Prince Uno

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Copyright, 1897, by
Dousiepay & McC.ureE Co.

SECOND EDITION



TO MY LITTLE NEPHEW
M. H. H.
THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY

INSCRIBED BY HIS
UNCLE FRANK









INTRODUCTION

THE following story was first told under
peculiar circumstances, calculated to tax to the
utmost the imaginative powers of the author.
A little boy, very dear to the writer, was very
ill. The crisis of the disease was reached one
Sunday morning. In order that he might en-
dure the extreme suffering caused by the medi-
cal treatment, it was necessary that his mind
should be diverted from his sufferings on that
day. Before the sun should set he would be
either convalescent or past help.

“ Uncle Frank,” was the early morning greet-
ing on that fateful day, “ please tell me a fairy-_
story, and make it exciting, for it does hurt
so!”

Then and there began the recital of the ro-

x



INTRODUCTION xi

mance which follows. It was not difficult, as the
story proceeded, to read in the boyish face the
expression of interest or weariness. At times
the admonition to “make it exciting” further
stimulated the powers of the narrator. Break-
fast was eaten at the bedside of the sufferer;
the dinner-hour was passed in like manner, the
narrative proceeding between the mouthfuls;
and supper was discussed between conflicts of
Kings Vim and Leo, until at last night came,
and the sick little auditor was quiet in restful
slumber. The crisis had passed, and the battle
had been won. The patient was convalescent.
Is it strange that to him whose suffering occa-
sioned the telling of it, and whose interest in it
encouraged the writing of it, I dedicate this
storyP

There were older listeners also. They urged
its publication. Upon them must rest the re-
sponsibility for this book. That it may prove
interesting, and possibly comforting, to other
little ones in need of entertainment, and that
they too, like him for whom it was first told,
may find in its pages relief from pain and weari-
ness, is the hope of their sincere friend,

THE AUTHOR,







CONTENTS

&

I
THE WAVE RIDERS

II
THE LEAF RIDERS

Ill
THE BUBBLE RIDERS

IV
THE MAGIC CHAIR

mes,
THE RECOVERY OF THE FAIRY BOY







“ Their little, minim forms arrayed
In the tricksy pomp of fairy pride.’’
Tue Cuvprir Fay.







THE WAVE RIDERS

AST summer I was living by the
sea. The cottage in which I
‘dwelt stood half-way up the
side of a high hill. Upon the
highest point of this hill was a
lighthouse, the lamps of which,
every night, sent their beauti-
ful, pale light far out over the
ocean, to warn sailors that

2 their ships were nearing the
land, and that they must avoid the rocks of the
shore. Far below was the deep blue sea, which
was always, night and day, rolling its waves on
a beach of white sand.

I was very fond of walking on the beach, and
3








4 PRINCE UNO

often sat down on the sand,
near the water's edge, where I
could watch the waves come
chasing each other in, like chil-
dren at play. On the after-
noon about which I am going
to tell you, I went farther. from
home than usual, down to a
little bay, where the trees grew
close to the beach, and where
no one seemed ever to come.
It was very quiet. The sun
was shining brightly on the
water and the land, and there
was no sound that I could hear,
save the soft whispering of the
waves as they came running in,
one after another, to break into
foam on the clear white sand.
I sat down to watch them.
While looking at them I
thought I could perceive dif-
ferent colors in the foam, and
that instead of being always
white and frothy, it was some-
times blue, sometimes red, and
at other times yellow or green.
At last I fancied I could hear
a merry sound, as if the waves
were actuallylaughing. At times, too, I thought
I heard low, soft music, like the singing of very





THE WAVE RIDERS

Or





oO
a a
. Oo

\——F,



small children, far, far away.
It was such a pleasant sound
that I moved nearer to the
waves, so that they came al-
most to my feet. I then dis-
covered that the sounds I
heard were not made by the
waves at all, but by numbers
of little people. They were
dressed in blue and red and
yellow and green silks, and
had white feathers in their
hats, and, some of them, gold
sashes over their shoulders.
They were riding on the tops
of the waves, singing and
laughing, as the water came
rolling up the sand. What
-seemed to me very strange
was that they were not at all
wet, but that as each little fellow came riding
in on the top of a wave he ran up on the beach



6 PRINCE UNO

as dry as a feather. Evidently the water
had no power to wet them or their beautiful
clothing, and they seemed as much at home on
the waves as on the land. After running a
short distance up the beach, they would rise
softly into the air, apparently without effort,
and, floating out over the sea, would catch a
new wave, and jump laughingly on it, to come
riding in as before. It was very pleasant to see
how much they appeared to enjoy the power of
floating through the air without wings, and of
riding on the waves without getting wet.
While I sat watching them I noticed one
beautiful little fellow, who was dressed so fine
he looked like a prince. I made up my mind
that the little people were fairies, and that he
was their prince or king. At last he came rid-
ing in on the top of a wave which was larger
than usual, and which carried him far up on the
beach where I was lying. It landed him grace-
fully from its crest, quite near my face. As he
stepped daintily down to the sand, he nodded
pleasantly to me, just as if he knew I had been
there all the time, and just as if he had been
acquainted with me all his life. As he was
turning to run back again, I reached out my
hand quickly and caught him. I was careful
not to hurt him, and was surprised and pleased
to find that he was laughing good-naturedly,
was not at all afraid, and evidently was not
angry with me for detaining him. Indeed, he









8 PRINCE UNO

acted as if it were all a playful joke which he
understood and enjoyed.

Holding him in my hand, upon which, when
I finally opened it, he walked about, I was able
to observe him more closely. He was beautifully
and richly dressed. The feather in his hat was
from the wing of a humming-bird, and was
fastened with a diamond, the brightest I had
ever seen. He himself was no larger than my
finger. He had a merry, handsome face, and
long curling hair, which fell over his shoulders
in ringlets of gold. He was dressed throughout
in yellow satin. Over his shoulder was a small
gold chain which held a little trumpet made of
pearl. From a belt about his waist, in a bright
silver scabbard, hung a small sword. All the
buttons of his coat and vest were diamonds,
which, whenever he moved, shone brightly.

“ Are you afraid?” I inquired of him.

He answered quickly, “ No”; and laughingly
added, ‘‘ Why should I be?”

I was charmed with his manners and _ his
courage, and exclaimed, “ Why, do you know
me?”

Hereplied, “Certainly ; you are Uncle Frank.”

You may be sure this surprised me not a

little.
_ He continued: “TIT have known you a long
time; but if I had never met you before, I
should not be afraid of you. You could not
injure me if you wished to,”



THE WAVE RIDERS 9

As he spoke, an ugly-looking spider came
running over the sand toward the place where
we were talking, and, supposing the Prince
would be frightened, I lifted him somewhat
higher from the ground, and said, ‘‘ Don’t be
afraid; the spider cannot reach you.”

He turned his bright little face toward mewith
such a look of surprise and amusement upon it
that I saw I had made a mistake. Then, plac-
ing both hands upon his sides, he laughed so
long and heartily—such a merry, ringing laugh
—that I could not help smiling at his good
humor.

“ Afraid of a spider!” said he. ‘“ Why, don’t
you know that neither beast nor bird nor fish
nor insect could hurt a fairy! Iam their king;

_ Sey SS LS
eA





10 PRINCE UNO

they all have toobey me. I am not afraid of a
lion. IfI ordered him to do so, the great, ugly,
roaring fellow would have to carry me about on
his back. JI am not afraid of an eagle; I have
had many a bold ride on an eagle.”

By this time the spider had crawled to where
we were, and, strange to say, looked as if it
wished to speak to the Prince. Sure enough, it
did. The Prince nodded smilingly toit. “Well,
old Longlegs,” said he, “ what do you want?”

To my surprise the spider answered:

“Does your Majesty want any swings this
afternoon?”

“Yes,”’ said the Prince; “ I want—let me see
—five hundred, right away.”

The spider actually made a bow and turned
to go. He was soon out of sight in the woods,
and the fairy asked, “Would you like to go
with me and see the swings?”

I was glad to do so, for I had nothing else to
occupy my time, and we started together. I
was surprised to find that, as we walked side by
side, Ia tall man and he a tiny fellow no big-
ger than my finger, he got over the ground
quite as fast as I did, and kept up with me with-
out trouble. It was very strange, for he evi-
dently took no more steps than I did, and
seemed not to hurry in the least. We soon
reached the woods, and I was about to enter
beneath the green trees when I drew back
shuddering, for hanging from the limbs were



THE WAVE RIDERS “41

hundreds of spiders, some of them great, black,
disagreeable-looking fellows.

The Prince, who had been watching me mis-
chievously, quickly perceived my nervousness,
and laughed heartily. ‘‘ Who is afraid of the
spiders now?” saidhe. ‘‘ Let me pick you up;
don’t be afraid; they won’t hurt you!” He
was repeating almost my very words, and seemed
to enjoy so much having turned the joke upon
me that I could not help smiling at his good
nature.

“ All joking aside,” said he, “you need not
be afraid; they are spinning swings for my peo-
ple, and will soon be through and gone. Then
you will see some fun, for my merry men are
very fond of swinging.”

I now looked again, and could see that each
spider was actually spinning a swing. The
busy creature would run out upon a limb of a
tree, and it seemed but a moment before a
beautiful silken rope, formed into a tiny swing,
would be hanging from the limb. Ere long
there were hundreds of these swings hanging
from the trees, of green, blue, and yellow spider-
silk. At last, one by one, the spiders left the
woods, until all had vanished except old Long-
legs, who came up to the Prince and said, ‘‘ The
swings are finished, your Majesty, and we
retire.”

The Prince nodded approvingly to him, and
lifting the small pearl horn to his lips, blew a



12 PRINCE UNO

clear, ringing note or two, as sweet as a canary-
bird’s song, most pleasant to hear. It went
sounding through the leaves of the trees, out
over the sandy beach, and far across the waves.
It seemed only a moment before I heard the
fairies coming. They came with merry shouts
and ringing laughter. Soon each swing held
one of them, laughing, and swinging until his
little feet kicked the highest leaves of the trees
—they swung so high. The Prince seemed
pleased to see them enjoy themselves so heart-
ily, and after watching them a moment, turned
to me and said, ‘Do you not think us a good-
natured, happy people, Uncle Frank?”

I replied that I certainly did, and ventured to
ask him where they all lived.

“That would be telling,” said he. ‘‘We
have a beautiful city not far from here, but no
mortal man ever walked through its streets. I
have half a mind, however, to take you to see
it, and may yet do so if you will promise—hold
up your right hand!” (he said this very seri-
ously)—‘ solemnly and faithfully never to tell
where it is.”

I was very eager to visit his city ; so desirous,
indeed, that I was not long in promising. The
Prince reached out his hand to a cobweb bell-
rope, which hung, with its white tassel, out of a
cedar-tree near by, and gave it three gentle
pulls. In amoment IJ heard the distant tinkling
of a silver bell, and almost instantly there ap-



THE WAVE RIDERS 13

peared before usa fairy servant. Hewas dressed
something like waiters I had seen in hotels, with '
a long white apron and small white cap, and a
bunch of tiny gold keys suspended from his
waist. He lifted his hat respectfully to the
Prince, and awaited his orders.

“ Pepin,” said the fairy, ‘‘ unlock the door to
the large staircase in the cave.”

In a moment the servant departed, and the
Prince, beckoning to me to follow, led the way
through the woods to a place which I could not
remember having ever beforeseen. After walk-
ing quickly across the sand of the beach, we
came to a large stone.

“Vou must lift that stone,’’ said he.

I stooped, and using all my strength, for it
was quite large, succeeded in lifting it, and was
surprised to find below it a small staircase lead-
ing down under the sand.

The Prince stepped boldly down before me,
and told me to follow him, and to close the door
after me. I obeyed. It closed more easily
than it had opened. I soon followed him down
the steps. The passageway was cut in solid
rock. For some distance it was quite dark; so
dark, in fact, that I would have found it difficult
to tell the whereabouts of the Prince if he had
not instructed me, from time to time, how to
proceed. The passage grew lighter, however,
as we descended, and at last we came out into
open daylight.





PRINCE UNO



It was a strange but beautiful
country which I now beheld, un-
‘like any I had ever before seen.
A short distance in front of us
was abeautifulcity. Thestreets
were paved with a sort of pink
stone. The small houses were
of pearl and marble. Many of
the tallest of them were four and
five stories in height, and per-
fect in every respect. As I
walked past them I noticed that
their roofs and chimneys came
no higher than to my waist.
Everything, in fact, was won-
derfullysmall. The tallest trees,
for instance, reached no higher
than to my vest pockets. The
streets were crowded with lit-
tle people and with numberless
small carriages. The horses
were of different colors, black,







16 PRINCE UNO

brown, and white, and very handsome and spir-
ited, but not larger than rats. The streets were
very narrow; so narrow, in fact, that two men
as large as myself could not have walked abreast
on the little sidewalks. I had to step carefully
in consequence.

I observed that, while there were many
houses, there were no stores, and I spoke of this
to the Prince. He said fairies had no stores, and
required only houses in which to live, but that
if I would like to visit some little people who
were not fairies, who, though as small as him-
self, were real people like myself, and who lived
in another city not far away, under his protection,
he would take me there some day and I should
see stores enough. ‘ These carriages and horses
which you see,” he added, “do not belong to
the fairies. We have no use for horses. They
belong to the little people of whom I speak.
Some of them drive over from their city every
day.”

By this time we were in front of a beautiful
house, very much larger than the others, built
entirely of pearl, and with wide steps of agate
and carnelian stone leading up to the door. On
each side of the steps was a golden lamp-post.
I was not long in deciding that this was the
palace of the Prince himself, for he ran grace-
fully up the steps, and invited me to follow.
As the house came no higher than to my vest
pockets, and as I should certainly have broken



THE WAVE RIDERS 17

down the steps if I had placed one of my great
feet upon them, I naturally hesitated. Observ-
ing my hesitation, he turned to me and said,
“Will you not come in and take dinner with
me?” I replied that I would be very glad to
do so, but that he had evidently forgotten either
that his house was so small or that I was so
large. He laughed heartily. ‘Why, sure
enough!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ Here I have been
talking and gossiping until I forgot all about
your immense size—but I will soon fix that.”
He took from his pocket a small glass bottle.
“ Take a drink of that,” said he. I reached out
my great hand, and taking the tiny bottle from
him as he stood at the top of the steps, placed
it tomy lips. It was a mere drop, but what an
effect it had upon me! In an instant I felt
myself growing smaller. My head commenced
going down toward my feet, as if I had been a
great spy-glass shutting up. My arms grew
shorter, my hands smaller. In less time than
it takes me to write it I was as small as the
Prince himself. He took a step backward and
looked at me approvingly. ‘I think I am a
little the taller of the two,” said he, laughingly.
“ That was a big swallow you took.”

It was all very funny, but I began to get
frightened. It would be no joke, thought I, if
I were always to stay as small as this. He, how-
ever, only laughed at my discomfiture and at
my little pale face, and said: “ Don’t be afraid ;



13 PRINCE UNO

I can as easily
change you back
again. Come with
me and look at
yourself in the
mirror. Whenyou
have had dinner I
will make you as
big and clumsy
and homely and
awkward as you
wereaminuteago.
You might as well
be happy for the
short time you are
to be good-look-
ing!”

He said this so
merrily that it
quite reassured ‘
me,andIwassoon [S2=2\\\
laughing. Find-
ing that I could
not help myself,
and that I was now
small enoughto go
up the steps and
into the palace,
which, to tell the
truth, I was very
eager to see, I was

ere econ THA

ageure

minunnunsta

MU

KUNI



h





THE WAVE RIDERS 19

soon by his side, and, arm in arm, we entered
the door together. The Prince laughed again
when I stooped on entering the doorway, which
was now much higher than my head. Certainly
he had some excuse for doing so. “I have
always observed,” said he, dryly, ‘that geese
stoop when entering a door, no matter how high
it may be.”

