"What statement?" inquired the giant, his brows lifting slightly.

"You informed them that you were looking for masterpieces; yet you know
well that your real purpose was to becloud the young minds of those
children--to turn them from the quest of Truth. Dare you deny this?"

"I do indeed. I assert again: I was looking for masterpieces."

"Masterpieces indeed!--in a forest! _There_ are masterpieces"--and he
pointed to the bookcases. "But you were not even looking for my house."

[Illustration: "Masterpieces indeed!--in a forest! _There_ are
masterpieces."]

"I was not thinking of books," admitted the giant.

"I grant, there are other kinds of masterpieces," said Mr. Literal;
"but they are not to be found in a forest."

"Ah, Mr. Literal!" cried the giant. "I would that I might open your
eyes. Believe me, the forest is filled with masterpieces of such
perfection as the hand of man can never know."

"So--then name me one!"

"The tiniest leaf that falls from its stem. Not all the human race
could duplicate it. The humblest plant. The human eye has no power to
take in all its marvels. And as for the trees--what has the world
produced that can match them?"