THE FAIRY PRINCE AND WASSA. 193

around the prince, until he was hidden from
Wassa’s sight, and she became alarmed lest
their great feet should trample him to death.

“ Prince !” cried Wassa, “do come away from
those great beasts ; they will surely trample thee
to death.”

Great were Wassa’s surprise and terror, as
the herd parted for an instant, to see the little
prince seated on the back of the leader, holding
one horn lightly with his little hand, and his
face full of merriment.

“Come back!” cried Wassa, springing to-
ward the herd, as they began to move off in
the direction whence they had appeared; “ thou
wilt be lost. Do not trust to those wild crea-
tures. Oh! what will the king say?”

But the prince rejoined, laughing merrily : —

“They are not wild; with them I’ll go.
Thou know’st my royal pa said so.”

As the prince ceased, the buffaloes tossed
their heads, pawing the earth as they snorted
loudly; then, with lowered heads, they set off .
across the prairie with the speed of the wind.
The prince waved his hand joyously as he was
borne away, and Wassa was left alone on the
wide prairie.