We went into the hall. In it were little ser-
vants in livery, who took our hats as the Prince
led the way to the parlor. I had time to ob-
serve, in passing, that the hall floor was inlaid
with small blocks of different-colored stone, and
that a beautiful staircase leading to the upper
floor was of silver with golden balustrades. The
stair carpet was a broad velvet ribbon of a deep
crimson. As the Prince seemed to be im-
mensely rich, and to think very little of expense,
I could not doubt that the silver was real silver
and the gold real gold.

The parlor was quite a large room—I should
say fully three feet long by two feetwide. It was,
as I could see at a glance, very richly furnished.
The carpet of bright colors which covered
the floor was soft and pleasant to walk upon.
The sofas and chairs were upholstered in red
and yellow satin. The walls were covered with
beautiful paintings in gold frames, except at
each end of the room, where a large mirror
reached from the ceiling to the floor.

In one of these mirrors I caught sight of my-



20 PRINCE UNO

self. There I was, no taller, certainly, than a
man’s finger, my head no bigger than a cherry,
and with such a wee, round, fairy-like face that
I laughed again and again at my little self. The
Prince, who stood by my side, and who had
evidently been slyly waiting to observe my
astonishment, was actually the taller of the two
by a full half-head!

I felt for my watch to see what time it was,
and discovered that it, too, like myself, had
grown smaller. It was, in fact, no larger than
a shirt-button, and yet in every respectsas per-
fect as before, and was actually keeping time
and ticking away as though nothing had hap-
pened to it. I could not believe my eyes, and
opened the back of it to see if the wheels were
actually moving. I found them all running as
though they had never been any larger. I
returned the watch to my pocket, and soon
found that everything else in my pockets had
changed like the watch. My knife was a most
interesting little affair, the blades as sharp as a
razor and as bright as a sixpence. My keys
were all of them so small that they would not
have unlocked my portfolio at home. My
pocket-book was only about half the size of a
postage-stamp, and the money in it was so small
that I do not believe I could have bought a
penny’s worth of candy with the whole of it.
To say that I was astonished would be to say
very little, and yet I was now really more



THE WAVE RIDERS 21

amused than either surprised or frightened.
The Prince was so good-natured that I could
not doubt that I should have a good time, and
that he would change me back again whenever
I should ask him to.

“T have ordered a cozy dinner for you and
me alone, in a small dining-room,” said he, “so
that we may not have to meet my entire court
in the large room.”

This suited me exactly, and when, a few
minutes later, a servant announced that dinner
was ready, the Prince invited me to follow him
into a very pleasant room, just off the parlor, in
which was a table well filled with beautiful dishes
and inviting food. A hasty glance convinced
me that the dishes, knives, forks, and spoons
were all of gold and silver, and the immense
wealth of the Prince left me no room to doubt
that they were solid.

We took our seats, and several waiters, no
larger than ourselves, commenced to bustle
about and hand us the food. Everything was
delicious. Indeed, I had never eaten any din-
ner so well cooked. The chickens were no
larger than honey-bees, snipe no bigger than
mosquitos, oranges and apples about the size of
huckleberries, bananas smaller than date-seeds,
and everything else in proportion.

“Well,” said the Prince at last, “how does
the dinner suit you?”

I replied that everything was delicious, but



22 PRINCE UNO





that I was very hungry and could not get
enough. To my astonishment the Prince, upon
hearing this, laughed so loud and long that I
‘was at aloss to understand what there could be
in my answer which caused him so much
amusement. I could see that he was laughing
at me, and I could not help feeling somewhat
uncomfortable. ‘‘ What are you laughing at?”
I inquired.

He looked at me without answering, and
placing both hands to his sides, rose from his
chair, and fairly bent over with merriment,
growing so red in the face with laughing and
coughing that I slapped him on the back to
prevent his choking. He would no sooner re-
cover from one attack, and take a look at my
astonished face, than he would have another
attack. Indeed, he seemed so convulsed with
enjoyment of his joke, whatever it was, that at
last I could not help laughing myself, although
I knew that he was laughing at me, and that he
was not treating me as politely or considerately
as a guest should be treated.



THE WAVE RIDERS 23



, ; t » a
oor ae i
: as a jie f
Ate be : %
ears: res
SR ee
J? “PUN al ty eh tH |!

ce

“What in the name of sense are you laugh-
ing at?”’ I demanded again.

“Why,” said he, “just to think! J forgot to
change your appetite! Here you are a little
scrap of a fellow three inches long with a great
six-foot appetite!’’ And he held his sides and
laughed again, until I think every one in the
palace, and the town itself, must have heard him.

“Why,” he continued, “just think of it! It
is a wonder you did not devour your little self.
I would not carry about with me such an appe-
tite as that of yours for a fortune. However,
I will soon fix that”; and drawing a small box
from his pocket, he took out of it a powder, and
told me to take it in alittle water. I did so, and
soon felt that my appetite, like my body, was
growing smaller.

We now sat down again to the table, and my
dinner began to satisfy me. I found that I
would be able to get a very good meal.

After the table had been cleared, nuts and
raisins were broughtin. While eating them, the
conversation turned upon the city and its people.

Ui





24 PRINCE UNO

“T cannot understand, my dear Prince, why
it was that when we walked through the town
the people did not seem at all surprised to see
me.”

“Those from Weeboro did not see you,” said
the Prince—this, he explained, was the name
of the city where lived the people who owned
the horses and carriages I had seen—“ and the
fairies themselves,” he continued, “ would not
be surprised because they saw you in my com-
pany. You would be invisible to the people
from Weeboro.”

“Do you mean to say,” I exclaimed, “ that
I was entirely invisible, and could not be seen
by them at all?”’

“That ’s what invisible usually means, is n’t
it?’ answered the Prince, mischievously.

“Yes,” I replied, somewhat nettled at his
sharpness, and provoked at my own stupidity.
“ But what made me invisible to them?”

“J did,’ said he. “You must remember
they are not fairies like us, but real people like
yourself. They would have been frightened
enough if they had seen you, but I have the
power of making myself and others invisible,
and I exercised that power in your case.”

“ But,” I inquired, “am I invisible now?”

“No, not now; they could see you now, but
would think you a fairy like myself; the fairies
alone would know the difference.”

“Well,” I answered, “it is certainly all very



THE WAVE RIDERS j 25

strange. You must excuse me for asking so
many questions. You said that you had no
stores in the town because you did not need
them; will you please explain why?”

‘“‘ Because we fairies do not have to buy any- .
thing; we have everything we need simply by
wishing for it. When you visit the city of
Weeboro you will see stores enough, I promise
you, for they have stores and mills and horses
and carriages and steamboats and railroads, just
like larger people.”

I became more and more interested, and
longed to see these little people and their city,
and determined to visit them, if the Prince
would only show me the way.

“May I ask a very impolite question, my
dear little Prince?”

“ Certainly,” he replied; ‘“‘ but permit me to
remind you that I am half a head taller than
yourself, and am somewhat sensitive about being
called little by such a short fellow.” .

I begged his pardon with the same good
nature with which he had taken me to task, and
continued: ‘‘ Well, most mighty potentate, I
have taken dinner with you and have enjoyed
it very much,’’—he nodded pleasantly,—“ and
I would like to know the name of a host who
has shown me such kindness. May I ask your
name?”

He looked at me intently for a moment, and
answered, ‘‘ Uno.”



26 PRINCE UNO

Ie “Why, no; I

a p OG
oe oy don’t know,” I re-
eo plied, astonished at

his answer. ‘lam
sure I never heard
your name in my
life!” ;
He laughed
heartily. “My
name is Uno—
Prince Uno—U-
n-o; don’t that
spell Uno?”
“Ah!” I ex-
claimed, ‘that is
avery pretty name.
Now, may linquire
if you are mar-
ried?”
“Yes,” said he;
“and as we nee
disposed of the dinner I will conduct you to the
parlor where we shall find the Princess and our
children. They will be very glad to meet you.”
We accordingly left the table, he leading the
way, and entered the parlor. A very handsome
little woman, with large dark eyes and bright
golden hair,—a contrast which gave her a very
striking appearance,—trose to receiveme. There
were other people in the room, but the Princess
herself was so beautiful, graceful, and pleasant





THE WAVE RIDERS 27

to look upon that I saw only her. I bowed
very low.

“My dear Princess,’ said Uno, “let me
present to you our old friend, Uncle Frank.”

She came forward, and, in the most charming
and friendly manner, held out both hands to me.

I bent my head respectfully and pressed her
hands to my lips.

“‘T am very glad to see you here in our home,
Uncle Frank,” she was pleased to say. “It is
not the first time I have met you, however, for
I assure you I am very well acquainted with
you. Let me show you our children”; and she
tripped gracefully across the parlor to bring two
little children who had been looking out of the
window.

“May I ask the name of the Princess?” I
inquired of the Prince.

“ Certainly,” he replied; “Ino.”

“Of course you do,” said I; “ but have you
any objection to telling me?”

“None whatever,” and he laughed heartily.
“What makes you so stupid this evening, my
dear Uncle Frank; her name is Ino—I-n-o;
don’t that spell Ino?”

I could not but admit that it did, and when
the lovely Ino returned with her children we
were both of us in rare good humor over my
mistake.

I thought I had never before seen anything
half so cunning as the two diminutive creatures



28 ; PRINCE UNO

who now stood before me. One was a bright
boy with curly hair and laughing eyes; the
other a beautiful girl, the perfect image of her
handsome mother. The boy was the taller of
the two, yet he was certainly not more than one
inch high. To my delight, they did not seem
at all afraid of me. They answered all my
questions in a modest and intelligent manner.
It was pleasant to observe that they were not
at all pert or forward. In this respect they
were models of behavior for some larger children
of my acquaintance, who, when called up before
company, seem to think that the opportunity is
one for attempting to appear “ smart.”

“May I ask, dear Princess, where you ever
met me before?”’ i

“Certainly,” she replied. ‘‘I have seen you
many times and in many places. The Prince
and I generally travel together, and we go far
and wide, assure you. We have been in your
own house many times.”

I was surprised at this, but it was, after all,
no more wonderful than everything connected
with these little people. The Princess requested
me to be seated, and as we took chairs, the
children were permitted to run back to the win-
dow. I was disposed to make many inquiries,
especially as all my questions were so pleasantly
answered, either by the Prince or by his wife,
who was particularly witty and agreeable.
Although there were other people in the room,



THE WAVE RIDERS 29

as I have before stated, I was not introduced to
them. They seemed to be chatting pleasantly
at the other end of the parlor, and were, I be-
lieve, playing some game, so that we were in a
measure alone at our end of the room.

The city of Weeboro was especially interest-
ing to me, and I learned much about it from
the Prince and his wife. To be entertained by
such small fairies was certainly extraordinary,
—every one, however, knows that fairies are
small,—but to see and talk with real people like
one’s self, who are no larger than one’s finger,
and yet have real houses and real horses and
real steamboats, in every respect as perfect as
the largest in the world, was to me most won-
derful. I determined to see this city of Wee-
boro and to hold the Prince to his promise to
show it to me.

“Tt must be pleasant,” I remarked to the





30 PRINCE UNO

Prince, “to live so happily as do your people,
who have everything they need to eat and wear
simply by wishing for it, and have nothing to
do but to enjoy themselves.”

“There you are mistaken,” said he. ‘‘ We
are happy enough, you may be sure; but we
have enough to do, and I think that is the very
reason that we are happy. Our work consists
in doing good to others, and I have always ob-
served that people are happiest who follow that
occupation.”

“ You surprise me. Isupposed you had only
to enjoy your-
selves,” said I.
“May I inquire
what such little
people can find to
do?”

“ Much — very
much,” he replied.
“Tt would be a
long story to tell
you all of our
duties, but I will
describe a few of
them. ‘There are
many kinds of ,
fairies, who have “> ‘
each their work to _ (i ed)
do. There are the ASIN
‘Sleep Fairies,’





THE WAVE RIDERS 31

whose duty it is to help in nursing sick children.
They wear shoes of the softest down, in order
that their footsteps may not be heard in the sick-
_room. They always carry fans and delightful
perfumes, and many a sick child finds his fore-
head cooled, he knows not how, and falls gen-
tly to sleep, forgetting pain and fever, never
dreaming that the kind and gentle Sleep Fairies
have been by his bedside all night. In the
morning parents and physician find him better,
but no one understands why. None saw the
gentle fairies touching the weary eyelids and
cooling the feverish and aching head through
the long hours of the night.”

It was delightful to hear him.

“And then,” he continued, “there are the
‘Flower Fairies.’ Oh, what a homely world
this would be if it were not for the flowers!
Often a beautiful but helpless flower will be
deprived of its refreshing dew by some great,
rough, overbearing tree or selfish bush. But
the fairies look to that! ‘When the sun goes
down they are at work, and many a tiny cupful
of dew is carried to a flower upon which it could
never fall. Inthe morning the beautiful flower
is refreshed and bright with new strength to
meet the sunbeams; and only the flower and
the fairies know the reason why. But I would
tire you telling you all that we do,” said he,
“Some night I will take you with me.”

I accepted his invitation with thanks, and



32 PRINCE UNO

promised to be ready any night he ‘should
appoint.

“ Are these little ones your only children?”’
I inquired. :

To my alarm the Princess turned pale and
seemed about to faint; and the Prince himself,
for all that he hurried to her side and seemed
anxious only on her account, looked much dis-
tressed. That I had asked an unfortunate
question was very evident, and words could not
express how greatly I regretted it.

The Princess soon recovered, however, and
after a moment the Prince said sadly: “Is it
possible you have never heard how we lost our
brave boy? But I forget; of course you have
not. At some other time I may be able to tell
you, but not now.”

I hastened to change what seemed so painful
a subject, but the recollection of the suffering
my thoughtless question had caused these
charming people made me curious to know the
sad story about which I could not ask. ‘“ How
strange,’ I thought, “that grief and trouble
should find their way here! Even this delight-
ful couple, in their splendid palace and with all
their power, are not entirely happy! What
can be the sad story of the bright fairy boy they
seem to love so much, but who is not here?
Of course he cannot be dead.”” A suspicion of
the truth flitted across my mind. He must
have been stolen from them. But who could



THE WAVE RIDERS 33

steal a fairy’s child?
Would it be possi-
ble to do such a
thing? I deter-
mined, as soon as
I had made other
acquaintances in
Fairyland, to learn
: this secret; and if I
ye could only help to
f - restore the little one
ve eB to his parents, how
@. gladly would Iserve
this charming pair
whom I had known
lessthanasingle day
and had learned to
love so dearly!
The Prince and
Ses the lovely Princess
gradually recovered
: their gaiety, in ap-
pearance at least.
ong They did all they
Sie could to make my
evening a pleasant
one. So successful were they in this that when
at last I looked at my watch it was nearly eleven
o’clock, and long past my usual hour for retir-
ings
Rising, I said, ‘I must bid you good evening,





A



34 PRINCE UNO

and must trouble your Majesty to show me the
way home.”

I had turned to take leave of my beautiful
hostess, when she said: ‘‘ You cannot go home
to-night, Uncle Frank. You must stay with us.”

I thanked her, but insisted that I must go.

“Tt is out of the question,” said the Prince,
smiling. ‘You must stay with us. I am un-
able to let you go, and, seriously, I cannot show
you the way to-night, for reasons which I may
not explain.”

He was evidently in earnest, and meant every
word he said, although he smiled pleasantly all
the time. This diminutive, charming fellow, I
had long since learned, was possessed of a will
of his own and was every inch a king. That
was hardly doing him full justice, however, for
he was certainly not over three inches tall.

“We can make you very comfortable,” said
the Princess, pleasantly. “If you only knew
Uno half as well as I do, you would quietly
submit, being convinced that going home to-
night is out of the question.”

What was I todo? I had left home with the
expectation of returning by supper-time. Now
it was already nearly midnight, and I was with-
out means of sending word to my house. I
realized that I could not help myself. I was
now so small that I should have been afraid to
go home alone, unless the Prince should consent
to change me back to my natural size. Even



THE WAVE RIDERS 35

if changed, I knew that I could not find the
way without a guide. I did not even know in
what direction lay the mysterious passage
through which, that afternoon, I had entered
Fairyland with the Prince. There was clearly no
help for it.

