THE FAIRY PRINCE AND THE MERMAIDS. 165

“Let go, I say, and let me be!
The pretty fishes I want to see!”

Instantly the nautilus changed its course,
and Wassa and the fairy prince found them-
selves on a small island in the midst of the
ocean.

“ Now see what thy naughtiness has again
brought upon us!” exclaimed Wassa angrily.
“ Here, on this desert island, must we stay for-
ever, just as the sea-monarch said.”

“What do I care if here we stay?
With pretty mermaids I shall play,”

cried the spoiled child, and, stooping, he began
to dabble in the clear water that rippled against
the rocky edge of the island.

“ There are no mermaids here,” answered
Wassa in a cross tone, “and I have heard
enough of mermaids. Thy wilfulness has
brought about a fine state of affairs!” and tears
of vexation stood in her eyes.

«The mermaids come, I told thee so;
With them to play I mean to go,”

cried the prince gleefully, pointing to the dis-
tant ocean.