for you see, his noble blood betrayed itself even in his assumed form.

“Royal, dear,” Jano whispered, “they are going to marry me to that cruel Simon. If you could only help me! But you are only a horse and I know you can’t.” Little Prince Wigsie almost wished that he could bite the squire; but he remembered his Queen Mother’s teachings and knew that he must not think that way or he would lose his power and be unable to accomplish the good work that a fairy is called upon to do. So he raised his head and shook his silken white mane, and had Jano understood horse language she would have known that was a promise of help.

When they arrived at the market place, the Squire drew up with a dash and flourish, because he was very proud of his wonderful steed. He got down from the carriage and motioned grandly to the girl to follow him. “Hurry,” he said harshly, “you have many things to do, because tomorrow is your wedding day.” This was news to Jano indeed, for she had not dreamed that the time was so near. She burst into tears!

“Come, come,” said her father, and he reached out to grasp her shoulder roughly; but his hand touched empty air, for Royal had taken the bit between his teeth and was dashing quickly down the highway. Immediately all was confusion. The Squire and his cronies raced hither and thither, but they succeeded only in getting in one another’s way; and by the time the Squire had acquired another horse any attempt to follow would have been in vain, for no horse could keep up with Royal.

WHEN Jano recovered from her crying and looked up she discovered with surprise that they were going along an familiar road. It was not many seconds later that they drew up before the home of her own true love. The handsome shepherd was tending his flock in the fields when he beheld from afar the sudden appearance of his sweetheart. He ran to the carriage and climbed in to embrace her, and is it strange that as soon as he was safely in the seat Royal started off again at a mad canter?

It is given to fairies to know all things, therefore Royal did