I determined, however, to try persuasion, and
accordingly said to the Prince: “My dear
Prince, I beg of you, as a special favor, let me
return home to-night. I really cannot stay all
night. If you will let me off this time, I will
come again,—to-morrow, any day you wish,—
prepared to stay aslong as you desire. Indeed,
if my visit will be agreeable to yourself and
your charming wife, I shall be glad to return,
for I could spend months with you pleasantly
enough; but to-night I must go home.”

He smiled, but answered firmly: “ My dear
Uncle Frank, I cannot—let—you—go—home
—to-night. Do not give yourself any uneasi-
ness. You will understand all in the morning.
I am really sorry that I cannot explain, but I
may say this: NO MORTAL EVER GETS OUT OF
FAIRYLAND BY BEING SHOWN THE WAY.”

It all seemed very strange. His whole man-
ner showed plainly that he would like to tell me |
more if he could. At last, convinced that
somehow all would be right, and realizing that
I could not help. myself, I determined philo-
sophically to make the best of the situation and
to accept their invitation to remain.



PRINCE UNO






BoththePrinceand
his wife seemed in-
expressibly pleased
and relieved at my
changeof mind. The
Princess said laugh-
ingly and mischie-

ee cat yy vously: “You will
ISS not regret your deci-
SAAS !' sion to remain with
vy i us, believe me. We
‘ih cannot help it. Iam
Wt a good housek
good housekeeper,

and can give you a
pleasantroom, andas
comfortable a bed as
ever yousleptupon.”



Z

Ar




as
Lf

[>






















THE WAVE RIDERS 37

3 a ae

i ae ee -
Sie 84 ae Re 4 .
be iad ce a ra ae
BEY : : ae ’
| AP Ae yy) of : ; re
| f x Satis 2G}
yess e'\â„¢
” emo?
| GRE :
| Fee ee
| Bo AQ mets

Re
a



She then requested the Prince
toconduct metomy room. Af-
ter bidding her good night, and
pressing a kiss upon her exqui-
site little hand, I turned to follow
Uno, who was already waiting
for me on the stairs. He led the
way into a pleasant front room
onthesecond floor. Itwassplen-
didly furnished, with a soft car-
pet, a handsome bureau with a
fine large mirror, an elegant bed-
stead of rosewood inlaid with
gold, and with satin curtains.
The Prince lighted a golden
chandelier which hung from
the center of the ceiling, and,
turning to me, held out his
hand.

“JT must now bid you good
night,” said he. ‘ Do not wor-
ry, my dear fellow; all will be
as you desire. Do you remem-





38 PRINCE UNO

ber the way to the place where I first met you
this afternoon?”

I replied that I did perfectly.

‘‘ WELL, BE SURE NOT TO FORGET IT, and
be sure, also, to remember that you are always
welcome to our home. Good night.”

I thought it strange that he should say all
this. It seemed to me unnecessary, and that it
would have been so much more appropriate in
the morning, when I should be leaving for home.
“ However,” thought I, ‘ everything is strange
here.”

I could not retire until I had examined the
room and its contents. Everything was inter-
esting. I found the little bureau perfect in
every respect. It had a marble top, and small
drawers with good locks and keys, and yet the
whole bureau itself was not larger than the
square glass inkstand on my desk athome. At
one end of the room was a marble wash-stand
with silver faucets and hot and cold water. A
little pink cake of perfumed soap, not larger
than an apple-seed, was to me a great curiosity.
I was tempted to put it in my pocket to take
home with me, but I thought that it would not
be polite for a guest to carry off the soap with
him. I was about to retire when I was inter-
rupted by a knock on the door. The Prince
himself had returned to inquire if there was
anything I needed, and to show me the bell-
pull, a little silken cord with a gold tassel at the



THE WAVE RIDERS 39

end of it, to which he had forgotten to call my
attention. I thanked him for his thoughtfulness,
and assured him that I needed nothing more,
but asked if he would kindly have me called in
the morning, as I was retiring much later than
usual and was afraid I should oversleep. To
my great surprise he laughed heartily at my
request, but, observing my astonishment, checked
himself immediately, and said, with a mischiev-
ous look which I could not at the time under-
stand: “Never fear; you will be called at the
proper time.” Again bidding me good night,
he bowed very low and gracefully—not so low,
however, as to prevent my observing a roguish
smile upon his face, which I remembered the
next day.

I was soon in bed, but what a bed it was!
Never had I stretched my weary limbs on one
so comfortable. The softness of its linen was
soothing and refreshing. In a moment I was
asleep. I slept long and soundly. When I
awoke the sun was shining in at the window.
It was certainly very late, and, after all, I had
overslept. I rubbed my eyes, recalled all the
wonderful things I had seen, and sprang out of

bed.





40 PRINCE UNO

I was in my own room at home. I looked
for the fairy bureau, the beautiful bedstead, the
bright carpet. All were gone. I was standing
in front of the mirror of my own bureau, and I
looked quickly to see how small I would appear
in my own glass. To my surprise I found that
I was as large as I had ever been. How
strange! Had it all been a dream? I felt sure
it had not. How distinctly I remembered
everything, from the moment I saw the fairies
riding the waves to the very last words the
Prince had spoken to me before going to bed:
“YOU WILL UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING IN
THE MORNING,” and ‘‘ NO MORTAL EVER GETS
OUT OF FAIRYLAND BY BEING SHOWN THE
WAY.”

I began to suspect the truth. While asleep,
I had been carried by the fairies to my own
room. But how could they carry so large a
man as 1? The explanation was simple when
I remembered how small I had been the night
before. They had moved me while I was small,
and had not changed me to my real size until I
was safe and snug in my own bed.

It was all apparent now. The Prince did
not wish me to learn the way out of Fairyland,
and had moved me in my sleep.







“They come from beds of lichen green,
They creep from the mullen’s velvet screen.”
Tue CuLpritT Fay.







II

THE LEAF RIDERS

PROCEEDED to dress myself. I
was quite perplexed. My mind
was filled with recollections of
my experience of the day before.
I had not sufficiently recovered
my self-possession to escape the
feeling, a most ludicrous one,
that my hands and feet were un-
duly large and awkward, espe-



cially when employed in such tasks as putting
on my shoes and buttoning my collar. Indeed,
in this latter task it was almost impossible to

resist the impression that my hands and face,
43



44 PRINCE UNO

and, indeed, my whole body, were swollen to an
unnatural and clumsy size. Under the influ-
ences of a good breakfast and a refreshing cup
of coffee, however, I soon recovered my normal
mental condition.

Upon retiring to my room after breakfast, I
was still further surprised to discover that my
night-key to the front door was not in the pocket
of my trousers, as usual, but that it had been
in my bureau drawer all the time. How, then,
could the fairies have entered the house? It
was very strange—all very strange.

I remembered the little Princess had said to
me that she had been in my house many times.
How had she entered? It was plain the fairies
had no need of keys, and they must have
brought me into the house in some other way
than through the door, possibly through the
window. It was open, and suggested the idea.

I was very eager to make another trip to
Fairyland, and, after reading my newspaper, I
determined to set out for the little bay by the
sea where I had first met the Prince.

There were no fairies to be seen. I walked
across the beach down to the very edge of the
water; so near, in fact, that I had hard work,
once or twice, to escape a good wetting by the
waves, which were higher than usual at that
hour in the morning. Notwithstanding I
strained both eye and ear to catch sight or
sound of my little friends, there was no evidence



THE LEAF RIDERS 45

whatever of their presence, and after waiting
several hours I returned to my home quite dis-
appointed.

The next day, and the day after that, and
every day of the bright and beautiful summer,
I went regularly to the seaside, but could learn
nothing more. Could it be that the fairies
wished to avoid me, and had no desire to con-
tinue their acquaintance with me? I felt cer-
tain that it could not be so. Somehow I felt
sure that the Prince was fond of my company.
Could it be that I had missed the way to the
little bay and had gone to the wrong place?
How was I to find out?

I was always thinking of the dear little boy
who was lost, and always looking for him
through the woods, over the hill, by the sea,
everywhere, but I could learn nothing of him.

One afternoon, when the autumn had begun
and the leaves were falling from the trees, I had
wandered farther from home than usual and
some distance into the woods. At last, being





46 PRINCE UNO

somewhat tired, I sat down to rest upon the
projecting root of a large tree, and had been
seated but a few minutes when a sturdy boy
passed me, pushing before him a large wheel-
barrow containing a bagful of dried leaves.

I stopped him to inquire for what purpose he
was collecting them, and was informed that he
was storing them in his mother’s barn, to be
used as warm bedding for
the cows during the long
and cold winter nights.
Heseemed willing enough
to have an excuse for rest-
ing from his labor, and sat
down beside me. Isoon
found him quite pleasant
company.

‘Ts that your mother’s
barn?” I inquired, point-
ing to a large barn that
could be seen through the trees at the foot of the
hill. He informed me that it was, and that, by
the way, it was much larger than his mother had
needed since the death of his father, and served
no other purpose than that of sheltering the
cows which were now her only support.

“ Are you often in these woods?” I asked.

“Yes; I am here every day.”

“Have you ever seen any small, very small,
people when you have been here?”’

He had often heard sounds as if very small





THE LEAF RIDERS 47

people were talking and singing, and sometimes
laughing, but he had never seen any of the lit-
tle people themselves. He had thought that
possibly the sounds were made by birds or
crickets. ‘‘ Once,” said he, his face brightening
as he recalled the fact, “I did see a large bum-
blebee flying through the air with something
that looked for all the world like a wee little
boy—oh, the very smallest boy you ever saw.
I thought I heard him crying, but I am not
sure. Maybe it was n’t a boy; anyhow, I fol-
lowed the bee through the woods until I saw
him go into a hole in a big tree; but though I
waited an hour or two, he did not come out
again, and I got tired and went home.”

I thought at once of the bright boy of my
Fairy Prince. Could this have been his dear
stolen child?

I asked many more questions. Was he sure
it was a humblebee, or rather ‘ bumblebee,”
ashe called it? Did he think he could find the
tree and show it tome? No, he could not; he
had often looked for it since that day, but had
never found it. He was not even sure that
what he had seen flying through the air was a
bee; it only looked like one.

I mentally resolved to find this tree myself,
even if, in order to do so, I had to spend every
day in the forest. It might, after all, however,
be a mistake of this boy, thought I; for surely
no bee could steal a fairy. Had not the Prince



48

PRINCE UNO



himself told me that neither beast
nor bird nor fish nor insect could
hurt a fairy?

While reflecting upon all the
boy had told me, I observed that
the leaves were falling faster than
usual from the trees around us,
and I looked to see if the wind
had arisen. There was not a
breath of air stirring, and yet
the leaves were coming down in
showers. The summer had been
very hot, and they were dry and
crisp.

Could I be mistaken, or did I
hear the sound of laughter and
of singing as the leaves fell? I
listened intently, and was soon
sure that I heard the laughter
and shouting of fairies. The
sound seemed to come from the
leaves in the air, and at last, after
watching them steadily for some
moments, I discovered the fairies





THE LEAF RIDERS. 49

themselves. Some of them were climbing into
the trees and others riding down to the ground
on the falling leaves. They were evidently en-
joying themselves hugely, for they laughed and
shouted and rode races one with another, sitting
upon the leaves as boys do upon sleds. I saw
some of the little fellows, too impatient to wait
for the leaves to fall of their own accord, actually
pull them off the tree, and, jumping on them,
go riding down swiftly to the ground.

It was delightful to watch them enter into the
sport with such evident enjoyment. As soon
as one would reach the ground he would run
quickly back to the tree, and, climbing up into
its branches, would catch a new leaf, or tear
one from the stem, and go riding down as be-
fore.

They were the same fairies I had seen riding
the waves, but instead of being richly dressed
in silks of various colors, as on the day when I
first saw them at the
sea, they were now
dressed in plain brown
clothes of the same
color as the leaves of
the trees. This ac-
counted for my not
having observed them
before.

Idesired very much
to find my littlefriend ,° >





50 PRINCE UNO



the Prince, but he was nowhere to be seen.
Perhaps he did not always come out with the
rest.

At last, however, I caught sight of the dear
fellow standing under a tree at some distance
from that from which the fairies were riding.
He stood, with arms folded, looking quietly on,
and was clothed in the same rich satin in which
I had at first seen him. His handsome dress,
however, was now almost entirely concealed by
a plain little brown cloak of the same color as
the clothes of the other fairies. As he stood
leaning against the trunk of the tree, the color
of his cloak blended so perfectly with that of
the bark of the tree that it was no wonder I
had not observed him before. I was soon by
his side, and could see that his face was very
sad ; indeed, a tear upon his cheek was evidence
that he had been weeping. “ He is thinking of
his lost boy,” Ithought. Apparently he did not
observe me until I was directly in front of him.



THE LEAF RIDERS 51

The moment he recognized me, he quickly
brushed away the tear, and his face was bright
with smiles.

“Ah! my dear Uncle Frank, how I have
missed you!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ Where have you
been?”

“T have been in these very woods every day
this summer looking for you, my dear Prince,” :
Tanswered. I mildly reproached him for having
avoided me, adding that if he had tried half as
hard to find me as I had to find him we would
have met before. He smiled sadly at my re-
proaches, and said: “‘ We fairies cannot seek our
mortal friends; they must make the effort to
find us. Muchas I wanted to see you, my dear
fellow,”’—and he threw a kiss to me with his
hand,—‘“T could not come to show you the
way. You said you knew the way to the sea-
side bay.”





52 PRINCE UNO

“T have been there every day for months,”
said I.

“ And_-I, too,” said he, smiling; “but you
must have gone to the wrong place, Uncle
Frank, or I would have seen you. However, I
will show you the way once more. Who is
your youthful friend?”’

I had forgotten the boy, who had been stand-
ing with me when I first saw the fairies, and
who had followed me to where the Prince was
standing. He had evidently not seen or heard
the Prince at all, for he was staring at me with
a most ludicrous expression of countenance, as
if he thought I had gone crazy, and was talking
to myself, or to the tree in front of me. I
could not help smiling at his astonishment, but
answered the Prince: “ He is gathering leaves
for his mother’s cows, and is carrying them to
the barn which you see at the foot of the hill.”

“Tf he is your friend,” said Uno, “I will help
him do that in less time than he could carry
one bagful to the barn.”

He lifted his pearl horn to his lips, and sounded
a clear soft note. In amoment the fairies were
standing respectfully before him. Such a row
of red cheeks and bright eyes I thought IJ had
never seen. Some of them still held a leaf in
one hand, as a boy would hold a sled, and they
were all out of breath with the excitement of
their sport.

“This boy,” said the Prince, with a dignity







54 PRINCE UNO

which he seemed to forget when speaking to
me,—‘‘this boy is a friend of Uncle Frank’s,
and is carrying leaves into that barn. You
might just as well be useful, while enjoying
yourselves, and ride your leaves into his barn
instead of to the ground. It will be a longer
ride for you, and will save him much hard work.”

I turned to look at the boy, to see the effect
upon him of a proposition which was likely to
make his task an easy one. It was plain he had
not seen or heard a single fairy, for he was
regarding me with the same look of astonish-
ment, and evidently thought I had lost my wits.
I could not help laughing at his perplexity,
and turned to see the effect of the Prince’s
command to his little band.

With ringing shouts and merry laughter they
started for the tree, and in a moment clouds of
leaves were flying toward the barn. I could
see them enter the barn through the doors and
windows, and even through the cracks between
the boards. The fairies soon returned, and,
taking new leaves from the trees, started for the
barn as if their lives depended upon their speed.
The boy was evidently astonished, and could
not understand it.

“Just look at the leaves!’ he exclaimed.
“ Did you ever see the like! If the wind only
keeps blowing ten minutes more like that, I
won’t have to gather another one, for the old
barn will be full.”



