to-morrow you may go on your way with more comfort." The Countess thanked Lord Giantdale very much, and gladly accepted his kind invitation. Lord Giantdale then ordered the red-bearded fellow to jump into the saddle and drive the carriage along the road, which he said he would show by riding in front. So he rode on before, and Red Beard drove the carriage after. Red Beard noticed that many queer-looking creatures like bats, with leathern wings, came flying to Lord Giantdale as he rode along, and that they appeared to get messages from him, and then fly off, some in one direction and some in another. Red Beard did not like these mysterious-looking messengers, and feared lest the message-carrying should end in some mischief to himself. The ladies in the carriage were looking out anxiously for Lord Giantdale's castle, and at last, after driving a good way through a thick wood and past many high rocks, they saw lights flickering through the branches of the trees. Immediately after, a troop of horsemen in armour, carrying flaming torches, came riding up to them. The horsemen said they had come in search of their master, and that they had been anxiously seeking him ever since sunset. They turned with Lord Giantdale and the carriage, and very soon the carriage was driving in at the court-gate of a large and beautiful castle. The whole front of the castle was brightly lighted up, and even the Countess, who had seen many grand castles in her day, said she had never seen any castle so large and grand as that one. Lord Giantdale politely assisted the ladies out of their carriage, and led them into the great hall. The Countess looked round, and missing Fritz and Carl, she felt anxious for their safety. She told Lord Giantdale of her anxiety for them, and he ordered two of his armed horsemen to go at once in search of them, and to bring them to the castle. The two horsemen rode off as they were ordered in search of the two missing men. Lord Giantdale then led the three ladies. into the drawing-room, where there was a large company of very grand people. His lordship introduced the ladies to the com L pany, and told the story of the strange adventure. The whole company appeared to be greatly interested in it, and for some time nothing else was talked of every one saying how fortunate it was that Lord Giantdale happened to be riding past at the time. After the ladies had rested for a short time in the drawing-room, Lord Giantdale brought a doctor to see them, saying they might require some soothing medicine after the terrible fright which they had got; and when the doctor saw the ladies, he ordered each of them to have a glass of a pleasant reviving cordial wine. After drinking the cordial the ladies felt quite revived, and they became lively and cheerful. Supper time came soon after, and all the company went into the great dining-hall, and sat down at the supper-table. The long dining-table was covered with all sorts of the most delightful dishes, and the sideboard and side tables were loaded with gold and silver plate of wondrous beauty; but there was nothing so surprised the Countess and her two daughters as the dessert. There were all kinds of fine fruits and sweets that you can |