Nerle was eagerly embraced by both his father and mother,
who were overjoyed to see him return safe and sound after
his wanderings and adventures.
"And have you been cured of your longing for something that you can
not have?" asked the baron, anxiously.
"Not quite," said Nerle, laughing; "but I am more reconciled to my
lot. For I find wherever I go people are longing for just the things
they can not get, and probably would not want if they had them. So,
as it seems to be the fate of most mortals to live unsatisfied, I
shall try hereafter to be more contented."
These words delighted the good baron, and he gave a rich and
magnificent feast in honor of his son's return.
The High Ki of Twi, after passing several pleasant days at Nerle's
home, now decided that they had seen enough of the world and would be
glad to return to their own kingdom, where all was peaceful and
uneventful, and rule it to the end of their days. So the baron
furnished them an escort of twenty men-at-arms, and these conducted
the High Ki and the aged Ki safely back to the hole in the hedge.
And after they had entered the Land of Twi, the first act of the High
Ki was to order the hedge repaired and the hole blocked up; and I have
never heard that any one, from that time forth, ever succeeded in
gaining admittance to the hidden kingdom.
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