THE LEAF RIDERS 55

Fortunately for him, the wind did not stop
blowing, or rather the fairies did not stop
riding, until the barn was full of leaves; and
the delighted boy exclaimed: “I must hurry
down and shut the doors and windows, or the
wind may change and blow them out again;
then I’ll run and tell mother. So good-by! If
that ain’t the biggest joke this year!’ In his
excitement he had run fully half-way down the
hill before I bethought me to call him back and
ask him to continue to look for the tree until
he should find it, and then to watch it for me
whenever he had time. I gave him a piece of
money to pay him for his trouble, and he was
soon once more on his road to the barn.

I turned to the Prince. He had been observ-
ing me, and said pleasantly, “ Well, are you
ready to pay me a visit?”

I replied that I was, and remarked that it
was very kind of him to do so much for the
poor boy.

“Oh, that is nothing,” he answered. “It
ought to be a pleasure for one to doa kind act.
Have you ever observed,” he continued, “ that
it is still more pleasant to do a kind act and not
have it known?”

I replied that it ought to be, but that I had
also observed that few were content to do an
act of kindness and not wait to be thanked for
it. “Now, that poor boy,” said I, “ evidently
thinks that the wind blew the leaves into the



56 PRINCE UNO

barn, although if he had had his wits about him
he might have seen that there was not a breath
of wind blowing at the time. He has not the
slightest idea of giving you the credit for it.”

“ And I do not want the credit for it,’ said
the noble fellow. ‘I think very little of those
who do good only for the sake of getting credit
for it.”

By this time we were out of sight of the other
fairies, and I inquired if we would not better
wait for them to catch up with us.

He smiled. ‘Oh, no; they know the way
well enough; besides, they have work to do yet.”

“Vou seemed to be invisible to the boy,” I
said; ‘and I observed that though I heard
every word you said, he evidently did not hear
you at all.”

“ Ves,” said the Prince; “it would not do for
us to let every boy that plays in the woods see
us and our mad frolics. It would empty every
school-house in the neighborhood, and they
would think of nothing but running through
the woods trying to catch a glimpse of my
merry men, just as I have seen the foolish
fellows spend the whole of a summer afternoon
chasing butterflies.”

“My dear Prince,” said I, “I found you very
sad this afternoon. I do not wish to pry into
your sorrows, but I would just like to say this
to you: that I wish I could serve you in any
way.”



THE LEAF RIDERS 57

He looked up into my face with the same sad
expression which I had observed when he was
standing in the woods. ‘“ My dear Uncle Frank,
I know you would; but it is out of your power
to help me. On account of my poor
little wife, I could not tell you, the ee
other evening when you were with
us, the sad story of our oldest boy.
She has not
regained her
strength, al-




though nearly
two years
have passed
since our
brave boy was
stolen from
us; and have
not spoken to
you of it since,
because I have felt that you
could not help me, and be-
cause I think we ought to
bear our own burdens of
grief and sorrow, and not
thrust them upon other
people. I see, however,
yours is the true friendship that would help to
bear a friend’s burdens.”

I pressed his hand in silence. It was as I
suspected, then—the boy had been stolen.



58 PRINCE UNO

«And who could be so wicked as to rob you
of your child?” I asked.

“We do not know,”’ said he, “ but we suspect
a Wood-sprite whom I had punished for some
mischief he had done. He never forgave me,
though I only did my duty as his King. The
little boy was last seen in these very woods;
but though we come here often to look for him,
and though all the Birds and Crickets and Ants
have looked for him every day, and the Katy-
dids by night, we can learn nothing. The little
fellow must be above ground, or the Ants would
find him; and he must be kept inside of a tree,
or the Birds and Katydids would find him; but
the Squirrels and Woodpeckers are friendly to
the Wood-sprites, and they, who could tell so
much of what is hidden within the trees, will
tell me nothing.”

“ How strangely,” thought I, “ does all this
correspond with what the boy saw! I must
find that tree. I feel sure that I am on the
right track now. But the Bee!”

“ Are the Bees friendly to you?” I inquired
anxiously.

“The Honey-bees are, but the Humblebees
are not.”

“The boy must have been right, after all,”
thought I. “Oh, if I could only find that tree,
what would I not give!”

“Neither the Humblebees, however,” the
Prince continued, “nor any other insect, could



THE LEAF RIDERS 59

injure my boy or hurt a fairy in any way.
The most they could do would be to conceal
the place where he is hid.”

“ Then,” thought I, “it could not have been
the little Prince, after all, and the boy must
have been mistaken; for if the most that an
Humblebee could do would be to refuse to tell
the hiding-place of the child, it would require
something more powerful than a Bee to carry
him off.” In my perplexity, however, a new
thought occurred to me.

“What does a Wood-sprite look like?” I
inquired.

“Oh, they change their form very often.
When traveling they frequently take the form
of Humblebees—but here we are at the stone
door.”

I had not observed that while talking with
the Prince we had been rapidly approaching
the large stone cover to the staircase in the
sand. It was now directly at our feet.

I lifted it as before, without waiting to be
told to do so by the Prince, and -we descended,
the stone closing after us, this time apparently
of its own accord.

“Not a word of all this to my dear wife,
Uncle Frank,” said the little fellow.

“Never fear; I would not again alarm her
for all the world.”

“ Her sorrow wears upon me almost as much
as the loss of my boy,” said he. “I have to



60 PRINCE UNO



be as cheerful as possible at
home, to keep her spirits up.
But here we are in Fairy-
land, and I must change you
to a fairy. Drink from
this.”

He handed me a little bottle containing the
liquid which before had made me so small.
Placing it to my lips, I took a swallow of its con-
tents, and soon felt myself going down, down,
down, till I was no taller than the Prince him-
self, and could look into his beautiful blue eyes
without stooping.

“T like you better this way,” he said, taking
my arm in his; ‘it is so sociable.”

We were soon walking in the little city, under



THE LEAF RIDERS 61




















the beautiful trees which
grew on each side of the
street.
Notwithstanding my
previous experience, it
stillseemed very strange
to be down so close to
the ground. I was now
no taller than the top of
my shoe had been; in-
deed, I do not think I
could have gotten into
it without a ladder, and
IT am certain that, with
all my strength, I could
not have lifted it from
the ground. It would
have an-
swered for a
house for one
of my present
size. .
«What are
you thinking
of ?” inquired



62 PRINCE UNO

the Prince, looking into my face. ‘“ What makes
you so quiet?”’

“T was thinking of the old woman who lived
in her shoe,” I replied. “I never before could
understand how she could live in her own shoe,
but I think I understand it now.”

The Prince laughed mischievously. ‘I don’t
think she would have been cramped for room if
her feet had been as big as yours were a mo-
ment ago!”

“And her children no larger than fairy
princes! ” I replied, smiling at his good humor.

“We would better stop joking,” said the
Prince, looking at me archly. ‘You will be
getting the worst of it, and have your little feel-
ings hurt, if you persist.”

It gave me great satisfaction to discover that
the Prince seemed to take pleasure in my society,
and to be disposed to treat me in every way as
his confidential friend. We chatted pleasantly
together until we had reached his palace, and he
had started to run up the steps when he turned
quickly and said:

“Would you like to visit Weeboro to-day?”

“By all means,” said I, enthusiastically.
“ How long will it take us to go?” I took out
my watch to see what time it was. There it was
again, no larger than a shirt-button, ticking away
as before. It was just two o’clock.

“Well,” said the Prince, “let me see. It is
just two o'clock.” I had not told him the time,



THE LEAF RIDERS 63

Evidently he could tell the time without a watch,
for he had named the hour exactly. “I have,” —
he continued, “a long-legged donkey that can get
over the ground easily in about fifteen minutes.”

“Well,” I said, “trot him out, and we will
ride over.”

“We can ride only one at a time,” said the
Prince, dryly. “We will find him behind the
woods yonder.”

He pointed to a forest of trees just outside
the city, and we set off at once. When behind
the trees, where we could not be seen from the
town, he turned to me and said, ‘““I must now
make you large again; swallow this.”

He handed me a powder, which I placed upon
my tongue. The effect was magical. I com-
menced to grow larger with prodigious rapidity,
and was soon fully six feet in height.

“Lift me up,” said he, ‘and let me sit on
your shoulder. I will show you the way.”

I placed him on my shoulder as directed.

“Now,” said he, ‘I think we would better go
across lots, so as not to meet any of the Weeboro
people, who would be frightened out of their
little wits if they should see so large and homely
a giant as you are coming down the road. But
we must be off. Step out!”

“But where is the long-legged donkey?” I
asked.

“T am going to ride the donkey,” said he;
“you will have to walk.”



64 PRINCE UNO









He
laughed so heartily
at my stupidity, twitching my

great ear and pulling my hair in his
merriment, that, although the joke was all at
the expense of-my clumsy self, I could not help
laughing with him, and I believe I enjoyed it as
muchas he did. In as good humor as ever were
two mortals setting out on an excursion together,
I commenced my tramp, feeling very much
like a donkey, he pulling one of my ears or
the other, as he desired me to turn right or
left, in showing me the way. It was not diffi-
cult for me to step over fences and ditches
and small hills, and I verily believe that I made
fully one of their small miles in four of my great
steps. Atsuch a tremendous pace we were soon



THE LEAF RIDERS 65

near Weeboro. ‘“‘ We must not go any farther
in this direction,” said the Prince. ‘ We will
get behind that mountain which is close to the
city, and, once there, I can make you small
again.” I soon reached the place

pointed out, and lifted the
Prince carefully
down.












ay. Ae \

ai Beret

i
fi f

















ATi



66 PRINCE UNO

The mountain was several feet higher than my
head, and I was obliged to step on a small hill at
its foot in order to look over its summit at the city
which the Prince informed me was just on the
otherside, Fortunately, there was quite a forest
of trees on the mountain-top. By bending one
or two of them aside I could look through them
without myself being seen by the little people
in the city below. They would, I believe, have
been frightened to deathhad they, without warn-
ing or explanation, seen such a formidable ap-
parition as my great face peering at them from
that height. It was a beautiful town, and cov-
ered about as much ground as a large vegetable-
garden. At the foot of the mountain, and
between me and the city, was quite a large river,
about as wide as one of our streets. I learned
afterward they were very proud of this river,
and still more proud of a very fine stone bridge
which spanned it, and which they had been many
years building. It was lighted throughout its
entire length by little lamps, and was really a
fine piece of engineering. There were numbers
of vessels, of all kinds and sizes, in the river, from
the small tugs, which were puffing about from
place to place, to the largest ocean steamers,
which were, some of them, fully ten feet long.
In the center of the.city was a large open square,
and in front of it a handsome building, which I
soon concluded was the palace of their king.
What interested me most of all, however, was



THE LEAF RIDERS 67

a railroad, on which I could see a small train of
cars steaming toward the city. The locomotive
whistled as it came in sight of the depot, and I
could see little men with red flags hurrying to
the crossings and beckoning to the people to get
off the track. The locomotive was certainly not
more than ten inches long, and the cars in pro-
portion. Isaw the train stop at the depot, which
was about two feet high and fully five feet
long. I watched the little passengers get off,
one by one, while their diminutive trunks were
taken from the baggage-car by porters and ex-
pressmen. Carriages and omnibuses were in
waiting, and were soon bustling through the
streets on their way to the various hotels.

I was now conscicus of something pricking my
feet, as if a pin were being run into my shoe.
Looking down, I saw the Prince sticking his
sword, which was no longer than a pin, and very
sharp, right into my foot. In my astonishment
at seeing the city and its inhabitants, I had for
the moment forgotten all about the little fellow,
and he was endeavoring with right good will to
remind me of his presence and of his claims upon
my attention. I reached down in a hurry, you
may be sure, and, picking him up, placed him
on top of the mountain, where he could stand
on a level with my face.

“ Are you deaf?” he exclaimed. “TI-could
not make you hear a word, though I screamed
at the top of my voice. You certainly have no



68 PRINCE UNO

corns, for I have been kicking your great clumsy
feet for an hour past.” And he laughed heartily,
to my great relief, for I feared he was provoked
with me for having neglected him.

Placed in a position where he could point out
and explain the various objects of interest, he
was now of great assistance to me, and as he
knew every building in the city, and was ac-
quainted with the history of the place from
the earliest date, his replies to my numerous
questions were both interesting and instruc-
tive.

‘““Weeboro,” he explained, “is quite an old
city, and is governed by a king, a very intelli-
gent and worthy man, whose palace you see near
the square. He is well educated, having been
through college, and governs his people with
much wisdom. He is a good general, too, and
in the wars which are sometimes forced upon
him by the ambitious and proud king of another
little people, who live some thousand miles or
more from Weeboro, he never fails to come off
victorious. That large vessel which you see,”
he continued, pointing to a steamship in the
river, “is one of his war-vessels, and is only
one of quite a navy.”

By looking intently I could plainly see the
muzzles of cannon in the port-holes in her sides.
I became more and more interested with all that
I saw, and my interest was heightened by his
intelligent explanations. The story of Gulliver’s



THE LEAF RIDERS 69

travels among the Lilli-
putians had always been
interesting to me, but his
- little folks had neither

‘steam-vessels nor real
cannon nor railroads;
they had only bows and
arrows to fight
with; and a loco-
motive and train of
cars such as I had
just seen would
probably have
frightened them to









SSE SE death.
z “Tt seems too
PARA bad,” I remarked,
; Ca “that such a very
“\“c-S> small people should

go to war with each
other, my dear Prince. Can you do nothing to
prevent it?”

“ T cannot interfere,” he replied thoughtfully ;
“they must settle that between themselves.
The most I can do is to protect them from such
giants as you, and that I very easily accomplish
by hiding the staircases. If you wish to visit
the city now, you must lift me down and take a
swallow from the bottle. The little King would
think I had betrayed him to destruction if he



70 PRINCE UNO

should see me leading so large a giant through
his city! ”

I lifted him carefully down, and took a drink
from the bottle. In my anxiety to see the city
I thoughtlessly took a much larger swallow than
usual, and went down so fast that it made me
quite dizzy, and jingled the keys in my pocket.
Indeed, so rapid was my descent that my mouth
closed with a snap, and, as I was just about
making a remark to the Prince, my tongue was
caught between my teeth and received a severe
bite. The Prince laughed heartily at my dis-
comfiture, but I was all right again in a moment,
and, taking his arm, we were soon on our way
to the bridge.

Fortunately, he knew the road, and a short
walk brought us toitsentrance. I was surprised
to find soldiers on guard. They were stationed
so they could examine those who desired to
cross. They were handsome fellows, dressed
in red coats trimmed with gold lace, and yellow
trousers. Their horses—for they belonged to
the cavalry—were standing near by, ready sad-
dled and bridled. The Prince explained that
the King of Weeboro was very careful of his
territory, as his enemy was watchful and very
aggressive, and that it was necessary to be con-
stantly on the alert, especially at so important a
place as the bridge entrance.

As I was impatient to see the city, I felt
quite annoyed to think that we would have to



THE LEAF RIDERS 71

be detained for the purpose of answering nu-
merous questions of the soldiers; but as the
Colonel in command stepped forward to examine
us, I felt that we must submit to the delay.. To
my surprise, however, he no sooner observed
my companion, the Prince, than he saluted him
with great deference, removing his hat until its
little plume actually trailed inthe dust. Then,
calling one of his soldiers, he whispered a few
words to him, and came forward himself to
meet us. The soldier sprang hastily into his

y ie

eS





72 PRINCE UNO

saddle, and was soon rid-
ing as fast as his horse
could carry him across
the bridge to the city.

The Colonel did not
return his hat tohishead,
but held it respectfully in
his hand ashe approached
the Prince.











“Your Ma-
jesty is very
welcome to
Weeboro,’ said
he. “I have
just sent word
o the King of
our arrival.”

“Tt was not

necessary to
disturb him, my dear Colonel,” said the Prince.
“We are simply taking a walk.”

