the golden harp, and he determined, as it had been successful so far, to give it a fair trial.

This was a wise resolve on his part, for, aided by the wonderful music, Christin had grasped some floating lilies which floated her close up to the bank of the river, and she scrambled through the rushes and crept close to Sir Peter.

The beautiful music had saved her!

Now during this time the ugly sprite had been overwhelmed by repentant feelings, and this was what came of it.

He suddenly plunged into the river again, and in another moment Sir Peter and Christin saw him rising to the surface with two fair maidens whom Christin knew at once to be her sisters.

She sprang forward to meet them, but Sir Peter still went on playing, for perchance the ugly sprite might have changed his mind if the music had ceased.

And so Christin and her sisters were brought back from the waters of Ringfalla through the sounds of a golden harp.

The harp was of more use than the golden shoes!

Christin's trouble was over. The train of

courtiers rejoined Sir Peter again, and they all went merrily on to the church, where Christin and. Sir Peter were married.

Doubtless the lost sisters acted as bridesmaids, and afterwards married handsome knights, with whom they lived as happily for ever after as Christin did with Sir Peter.

IX.

HOW THE WOLF FENRIS WAS CHAINED.

IN the times when Odin and Thor ruled in Asgard there were giants and monsters of all sorts, and some of the evil gods had monsters for children.

So it was with Loki, who had married Signe, the daughter of one of the Jötuns or giants. Two of his children were Jormungand, the great serpent, and the wolf Fenris; the third was a daughter named Hela, who, though she was not a monster, was nevertheless very terrible to look upon. They were all born in Jötunheim, where they lived for some time before the Asi heard anything about them.

When at length the tidings that they lived reached the ears of Odin, he felt very uneasy, as did the Asi generally, for they called to mind certain old prophecies, which said that these monsters should arise, and in due time bring great evils both upon gods and men. Nay, it was even said that the wolf Fenris should devour Odin him

self. Well, therefore, might Odin wish that something should at once be done to curb the growing power of Loki's offspring. At the same time he feared to offend Loki, who was his foster-brother, He had never forgotten the days of their childhood, and would never hold a feast unless Loki were present.

However, he called together a council of the Asi, and at length it was agreed that the three children should be brought from Jötunheim to some place where they might be more within his

power.

If Odin could have slain them at once, he would doubtless have been well pleased to do so; but this was not in his power. He was only able to command them, and they were bound to obey him as the greatest of the gods.

So the summons went forth, and on a given day Loki, with Hela, Fenris, and Jormungand arrived at the palace where Odin awaited them, seated upon his throne, and surrounded by the Asi in their glittering array.

Loki certainly was not dazzled by the splendour of the gods, he was used to such displays among them. Neither did it seem in any way to

move his offspring, who drew near to the steps of the throne without looking either to the right or to the left.

Hela was a little in front. Her face was grim and fierce; half her body was black, half flesh colour. So terrible was she to look at, that a shudder ran through the whole assembly as they gazed upon her awful form.

'It is clear that she belongs not to us,' said one of the Asi.

And Hela at the words half drew the knife out of her belt, as though she would strike at the speaker.

But Odin said, 'Nay, over the Asi thou shalt have no power. In Midgard, where men dwell, shalt thou be feared, and thy rule shall be over those of human race. Sorrowfully shall they own thee as a sovereign, from whose commands there is no appeal. Over them shalt thou be queen, and the greatest of kings shall stand in awe of thee. Go forth, and from the kingdom I will give thee send forth thy decrees to the children of men.'

Then Odin gave to Hela a dreary kingdom in Niflheim, the world of mist that is older than heaven and earth; and there she had charge