24 WATSPERS FROM FAIRYLAND. [t.

 

him all the more dangerous. Remember, however,
the mystic word of power, which, pronounced by
mortal mouth under certain conditions, cannot be
resisted by Dwarf or Giant.’

‘And what are the conditions?’ hastily asked both
the sisters in one breath. .

‘It is most desirable to have a parasol if you go
out in the sun upon a hot day,’ rejoined the Dwarf.
‘What! both of you asking questions again? Pray
get out of this bad habit at once, or we shall never
get on together. I was about to say that this word
has only its full magic power when pronounced by
persons of innocent hearts, who have not reached the
age of twenty, who never use bad language, speak ill
of their neighbours behind their backs, or eat fish
with their knives. As you two young ladies combine
allthat is necessary for the effective pronunciation of the
word, it will have great power in the mouth of either
of you, andas I am about to devote myself to your ser-
vice, you will perhaps be good enough to recollect that
if I should get into any trouble with other persons who
may employ magic arts as well as I do, you may be
of the greatest service to me as well as to yourselves
by the judicious use of the word in question.’

Rindelgrover now came to a conclusion, and the
sisters burned with curiosity to know several things
more, which, however, they dared not ask, after his
repeated statement of his objection to questions. That
which puzzled them most was why, since the worthy
Dwarf seemedto have knownthe circumstances attend-
ing the abduction of their brother for so long, he had
waited for nine years before speaking, when he might