“ Will you not wait for the royal carriage?”
asked the Colonel.

“Oh, no,” replied the Prince. ‘I think we
prefer to walk across the bridge, and not trouble
his Majesty, King Leo.” And bidding him a
gracious good afternoon, the Prince and I started
for the city. It was plain to see that the Prince
was well known, and also greatly respected and
liked.

We walked slowly over the bridge, which I

cto

<



THE LEAF RIDERS 73

examined carefully at every step. It was re-
markably well built. At every few feet there
were very handsome lamps. It must have
been as light by night as by day. We were
not more than half-way across when I could
hear a band of music approaching. I soon saw
a whole army of little soldiers, with their flags
flying and muskets glistening in the sun, march-
ing toward us. None of them was taller than
the Prince. As they approached us, I could
see several small policemen keeping back the
crowd, to make room for them to march.

Directly behind the advance-guard was a
very elegant open carriage, drawn by four white
horses. As it approached us the door opened,
and a fine-looking man, very richly dressed
in black velvet trimmed with gold lace, and car-
rying carelessly under his arm a handsome sword
with a jeweled hilt, stepped to the ground and
came forward to meet us. His eyes were black,
but his hair slightly gray.

“My dear Prince,” said he, “how kind of
you to come and visit me so informally!”

To my surprise, he knelt down gracefully,
and kissed the hand of my companion. ‘“ Evi-
dently,” thought I, ‘‘ Uno must be a very im-
portant personage, when even this king stoops
to kiss his hand.”

The Prince raised him to his feet, and em-
braced him affectionately, saying, ‘‘ Arise, my
dear Leo; we have only come to make a short



TA PRINCE UNO

call, as my Uncle Frank, here, desires to make
your acquaintance and to see your beautiful
city.”

“ Any member of your royal family is most
welcome,” said the King, turning to me and
extending his hand cordially. ‘“ We will do our
best to see that he enjoys himself. But you
must both be tired walking; let me assist you
to the carriage.” -

The Prince turned to me, and motioned for
me toenter. I didso. Both he and the King
followed. No ‘sooner were we seated than the
King nodded to the officer in command, and the
procession started. The band, a very fine one,
struck up a lively march, and it seemed to me
I had never heard better music. It was amus-
ing, however, to observe the musicians. They
had small brass horns, precisely like those of
the larger bands to which I had been accus-
tomed; and as they played upon their instru-
ments, they puffed out their rosy cheeks until
their eyes seemed starting out of their heads.
The bass-drum was no larger than a small pill-
box, and the fife no bigger than a pin.

The streets were full of people, all anxious to
see the Prince, who was evidently a great
favorite. They frequently cheered him lustily,
and pressed so closely at times upon the carriage
that the little policemen had hard work to make
room for us. Uno bowed pleasantly right and
left. I did the same.



THE LEAF RIDERS 75

I observed that, while the Prince joked freely
and sociably with me when we were alone to-
gether, in the presence of the King he was very
dignified. I was discreet enough to treat him
with as much respect as I saw every one else
did.

We rode through the principal business street.
The small stores, with their goods displayed for
sale, and numerous signs to attract the attention
of the public, were very interesting to me. In
several of the cross-streets I saw railroad tracks
and small horse-cars.

At last the carriage drew up in front of the
palace, and the procession stopped. The soldiers
formed quickly into line, holding their guns
respectfully before them, and King Leo stepped
out. He invited us to enter the palace. As
we reached the top of the steps, he turned for
a moment to say a few words to the people.
They were all attention.

““ My dear citizens,” said he, “ our good friend,
Prince Uno, with an esteemed relative of his,
has come to visit our city quite informally. In
his walks about the town he naturally does not
wish to attract attention, or to be surrounded
with crowds of people. Since it is his royal
pleasure to move about among us for the time
as a private citizen, I feel certain that you will
accord him that privilege, and see that he is
not annoyed.” asc!

They removed their hats immediately, and



76 PRINCE UNO

after giving three enthu-
siastic cheers for Prince
Uno and the King, were
soon on the way to their
homes, having dispersed
in the most orderly man-
ner. I was much im-
pressed with their deco-
rous behavior, and with
the splendid discipline
which seemed to prevail
throughout the entire
city.

We now turned to enter
the palace, and were. met
at the door by the Queen,
to whom I was present-
ed by Prince Uno. She
was a handsome middle-
aged lady, who had most
























THE LEAF RIDERS | TT

agreeable manners, and gave us a hearty wel-
come.

“My dear Prince,” said she, holding out both
little hands to him, ‘‘ how more than glad I am
to see you!—and your friend also,” she added
graciously, bowing to me. ‘And how is that
loveliest of women, the Princess Ino?”

“She is quite well, my dear Queen, and
would have come with us had she known of
our trip. The fact is, Uncle Frank was very
eager to see your city, and I, knowing the time
required by you ladies to prepare for even so
short a journey, hesitated to detain him while
that ‘loveliest of women’ completed her toilet.
So we came away without letting her know
anything about it. I suppose I will receive a
scolding when I return.”

“You are not a properly managed and dis-
ciplined husband,’ said the Queen, archly.
‘Leo would not have dared do such a thing.
I must give the Princess a hint or two. But
come in, you two runaways, and see our baby.
You have not yet seen him, my dear Prince,
and he is such a fine fellow, and to be named
for you, too,” she added, turning to him. “ You
surely would not miss seeing your namesake! ”’

“T certainly would not miss paying my re-
spects to his Royal Highness,” said the Prince,
laughing; “so we will ask for an audience
without delay.”

As the Queen led the way, I had a better
opportunity to observe her graceful form. The



78 PRINCE UNO

charming mother was not over three inches tall.
““What must the baby be?” thought I.

She requested us to take chairs in the parlor
while she ran up-stairs for it.

The room in which we now found ourselves
was a handsome apartment with frescoed ceiling.
The walls were almost covered with elegant
pictures, many of which, I was informed by the
Prince, had been painted by the Queen herself,
who was quite an artist. Indeed, I was delighted
with her handiwork. Adjoining the parlor was
the library, well stored with handsome books,
and provided with easy-chairs and a cheerful
fireplace. I am certain I could not have read
the print of the books if my eyes had not been
exceedingly good. On the parlor mantel were
some exquisite bronzes. They were not larger
than the charms on my watch-chain at home.
Indeed, I would have been delighted to have
had one or two for that purpose.

While examining them the Queen returned.
I shall never forget so long as I live the cunning
wee baby she brought to show to us. It was
dressed in long skirts, and all of its clothes were
handsomely embroidered—by the Queen’s own
hand, as I was informed. The sleeves were
caught up at the shoulders with small blue
ribbons. Its head was not larger, I am sure,
than a small pea, and yet its eyes were open,
and it stared at us with them as if it had known
us before, and was trying to recall when and



THE LEAF RIDERS 79



where it hadseen us. I asked to be permitted
to hold it in my arms for a moment, but no
sooner had I received it from her Majesty, the
Queen-mother, than it commenced to cry, and
I was obliged to return it to her. How small
its tiny hands were! It opened and shut them,
however, moving the wee little fingers just as I
have seen larger babiesdo. Small as the fingers
were, what was my surprise to see on one of
them a gold ring! It was sucha tiny ring that
I am sure it would have been difficult to slip it
overapin! The baby soon grew tired of being
exhibited, and showed its displeasure by doub-
ling its little hands up into fists, and rubbing
its eyes vigorously until it commenced to cry.
The nurse, who had been standing near at hand,



80 PRINCE UNO

dressed in white apron and cap, then took it
up-stairs to the nursery. We could hear it
crying there for some time afterward, notwith-
standing its proud mother had just claimed for
it that it was ‘‘ the very best baby in the world,
and never gave any trouble.”

The King, who had not entered the parlor
with us, owing to some business matters to
which he was obliged to attend, now made his
appearance at the door. Prince Uno, turning
to the Queen, said, ‘‘We must now ask your
Majesty to excuse us for an hour or two, as we
wish to make a tour of the city for Uncle
Frank’s benefit, and have little time to spare.”’

“JT will not detain you longer,’ said the
Queen. “I feel highly honored by your visit.
Do not fail to call before you return home,
however.”

The Prince assured her that he would not, and,
bowing politely, we took our leave, accompanied
by the King, whose carriage was waiting for
us,

Uno, who always seemed to know my wishes
before I expressed them, said, “I think we will
not make use of your carriage, my dear Leo.
Uncle Frank wishes to enter the stores to make
some purchases, and desires to visit some of the
manufactories, as well as the steamers in the
river, and we would have to be continually
getting in and out of the carriage if we rode.”

“Just as you prefer,” said the King; “but



THE LEAF RIDERS 81

permit me to go with you, as my acquaintance
with the city will be of some service to you. I
will not dismiss the carriage, however, as after
you have finished your tour of the city, I should
like to have you visit our coal-mine, some three
miles from here. I feel certain it will interest
you, and besides, my dear Prince, I need your
advice about the management of it. It has of
late become so dangerous that every month
some of my poor miners are killed in it.”

We replied that we should be very glad to
have his company and assistance, and to visit
his mine. We were soon walking, three abreast,
down the street, slowly followed by the carriage,
which kept us in sight.

You may be sure I used my eyes to good
advantage, and saw all that was to beseen. I
observed that the street was paved with small
blocks of stone, and was a most excellent road-
way. The sidewalks were smooth and wide,
and the stores and other buildings were in all
respects like those I had seen of larger size,
although more neatly finished and more per-
fectly constructed. The majority were built of
bricks, which were about the size of grains of
corn. One very large building was being
erected at the time of our visit. The cellar had
been dug, and a pile of bricks and some small
barrels of lime, about as large as thimbles, were
lying in the street.

We had walked past several blocks of stores



82 PRINCE UNO

when I decided to enter one. It was a dry-
goods store. The shelves were filled with at-
tractive goods, and behind the counter stood
little salesmen, selling silks and cloths which
were not wider than narrow ribbons. After
making one or two purchases, we entered a
grocery store, where I was much interested in
the size of the articles kept for sale as compared
with those of like kind at home. Pumpkins
were no larger than apples, while apples were
no bigger than huckleberries. I should have







Fata gis |
aN Zaz Yin 4 § nN:
Git ee ye Ss



THE LEAF RIDERS 83

been pleased to take with me, as a curiosity,
the small pair of scales on the counter. After
leaving this store, a short walk brought us to
the post-office of the city. It was amusing to
see the people waiting to get the small letters
which the postmaster handed out to them
through the window, which was itself no larger
than one of our postage-stamps. Next to the
post-office was a hardware store, and in we
went. I requested the clerk behind the counter
to show me some pocket-knives. I desired
some six-bladed ones. He displayed a number
of different kinds for me to examine. They
were about as large as grains of wheat, though
perhaps not quite so thick, and perfect in every
respect. I was so delighted with them that I
bought a dozen to take back with me as curiosi-
ties, to the evident satisfaction of the small
storekeeper. The King would not let me pay
for them, but insisted on their being charged
to his account. I protested, but it was of no
use.

We next came to a bank, and I could see the
clerks, with tiny pens behind their ears, bustling
about, some of them counting out money, and
others making entries in the books. There was
an iron safe in which to lock up the money and
the books. I was informed that this safe was
necessary only as a protection against fire. I
was gratified to learn that it was entirely un-
necessary so far as thieves were concerned.



84 PRINCE UNO

All people in this happy land were honest.
There was no one capable of telling a falsehood,
or of taking anything which did not belong to
him.

The next place of interest was a barber’s shop.
I stood at the door and looked in without enter-
ing. Several gentlemen were sitting in small
chairs, being shaved. One of the barbers was
cutting a little boy’s hair. If the scissors had
been as large as those used at home, one careless
clip of the shears would have cut the boy’s head
off.

After leaving the barber’s shop we came to a
drug-store with tiny red and blue bottles in the

window. ‘They have very fine soda-water in
this store,” said the King, “and I wish you both
to try a glass with me.’’ We were soon stand-

ing in front of the fountain, which was a beautiful
affair of white marble with silver faucets. I took
lemon, the Prince sarsaparilla, and the King
raspberry. Such little tumblers, all foaming
and running over, as we held to our mouths!
It was exceedingly refreshing—the very best
soda I ever drank. The King paid for it, and
we went out.

A short walk brought us to a small building
which greatly interested me. It was a school-
house. As we entered the door I could see the
little scholars sitting on the benches. They
were very small children, not over an inch long.
In other respects, however, they looked and



THE LEAF RIDERS 85

behaved very much the same as IJ had seen
larger children behave in schools at home. I
observed one boy, for instance, while the atten-
tion of the teacher was directed to us, take ad-
vantage of the opportunity to snatch a hasty
bite from a tiny apple which he had concealed
in his desk. The teacher was a determined-
looking little woman wearing spectacles. To
my surprise, she was at the time of our entrance
deliberately putting some small boys into a bag.
The bag, quite a large one, was soon full, and I
could not resist the temptation to inquire the
reason for so strange a proceeding. “It is
my plan of whipping impartially,” she replied.
“These boys have none of them learned their
lesson; and that I may not be accused of whip-
ping one more severely than another, I place
them all in this bag, give the bag a good shak-
ing, thus”’ (and she suited the action to the
word), “to mix them up well, and proceed to
whip the bag soundly.’’ And she did so thor-
oughly, while we looked on. From the noises
which issued from the bag, I could not doubt
that the boys were very impartially and soundly
whipped. As she took them out one by one
they seemed much improved, and evidently
had no fault to find with her fairness. Indeed,
as they walked to their seats I observed that
their faces were entirely free from those expres-
sions of dissatisfaction so common to whipped
scholars of larger schools. I was much edified



86 PRINCE UNO

and impressed with this system of punishment,
and expressed my approbation of it.

“Oh, it is the only way to manage a school -
without being utterly worn out with complaints
from both scholars and parents,” said the ener-
getic little woman. “I have had no difficulty
since I adopted the bag plan. It leaves no room
for complaint, if one only shakes the bag thor-
oughly. I think of taking out a patent for it.”

We thanked her for her explanation, and,
bidding her good day, left the school.

“JT should like to have you examine a new
and very large sawmill which is near at hand,”
said the King.

I expressed my desire to see it. We were
not long in reaching it. The building was pos-
sibly as large as a dry-goods box. As we
entered the door the saws were at work upon
logs which I should think were about as large
as sticks of peppermint candy. The little work-
men had hard work handling them. The saws
were very sharp. Those of a circular form were
about the size of silver dollars. When the
engine was started, they were not long in turn-
ing a good-sized log into very nice little boards.

After spending a few minutes in the sawmill
we visited a large cloth-mill, in which were
hundreds of small looms weaving beautiful cloth
of various colors. In one corner of the mil!
were some looms of very intricate workmanship,
which, I was informed, were used for manufac-



THE LEAF RIDERS 87











ij ftp i

care: Tees Lf
bey OL LTS if

turing fish-nets. The
threads of these nets
were so fine that they
were invisible; indeed,
I should have supposed
the machine to be running upon air, instead of
upon a fabric, if I had not been requested by
the foreman of the mill to feel of the fish-net as
it issued from the loom. To my astonishment,
I could easily feel the meshes, and discovered
that the nets themselves were very strong and
might easily hold the largest fish. “ How easy,”
thought I, “must it be to catch fish in nets
which they cannot see!”

As we left this interesting mill I found that
we were very near to the river on which I had


The Baldwin Library
University
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Florida








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Copyright, 1897, by
Dousiepay & McC.ureE Co.

SECOND EDITION
TO MY LITTLE NEPHEW
M. H. H.
THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY

INSCRIBED BY HIS
UNCLE FRANK



INTRODUCTION

THE following story was first told under
peculiar circumstances, calculated to tax to the
utmost the imaginative powers of the author.
A little boy, very dear to the writer, was very
ill. The crisis of the disease was reached one
Sunday morning. In order that he might en-
dure the extreme suffering caused by the medi-
cal treatment, it was necessary that his mind
should be diverted from his sufferings on that
day. Before the sun should set he would be
either convalescent or past help.

