118 The Catskill Fairtes.

“ The first boat was a ruby grasshopper, on the wherry model;
the second, a pearl snail-shell, of the dory style; the third, a
crystal spider; the fourth, a miniature ebony shark; and the
fifth, a goldfish.

“The Nixy Queen, seated beneath her rose-leaf pavilion,
bowed to the magician on the opposite shore, and gave one tap
on the magic drum, as a signal for the race to begin. Away
shot the little boats, the oars flashing through the water, and
made for the goal, a cork anchored in mid-stream for a buoy.

“The grasshopper boat was named the Dauntless, and its
colors were green.

“The pearl snail-shell was christened Vzxven, with a white
badge.

“The crystal spider had A/ermazd written on the stern, and
sported pink.

“The ebony shark was Sea Foam, with dark blue.

“ As for my dragon-fly, | dubbed it Wp the Second, with or-
ange colors, as I am so fond of yellow.

“ At the tap of the magic drum we got off in good order, the
Dauntless leading, Mermaid second, Vixen and Sea foam in
line. The Nixies showed good training, and their Queen was
delighted with their fine appearance. As for me, it was plainly
to be seen that they considered me of no great account, and
not likely to prove a rival. I thought, ‘It is a good old prov-
erb that says let him laugh who wins.’

“The Dauntless had got the lead, which is an advantage,
and meant to keep it; but I made a fine spurt, and drew along.
side of the Nixy fleet. I could never have kept pace with them
had I not scattered the three snuff-grains given me by the ma-