inquired the korigan ; and Peronnik showed him the snare he had prepared , and remarked that no bird could possible escape from it . ` That is just what I should like to be sure of , ' answered the korigan . ` My apples are completely eaten up by blackbirds and thrushes . Lay your snare , and if you can manage to catch them , I will let you pass . ' ` That is a fair bargain , ' and as he spoke Peronnik jumped down and fastened his colt to a tree ; then , stopping , he fixed one end of the net to the trunk of the apple tree , and called to the korigan to hold the other while he took out the pegs . The dwarf did as he was bid , when suddenly Peronnik threw the noose over his neck and drew it close , and the korigan was held as fast as any of the birds he wished to snare . Shrieking with rage , he tried to undo the cord , but he only pulled the knot tighter . He had put down the sword on the grass , and Peronnik had been careful to fix the net on the other side of the tree , so that it was now easy for him to pluck an apple and to mount his horse , without being hindered by the dwarf , whom he left to his fate . When they had left the plain behind them , Peronnik and his steed found themselves in a narrow valley in which was a grove of trees , full of all sorts of sweet-smelling things -- roses of every colour , yellow broom , pink honeysuckle -- while above them all towered a wonderful scarlet pansy whose face bore a strange expression . This was the flower that laughs , and no one who looked at it could help laughing too . Peronnik 's heart beat high at the thought that he had reached safely the second trial , and he gazed quite calmly at the lion with the mane of vipers twisting and twirling , who walked up and down in front of the grove . The young man pulled up and removed his cap , for , idiot though he was , he knew that when you have to do with people greater than yourself , a cap is more useful in the hand than on the head . Then , after wishing all kinds of good fortune to the lion and his family , he inquired if he was on the right road to Kerglas . ` And what is your business at Kerglas ? ' asked the lion with a growl , and showing his teeth . ` With all respect , ' answered Peronnik , pretending to be very frightened , ' I am the servant of a lady who is a friend of the noble Rogear and sends him some larks for a pasty . ' ` Larks ? ' cried the lion , licking his long whiskers . ` Why , it must be a century since I have had any ! Have you a large quantity with you ? '
` As many as this bag will hold , ' replied Peronnik , opening , as he spoke , the bag which he had filled with feathers and glue ; and to prove what he said , he turned his back XXXXX the lion and began to imitate the song of a lark .
With after behind if on over than that to while