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UNDER SAFE PROTECTION. 137
"Yes, sir; the fciry godmother left me here, and
then the Chimney-Elf ran away."
"So you are a chfld of the fairies! I too hare a
Isiry godmother. Morgana, the lady of the Late, will
welcome yon. Bat who is the Chimney-Elf; and how
came he and thy godmother to desert thee so cruelly I"
"Oh, she is not my godmother, but Cinderella's,"
replied Ehoda simply.
"CSndereHa's!" repeated the knight in a puzzled
voice.
"Well, weQ, I do not understand thy prattle;
but I know those who wffl be right glad to talk with
thee. Come, let me put thee upon Tonnerre's neck, and
take thy way with me; for certeslwffl not leave thee
alone in the wood, nor can I tarry longer here. Come,
little one,"
As he spoke, he drew off his steel gauntlet, and
offered his right hand to Ehoda, who laid her own in it
without hesitation, and suffered herself to be led to the
side of the great black war-horse, and lightly sprang up
to a seat in front of the saddle, without a thought of fear
or resistance. The knight mounted behind her, and
holding her firmly with one arm, he gathered up the
reins and spoke to Tonnerre, who pranced a little under
the double load, but presently fen intoa gentle amble,
and passing on through sun and shade, carried his riders
fcr along the forest road that led to Gamelot.
"And now,Kt*Ie maid, tell me thy name! 7' asked
the knight presently; and Ehoda, obeying him, added in