I do? I know there is one among the Giant Mountains, who sometimes helps people in distress; perhaps he might help me, if I only knew how to call on him without offending him. He does not like his name to be spoken, and badly, who speak it. nowhere else for my wife and little ones, I will not mind being punished by him, if I can only get help for them; so I will call him." He then called aloud at the very pitch of his voice, "Number Nip! Number Nip! come to my help."

often punishes people But as I can get help

The echo of Max's voice had not died away among the mountains, when a few yards in front of him he saw a big strong man all sooty and black, like a collier. The man had a long red beard hanging over his breast, and he had angry flaming eyes, and he carried a great cudgel in his hand, just like a tree broken off by the roots. As soon as he came near to Max, he raised the great cudgel as if to knock him down. "Great Spirit of the Mountains," Max called out, falling on his knees before him, "forgive me for calling you by the name which you do not like, but I

did not know how else to call you. Only listen for a moment to my sad story, and if you will not help me, then crush me like a worm to the earth." When Number Nip saw the sorrowful face of the man, and heard that he wished help from him, his anger cooled a little, so that he did not at once knock him down as he had intended; but he said to him, "Why do you disturb and insult me. by calling out that name which every one knows I dislike? You deserve death for what you have done."

"I am truly sorry," replied Max, "that I have offended you; but I am driven to seek your help, as no one else will help me. All that I need is the loan of a hundred dollars. I am an honest man, and I would pay the money back in three years, and give interest for it too."

"Why do you come to me for money?" asked Number Nip. "Who ever heard of me lending money? Go to your relations and borrow from them."

"Alas! alas!" replied Max, "one soon finds he has no relations when he is poor and needs help, however honest he may be.

Although my relations are very rich, they will give me no help."

"Let me hear your story," Number Nip then said; upon which Max told him his sad story from beginning to end.

When Number Nip had heard the story, he felt sorry for Max. He had never lent money to any one before, and thought that it would be a queer thing for him to turn moneylender, like a Jew; but he said to himself, "I will help this man." So he then said aloud to Max, "Come, follow me," and he turned and walked into the wood. Max followed him, and on and on they walked until they came to a dark, narrow valley. At one side of the dark, narrow valley a great rock rose high above the trees. At the foot of the rock the trees and bushes grew so very close that it was difficult to get in amongst them; but Number Nip pushed on through a narrow path until he came close to the rock, and Max pushed after him, although he was now getting terribly frightened, not knowing where Number Nip might be leading him. When he got to the rock the branches of the trees and the bushes were so close, all above him