Iv.] THE WITCHES’ ISLAND. 201

written in a large school-boy hand and being unmis-
takably clear. .

_ There was also an envelope tied on to one of the
packets, on which was written in the same hand,
‘Mrs. Goodchild’s Directions; so that everything
was as plain as possible. There were several other
things, however, which Molly was anxious to know.
Supposing she got to the island, what should she
do next? There were evidently dangers to be en-
countered before she did get there, but what was to
happen afterwards? Struck by this thought, and
with the absolute necessity of knowing something
more about it, Molly took courage to ask, as the
most likely way of obtaining the information she
wanted.

‘Thank you, indeed, Mr. Rabbit,’ said she in her
most respectful tone, ‘for what you have already
done ; but will you tell me what be I to do if so be as
I get safe on to the island ?’

‘To her great joy the voice replied at once :—

 

‘One word of power to thee I tell,
Potent to break the witches’ spell, ‘
Eat not—drink not—nor look behind
Lest evil consequence ye find.

Be firm yet civil ; should they spare

_ Thy husband to thee then and there,
Come back at once, let no delay
Or wish for vengeance clog thy way.
But should they thy request deny,
Their malice thou canst still defy ;
For ifin danger or distress,

Say boldly ¢zen—but not unless—
‘¢Whurlmone !” The magic word of might
More than all else will help thee right