WASSA CAPTURES THE FAIRY PRINCE. 20I1

“Yes, madam,” said Wassa politely, advanc-
ing toward the distracted cook, “I can tell
thee, if thou wilt let me have a taste;” and
Wassa’s mouth fairly watered at the thought
of the savory dish.

“ What is that to thee, pray?” said the cook
in an irritable tone. “I forgot the salt yester-
day, and she was very angry, and if I forget it
again to-day, I don’t know what she will do to
me. Oh! will any one tell me if I have forgot-
ten to put it in to-day?”

“ How can any one tell thee unless thou art
willing to let them taste of it?” said Wassa,
out of patience with the foolish cook.

“What has that to do with it?” asked the
snake, shaking her rattles severely. “I forgot
it yesterday, and she told me not to forget it
again. Oh! if somebody would only tell me
if I have forgotten it to-day!”

“That’s the strangest way of reasoning /
ever heard of,” said Wassa to herself. “ But if
she will not listen to me, I can’t help her. I
wish I could get some of that stew, salt or no
salt, it smells so good.”

The rattlesnake still watched anxiously the
rabbit-stew, breaking out at intervals into the