`` How shall I find the Spirits in this great sea , with none to help or guide me ? Yet it is my last task , and for Lily-Bell 's sake I must not fear or falter now , '' said Thistle . So he flew hither and thither over the sea , looking through the waves . Soon he saw , far below , the branches of the coral tree . `` They must be here , '' thought he , and , folding his wings , he plunged into the deep , cold sea . But he saw only fearful monsters and dark shapes that gathered round him ; and , trembling with fear , he struggled up again . The great waves tossed him to and fro , and cast him bruised and faint upon the shore . Here he lay weeping bitterly , till a voice beside him said , `` Poor little Elf , what has befallen you ? These rough waves are not fit playmates for so delicate a thing as you . Tell me your sorrow , and I will comfort you . '' And Thistle , looking up , saw a white sea-bird at his side , who tried with friendly words to cheer him . So he told all his wanderings , and how he sought the Sea Spirits . `` Surely , if bee and blossom do their part to help you , birds should aid you too , '' said the Sea-bird . `` I will call my friend , the Nautilus , and he will bear you safely to the Coral Palace where the Spirits dwell . '' So , spreading his great wings , he flew away , and soon Thistle saw a little boat come dancing over the waves , and wait beside the shore for him . In he sprang . Nautilus raised his little sail to the wind , and the light boat glided swiftly over the blue sea . At last Thistle cried , `` I see lovely arches far below ; let me go , it is the Spirits ' home . '' `` Nay , close your eyes , and trust to me . I will bear you safely down , '' said Nautilus .
So XXXXX closed his eyes , and listened to the murmur of the sea , as they sank slowly through the waves .
Elf Lily-Bell Nautilus Nay Palace Sea-bird Thistle boat fro sea