“ Uncle Frank,” was the early morning greet-
ing on that fateful day, “ please tell me a fairy-_
story, and make it exciting, for it does hurt
so!”

Then and there began the recital of the ro-

x
INTRODUCTION xi

mance which follows. It was not difficult, as the
story proceeded, to read in the boyish face the
expression of interest or weariness. At times
the admonition to “make it exciting” further
stimulated the powers of the narrator. Break-
fast was eaten at the bedside of the sufferer;
the dinner-hour was passed in like manner, the
narrative proceeding between the mouthfuls;
and supper was discussed between conflicts of
Kings Vim and Leo, until at last night came,
and the sick little auditor was quiet in restful
slumber. The crisis had passed, and the battle
had been won. The patient was convalescent.
Is it strange that to him whose suffering occa-
sioned the telling of it, and whose interest in it
encouraged the writing of it, I dedicate this
storyP

There were older listeners also. They urged
its publication. Upon them must rest the re-
sponsibility for this book. That it may prove
interesting, and possibly comforting, to other
little ones in need of entertainment, and that
they too, like him for whom it was first told,
may find in its pages relief from pain and weari-
ness, is the hope of their sincere friend,

THE AUTHOR,

CONTENTS

&

I
THE WAVE RIDERS

II
THE LEAF RIDERS

Ill
THE BUBBLE RIDERS

IV
THE MAGIC CHAIR

mes,
THE RECOVERY OF THE FAIRY BOY

“ Their little, minim forms arrayed
In the tricksy pomp of fairy pride.’’
Tue Cuvprir Fay.




THE WAVE RIDERS

AST summer I was living by the
sea. The cottage in which I
‘dwelt stood half-way up the
side of a high hill. Upon the
highest point of this hill was a
lighthouse, the lamps of which,
every night, sent their beauti-
ful, pale light far out over the
ocean, to warn sailors that

2 their ships were nearing the
land, and that they must avoid the rocks of the
shore. Far below was the deep blue sea, which
was always, night and day, rolling its waves on
a beach of white sand.

I was very fond of walking on the beach, and
3





4 PRINCE UNO

often sat down on the sand,
near the water's edge, where I
could watch the waves come
chasing each other in, like chil-
dren at play. On the after-
noon about which I am going
to tell you, I went farther. from
home than usual, down to a
little bay, where the trees grew
close to the beach, and where
no one seemed ever to come.
It was very quiet. The sun
was shining brightly on the
water and the land, and there
was no sound that I could hear,
save the soft whispering of the
waves as they came running in,
one after another, to break into
foam on the clear white sand.
I sat down to watch them.
While looking at them I
thought I could perceive dif-
ferent colors in the foam, and
that instead of being always
white and frothy, it was some-
times blue, sometimes red, and
at other times yellow or green.
At last I fancied I could hear
a merry sound, as if the waves
were actuallylaughing. At times, too, I thought
I heard low, soft music, like the singing of very


THE WAVE RIDERS

Or





oO
a a
. Oo

\——F,



small children, far, far away.
It was such a pleasant sound
that I moved nearer to the
waves, so that they came al-
most to my feet. I then dis-
covered that the sounds I
heard were not made by the
waves at all, but by numbers
of little people. They were
dressed in blue and red and
yellow and green silks, and
had white feathers in their
hats, and, some of them, gold
sashes over their shoulders.
They were riding on the tops
of the waves, singing and
laughing, as the water came
rolling up the sand. What
-seemed to me very strange
was that they were not at all
wet, but that as each little fellow came riding
in on the top of a wave he ran up on the beach
6 PRINCE UNO

as dry as a feather. Evidently the water
had no power to wet them or their beautiful
clothing, and they seemed as much at home on
the waves as on the land. After running a
short distance up the beach, they would rise
softly into the air, apparently without effort,
and, floating out over the sea, would catch a
new wave, and jump laughingly on it, to come
riding in as before. It was very pleasant to see
how much they appeared to enjoy the power of
floating through the air without wings, and of
riding on the waves without getting wet.
While I sat watching them I noticed one
beautiful little fellow, who was dressed so fine
he looked like a prince. I made up my mind
that the little people were fairies, and that he
was their prince or king. At last he came rid-
ing in on the top of a wave which was larger
than usual, and which carried him far up on the
beach where I was lying. It landed him grace-
fully from its crest, quite near my face. As he
stepped daintily down to the sand, he nodded
pleasantly to me, just as if he knew I had been
there all the time, and just as if he had been
acquainted with me all his life. As he was
turning to run back again, I reached out my
hand quickly and caught him. I was careful
not to hurt him, and was surprised and pleased
to find that he was laughing good-naturedly,
was not at all afraid, and evidently was not
angry with me for detaining him. Indeed, he



8 PRINCE UNO

acted as if it were all a playful joke which he
understood and enjoyed.

Holding him in my hand, upon which, when
I finally opened it, he walked about, I was able
to observe him more closely. He was beautifully
and richly dressed. The feather in his hat was
from the wing of a humming-bird, and was
fastened with a diamond, the brightest I had
ever seen. He himself was no larger than my
finger. He had a merry, handsome face, and
long curling hair, which fell over his shoulders
in ringlets of gold. He was dressed throughout
in yellow satin. Over his shoulder was a small
gold chain which held a little trumpet made of
pearl. From a belt about his waist, in a bright
silver scabbard, hung a small sword. All the
buttons of his coat and vest were diamonds,
which, whenever he moved, shone brightly.

“ Are you afraid?” I inquired of him.

He answered quickly, “ No”; and laughingly
added, ‘‘ Why should I be?”

I was charmed with his manners and _ his
courage, and exclaimed, “ Why, do you know
me?”

Hereplied, “Certainly ; you are Uncle Frank.”

You may be sure this surprised me not a

little.
_ He continued: “TIT have known you a long
time; but if I had never met you before, I
should not be afraid of you. You could not
injure me if you wished to,”
THE WAVE RIDERS 9

As he spoke, an ugly-looking spider came
running over the sand toward the place where
we were talking, and, supposing the Prince
would be frightened, I lifted him somewhat
higher from the ground, and said, ‘‘ Don’t be
afraid; the spider cannot reach you.”

He turned his bright little face toward mewith
such a look of surprise and amusement upon it
that I saw I had made a mistake. Then, plac-
ing both hands upon his sides, he laughed so
long and heartily—such a merry, ringing laugh
—that I could not help smiling at his good
humor.

“ Afraid of a spider!” said he. ‘“ Why, don’t
you know that neither beast nor bird nor fish
nor insect could hurt a fairy! Iam their king;

_ Sey SS LS
eA


10 PRINCE UNO

they all have toobey me. I am not afraid of a
lion. IfI ordered him to do so, the great, ugly,
roaring fellow would have to carry me about on
his back. JI am not afraid of an eagle; I have
had many a bold ride on an eagle.”

By this time the spider had crawled to where
we were, and, strange to say, looked as if it
wished to speak to the Prince. Sure enough, it
did. The Prince nodded smilingly toit. “Well,
old Longlegs,” said he, “ what do you want?”

To my surprise the spider answered:

“Does your Majesty want any swings this
afternoon?”

“Yes,”’ said the Prince; “ I want—let me see
—five hundred, right away.”

The spider actually made a bow and turned
to go. He was soon out of sight in the woods,
and the fairy asked, “Would you like to go
with me and see the swings?”

I was glad to do so, for I had nothing else to
occupy my time, and we started together. I
was surprised to find that, as we walked side by
side, Ia tall man and he a tiny fellow no big-
ger than my finger, he got over the ground
quite as fast as I did, and kept up with me with-
out trouble. It was very strange, for he evi-
dently took no more steps than I did, and
seemed not to hurry in the least. We soon
reached the woods, and I was about to enter
beneath the green trees when I drew back
shuddering, for hanging from the limbs were
THE WAVE RIDERS “41

hundreds of spiders, some of them great, black,
disagreeable-looking fellows.

The Prince, who had been watching me mis-
chievously, quickly perceived my nervousness,
and laughed heartily. ‘‘ Who is afraid of the
spiders now?” saidhe. ‘‘ Let me pick you up;
don’t be afraid; they won’t hurt you!” He
was repeating almost my very words, and seemed
to enjoy so much having turned the joke upon
me that I could not help smiling at his good
nature.

“ All joking aside,” said he, “you need not
be afraid; they are spinning swings for my peo-
ple, and will soon be through and gone. Then
you will see some fun, for my merry men are
very fond of swinging.”

I now looked again, and could see that each
spider was actually spinning a swing. The
busy creature would run out upon a limb of a
tree, and it seemed but a moment before a
beautiful silken rope, formed into a tiny swing,
would be hanging from the limb. Ere long
there were hundreds of these swings hanging
from the trees, of green, blue, and yellow spider-
silk. At last, one by one, the spiders left the
woods, until all had vanished except old Long-
legs, who came up to the Prince and said, ‘‘ The
swings are finished, your Majesty, and we
retire.”

The Prince nodded approvingly to him, and
lifting the small pearl horn to his lips, blew a
12 PRINCE UNO

clear, ringing note or two, as sweet as a canary-
bird’s song, most pleasant to hear. It went
sounding through the leaves of the trees, out
over the sandy beach, and far across the waves.
It seemed only a moment before I heard the
fairies coming. They came with merry shouts
and ringing laughter. Soon each swing held
one of them, laughing, and swinging until his
little feet kicked the highest leaves of the trees
—they swung so high. The Prince seemed
pleased to see them enjoy themselves so heart-
ily, and after watching them a moment, turned
to me and said, ‘Do you not think us a good-
natured, happy people, Uncle Frank?”

I replied that I certainly did, and ventured to
ask him where they all lived.

“That would be telling,” said he. ‘‘We
have a beautiful city not far from here, but no
mortal man ever walked through its streets. I
have half a mind, however, to take you to see
it, and may yet do so if you will promise—hold
up your right hand!” (he said this very seri-
ously)—‘ solemnly and faithfully never to tell
where it is.”

I was very eager to visit his city ; so desirous,
indeed, that I was not long in promising. The
Prince reached out his hand to a cobweb bell-
rope, which hung, with its white tassel, out of a
cedar-tree near by, and gave it three gentle
pulls. In amoment IJ heard the distant tinkling
of a silver bell, and almost instantly there ap-
THE WAVE RIDERS 13

peared before usa fairy servant. Hewas dressed
something like waiters I had seen in hotels, with '
a long white apron and small white cap, and a
bunch of tiny gold keys suspended from his
waist. He lifted his hat respectfully to the
Prince, and awaited his orders.

“ Pepin,” said the fairy, ‘‘ unlock the door to
the large staircase in the cave.”

In a moment the servant departed, and the
Prince, beckoning to me to follow, led the way
through the woods to a place which I could not
remember having ever beforeseen. After walk-
ing quickly across the sand of the beach, we
came to a large stone.

“Vou must lift that stone,’’ said he.

I stooped, and using all my strength, for it
was quite large, succeeded in lifting it, and was
surprised to find below it a small staircase lead-
ing down under the sand.

The Prince stepped boldly down before me,
and told me to follow him, and to close the door
after me. I obeyed. It closed more easily
than it had opened. I soon followed him down
the steps. The passageway was cut in solid
rock. For some distance it was quite dark; so
dark, in fact, that I would have found it difficult
to tell the whereabouts of the Prince if he had
not instructed me, from time to time, how to
proceed. The passage grew lighter, however,
as we descended, and at last we came out into
open daylight.


PRINCE UNO



It was a strange but beautiful
country which I now beheld, un-
‘like any I had ever before seen.
A short distance in front of us
was abeautifulcity. Thestreets
were paved with a sort of pink
stone. The small houses were
of pearl and marble. Many of
the tallest of them were four and
five stories in height, and per-
fect in every respect. As I
walked past them I noticed that
their roofs and chimneys came
no higher than to my waist.
Everything, in fact, was won-
derfullysmall. The tallest trees,
for instance, reached no higher
than to my vest pockets. The
streets were crowded with lit-
tle people and with numberless
small carriages. The horses
were of different colors, black,

16 PRINCE UNO

brown, and white, and very handsome and spir-
ited, but not larger than rats. The streets were
very narrow; so narrow, in fact, that two men
as large as myself could not have walked abreast
on the little sidewalks. I had to step carefully
in consequence.

I observed that, while there were many
houses, there were no stores, and I spoke of this
to the Prince. He said fairies had no stores, and
required only houses in which to live, but that
if I would like to visit some little people who
were not fairies, who, though as small as him-
self, were real people like myself, and who lived
in another city not far away, under his protection,
he would take me there some day and I should
see stores enough. ‘ These carriages and horses
which you see,” he added, “do not belong to
the fairies. We have no use for horses. They
belong to the little people of whom I speak.
Some of them drive over from their city every
day.”

By this time we were in front of a beautiful
house, very much larger than the others, built
entirely of pearl, and with wide steps of agate
and carnelian stone leading up to the door. On
each side of the steps was a golden lamp-post.
I was not long in deciding that this was the
palace of the Prince himself, for he ran grace-
fully up the steps, and invited me to follow.
As the house came no higher than to my vest
pockets, and as I should certainly have broken
THE WAVE RIDERS 17

down the steps if I had placed one of my great
feet upon them, I naturally hesitated. Observ-
ing my hesitation, he turned to me and said,
“Will you not come in and take dinner with
me?” I replied that I would be very glad to
do so, but that he had evidently forgotten either
that his house was so small or that I was so
large. He laughed heartily. ‘Why, sure
enough!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ Here I have been
talking and gossiping until I forgot all about
your immense size—but I will soon fix that.”
He took from his pocket a small glass bottle.
“ Take a drink of that,” said he. I reached out
my great hand, and taking the tiny bottle from
him as he stood at the top of the steps, placed
it tomy lips. It was a mere drop, but what an
effect it had upon me! In an instant I felt
myself growing smaller. My head commenced
going down toward my feet, as if I had been a
great spy-glass shutting up. My arms grew
shorter, my hands smaller. In less time than
it takes me to write it I was as small as the
Prince himself. He took a step backward and
looked at me approvingly. ‘I think I am a
little the taller of the two,” said he, laughingly.
“ That was a big swallow you took.”

It was all very funny, but I began to get
frightened. It would be no joke, thought I, if
I were always to stay as small as this. He, how-
ever, only laughed at my discomfiture and at
my little pale face, and said: “ Don’t be afraid ;
13 PRINCE UNO

I can as easily
change you back
again. Come with
me and look at
yourself in the
mirror. Whenyou
have had dinner I
will make you as
big and clumsy
and homely and
awkward as you
wereaminuteago.
You might as well
be happy for the
short time you are
to be good-look-
ing!”

He said this so
merrily that it
quite reassured ‘
me,andIwassoon [S2=2\\\
laughing. Find-
ing that I could
not help myself,
and that I was now
small enoughto go
up the steps and
into the palace,
which, to tell the
truth, I was very
eager to see, I was

ere econ THA

ageure

minunnunsta

MU

KUNI



h


THE WAVE RIDERS 19

soon by his side, and, arm in arm, we entered
the door together. The Prince laughed again
when I stooped on entering the doorway, which
was now much higher than my head. Certainly
he had some excuse for doing so. “I have
always observed,” said he, dryly, ‘that geese
stoop when entering a door, no matter how high
it may be.”

We went into the hall. In it were little ser-
vants in livery, who took our hats as the Prince
led the way to the parlor. I had time to ob-
serve, in passing, that the hall floor was inlaid
with small blocks of different-colored stone, and
that a beautiful staircase leading to the upper
floor was of silver with golden balustrades. The
stair carpet was a broad velvet ribbon of a deep
crimson. As the Prince seemed to be im-
mensely rich, and to think very little of expense,
I could not doubt that the silver was real silver
and the gold real gold.

