01:09:35.319
magnificent lines, it had not occurred to the architect that
1137
01:09:35.399 --> 01:09:38.920
a giant would ever be a guest. When they were
1138
01:09:38.960 --> 01:09:42.039
all seated, except the giant, who sprawled on the floor,
1139
01:09:42.159 --> 01:09:44.560
as there was no chair large enough to accommodate him,
1140
01:09:45.119 --> 01:09:48.319
the beautiful princess said, I would ask you to spend
1141
01:09:48.319 --> 01:09:51.119
the night here, but my wicked stepfather returns to night,
1142
01:09:51.239 --> 01:09:54.680
and I fear he will do you some injury. I
1143
01:09:54.840 --> 01:09:59.279
fear nothing, answered Ned, courageously, standing up to appear more dignified.
1144
01:10:00.039 --> 01:10:01.720
And if I can be of any service to you,
1145
01:10:01.960 --> 01:10:04.199
say but a word, for I have a trusty friend
1146
01:10:04.199 --> 01:10:06.239
in the Giant, and also a clever one in my
1147
01:10:06.279 --> 01:10:09.159
little bluebird, to say nothing of the magic of this ring.
1148
01:10:10.119 --> 01:10:12.159
And he touched the gold band about his finger, and
1149
01:10:12.199 --> 01:10:16.880
bowed again to the beautiful princess. My stepfather is very crafty,
1150
01:10:17.319 --> 01:10:20.319
said the princess, looking at Ned intently, as if weighing
1151
01:10:20.319 --> 01:10:24.279
the possibilities of his assistance. He once changed a giant
1152
01:10:24.439 --> 01:10:28.359
into a pine tree. At these words, the giant began
1153
01:10:28.439 --> 01:10:31.600
to shake and tremble, so that the cut glass chandeliers
1154
01:10:31.720 --> 01:10:37.279
rattled all over the castle. Remember, I have the magic ring,
1155
01:10:38.079 --> 01:10:40.520
Ned whispered, leaning over to where the giant lay upon
1156
01:10:40.560 --> 01:10:44.239
the floor. Nothing can harm us with that in our possession.
1157
01:10:45.560 --> 01:10:48.560
What would you have me do? Asked Ned, turning again
1158
01:10:48.640 --> 01:10:51.199
to the beautiful princess, for he felt that she was
1159
01:10:51.279 --> 01:10:53.720
unwilling to ask him the favor, fearing it might prove
1160
01:10:53.760 --> 01:10:57.960
of harm to him. Still, the beautiful Princess remained silent
1161
01:10:58.039 --> 01:11:01.239
until the blue bird began to sing a sweet perching
1162
01:11:01.319 --> 01:11:04.000
meanwhile upon her shoulder, as if intending the song for
1163
01:11:04.079 --> 01:11:08.319
her ears. Especially, then the tears fell from her eyes.
1164
01:11:09.720 --> 01:11:12.960
Tis the song my brother was wont to sing, she said.
1165
01:11:13.560 --> 01:11:17.039
But now, and hiding her face in her hands, she
1166
01:11:17.079 --> 01:11:20.560
wept more bitterly than before. He has been sent away
1167
01:11:20.760 --> 01:11:23.359
and hidden by my cruel stepfather. I know not where
1168
01:11:24.800 --> 01:11:28.479
we will find him, for you, princess, cried Ned. Fear not,
1169
01:11:28.800 --> 01:11:31.680
for I have confidence in my two comrades and in myself.
1170
01:11:32.319 --> 01:11:34.399
Give us all something to eat, that we may have
1171
01:11:34.439 --> 01:11:38.720
strength to undertake this adventure. The Princess immediately ordered a
1172
01:11:38.760 --> 01:11:41.640
great feast to be set before them, And when our
1173
01:11:41.640 --> 01:11:44.159
three comrades had eaten their fill, they once more set
1174
01:11:44.199 --> 01:11:46.720
out upon their journey, with the prayers of the beautiful
1175
01:11:46.720 --> 01:11:50.760
Princess for their safety and successful return. As they wound
1176
01:11:50.800 --> 01:11:53.359
their way through the pleasant valley, every so often the
1177
01:11:53.359 --> 01:11:55.920
little blue bird would sing her song, loud and sweet,
1178
01:11:56.079 --> 01:11:58.840
and then would pause with folded wing to listen, as
1179
01:11:58.840 --> 01:12:02.399
if expecting an answer. So they went on for many
1180
01:12:02.439 --> 01:12:05.520
miles until as they approached a cottage by the roadside,
1181
01:12:06.079 --> 01:12:09.479
Ned thought he heard a familiar air. Indeed, he was
1182
01:12:09.520 --> 01:12:12.159
sure that something important was about to happen, for the
1183
01:12:12.199 --> 01:12:15.479
bluebird was whirring around in circles and singing, as if
1184
01:12:15.520 --> 01:12:18.279
her life depended upon the way. She trilled and warpled.
1185
01:12:19.479 --> 01:12:22.479
Why there's a bluebird in that wicker cage, exclaimed Ned,
1186
01:12:22.720 --> 01:12:25.640
pointing toward the cottage porch from which swung a bird cage.
1187
01:12:26.680 --> 01:12:30.399
It was indeed true, and in another moment Ned's bluebird
1188
01:12:30.439 --> 01:12:34.039
was perched on the railing close by. Scrambling down from
1189
01:12:34.039 --> 01:12:37.520
the giant's friendly shoulder, Ned touched the cage, and to
1190
01:12:37.600 --> 01:12:40.880
his amazement, the little door flew open and outwalked a
1191
01:12:40.920 --> 01:12:44.399
handsome young prince about his own age. Who are you?
