66 The Catskill Fairtes.

“« You must be very tired, my dear. Have you come far?’

“«Ves, Can you tell me where to find my people ?”

“<The snail may know. Stay with us to-night and rest.
We are only toads, but we have a guest-chamber.’

“The toad family were so kind that the Indian told
them her story; she so much desired to find her own tribe
again.

“The toads blinked and nodded their heads. The toad
mother, after going to the snail which lay in the path, and
tapping on its closed door, presently returned.

“« The snail is a hermit; it does not go out into society, but
likes to stay shut up in its own house. However, it will ask
the night moths, and tell you in the morning. Now go to bed,
darling, she said.

“ The toad guest-chamber was cool and pleasant, for it was
the grass around the tree. They took off the visitor’s slippers
and apron for her, and tried to coax her out of her jacket as
well, but this the witch-child kept on her back. She was no
sooner asleep than the toad mother waddled out to whisper to
the little garden-snake :

“«Run to Mulkgraub as fast as you can, and tell him to
meet me at the toadstool turnpike to-morrow.’

“«T never run—I glide,’ said the snake.

“« Fiddle-de-dee, and don’t be silly. Hurry! said the toad.

“When the witch-child awoke her lovely slippers and apron
were gone, and the toads had also vanished.

“ Searching everywhere she came to the marsh.

“« What is the matter?’ croaked a frog, dressed in green.

“« The toads have stolen my magic shoes,’ she replied.