PRINCE RICARDO. 189

dwarf at Jericho, when through the open
window, with a tremendous whirr, came a huge
vulture, and knocked the king’s wishing cap
off! Wishing was now of no use.

This odious fowl was the Fairy of the Desert,
the Dwarf’s trusted ally in every sort of mis-
chief. The vulture flew instantly out of the
window; and ah! with what awful anxiety the
king again turned his eyes on the crystal ball
only a parent’s heart can know. Should hesee
Ricardo bleeding at the feet of the abominable
dwarf? The king scarcely dared to look;
never before had he known the nature of fear.
However, look he did, and saw the dwarf un-
catted, and Pepper, the gallant Dandie Din-
mont, with his teeth in the throat of the
monstrous Spanish cat.

No sooner had he seen the cat leap on his
master’s saddle-bow than Pepper, true to the
instinct of his race, sprang at its neck, just
behind the head—the usual place,—and, with
an awful and despairing mew, the cat (Peter
was its name) gave up its life.

The dwarf was on his feet in a moment,
waving the diamond sword, which lighted up
the whole scene, and yelling taunts. Pepper
was flying at his heels, and, with great agility,
was keeping out of the way of the invincible
blade. ;

“Ah!” screamed the Dwarf as Pepper got
him by the ankle. ‘Call off your dog, you