1192
01:12:44.720 --> 01:12:48.359
Cried Ned, But before he could reply, the giant exclaimed
1193
01:12:48.880 --> 01:12:51.560
he must be the brother of the princess. We have
1194
01:12:51.840 --> 01:12:56.479
indeed completed our adventure, or nearly so, he added, remembering
1195
01:12:56.520 --> 01:12:58.720
that they had yet to deal with the crafty stepfather.
1196
01:13:00.159 --> 01:13:02.640
How can I ever repay you, cried the little prince,
1197
01:13:02.960 --> 01:13:05.520
who was at first unable to speak. From the joy
1198
01:13:05.560 --> 01:13:08.800
of it all, I am free, I am free, and
1199
01:13:08.840 --> 01:13:11.800
he almost cried with delight, flinging his arms about Ned's
1200
01:13:11.800 --> 01:13:15.399
sturdy form and patting the leg of the giant. Come,
1201
01:13:15.439 --> 01:13:17.960
little bluebird, and let me thank you too, he added,
1202
01:13:18.079 --> 01:13:20.479
as the pretty bird circled in the air and alighted
1203
01:13:20.479 --> 01:13:24.119
on Ned's shoulder. Indeed it was a happy moment for all.
1204
01:13:24.880 --> 01:13:27.399
And now, said Ned, let us think of the best
1205
01:13:27.439 --> 01:13:29.760
way to return to the castle so that the princess
1206
01:13:29.760 --> 01:13:33.840
may receive her long lost brother. The easiest way is
1207
01:13:33.880 --> 01:13:37.199
the best way, said the giant. Both you boys climb
1208
01:13:37.279 --> 01:13:39.720
up on my back, and in five hundred short seconds
1209
01:13:39.760 --> 01:13:42.039
will be back at the castle. Or I have forgotten
1210
01:13:42.039 --> 01:13:45.600
my early training on the cinder path. All of which
1211
01:13:45.680 --> 01:13:48.560
goes to show that even in no land there are sports,
1212
01:13:49.079 --> 01:13:53.319
although few fairy tales tell us anything about them. When
1213
01:13:53.439 --> 01:13:56.119
Ned and the Prince had seated themselves comfortably on the
1214
01:13:56.159 --> 01:13:59.279
great shoulders of the obliging Giant, he set off at
1215
01:13:59.279 --> 01:14:02.439
a tremendous and soon they were ascending the hill on
1216
01:14:02.479 --> 01:14:07.199
which stood the Castle of the Beautiful Princess. End of
1217
01:14:07.239 --> 01:14:16.439
section eight Section nine of The Magic Soap Bubble. This
1218
01:14:16.520 --> 01:14:19.359
is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the
1219
01:14:19.399 --> 01:14:23.239
public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit
1220
01:14:23.479 --> 01:14:28.560
LibriVox dot org. Read by Amanda Leung. The Magic Soap
1221
01:14:28.560 --> 01:14:33.640
Bubble by David Cory, The Magic Ring. Ned followed the
1222
01:14:33.640 --> 01:14:37.359
Beautiful Princess and her brother into the castle, while the Giant,
1223
01:14:37.399 --> 01:14:39.439
who had to stoop nearly to the floor in order
1224
01:14:39.479 --> 01:14:43.239
to enter the doorway, brought up the rear. As it
1225
01:14:43.319 --> 01:14:46.920
was late, everyone decided to go to bed. Besides, they
1226
01:14:46.920 --> 01:14:50.760
were all well tired out after their exciting day. You
1227
01:14:50.880 --> 01:14:53.119
would have laughed to see the giant to send the
1228
01:14:53.159 --> 01:14:56.399
stairway to the royal bedchambers, for the steps were too
1229
01:14:56.439 --> 01:15:00.119
small for his feet, and it was with great difficulty
1230
01:15:00.199 --> 01:15:02.439
that he managed to get a foothold with the toes
1231
01:15:02.479 --> 01:15:06.520
of his boots. When at last he was safely inside
1232
01:15:06.560 --> 01:15:09.880
his bedroom, the largest in the castle, it was found
1233
01:15:09.960 --> 01:15:13.199
that the bedstead was not nearly long enough for him,
1234
01:15:13.600 --> 01:15:16.279
So the princess gave orders that two cot beds be
1235
01:15:16.359 --> 01:15:19.920
placed ends together, and in this way the giant, by
1236
01:15:19.960 --> 01:15:22.960
allowing his feet to project through the open window, could
1237
01:15:23.000 --> 01:15:26.880
lie down at full length. His feet nearly reached the
1238
01:15:26.920 --> 01:15:30.079
tree that grew just outside, on which the little bluebird
1239
01:15:30.119 --> 01:15:32.960
had perched for the night. And it was lucky, indeed,
1240
01:15:33.039 --> 01:15:36.439
that it was midsummer, for otherwise our big friend might
1241
01:15:36.479 --> 01:15:40.840
have caught a severe cold. After bidding the giant good night,
1242
01:15:41.239 --> 01:15:43.600
the little Bluebird had a few minutes talk with Ned
1243
01:15:43.600 --> 01:15:46.880
while he undressed himself. She agreed to act as a
1244
01:15:46.920 --> 01:15:49.760
sentinel during the night, to keep a vigilant lookout from
1245
01:15:49.760 --> 01:15:53.319
the tree top, and in case of approaching danger, instantly
1246
01:15:53.399 --> 01:15:57.760
to awaken Ned and the Giant. Gradually the great castle
1247
01:15:57.800 --> 01:16:01.520
grew quiet until nothing was stirring, not even a mouse.
1248
01:16:05.119 --> 01:16:07.600
At times, the night wind rustled the leaves in the
1249
01:16:07.640 --> 01:16:11.359
tree where the little blue bird sentinel sat, winking and blinking,
1250
01:16:12.159 --> 01:16:15.800
and the big yellow moon glistened fantastically on the big
1251
01:16:15.880 --> 01:16:20.119
toe of the giant. Toward midnight, a faint sound in
1252
01:16:20.159 --> 01:16:23.439
the distance, like the beat of horses hoofs, startled the
1253
01:16:23.439 --> 01:16:27.840
blue bird. Hastily flying toward the castle entrance. She gazed
1254
01:16:27.840 --> 01:16:30.439
out upon the roadway that wound up from the valley below.
