But vast through the plain seemed , it did not take long to cross , and very soon the colt entered a sort of shady park in which was standing a single apple-tree , its branches bowed down to the ground with the weight of its fruit . In front was the korigan -- the little fairy man -- holding in his hand the fiery sword , which reduced to ashes everything it touched . At the sight of Peronnik he uttered a piercing scream , and raised his sword , but without appearing surprised the youth only lifted his cap , though he took care to remain at a little distance . ` Do not be alarmed , my prince , ' said Peronnik , ' I am just on my way to Kerglas , as the noble Rogear has begged me to come to him on business . ' ` Begged you to come ! ' repeated the dwarf , ` and who , then , are you ? ' ' I am the new servant he has engaged , as you know very well , ' answered Peronnik . ' I do not know at all , ' rejoined the korigan sulkily , ` and you may be a robber for all I can tell . ' ' I am so sorry , ' replied Peronnik , ` but I may be wrong in calling myself a servant , for I am only a bird-catcher . But do not delay me , I pray , for his highness the magician expects me , and , as you see , has lent me his colt so that I may reach the castle all the quicker . ' At these words the korigan cast his eyes for the first time on the colt , which he knew to be the one belonging to the magician , and began to think that the young man was speaking the truth . After examining the horse , he studied the rider , who had such an innocent , and indeed vacant , air that he appeared incapable of inventing a story . Still , the dwarf did not feel quite sure that all was right , and asked what the magician wanted with a bird-catcher . ` From what he says , he wants one very badly , ' replied Peronnik , ` as he declares that all his grain and all the fruit in his garden at Kerglas are eaten up by the birds . ' ` And how are you going to stop that , my fine fellow ? ' 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 XXXXX fast as any of the birds he wished to snare .
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