And have you seen this same fairy-like creature suddenly perch itself on a twig, in the shade, its misty wings and fan-like tail folded, the iridescent glory vanished, looking like some common dull-plumaged little bird sitting listless in a cage?
Just so great was the difference in the girl as I had seen her in the forest and as she now appeared under the smoky roof in the firelight.
After watching her for some moments, I spoke: "Rima, there must be a good deal of strength in that frame of yours, which looks so delicate; will you raise me up a little ?" She went down on one knee and, placing her arms round me, assisted me to a sitting posture.
"Thank you, Rima--oh, misery!" I groaned.

"Is there a bone left unbroken in my poor body ?" "Nothing broken," cried the old man, clouds of smoke flying out with his words.

"I have examined you well--legs, arms, ribs.

For this is how it was, senor.

A thorny bush into which you fell saved you from being flattened on the stony ground.