1255
01:16:31.560 --> 01:16:34.359
At some distance she made out dimly the figures of
1256
01:16:34.399 --> 01:16:38.520
a number of horsemen. Returning swiftly to the castle. She
1257
01:16:38.640 --> 01:16:42.359
tweaked the Giant's big toe that you can easily imagine,
1258
01:16:42.439 --> 01:16:46.920
awoke him with a start. What's the matter, he asked
1259
01:16:46.920 --> 01:16:50.279
in a frightened whisper, which, although only a whisper, was
1260
01:16:50.399 --> 01:16:53.680
enough to make the castle tremble, thereby awakening Ned and
1261
01:16:53.720 --> 01:16:58.239
the princess herself. The crafty stepfather of the princess is coming,
1262
01:16:58.640 --> 01:17:02.079
answered the bluebird. Oh then it's all up with me,
1263
01:17:02.279 --> 01:17:04.800
cried the giant, for he'll change me again into a
1264
01:17:04.840 --> 01:17:08.640
pine tree. The blue bird made no reply, but hastened
1265
01:17:08.680 --> 01:17:11.760
to find Ned. On entering his bedroom through the half
1266
01:17:11.800 --> 01:17:15.560
open window, she found him already dressing. Take the ring,
1267
01:17:15.880 --> 01:17:18.479
he said, slipping it over her glossy neck. After she
1268
01:17:18.520 --> 01:17:21.439
had informed him of what she had seen. If you
1269
01:17:21.439 --> 01:17:23.760
can manage to touch him with it, this wicked man
1270
01:17:23.800 --> 01:17:26.880
will find that he has no power whatever to harm us.
1271
01:17:27.920 --> 01:17:31.039
I will make haste, replied the little bird, for they
1272
01:17:31.119 --> 01:17:35.239
must by this time have reached the drawbridge, so saying,
1273
01:17:35.399 --> 01:17:38.039
she flew swiftly away and reached the other side of
1274
01:17:38.079 --> 01:17:42.399
the moat just as the cavalcade set foot upon the bridge.
1275
01:17:42.840 --> 01:17:45.800
Awaiting her opportunity to touch the wicked stepfather of the
1276
01:17:45.840 --> 01:17:48.960
princess with the magic ring, she alighted quietly on the
1277
01:17:49.000 --> 01:17:51.560
tip of a spear which one of the horsemen carried.
1278
01:17:52.680 --> 01:17:55.000
As they neared the center of the drawbridge, the king,
1279
01:17:55.239 --> 01:17:58.880
as if suddenly aware of an unseen power, exclaimed, I
1280
01:17:59.000 --> 01:18:03.199
feel there is dangure near. Then the horseman shook his
1281
01:18:03.279 --> 01:18:06.520
spear defiantly, and so startled the little bluebird that she
1282
01:18:06.640 --> 01:18:10.359
nearly lost her footing and alas what was much more
1283
01:18:10.399 --> 01:18:13.720
serious caused her to loosen her hold upon the little
1284
01:18:13.720 --> 01:18:16.560
magic gold ring, which slipped from between her bill and
1285
01:18:16.760 --> 01:18:21.119
fell into the waters of the moat. Like a falling star.
1286
01:18:21.279 --> 01:18:23.560
It shivered and glimmered in the rays of the moon
1287
01:18:23.600 --> 01:18:27.199
as it descended, attracting the attention of a speckled trout,
1288
01:18:27.439 --> 01:18:30.359
who opened his mouth and swallowed it as it splashed
1289
01:18:30.399 --> 01:18:34.520
upon the silvery surface of the water. Your trusty spear
1290
01:18:34.600 --> 01:18:37.439
has done me good service in times gone by, exclaimed
1291
01:18:37.479 --> 01:18:40.760
the wicked King, not knowing that its owner had unknowingly
1292
01:18:40.800 --> 01:18:43.119
been the cause of saving him at the present moment.
1293
01:18:44.520 --> 01:18:47.520
On came the cavalcade the wicked attendants of the king
1294
01:18:47.640 --> 01:18:50.279
inside the castle, opening the gates and allowing him and
1295
01:18:50.319 --> 01:18:54.000
his men to enter the courtyard. Ned looked down from
1296
01:18:54.000 --> 01:18:56.600
his window and wondered what had become of the bluebird.
1297
01:18:57.399 --> 01:18:59.520
He did not feel afraid, but at the same time
1298
01:18:59.600 --> 01:19:03.920
he realized that he was not in friendly hands. The giant,
1299
01:19:04.000 --> 01:19:06.439
on hearing the gates open, had quickly drawn in his
1300
01:19:06.479 --> 01:19:08.520
feet and was struggling to get his shoes on when
1301
01:19:08.520 --> 01:19:12.439
Ned appeared at the door. It's all up, said the
1302
01:19:12.439 --> 01:19:14.600
big fellow, with a wry face and a ketch in
1303
01:19:14.640 --> 01:19:18.000
his gruff voice. I can feel already the pine needles
1304
01:19:18.039 --> 01:19:22.199
beginning to stick out all over me. Oh that's goose flesh.
1305
01:19:22.239 --> 01:19:25.159
You're so scared, replied Ned, smiling. In spite of the
1306
01:19:25.199 --> 01:19:27.960
gravity of the situation, it may not be as bad
1307
01:19:28.000 --> 01:19:31.680
as you think. Just then, a great pounding on the
1308
01:19:31.680 --> 01:19:34.359
front doors told them that the king was seeking admittance.
