54 The Catskili Faztrces.

piece myself one of these fine days. It’s not uncommon where
I come from,” he said.

“Tf you don’t go away I shall strike, and that will put me
out of order. Be off with you!” said the clock.

“Come here, Nip,’ coaxed Job, holding out his hand. So
Nip flew up and sat in the palm of Job’s hand, crossing his
legs like a Turk. If Job closed his fingers gently over the
saucy elf, he seemed to hold a velvet insect.

The little mouse still crouched in the corner, not daring
to say its body was its own while the Angora cat’s eye was
fixed on it.

“It is my turn to tell a story,” said one of the Summer
Fairies, walking up and down the hearth, wrapped in the red
poppy cloak.