explained to me, though," and I proceeded to inform him of what the
guide had told me concerning the matter.

"Pooh! Rubbish! He doesn't know what he's talking about," said Shin
Shira contemptuously; "I'll tell you the real story of those rocks as it
occurred, let's see--about eight or nine hundred years ago. I remember
it quite well, for it was one of those occasions when I was _most_
distressed at having to disappear at what was for me the very worst
possible moment."

I settled myself comfortably on the rocks beside Shin Shira and prepared
to listen with great interest.

"Let's think for a moment," said the little Yellow Dwarf, looking about
him.

"It began--oh, yes! I know now. In that cave over yonder--I was eight
or nine hundred years younger then, and a very warm-blooded and
impressionable young fellow at that time; and I can remember being
struck with the extreme beauty of the charming Princess whom I
discovered in tears there when I suddenly appeared.

"The cave itself was hung about with the most beautiful silken curtains
and tapestries, and on the floor were spread rugs and carpets and
cushions of Oriental magnificence. Tiny tables, inlaid with ivory and
mother-of-pearl, were scattered about, on which were caskets filled with
beautiful jewels and rare curios from foreign lands.

"The Princess herself was reclining on one of the cushions, sobbing as
though her heart would break, and her beautiful hair was lying in