1309
01:19:35.319 --> 01:19:40.439
Who has locked the doors? He shouted, Wait a minute,
1310
01:19:40.760 --> 01:19:43.399
said the sweet voice of the princess. We did not
1311
01:19:43.520 --> 01:19:46.760
expect you so late, And she ran down the stairs
1312
01:19:46.760 --> 01:19:51.119
and opened the door herself. I have two visitors upstairs,
1313
01:19:51.600 --> 01:19:55.840
she said, as the angry monarch stepped inside. What he
1314
01:19:55.920 --> 01:19:59.479
shouted hoarsely? Bring them to me? How do I know
1315
01:20:00.119 --> 01:20:04.560
but that they are enemies? Indeed they are not, she replied,
1316
01:20:04.920 --> 01:20:08.840
as you will see in five hundred short seconds. Ned,
1317
01:20:09.039 --> 01:20:11.640
come down, she called, Bring your friend with you, for
1318
01:20:11.720 --> 01:20:14.880
I would have you meet the king. Ned turned to
1319
01:20:14.920 --> 01:20:18.800
the giant, whose big face was twitching with terror. He'll
1320
01:20:18.840 --> 01:20:22.760
recognize me as sure as eggs is eggs, he groaned.
1321
01:20:24.279 --> 01:20:28.560
What is that? Thunder? Exclaimed the king below, mistaking the
1322
01:20:28.600 --> 01:20:32.720
giant's moan for a thunderclap. But before his question was answered,
1323
01:20:32.800 --> 01:20:35.039
Ned and his friend appeared at the head of the stairway.
1324
01:20:36.359 --> 01:20:38.760
After shaking hands with Ned in quite a friendly way,
1325
01:20:39.239 --> 01:20:43.359
the wicked king turned to the giant. Ha ha, he cried,
1326
01:20:44.000 --> 01:20:46.960
Have I not had the pleasure of meeting you before?
1327
01:20:47.079 --> 01:20:50.600
My fine friend? The giant said nothing, For what could
1328
01:20:50.640 --> 01:20:55.960
he say? Have I not met you before? Repeated the
1329
01:20:56.039 --> 01:21:00.319
king with a fierce gesture. Methinks you would look better
1330
01:21:00.359 --> 01:21:04.119
as a pine tree than a hulking giant. And before
1331
01:21:04.159 --> 01:21:06.399
the words were fairly out of the king's mouth, a
1332
01:21:06.479 --> 01:21:09.840
stately pine tree was standing in the courtyard, through which
1333
01:21:09.880 --> 01:21:12.119
the wind of the early morning made a moaning noise,
1334
01:21:12.279 --> 01:21:15.279
much like the pitiful groan of the poor late giant.
1335
01:21:16.119 --> 01:21:21.279
And you, my little cockatoo, continued the wicked King, turning
1336
01:21:21.319 --> 01:21:25.760
quickly to Ned, would look better in a cage. In
1337
01:21:25.800 --> 01:21:29.039
another minute, Ned found himself in a wicker cage, suspended
1338
01:21:29.039 --> 01:21:33.039
from the lowest limb of the pine tree. And now
1339
01:21:33.680 --> 01:21:38.439
cried the wicked king, where is your third guest. The
1340
01:21:38.479 --> 01:21:42.520
princess paused a moment. Oh the little bluebird, she exclaimed,
1341
01:21:42.800 --> 01:21:47.560
where has it gone? No, not the little bluebird, but
1342
01:21:47.680 --> 01:21:51.720
he that was the blue bird. At this the poor
1343
01:21:51.760 --> 01:21:55.399
princess became very pale. She had hidden her brother the
1344
01:21:55.439 --> 01:21:57.520
evening before, when they had gone to bed, in a
1345
01:21:57.560 --> 01:22:01.279
closet in her room, hoping to have opportunity of disguising
1346
01:22:01.319 --> 01:22:03.479
him and sending him away with Ned and the giant
1347
01:22:03.479 --> 01:22:06.720
the first thing in the morning. But now alas her
1348
01:22:06.720 --> 01:22:10.560
wicked stepfather undoubtedly suspected something for else, why should he
1349
01:22:10.600 --> 01:22:13.199
ask for him? She was in despair, for she did
1350
01:22:13.199 --> 01:22:16.199
not know what to say. And where was Ned's little friend,
1351
01:22:16.359 --> 01:22:19.880
the bluebird herself? All this time? Had she deserted her friends?
1352
01:22:20.000 --> 01:22:24.800
The little princess asked herself, answer my question, cried the king.
1353
01:22:24.920 --> 01:22:28.439
Grasping hold of her wrist. The princess screamed with terror,
1354
01:22:28.479 --> 01:22:30.840
and her brother, hearing her cry, rushed forth from the
1355
01:22:30.880 --> 01:22:34.760
closet and down the stairs. Whipping his sword from its scabbard,
1356
01:22:34.760 --> 01:22:38.079
he made for the cruel tyrant. Alas that bravery and
1357
01:22:38.159 --> 01:22:41.399
valor do not always win, it was useless for him
1358
01:22:41.439 --> 01:22:44.039
to fight against so experienced a swordsman as the king,
1359
01:22:44.720 --> 01:22:46.880
And in short time the prince was wounded and his
1360
01:22:47.000 --> 01:22:51.800
sword thrown from his grasp. Little gamecock cried his conqueror.
1361
01:22:52.640 --> 01:22:55.399
You must needs grow larger spurs before you tackle an
1362
01:22:55.479 --> 01:22:58.279
old rooster like me. And since you remind me of
1363
01:22:58.319 --> 01:23:02.840
one a rooster, you sha, And in five short seconds,
1364
01:23:02.880 --> 01:23:06.960
the little prince was changed into a young gangpock out
1365
01:23:07.000 --> 01:23:09.840
in the courtyard, cried the king. A castle is no
1366
01:23:10.079 --> 01:23:15.079
chicken house, and the little prince found himself unceremoniously thrown
1367
01:23:15.199 --> 01:23:21.520
under the big pine tree, have pity, cried the little princess.
