28 THE FAIRY-FOLK OF THE BLUE HILL.

CHAPTER III.

WASSA’S THEFT.

The strange apparition that had so startled
the attendants of the blue dragon-fly was
merely a little maid. Her one garment, made
from the rough skin of some animal, was torn
and jagged, and presented a very untidy ap-
pearance, while her coarse black hair hung
about her face in disorderly locks.

The little maid waded into the pond, and
roughly pulled some of the beautiful pond
lilies that floated on the surface. A rustling
in the bushes caused her to turn her head, and
two other little maids, younger than the first
comer, and a lad, made their appearance. A
strong family resemblance proclaimed them to
be brother and sisters, and the skins that formed
their clothes were as worn and untidy as were
those of the elder sister.