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THE FLOATING PRINCE AND OTHER FAIRY TALES.
another, and always kept going down and down. Before long they began to meet gnomes, who very respectfully stepped aside to let them pass. They now went through several halls and courts, cut in the earth, and directly, the bear stopped before a door.
"You get off here," said the bear; and, when Selma had slid
"'ROBBERS!' SAID THE BEAR. 'THAT'S GOOD! ROBBERS, INDEED!'"
from his back, he rose up on his hind legs and gave a great knock with the iron knocker on the door. Then he went away.
In a moment, the door opened, and there stood a little old gnome-woman, dressed in brown, and wearing a lace cap.
"Come in!" she said; and Selma entered the room. "The Queen Dowager will see you in a few minutes," said the little old