1368
01:23:22.239 --> 01:23:26.760
Is there no pity for a little orphan princess enough,
1369
01:23:27.520 --> 01:23:30.840
answered the king with a stamp of his foot. Go
1370
01:23:30.960 --> 01:23:34.159
to your room, else you may find yourself also changed
1371
01:23:34.159 --> 01:23:37.199
into a bird, or a tree, or a pretty butterfly.
1372
01:23:38.840 --> 01:23:42.479
So the unhappy little princess went up the stairs, crying bitterly,
1373
01:23:42.680 --> 01:23:46.039
to her own chamber. Closing the door, she leaned out
1374
01:23:46.079 --> 01:23:48.640
of the window and sobbed, as if her heart would break.
1375
01:23:49.760 --> 01:23:52.079
For a moment, she did not notice that the topmost
1376
01:23:52.079 --> 01:23:54.319
branch of the pine tree was close to her casement.
1377
01:23:55.000 --> 01:23:57.520
In fact, she would not have noticed it for some time,
1378
01:23:57.600 --> 01:24:00.720
probably as her face was buried in her hands, had
1379
01:24:00.760 --> 01:24:04.760
not the branch brushed against her fingers. As she withdrew
1380
01:24:04.800 --> 01:24:07.560
her hands from her face, she heard the giant's voice,
1381
01:24:08.119 --> 01:24:14.239
very much subdued, speaking to her. Ned says not to despair,
1382
01:24:14.760 --> 01:24:18.079
for he feels sure that his little friend, the bluebird,
1383
01:24:18.439 --> 01:24:23.239
will yet find a way to liberate us. All end
1384
01:24:23.239 --> 01:24:24.199
of section.
1385
01:24:23.920 --> 01:24:33.279
Nine, Chapter ten of The Magic Soap Bubble. This is
1386
01:24:33.319 --> 01:24:37.279
a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain.
1387
01:24:37.760 --> 01:24:41.920
For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org.
1388
01:24:42.880 --> 01:24:46.600
The Magic Soap Bubble by David Cory, Chapter ten, The
1389
01:24:46.640 --> 01:24:50.479
Magic Balloon. Great was the grief of the little bluebird
1390
01:24:50.560 --> 01:24:53.600
as she skimmed over the waters of the moat, realizing
1391
01:24:53.720 --> 01:24:56.920
how impossible it was for her to regain the lost rank.
1392
01:24:57.399 --> 01:24:59.560
She had not the heart for the moment to return
1393
01:24:59.600 --> 01:25:02.560
to the count to inform ned of his loss, so
1394
01:25:02.600 --> 01:25:06.319
she perched herself disconsolately on a bush which grew close
1395
01:25:06.359 --> 01:25:09.800
to the margin of the moonlit water, wondering what was
1396
01:25:09.880 --> 01:25:14.359
best to do. Suddenly, the speckled trout rose to the surface, and,
1397
01:25:14.479 --> 01:25:18.079
seeing how despondent was the pretty blue bird, inquired the
1398
01:25:18.079 --> 01:25:21.319
cause of her grief. Ah me, she sighed in answer,
1399
01:25:22.000 --> 01:25:24.199
I have lost a magic gold ring, and I know
1400
01:25:24.319 --> 01:25:27.079
not what to do nor how to recover it. At
1401
01:25:27.119 --> 01:25:31.079
this the speckled trout flapped his silvery tail gleefully and answered,
1402
01:25:31.239 --> 01:25:33.640
worry no more, pretty blue bird, for I have it
1403
01:25:33.680 --> 01:25:36.960
safely tucked away inside of me. If that be the case,
1404
01:25:36.960 --> 01:25:40.319
sir trout joyously chirped the happy bird, swim at your
1405
01:25:40.359 --> 01:25:43.439
greatest speed and deliver the ring to her majesty. The
1406
01:25:43.560 --> 01:25:46.960
Waterfall Fairy, Queen of the lake, tell her that Ned,
1407
01:25:47.079 --> 01:25:49.960
her little mortal friend, is in dire peril, and that
1408
01:25:50.039 --> 01:25:53.359
he needs her aid. That will I gladly do, answered
1409
01:25:53.399 --> 01:25:56.960
the speckled trout, and without more delay, he darted off
1410
01:25:57.039 --> 01:25:59.760
down the moat towards the dam at the farther side,
1411
01:26:00.399 --> 01:26:03.199
over which the water ran in a clear stream into
1412
01:26:03.239 --> 01:26:06.800
the purling brook, which finally led to the lake where
1413
01:26:06.840 --> 01:26:11.359
lived Ned's friend, the fairy Queen. Down the silvery cascade,
1414
01:26:11.399 --> 01:26:15.279
he glided and whirled away through the running water, frightening
1415
01:26:15.319 --> 01:26:18.119
the minnows and miller's thumbs lying among the stones in
1416
01:26:18.119 --> 01:26:22.239
the shallow places, and startling the crawfishes and little fresh
1417
01:26:22.279 --> 01:26:25.920
water lobsters hidden under the hollow banks. Faster and faster,
1418
01:26:26.039 --> 01:26:29.840
he swam like a courier with important despatches, down the
1419
01:26:29.920 --> 01:26:33.640
clear stream, running over its pebbly bed, with the luscious meadows,
1420
01:26:33.720 --> 01:26:37.239
sweet and the large blue geranium pluming all about its banks,
1421
01:26:38.000 --> 01:26:40.880
and the wild rose on its bushes. Nor did he
1422
01:26:40.920 --> 01:26:44.079
pause until, with a loud splash, he dived over the
1423
01:26:44.079 --> 01:26:47.560
waterfall safely into the lake and rose to the surface.