The parlor was quite a large room—I should
say fully three feet long by two feetwide. It was,
as I could see at a glance, very richly furnished.
The carpet of bright colors which covered
the floor was soft and pleasant to walk upon.
The sofas and chairs were upholstered in red
and yellow satin. The walls were covered with
beautiful paintings in gold frames, except at
each end of the room, where a large mirror
reached from the ceiling to the floor.

In one of these mirrors I caught sight of my-
20 PRINCE UNO

self. There I was, no taller, certainly, than a
man’s finger, my head no bigger than a cherry,
and with such a wee, round, fairy-like face that
I laughed again and again at my little self. The
Prince, who stood by my side, and who had
evidently been slyly waiting to observe my
astonishment, was actually the taller of the two
by a full half-head!

I felt for my watch to see what time it was,
and discovered that it, too, like myself, had
grown smaller. It was, in fact, no larger than
a shirt-button, and yet in every respectsas per-
fect as before, and was actually keeping time
and ticking away as though nothing had hap-
pened to it. I could not believe my eyes, and
opened the back of it to see if the wheels were
actually moving. I found them all running as
though they had never been any larger. I
returned the watch to my pocket, and soon
found that everything else in my pockets had
changed like the watch. My knife was a most
interesting little affair, the blades as sharp as a
razor and as bright as a sixpence. My keys
were all of them so small that they would not
have unlocked my portfolio at home. My
pocket-book was only about half the size of a
postage-stamp, and the money in it was so small
that I do not believe I could have bought a
penny’s worth of candy with the whole of it.
To say that I was astonished would be to say
very little, and yet I was now really more
THE WAVE RIDERS 21

amused than either surprised or frightened.
The Prince was so good-natured that I could
not doubt that I should have a good time, and
that he would change me back again whenever
I should ask him to.

“T have ordered a cozy dinner for you and
me alone, in a small dining-room,” said he, “so
that we may not have to meet my entire court
in the large room.”

This suited me exactly, and when, a few
minutes later, a servant announced that dinner
was ready, the Prince invited me to follow him
into a very pleasant room, just off the parlor, in
which was a table well filled with beautiful dishes
and inviting food. A hasty glance convinced
me that the dishes, knives, forks, and spoons
were all of gold and silver, and the immense
wealth of the Prince left me no room to doubt
that they were solid.

We took our seats, and several waiters, no
larger than ourselves, commenced to bustle
about and hand us the food. Everything was
delicious. Indeed, I had never eaten any din-
ner so well cooked. The chickens were no
larger than honey-bees, snipe no bigger than
mosquitos, oranges and apples about the size of
huckleberries, bananas smaller than date-seeds,
and everything else in proportion.

“Well,” said the Prince at last, “how does
the dinner suit you?”

I replied that everything was delicious, but
22 PRINCE UNO





that I was very hungry and could not get
enough. To my astonishment the Prince, upon
hearing this, laughed so loud and long that I
‘was at aloss to understand what there could be
in my answer which caused him so much
amusement. I could see that he was laughing
at me, and I could not help feeling somewhat
uncomfortable. ‘‘ What are you laughing at?”
I inquired.

He looked at me without answering, and
placing both hands to his sides, rose from his
chair, and fairly bent over with merriment,
growing so red in the face with laughing and
coughing that I slapped him on the back to
prevent his choking. He would no sooner re-
cover from one attack, and take a look at my
astonished face, than he would have another
attack. Indeed, he seemed so convulsed with
enjoyment of his joke, whatever it was, that at
last I could not help laughing myself, although
I knew that he was laughing at me, and that he
was not treating me as politely or considerately
as a guest should be treated.
THE WAVE RIDERS 23



, ; t » a
oor ae i
: as a jie f
Ate be : %
ears: res
SR ee
J? “PUN al ty eh tH |!

ce

“What in the name of sense are you laugh-
ing at?”’ I demanded again.

“Why,” said he, “just to think! J forgot to
change your appetite! Here you are a little
scrap of a fellow three inches long with a great
six-foot appetite!’’ And he held his sides and
laughed again, until I think every one in the
palace, and the town itself, must have heard him.

“Why,” he continued, “just think of it! It
is a wonder you did not devour your little self.
I would not carry about with me such an appe-
tite as that of yours for a fortune. However,
I will soon fix that”; and drawing a small box
from his pocket, he took out of it a powder, and
told me to take it in alittle water. I did so, and
soon felt that my appetite, like my body, was
growing smaller.

We now sat down again to the table, and my
dinner began to satisfy me. I found that I
would be able to get a very good meal.

After the table had been cleared, nuts and
raisins were broughtin. While eating them, the
conversation turned upon the city and its people.

Ui


24 PRINCE UNO

“T cannot understand, my dear Prince, why
it was that when we walked through the town
the people did not seem at all surprised to see
me.”

“Those from Weeboro did not see you,” said
the Prince—this, he explained, was the name
of the city where lived the people who owned
the horses and carriages I had seen—“ and the
fairies themselves,” he continued, “ would not
be surprised because they saw you in my com-
pany. You would be invisible to the people
from Weeboro.”

“Do you mean to say,” I exclaimed, “ that
I was entirely invisible, and could not be seen
by them at all?”’

“That ’s what invisible usually means, is n’t
it?’ answered the Prince, mischievously.

“Yes,” I replied, somewhat nettled at his
sharpness, and provoked at my own stupidity.
“ But what made me invisible to them?”

“J did,’ said he. “You must remember
they are not fairies like us, but real people like
yourself. They would have been frightened
enough if they had seen you, but I have the
power of making myself and others invisible,
and I exercised that power in your case.”

“ But,” I inquired, “am I invisible now?”

“No, not now; they could see you now, but
would think you a fairy like myself; the fairies
alone would know the difference.”

“Well,” I answered, “it is certainly all very
THE WAVE RIDERS j 25

strange. You must excuse me for asking so
many questions. You said that you had no
stores in the town because you did not need
them; will you please explain why?”

‘“‘ Because we fairies do not have to buy any- .
thing; we have everything we need simply by
wishing for it. When you visit the city of
Weeboro you will see stores enough, I promise
you, for they have stores and mills and horses
and carriages and steamboats and railroads, just
like larger people.”

I became more and more interested, and
longed to see these little people and their city,
and determined to visit them, if the Prince
would only show me the way.

“May I ask a very impolite question, my
dear little Prince?”

“ Certainly,” he replied; ‘“‘ but permit me to
remind you that I am half a head taller than
yourself, and am somewhat sensitive about being
called little by such a short fellow.” .

I begged his pardon with the same good
nature with which he had taken me to task, and
continued: ‘‘ Well, most mighty potentate, I
have taken dinner with you and have enjoyed
it very much,’’—he nodded pleasantly,—“ and
I would like to know the name of a host who
has shown me such kindness. May I ask your
name?”

He looked at me intently for a moment, and
answered, ‘‘ Uno.”
26 PRINCE UNO

Ie “Why, no; I

a p OG
oe oy don’t know,” I re-
eo plied, astonished at

his answer. ‘lam
sure I never heard
your name in my
life!” ;
He laughed
heartily. “My
name is Uno—
Prince Uno—U-
n-o; don’t that
spell Uno?”
“Ah!” I ex-
claimed, ‘that is
avery pretty name.
Now, may linquire
if you are mar-
ried?”
“Yes,” said he;
“and as we nee
disposed of the dinner I will conduct you to the
parlor where we shall find the Princess and our
children. They will be very glad to meet you.”
We accordingly left the table, he leading the
way, and entered the parlor. A very handsome
little woman, with large dark eyes and bright
golden hair,—a contrast which gave her a very
striking appearance,—trose to receiveme. There
were other people in the room, but the Princess
herself was so beautiful, graceful, and pleasant


THE WAVE RIDERS 27

to look upon that I saw only her. I bowed
very low.

“My dear Princess,’ said Uno, “let me
present to you our old friend, Uncle Frank.”

She came forward, and, in the most charming
and friendly manner, held out both hands to me.

I bent my head respectfully and pressed her
hands to my lips.

“‘T am very glad to see you here in our home,
Uncle Frank,” she was pleased to say. “It is
not the first time I have met you, however, for
I assure you I am very well acquainted with
you. Let me show you our children”; and she
tripped gracefully across the parlor to bring two
little children who had been looking out of the
window.

“May I ask the name of the Princess?” I
inquired of the Prince.

“ Certainly,” he replied; “Ino.”

“Of course you do,” said I; “ but have you
any objection to telling me?”

“None whatever,” and he laughed heartily.
“What makes you so stupid this evening, my
dear Uncle Frank; her name is Ino—I-n-o;
don’t that spell Ino?”

I could not but admit that it did, and when
the lovely Ino returned with her children we
were both of us in rare good humor over my
mistake.

I thought I had never before seen anything
half so cunning as the two diminutive creatures
28 ; PRINCE UNO

who now stood before me. One was a bright
boy with curly hair and laughing eyes; the
other a beautiful girl, the perfect image of her
handsome mother. The boy was the taller of
the two, yet he was certainly not more than one
inch high. To my delight, they did not seem
at all afraid of me. They answered all my
questions in a modest and intelligent manner.
It was pleasant to observe that they were not
at all pert or forward. In this respect they
were models of behavior for some larger children
of my acquaintance, who, when called up before
company, seem to think that the opportunity is
one for attempting to appear “ smart.”

“May I ask, dear Princess, where you ever
met me before?”’ i

“Certainly,” she replied. ‘‘I have seen you
many times and in many places. The Prince
and I generally travel together, and we go far
and wide, assure you. We have been in your
own house many times.”

I was surprised at this, but it was, after all,
no more wonderful than everything connected
with these little people. The Princess requested
me to be seated, and as we took chairs, the
children were permitted to run back to the win-
dow. I was disposed to make many inquiries,
especially as all my questions were so pleasantly
answered, either by the Prince or by his wife,
who was particularly witty and agreeable.
Although there were other people in the room,
THE WAVE RIDERS 29

as I have before stated, I was not introduced to
them. They seemed to be chatting pleasantly
at the other end of the parlor, and were, I be-
lieve, playing some game, so that we were in a
measure alone at our end of the room.

The city of Weeboro was especially interest-
ing to me, and I learned much about it from
the Prince and his wife. To be entertained by
such small fairies was certainly extraordinary,
—every one, however, knows that fairies are
small,—but to see and talk with real people like
one’s self, who are no larger than one’s finger,
and yet have real houses and real horses and
real steamboats, in every respect as perfect as
the largest in the world, was to me most won-
derful. I determined to see this city of Wee-
boro and to hold the Prince to his promise to
show it to me.

“Tt must be pleasant,” I remarked to the


30 PRINCE UNO

Prince, “to live so happily as do your people,
who have everything they need to eat and wear
simply by wishing for it, and have nothing to
do but to enjoy themselves.”

“There you are mistaken,” said he. ‘‘ We
are happy enough, you may be sure; but we
have enough to do, and I think that is the very
reason that we are happy. Our work consists
in doing good to others, and I have always ob-
served that people are happiest who follow that
occupation.”

“ You surprise me. Isupposed you had only
to enjoy your-
selves,” said I.
“May I inquire
what such little
people can find to
do?”

“ Much — very
much,” he replied.
“Tt would be a
long story to tell
you all of our
duties, but I will
describe a few of
them. ‘There are
many kinds of ,
fairies, who have “> ‘
each their work to _ (i ed)
do. There are the ASIN
‘Sleep Fairies,’


THE WAVE RIDERS 31

whose duty it is to help in nursing sick children.
They wear shoes of the softest down, in order
that their footsteps may not be heard in the sick-
_room. They always carry fans and delightful
perfumes, and many a sick child finds his fore-
head cooled, he knows not how, and falls gen-
tly to sleep, forgetting pain and fever, never
dreaming that the kind and gentle Sleep Fairies
have been by his bedside all night. In the
morning parents and physician find him better,
but no one understands why. None saw the
gentle fairies touching the weary eyelids and
cooling the feverish and aching head through
the long hours of the night.”

It was delightful to hear him.

“And then,” he continued, “there are the
‘Flower Fairies.’ Oh, what a homely world
this would be if it were not for the flowers!
Often a beautiful but helpless flower will be
deprived of its refreshing dew by some great,
rough, overbearing tree or selfish bush. But
the fairies look to that! ‘When the sun goes
down they are at work, and many a tiny cupful
of dew is carried to a flower upon which it could
never fall. Inthe morning the beautiful flower
is refreshed and bright with new strength to
meet the sunbeams; and only the flower and
the fairies know the reason why. But I would
tire you telling you all that we do,” said he,
“Some night I will take you with me.”

I accepted his invitation with thanks, and
32 PRINCE UNO

promised to be ready any night he ‘should
appoint.

“ Are these little ones your only children?”’
I inquired. :

To my alarm the Princess turned pale and
seemed about to faint; and the Prince himself,
for all that he hurried to her side and seemed
anxious only on her account, looked much dis-
tressed. That I had asked an unfortunate
question was very evident, and words could not
express how greatly I regretted it.

The Princess soon recovered, however, and
after a moment the Prince said sadly: “Is it
possible you have never heard how we lost our
brave boy? But I forget; of course you have
not. At some other time I may be able to tell
you, but not now.”

I hastened to change what seemed so painful
a subject, but the recollection of the suffering
my thoughtless question had caused these
charming people made me curious to know the
sad story about which I could not ask. ‘“ How
strange,’ I thought, “that grief and trouble
should find their way here! Even this delight-
ful couple, in their splendid palace and with all
their power, are not entirely happy! What
can be the sad story of the bright fairy boy they
seem to love so much, but who is not here?
Of course he cannot be dead.”” A suspicion of
the truth flitted across my mind. He must
have been stolen from them. But who could
THE WAVE RIDERS 33

steal a fairy’s child?
Would it be possi-
ble to do such a
thing? I deter-
mined, as soon as
I had made other
acquaintances in
Fairyland, to learn
: this secret; and if I
ye could only help to
f - restore the little one
ve eB to his parents, how
@. gladly would Iserve
this charming pair
whom I had known
lessthanasingle day
and had learned to
love so dearly!
The Prince and
Ses the lovely Princess
gradually recovered
: their gaiety, in ap-
pearance at least.
ong They did all they
Sie could to make my
evening a pleasant
one. So successful were they in this that when
at last I looked at my watch it was nearly eleven
o’clock, and long past my usual hour for retir-
ings
Rising, I said, ‘I must bid you good evening,





A
34 PRINCE UNO

and must trouble your Majesty to show me the
way home.”

I had turned to take leave of my beautiful
hostess, when she said: ‘‘ You cannot go home
to-night, Uncle Frank. You must stay with us.”

I thanked her, but insisted that I must go.

“Tt is out of the question,” said the Prince,
smiling. ‘You must stay with us. I am un-
able to let you go, and, seriously, I cannot show
you the way to-night, for reasons which I may
not explain.”

He was evidently in earnest, and meant every
word he said, although he smiled pleasantly all
the time. This diminutive, charming fellow, I
had long since learned, was possessed of a will
of his own and was every inch a king. That
was hardly doing him full justice, however, for
he was certainly not over three inches tall.

“We can make you very comfortable,” said
the Princess, pleasantly. “If you only knew
Uno half as well as I do, you would quietly
submit, being convinced that going home to-
night is out of the question.”

What was I todo? I had left home with the
expectation of returning by supper-time. Now
it was already nearly midnight, and I was with-
out means of sending word to my house. I
realized that I could not help myself. I was
now so small that I should have been afraid to
go home alone, unless the Prince should consent
to change me back to my natural size. Even
THE WAVE RIDERS 35

if changed, I knew that I could not find the
way without a guide. I did not even know in
what direction lay the mysterious passage
through which, that afternoon, I had entered
Fairyland with the Prince. There was clearly no
help for it.

I determined, however, to try persuasion, and
accordingly said to the Prince: “My dear
Prince, I beg of you, as a special favor, let me
return home to-night. I really cannot stay all
night. If you will let me off this time, I will
come again,—to-morrow, any day you wish,—
prepared to stay aslong as you desire. Indeed,
if my visit will be agreeable to yourself and
your charming wife, I shall be glad to return,
for I could spend months with you pleasantly
enough; but to-night I must go home.”

