IIL] THE SILVER FAIRIES, 135

 

had so readily understood what was the object of his
desires, now took part in the conversation.

‘Sure-ly that’s what it is, he said. ‘We don’t
want nothing out of the way, Marm, so to speak ; only
if so be as you caz make things a bit more easy and
comfortable, why it do seem as if we might as well
speak up for to have it done. There’s a many ex-
penses in a business like mine, and folks is terrible par-
ticlar about their milk now-a-days, they is. Cows be
uncertain animals too, they be, and as for them rates
and taxes, ¢hey be certain enough, sure-ly, reg’lar as
clock-work and no mistake but what one must pay
’em. So we'd make bold to ask :

‘That will do, Simon Ricketts,’ here interposed
the Fairy. ‘I perceive that you are not exempt from
the common error of mortals, who invariably believe
that riches bring happiness as a matter of course.
This, however, is no business of mine. I have but to
do as you ask me, so long as it is not beyond my
power, and since you desire riches, you shall certainly
have them. Open the little drawer below the pigeon-
hole upon your extreme left, and you will find what
you want. JI only trust that you will have no reason
to repent the accomplishment of your wishes” With
these words the Silver Fairy waved her hand grace-
fully in.the air and forthwith disappeared, leaving
Dolly and her grandfather standing where they were.

They looked at each other for a moment without
speaking, and then the old man stepped forward, and
without more ado opened the drawer which the Fairy
had pointed out. Scarcely had he done so when he
started back in amazement. It was perfectly full of