1424
01:26:47.640 --> 01:26:49.880
Close to the place of the Queen of the lake,
1425
01:26:50.279 --> 01:26:53.239
a big black spider was busily at work mending the
1426
01:26:53.279 --> 01:26:56.600
suspension bridge which spanned the water at this narrow point,
1427
01:26:57.000 --> 01:26:59.319
for the heavy drops of dew had broken the slender
1428
01:26:59.319 --> 01:27:03.079
strands and several places. He stopped his work to look
1429
01:27:03.119 --> 01:27:06.279
at the speckled trout, who at once addressed him. I
1430
01:27:06.319 --> 01:27:09.239
am the bearer of a most important dispatch for her Highness,
1431
01:27:09.239 --> 01:27:13.199
he began, well, and I'm engaged in the most important
1432
01:27:13.239 --> 01:27:18.279
duty of repairing her Highness's bridge, replied the spider. So
1433
01:27:18.439 --> 01:27:22.079
I see, answered the trout. But at this very moment
1434
01:27:22.159 --> 01:27:24.840
the Queen herself, hearing voices at so early an hour,
1435
01:27:24.920 --> 01:27:28.680
outside her window, peeped out. Catching sight of her, the
1436
01:27:28.880 --> 01:27:32.119
trout called out boldly, listen to me, I beg of you,
1437
01:27:32.239 --> 01:27:35.520
most gracious Queen. I've brought you the gold ring from
1438
01:27:35.560 --> 01:27:39.840
Ned who sorely needs thy aid. At this, the Queen
1439
01:27:39.920 --> 01:27:43.319
quickly withdrew her head and in a short time emerged
1440
01:27:43.359 --> 01:27:46.479
from the doorway of her castle. Hastily running to the
1441
01:27:46.520 --> 01:27:50.399
water's edge. She leaned over, grasping hold of a stalk
1442
01:27:50.479 --> 01:27:53.399
to keep her from falling. Here is the ring, said
1443
01:27:53.439 --> 01:27:55.960
the trout, holding it in his teeth, and swimming as
1444
01:27:55.960 --> 01:27:59.079
close to the bank as he was able. The queen
1445
01:27:59.199 --> 01:28:02.600
reached out and took it safely from him. I will
1446
01:28:02.640 --> 01:28:05.439
make you king of my fishes. Noble sir trout, she cried,
1447
01:28:05.760 --> 01:28:08.880
for what you have this day accomplished, remain here in
1448
01:28:08.960 --> 01:28:13.039
my leg henceforth and now to the rescue. In an
1449
01:28:13.079 --> 01:28:16.640
incredibly short time, she was mounted on her swiftest robin,
1450
01:28:17.039 --> 01:28:20.279
and with her three ladies in waiting, flew away towards
1451
01:28:20.279 --> 01:28:24.319
the castle where ned and the beautiful Princess, her brave brother,
1452
01:28:24.720 --> 01:28:27.199
and the giant were held prisoners by the magic of
1453
01:28:27.239 --> 01:28:30.560
the wicked King. Now, the little bluebird, as she saw
1454
01:28:30.600 --> 01:28:33.680
her friend, the trout swim away, suddenly thought of her
1455
01:28:33.680 --> 01:28:37.000
former master, the King of the Gnomes, and decided to
1456
01:28:37.039 --> 01:28:40.279
seek aid from him. So, whirling around in a circle
1457
01:28:40.359 --> 01:28:43.319
to get her bearings, she darted off swiftly through the
1458
01:28:43.359 --> 01:28:47.319
air towards the cave of the forest. She made rapid
1459
01:28:47.359 --> 01:28:50.399
progress until she reached the thick foliage of the woods,
1460
01:28:50.800 --> 01:28:55.079
and here, in her eagerness, she nearly lost her way. Indeed,
1461
01:28:55.119 --> 01:28:58.000
in the uncertain light that struggled through the thick boughs,
1462
01:28:58.560 --> 01:29:01.399
it was not easy to make out certain familiar landmarks
1463
01:29:01.439 --> 01:29:05.239
which would guide her to her destination. At length. Just
1464
01:29:05.279 --> 01:29:07.680
at dawn, she found herself at the foot of the hill,
1465
01:29:07.760 --> 01:29:11.079
wherein was the cave of the King of Nomes. Worn
1466
01:29:11.119 --> 01:29:14.199
out with her arduous journey, she fluttered down to the
1467
01:29:14.279 --> 01:29:18.840
edge of the bubbling fountain and drank of its refreshing waters. Then,
1468
01:29:18.960 --> 01:29:21.600
picking up a pebble, she dropped it into the little
1469
01:29:21.600 --> 01:29:25.720
gravelly basin, hopped painfully over to the great flat stone,
1470
01:29:26.119 --> 01:29:29.319
and tapped upon it three times with her beak. No
1471
01:29:29.399 --> 01:29:31.880
one replied, but the rock opened in the middle, and
1472
01:29:31.960 --> 01:29:34.720
there stood the King of the Nomes himself. On seeing
1473
01:29:34.760 --> 01:29:37.439
the little blue bird, he stretched out a kindly hand
1474
01:29:37.479 --> 01:29:40.000
for her to rest upon, and he carried her into
1475
01:29:40.039 --> 01:29:43.279
the inner room. It was his breakfast hour for Nomes
1476
01:29:43.359 --> 01:29:47.239
our early risers. Seating himself at the table, he ordered
1477
01:29:47.239 --> 01:29:49.760
that the little bird be served with breakfast at once,
1478
01:29:50.119 --> 01:29:53.479
for well he knew that a hungry bird's first wish
1479
01:29:53.600 --> 01:29:56.319
must be for food. The king had scarce given this
1480
01:29:56.479 --> 01:29:59.960
order before several nimble little men of the forest placed
1481
01:30:00.119 --> 01:30:02.920
seeds and grains of wheat, and a goblet of golden
1482
01:30:02.960 --> 01:30:06.600
fruit juice before the blue bird. Soon she was sufficiently
1483
01:30:06.640 --> 01:30:09.279
revived to address the Gnomes, and it took her but
1484
01:30:09.359 --> 01:30:13.039
a few moments to tell him all come, let us hasten,
1485
01:30:13.079 --> 01:30:16.319
he said as she finished, and slipping into his pocket
1486
01:30:16.399 --> 01:30:19.840
his magic pipe and little pieces of soap, he left
1487
01:30:19.880 --> 01:30:23.279
the cave and walked rapidly toward a small clearing, Leaning
1488
01:30:23.319 --> 01:30:25.680
over a little pool in the hollow of the grassy earth,
1489
01:30:26.199 --> 01:30:28.960
he filled his pipe, rubbed the soap about the rim,
1490
01:30:29.199 --> 01:30:32.119
and in a moment more blew a large soap bubble.
