Where is the Ugly One now, Kaliko ?" "The last time Your Majesty stumbled over the prisoner you commanded me to send him to the Metal Forest, which I did.

I suppose he is still there." "Very good.

The invaders will have a hard time finding the Metal Forest," said the King, with a grin of malicious delight, "for half the time I can't find it myself.

Yet I created the forest and made every tree, out of gold and silver, so as to keep the precious metals in a safe place and out of the reach of mortals.

But tell me, Hearer, do the strangers want anything else ?" "Yes, indeed they do!" returned the nome.