170 THE FAIRY-FOLK OF THE BLUE HILL.

shouldn’t be one as well as a midnight sun.
I am ready to believe anything now, since I
have seen real giants and fairies and mermaids,
and if I can find my way to the land of the
mid-day moon I'll go there, for anything is
better than staying here alone on this desert
island.”

As Wassa finished speaking, her attention
was caught by a large piece of kelp that floated
to her feet and stopped. The leaf was broad
with curling edges, and it floated on the water
like a raft.

‘‘ Tf here thou dost not wish to stay,
Accept this from the man in gray,”

chanted the same voice Wassa had heard before.

“Anything is better than staying in this
lonely island, and I'll try the seaweed,” cried
Wassa as she joyfully leaped upon the broad
kelp.

No sooner was Wassa seated than the kelp
left the island, and glided rapidly out to sea.

‘“« After all,” thought Wassa, “ the little man
in gray was not so bad, although he did send
me to Fairyland to take care of that spoiled
fairy prince.”