130 THE FAIRY-FOLK OF THE BLUE HILL.

to address the spirit of the dell in the lan-
guage usually spoken by the fairy-folk, so with

a great effort he answered as well as he was
able: —

“Gracious spirit of the dell,
Wassa is in direful need.
Grant to me a fairy spell
That shall rescue her with speed.”

For answer, the spirit of the dell slowly
moved her head from side to side as she
answered : —

‘«Spell was never wove by me,
Nor either potent charm I own
That can set poor Wassa free ;
So adieu, good beetle brown.”

“Oh! dear,’ cried the beetle in his native
tongue as the spirit of the dell receded and
her form grew fainter and fainter, “pray tell
me what to do! I cannot leave that poor maid
in such a plight, and I am too small and stupid
to rescue hermyself. It must be that some one
has power to help me. Only tell me where to
find him, and I will go as long as I can. move
my wings.”