1491
01:30:32.520 --> 01:30:35.000
Taking the little blue bird in his hand, he opened
1492
01:30:35.000 --> 01:30:38.159
a small door and entered the magic balloon. Up and
1493
01:30:38.239 --> 01:30:40.520
up it went until it was well above the tops
1494
01:30:40.560 --> 01:30:43.359
of the trees. Then it took a course toward the east,
1495
01:30:43.680 --> 01:30:46.720
where the rising sun was gilding the sky with its
1496
01:30:46.760 --> 01:30:50.960
golden fingers. Faster and faster it sailed overtaking in a
1497
01:30:51.000 --> 01:30:53.960
short time the fairy Queen and her three ladies in waiting,
1498
01:30:54.319 --> 01:30:58.000
mounted on their friendly robins. In the distance could be
1499
01:30:58.039 --> 01:31:01.239
seen the turrets of the castle leaming in the morning sun,
1500
01:31:01.439 --> 01:31:06.000
like bayonets thrust up from the earth in monster guns. Now,
1501
01:31:06.079 --> 01:31:09.000
little Bluebird, said the Gnome, opening the little door and
1502
01:31:09.079 --> 01:31:12.520
thrusting her out upon his hand. As the big soap
1503
01:31:12.560 --> 01:31:16.319
bubble hovered above the castle, fly down and tell Ned
1504
01:31:16.479 --> 01:31:21.199
that deliverance is near at hand. Also inform the beautiful princess,
1505
01:31:21.199 --> 01:31:24.079
who I see is still sitting at her window, but asleep.
1506
01:31:24.640 --> 01:31:28.199
Off flew the blue bird on her happy errand your majesty,
1507
01:31:28.359 --> 01:31:31.119
cried the gnome, addressing the fairy queen as she drew
1508
01:31:31.199 --> 01:31:34.239
rein at the doorway of the soap bubble. I would
1509
01:31:34.279 --> 01:31:36.960
suggest that you touch with the magic ring only the
1510
01:31:37.000 --> 01:31:41.279
cage wherein is confined our friend, ned, instructing him, while
1511
01:31:41.319 --> 01:31:43.960
still in the form of a cockatoo, to fly up
1512
01:31:44.000 --> 01:31:47.079
to the topmost branch of the pine tree. Also for
1513
01:31:47.159 --> 01:31:51.239
the Princess's brother, while he's still a gamecock, to do. Likewise,
1514
01:31:51.800 --> 01:31:54.560
after I have brought the bubble close to the window ledge,
1515
01:31:54.840 --> 01:31:58.439
so that the beautiful Princess may step easily inside, I
1516
01:31:58.479 --> 01:32:00.840
will cause it to rise to the tree, from which
1517
01:32:00.880 --> 01:32:04.600
advantageous position Ned and the Princess's brother can step within.
1518
01:32:05.399 --> 01:32:08.119
But what to do with the pine tree, giant, said
1519
01:32:08.119 --> 01:32:13.039
the Gnome, scratching his beard reflectively. Gets me, however, one
1520
01:32:13.039 --> 01:32:15.039
thing at a time, as my old grandfather used to
1521
01:32:15.079 --> 01:32:17.279
say when I was a boy, One thing at a time.
1522
01:32:17.920 --> 01:32:21.159
As the bluebird whispered in the ear, of the beautiful Princess.
1523
01:32:21.479 --> 01:32:25.159
The magic soap bubble approached the window ledge, rubbing her
1524
01:32:25.199 --> 01:32:29.199
eyes but making no outcry. Although she was very much startled,
1525
01:32:29.880 --> 01:32:34.000
she obeyed the bluebird's command to step softly and entered
1526
01:32:34.000 --> 01:32:38.000
the bubble. It then ascended till it was online with
1527
01:32:38.119 --> 01:32:41.319
the topmost branch, where it swayed in the gentle morning
1528
01:32:41.359 --> 01:32:45.640
breeze like a barnyard weather cock, the game rooster on
1529
01:32:45.640 --> 01:32:49.399
one side and the cockatoo on the other. The Fairy
1530
01:32:49.520 --> 01:32:51.880
Queen touched them with the ring as they hopped into
1531
01:32:51.880 --> 01:32:55.840
the bubble, and they regained immediately their natural shape. The
1532
01:32:55.880 --> 01:32:58.960
princess threw her arms around her dear brother and hugged Ned.
1533
01:32:59.159 --> 01:33:01.560
So great was her delight. Ned ran over to his
1534
01:33:01.600 --> 01:33:04.159
little friend, the Gnome, and thanked him again and again
1535
01:33:04.239 --> 01:33:06.880
for his aid, and was about to lean out of
1536
01:33:06.920 --> 01:33:09.600
the doorway to also thank the Fairy Queen, when the
1537
01:33:09.600 --> 01:33:13.279
Gnome restrained him. Not so fast, Ned, my boy, All
1538
01:33:13.439 --> 01:33:17.000
is not yet over. No, indeed, answered Ned. We must
1539
01:33:17.039 --> 01:33:20.560
rescue the giant. Ay, there's the rub, replied the Gnome.
