FAIRY WELL AND PLOT OF GNOMES. 49

to pieces; but the nets were strongly made,
and resisted their violent efforts. Then a new
idea entered Wassa’s mind.

“We will roll a big stone into the nets and
sink them where they will never again be
found,” she exclaimed.

Away went the excited children in search of
a stone large enough to suit their purpose, and
soon espied one not far away. By dint of
great pushing they at last succeeded in rolling
it to the spot where the nets lay, then, twining
the nets about it, they carefully pushed it to
the edge of the lake.

One vigorous push, and in went the heavy
stone, and the children ran quickly back to
escape the shower of water that arose as the
stone splashedin. In amoment more all was
as still as before,—the calm surface of the
lake looked as if it might keep forever the
secret of the hidden nets.

After a cautious survey of the still water,
and sure that no trace of their ill deed was
left to betray them, the children went home,

well satisfied with the success of their naughty
trick.

“ How spiteful they are!” exclaimed the blue