Bosh-Bosh Oil. 29

“Oh, yes, Truth can go anywhere,” was the
proud answer. “I will show you,” and crawling up,
he lay down over the well, completely covering it.

This was the little boy’s chance, for which he
had been waiting. With one bound he was over,
using poor Truth for a bridge, but stepping very
lightly, not to hurt him. He heard a great splash,
a loud cry from Truth, and looked back to see—
nothing, nothing but the dusty path. The well
and fat, pleasant Truth had vanished !

Now as the boy went on, the path changed.
It became very beautiful. On either side most
gorgeous flowers filled the air with delicious
perfume, while lovely birds, which Gardner had
never seen before, sang loudly. Suddenly, he felt
a light touch on his arm, and turning, saw beside
him a wee maid

 

a fairy.

“Gardner,” said she, “you have been a very
brave boy. You have passed in safety all the
dangers of the path, and I will now lead you to
the Golden Temple, containing the Bosh-Bosh Oil,
which is guarded by the famous Gold-Bird.” .

So Gardner walked on with her, trembling with