looked very soft and inviting, and the trees cast cool deep
shadows, when suddenly an ogre appeared in this Paradise, in the
shape of a big, big dog! He came springing towards them showing
all his teeth, and Koma shrieked, and rushed up a cherry tree.
Gon, however, stood his ground boldly, and prepared to give
battle, for he felt that Koma's eyes were upon him, and that he
must not run away. But, alas! his courage would have availed him
nothing had his enemy once touched him, for he was large and
powerful, and very fierce. From her perch in the tree Koma saw it
all, and screamed with all her might, hoping that some one would
hear, and come to help. Luckily a servant of the princess to whom
the park belonged was walking by, and he drove off the dog, and
picking up the trembling Gon in his arms, carried him to his
mistress.

So poor little Koma was left alone, while Gon was borne away full
of trouble, not in the least knowing what to do. Even the
attention paid him by the princess, who was delighted with his
beauty and pretty ways, did not console him, but there was no use
in fighting against fate, and he could only wait and see what
would turn up.

The princess, Gon's new mistress, was so good and kind that
everybody loved her, and she would have led a happy life, had it
not been for a serpent who had fallen in love with her, and was
constantly annoying her by his presence. Her servants had orders
to drive him away as often as he appeared; but as they were
careless, and the serpent very sly, it sometimes happened that he
was able to slip past them, and to frighten the princess by
appearing before her. One day she was seated in her room, playing