Nip Wins the Match. 119

gician. This had a very curious effect on my companions—
each Nixy rested on his oars, bowed his head, and sneezed.

“T pulled away while this happened, and gained the cork in
advance of the Dauntless by two boats’ length. That was a
victory! And the contest was most exciting.

“T received the magic drum, which was no larger than a
thimble, and could be slung over the shoulder with a chain.
What do you suppose I did with it? Why, I beat one smart
tune on it, and sold it to the Nixies, who were anxious to keep
it in their possession. Heigh! I almost wish that I had kept
it, for I believe I could have got more for it above ground, if
only as a curiosity.

“T went back to the magician, who entertained me very
handsomely, for he was pleased with my success. He wish-
ed me to remain with him down there in the gold cave, and
promised to tell me half of his secrets, which were written on
parchment in a great book fastened with a steel lock; but |
missed my dear home behind the blackberry-bush. I sang
‘Home, sweet home,’ to the magician; and after that he made
no objection to my departure, partly because I sang it out of
time, I believe.

“He took his large pipe with the porcelain bowl, and when
he had lighted it he told me to step into the pipe, and he
would blow me up to the earth’s surface.

“«T am afraid of getting burned,’ I objected.

“*T would not hurt you for the world,’ said the magician; and
I must say, he was as good as his word.

“ He rubbed some sweet ointment over me to keep my skin

from scorching, and while he was doing it he picked my pocket