1540
01:33:20.680 --> 01:33:22.319
How are we ever to get him in the bubble,
1541
01:33:22.640 --> 01:33:26.079
either as a tree or as a giant At this point.
1542
01:33:26.119 --> 01:33:29.479
The fairy Queen joined the conversation, kissing Ned at the
1543
01:33:29.479 --> 01:33:32.760
same time as he attempted to anchor. Let me first
1544
01:33:32.840 --> 01:33:35.399
change him into his natural form, she said, then he
1545
01:33:35.439 --> 01:33:39.279
can walk across the courtyard and out upon the drawbridge.
1546
01:33:39.680 --> 01:33:42.399
From there he can easily step off to the bubble,
1547
01:33:42.560 --> 01:33:45.479
which your majesty can lower to the right height above
1548
01:33:45.520 --> 01:33:48.680
the water of the moat. Good, said the Gnome, Go
1549
01:33:48.720 --> 01:33:51.000
and do your part, and I will attend to the bubble.
1550
01:33:51.840 --> 01:33:54.800
Just as the bubble cleared it, the pine tree became
1551
01:33:55.000 --> 01:33:59.079
once more the friendly giant, who immediately strode across the courtyard.
1552
01:33:59.439 --> 01:34:03.760
Quickly the drawbridge he hastened out upon it. The creaking
1553
01:34:03.800 --> 01:34:07.000
of the chains, however, had aroused the wicked King, who
1554
01:34:07.039 --> 01:34:09.279
looked out of his window to see what was the
1555
01:34:09.319 --> 01:34:12.600
cause of the noise. In another moment, he was rushing
1556
01:34:12.600 --> 01:34:14.920
towards the gates at the head of the castle. Guard
1557
01:34:15.359 --> 01:34:18.720
quick shouted the Gnome to the giant get in, but
1558
01:34:18.800 --> 01:34:22.319
alas the doorway was too small in vain the giant
1559
01:34:22.359 --> 01:34:26.079
wiggled and squirmed in vain ned, and the Princess's brother
1560
01:34:26.399 --> 01:34:29.479
pulled his arms. His great shoulders could not be forced
1561
01:34:29.479 --> 01:34:33.600
through the doorway. Finally, with a tremendous shove, he managed
1562
01:34:33.640 --> 01:34:36.760
to go half way in, but no further, for at
1563
01:34:36.760 --> 01:34:39.199
this point his head was against the opposite side of
1564
01:34:39.239 --> 01:34:43.439
the bubble. On came the wicked King and his castle attendants, who,
1565
01:34:43.479 --> 01:34:46.359
seeing the predicament of the giant, fitted arrows to their
1566
01:34:46.399 --> 01:34:50.520
strong bows, preparing to shoot the hapless fellow. Blow the
1567
01:34:50.560 --> 01:34:53.680
bubble larger, shouted Ned, put the pipe in his mouth
1568
01:34:53.840 --> 01:34:57.439
and tell him to blow like thunder. The Gnome placed
1569
01:34:57.439 --> 01:34:59.680
the pipe stem between the lips of the giant, and
1570
01:34:59.720 --> 01:35:02.760
cam demanded him to blow for his life, And before
1571
01:35:02.800 --> 01:35:06.920
an arrow left a bow, the bubble widened sufficiently to
1572
01:35:07.039 --> 01:35:10.760
enable the giant to crawl inside. Slamming the door shut,
1573
01:35:10.800 --> 01:35:14.720
the Nome cried out exultingly, we are safe. Away sailed
1574
01:35:14.720 --> 01:35:17.279
the magic soap bubble, with a fairy queen and her
1575
01:35:17.279 --> 01:35:20.720
little robin perched securely on the top, and her three
1576
01:35:20.800 --> 01:35:23.640
ladies in waiting standing close by on their own little
1577
01:35:23.640 --> 01:35:27.640
feathered steeds. Back to the beautiful waterfall lake, where the
1578
01:35:27.640 --> 01:35:31.079
fairy queen bade Ned goodbye. Back to the friendly Nome's
1579
01:35:31.079 --> 01:35:33.800
cave in the woods, where he said farewell to Ned.
1580
01:35:34.199 --> 01:35:37.000
Back to the big man's land, where lived the Giant
1581
01:35:37.039 --> 01:35:39.800
with his kind old mother. Back to the castle where
1582
01:35:39.840 --> 01:35:42.479
lived the beautiful Princess and her brother before the wicked
1583
01:35:42.600 --> 01:35:45.680
king had kidnapped them, And back at last to Ned's
1584
01:35:45.720 --> 01:35:48.159
own home, where it left him in the old easy
1585
01:35:48.239 --> 01:35:50.680
chair by the window from which he had started out
1586
01:35:50.720 --> 01:35:54.279
to visit Nomeland. Well, well, little reader, here we are,
1587
01:35:54.319 --> 01:35:56.399
you and I at the end of the book. What
1588
01:35:56.520 --> 01:35:58.840
shall we do? For we have grown to be such
1589
01:35:58.880 --> 01:36:02.840
good friends. While you've been reading this story of mine. Listen,
1590
01:36:03.119 --> 01:36:07.479
I will tell you another story. It's called the Iceberg Express.
1591
01:36:08.119 --> 01:36:10.800
It is one of the Little Journeys to Happyland books.
1592
01:36:11.079 --> 01:36:14.600
So come with me on the Iceberg Express. Yours for
1593
01:36:14.640 --> 01:36:18.600
a story. David Cory. This is the end of chapter
1594
01:36:18.680 --> 01:36:22.560
ten The Magic Balloon. And this is the end of
1595
01:36:22.640 --> 01:36:25.000
The Magic Soap Bubble by David Cory.