He smiled, but answered firmly: “ My dear
Uncle Frank, I cannot—let—you—go—home
—to-night. Do not give yourself any uneasi-
ness. You will understand all in the morning.
I am really sorry that I cannot explain, but I
may say this: NO MORTAL EVER GETS OUT OF
FAIRYLAND BY BEING SHOWN THE WAY.”

It all seemed very strange. His whole man-
ner showed plainly that he would like to tell me |
more if he could. At last, convinced that
somehow all would be right, and realizing that
I could not help. myself, I determined philo-
sophically to make the best of the situation and
to accept their invitation to remain.
PRINCE UNO






BoththePrinceand
his wife seemed in-
expressibly pleased
and relieved at my
changeof mind. The
Princess said laugh-
ingly and mischie-

ee cat yy vously: “You will
ISS not regret your deci-
SAAS !' sion to remain with
vy i us, believe me. We
‘ih cannot help it. Iam
Wt a good housek
good housekeeper,

and can give you a
pleasantroom, andas
comfortable a bed as
ever yousleptupon.”



Z

Ar




as
Lf

[>



















THE WAVE RIDERS 37

3 a ae

i ae ee -
Sie 84 ae Re 4 .
be iad ce a ra ae
BEY : : ae ’
| AP Ae yy) of : ; re
| f x Satis 2G}
yess e'\â„¢
” emo?
| GRE :
| Fee ee
| Bo AQ mets

Re
a



She then requested the Prince
toconduct metomy room. Af-
ter bidding her good night, and
pressing a kiss upon her exqui-
site little hand, I turned to follow
Uno, who was already waiting
for me on the stairs. He led the
way into a pleasant front room
onthesecond floor. Itwassplen-
didly furnished, with a soft car-
pet, a handsome bureau with a
fine large mirror, an elegant bed-
stead of rosewood inlaid with
gold, and with satin curtains.
The Prince lighted a golden
chandelier which hung from
the center of the ceiling, and,
turning to me, held out his
hand.

“JT must now bid you good
night,” said he. ‘ Do not wor-
ry, my dear fellow; all will be
as you desire. Do you remem-


38 PRINCE UNO

ber the way to the place where I first met you
this afternoon?”

I replied that I did perfectly.

‘‘ WELL, BE SURE NOT TO FORGET IT, and
be sure, also, to remember that you are always
welcome to our home. Good night.”

I thought it strange that he should say all
this. It seemed to me unnecessary, and that it
would have been so much more appropriate in
the morning, when I should be leaving for home.
“ However,” thought I, ‘ everything is strange
here.”

I could not retire until I had examined the
room and its contents. Everything was inter-
esting. I found the little bureau perfect in
every respect. It had a marble top, and small
drawers with good locks and keys, and yet the
whole bureau itself was not larger than the
square glass inkstand on my desk athome. At
one end of the room was a marble wash-stand
with silver faucets and hot and cold water. A
little pink cake of perfumed soap, not larger
than an apple-seed, was to me a great curiosity.
I was tempted to put it in my pocket to take
home with me, but I thought that it would not
be polite for a guest to carry off the soap with
him. I was about to retire when I was inter-
rupted by a knock on the door. The Prince
himself had returned to inquire if there was
anything I needed, and to show me the bell-
pull, a little silken cord with a gold tassel at the
THE WAVE RIDERS 39

end of it, to which he had forgotten to call my
attention. I thanked him for his thoughtfulness,
and assured him that I needed nothing more,
but asked if he would kindly have me called in
the morning, as I was retiring much later than
usual and was afraid I should oversleep. To
my great surprise he laughed heartily at my
request, but, observing my astonishment, checked
himself immediately, and said, with a mischiev-
ous look which I could not at the time under-
stand: “Never fear; you will be called at the
proper time.” Again bidding me good night,
he bowed very low and gracefully—not so low,
however, as to prevent my observing a roguish
smile upon his face, which I remembered the
next day.

I was soon in bed, but what a bed it was!
Never had I stretched my weary limbs on one
so comfortable. The softness of its linen was
soothing and refreshing. In a moment I was
asleep. I slept long and soundly. When I
awoke the sun was shining in at the window.
It was certainly very late, and, after all, I had
overslept. I rubbed my eyes, recalled all the
wonderful things I had seen, and sprang out of

bed.


40 PRINCE UNO

I was in my own room at home. I looked
for the fairy bureau, the beautiful bedstead, the
bright carpet. All were gone. I was standing
in front of the mirror of my own bureau, and I
looked quickly to see how small I would appear
in my own glass. To my surprise I found that
I was as large as I had ever been. How
strange! Had it all been a dream? I felt sure
it had not. How distinctly I remembered
everything, from the moment I saw the fairies
riding the waves to the very last words the
Prince had spoken to me before going to bed:
“YOU WILL UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING IN
THE MORNING,” and ‘‘ NO MORTAL EVER GETS
OUT OF FAIRYLAND BY BEING SHOWN THE
WAY.”

I began to suspect the truth. While asleep,
I had been carried by the fairies to my own
room. But how could they carry so large a
man as 1? The explanation was simple when
I remembered how small I had been the night
before. They had moved me while I was small,
and had not changed me to my real size until I
was safe and snug in my own bed.

It was all apparent now. The Prince did
not wish me to learn the way out of Fairyland,
and had moved me in my sleep.

“They come from beds of lichen green,
They creep from the mullen’s velvet screen.”
Tue CuLpritT Fay.




II

THE LEAF RIDERS

PROCEEDED to dress myself. I
was quite perplexed. My mind
was filled with recollections of
my experience of the day before.
I had not sufficiently recovered
my self-possession to escape the
feeling, a most ludicrous one,
that my hands and feet were un-
duly large and awkward, espe-



cially when employed in such tasks as putting
on my shoes and buttoning my collar. Indeed,
in this latter task it was almost impossible to

resist the impression that my hands and face,
43
44 PRINCE UNO

and, indeed, my whole body, were swollen to an
unnatural and clumsy size. Under the influ-
ences of a good breakfast and a refreshing cup
of coffee, however, I soon recovered my normal
mental condition.

Upon retiring to my room after breakfast, I
was still further surprised to discover that my
night-key to the front door was not in the pocket
of my trousers, as usual, but that it had been
in my bureau drawer all the time. How, then,
could the fairies have entered the house? It
was very strange—all very strange.

I remembered the little Princess had said to
me that she had been in my house many times.
How had she entered? It was plain the fairies
had no need of keys, and they must have
brought me into the house in some other way
than through the door, possibly through the
window. It was open, and suggested the idea.

I was very eager to make another trip to
Fairyland, and, after reading my newspaper, I
determined to set out for the little bay by the
sea where I had first met the Prince.

There were no fairies to be seen. I walked
across the beach down to the very edge of the
water; so near, in fact, that I had hard work,
once or twice, to escape a good wetting by the
waves, which were higher than usual at that
hour in the morning. Notwithstanding I
strained both eye and ear to catch sight or
sound of my little friends, there was no evidence
THE LEAF RIDERS 45

whatever of their presence, and after waiting
several hours I returned to my home quite dis-
appointed.

The next day, and the day after that, and
every day of the bright and beautiful summer,
I went regularly to the seaside, but could learn
nothing more. Could it be that the fairies
wished to avoid me, and had no desire to con-
tinue their acquaintance with me? I felt cer-
tain that it could not be so. Somehow I felt
sure that the Prince was fond of my company.
Could it be that I had missed the way to the
little bay and had gone to the wrong place?
How was I to find out?

I was always thinking of the dear little boy
who was lost, and always looking for him
through the woods, over the hill, by the sea,
everywhere, but I could learn nothing of him.

One afternoon, when the autumn had begun
and the leaves were falling from the trees, I had
wandered farther from home than usual and
some distance into the woods. At last, being


46 PRINCE UNO

somewhat tired, I sat down to rest upon the
projecting root of a large tree, and had been
seated but a few minutes when a sturdy boy
passed me, pushing before him a large wheel-
barrow containing a bagful of dried leaves.

I stopped him to inquire for what purpose he
was collecting them, and was informed that he
was storing them in his mother’s barn, to be
used as warm bedding for
the cows during the long
and cold winter nights.
Heseemed willing enough
to have an excuse for rest-
ing from his labor, and sat
down beside me. Isoon
found him quite pleasant
company.

‘Ts that your mother’s
barn?” I inquired, point-
ing to a large barn that
could be seen through the trees at the foot of the
hill. He informed me that it was, and that, by
the way, it was much larger than his mother had
needed since the death of his father, and served
no other purpose than that of sheltering the
cows which were now her only support.

“ Are you often in these woods?” I asked.

“Yes; I am here every day.”

“Have you ever seen any small, very small,
people when you have been here?”’

He had often heard sounds as if very small


THE LEAF RIDERS 47

people were talking and singing, and sometimes
laughing, but he had never seen any of the lit-
tle people themselves. He had thought that
possibly the sounds were made by birds or
crickets. ‘‘ Once,” said he, his face brightening
as he recalled the fact, “I did see a large bum-
blebee flying through the air with something
that looked for all the world like a wee little
boy—oh, the very smallest boy you ever saw.
I thought I heard him crying, but I am not
sure. Maybe it was n’t a boy; anyhow, I fol-
lowed the bee through the woods until I saw
him go into a hole in a big tree; but though I
waited an hour or two, he did not come out
again, and I got tired and went home.”

I thought at once of the bright boy of my
Fairy Prince. Could this have been his dear
stolen child?

I asked many more questions. Was he sure
it was a humblebee, or rather ‘ bumblebee,”
ashe called it? Did he think he could find the
tree and show it tome? No, he could not; he
had often looked for it since that day, but had
never found it. He was not even sure that
what he had seen flying through the air was a
bee; it only looked like one.

I mentally resolved to find this tree myself,
even if, in order to do so, I had to spend every
day in the forest. It might, after all, however,
be a mistake of this boy, thought I; for surely
no bee could steal a fairy. Had not the Prince
48

PRINCE UNO



himself told me that neither beast
nor bird nor fish nor insect could
hurt a fairy?

While reflecting upon all the
boy had told me, I observed that
the leaves were falling faster than
usual from the trees around us,
and I looked to see if the wind
had arisen. There was not a
breath of air stirring, and yet
the leaves were coming down in
showers. The summer had been
very hot, and they were dry and
crisp.

Could I be mistaken, or did I
hear the sound of laughter and
of singing as the leaves fell? I
listened intently, and was soon
sure that I heard the laughter
and shouting of fairies. The
sound seemed to come from the
leaves in the air, and at last, after
watching them steadily for some
moments, I discovered the fairies


THE LEAF RIDERS. 49

themselves. Some of them were climbing into
the trees and others riding down to the ground
on the falling leaves. They were evidently en-
joying themselves hugely, for they laughed and
shouted and rode races one with another, sitting
upon the leaves as boys do upon sleds. I saw
some of the little fellows, too impatient to wait
for the leaves to fall of their own accord, actually
pull them off the tree, and, jumping on them,
go riding down swiftly to the ground.

It was delightful to watch them enter into the
sport with such evident enjoyment. As soon
as one would reach the ground he would run
quickly back to the tree, and, climbing up into
its branches, would catch a new leaf, or tear
one from the stem, and go riding down as be-
fore.

They were the same fairies I had seen riding
the waves, but instead of being richly dressed
in silks of various colors, as on the day when I
first saw them at the
sea, they were now
dressed in plain brown
clothes of the same
color as the leaves of
the trees. This ac-
counted for my not
having observed them
before.

Idesired very much
to find my littlefriend ,° >


50 PRINCE UNO



the Prince, but he was nowhere to be seen.
Perhaps he did not always come out with the
rest.

At last, however, I caught sight of the dear
fellow standing under a tree at some distance
from that from which the fairies were riding.
He stood, with arms folded, looking quietly on,
and was clothed in the same rich satin in which
I had at first seen him. His handsome dress,
however, was now almost entirely concealed by
a plain little brown cloak of the same color as
the clothes of the other fairies. As he stood
leaning against the trunk of the tree, the color
of his cloak blended so perfectly with that of
the bark of the tree that it was no wonder I
had not observed him before. I was soon by
his side, and could see that his face was very
sad ; indeed, a tear upon his cheek was evidence
that he had been weeping. “ He is thinking of
his lost boy,” Ithought. Apparently he did not
observe me until I was directly in front of him.
THE LEAF RIDERS 51

The moment he recognized me, he quickly
brushed away the tear, and his face was bright
with smiles.

“Ah! my dear Uncle Frank, how I have
missed you!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ Where have you
been?”

“T have been in these very woods every day
this summer looking for you, my dear Prince,” :
Tanswered. I mildly reproached him for having
avoided me, adding that if he had tried half as
hard to find me as I had to find him we would
have met before. He smiled sadly at my re-
proaches, and said: “‘ We fairies cannot seek our
mortal friends; they must make the effort to
find us. Muchas I wanted to see you, my dear
fellow,”’—and he threw a kiss to me with his
hand,—‘“T could not come to show you the
way. You said you knew the way to the sea-
side bay.”


52 PRINCE UNO

“T have been there every day for months,”
said I.

“ And_-I, too,” said he, smiling; “but you
must have gone to the wrong place, Uncle
Frank, or I would have seen you. However, I
will show you the way once more. Who is
your youthful friend?”’

I had forgotten the boy, who had been stand-
ing with me when I first saw the fairies, and
who had followed me to where the Prince was
standing. He had evidently not seen or heard
the Prince at all, for he was staring at me with
a most ludicrous expression of countenance, as
if he thought I had gone crazy, and was talking
to myself, or to the tree in front of me. I
could not help smiling at his astonishment, but
answered the Prince: “ He is gathering leaves
for his mother’s cows, and is carrying them to
the barn which you see at the foot of the hill.”

“Tf he is your friend,” said Uno, “I will help
him do that in less time than he could carry
one bagful to the barn.”

He lifted his pearl horn to his lips, and sounded
a clear soft note. In amoment the fairies were
standing respectfully before him. Such a row
of red cheeks and bright eyes I thought IJ had
never seen. Some of them still held a leaf in
one hand, as a boy would hold a sled, and they
were all out of breath with the excitement of
their sport.

“This boy,” said the Prince, with a dignity

54 PRINCE UNO

which he seemed to forget when speaking to
me,—‘‘this boy is a friend of Uncle Frank’s,
and is carrying leaves into that barn. You
might just as well be useful, while enjoying
yourselves, and ride your leaves into his barn
instead of to the ground. It will be a longer
ride for you, and will save him much hard work.”

I turned to look at the boy, to see the effect
upon him of a proposition which was likely to
make his task an easy one. It was plain he had
not seen or heard a single fairy, for he was
regarding me with the same look of astonish-
ment, and evidently thought I had lost my wits.
I could not help laughing at his perplexity,
and turned to see the effect of the Prince’s
command to his little band.

With ringing shouts and merry laughter they
started for the tree, and in a moment clouds of
leaves were flying toward the barn. I could
see them enter the barn through the doors and
windows, and even through the cracks between
the boards. The fairies soon returned, and,
taking new leaves from the trees, started for the
barn as if their lives depended upon their speed.
The boy was evidently astonished, and could
not understand it.

“Just look at the leaves!’ he exclaimed.
“ Did you ever see the like! If the wind only
keeps blowing ten minutes more like that, I
won’t have to gather another one, for the old
barn will be full.”
THE LEAF RIDERS 55

Fortunately for him, the wind did not stop
blowing, or rather the fairies did not stop
riding, until the barn was full of leaves; and
the delighted boy exclaimed: “I must hurry
down and shut the doors and windows, or the
wind may change and blow them out again;
then I’ll run and tell mother. So good-by! If
that ain’t the biggest joke this year!’ In his
excitement he had run fully half-way down the
hill before I bethought me to call him back and
ask him to continue to look for the tree until
he should find it, and then to watch it for me
whenever he had time. I gave him a piece of
money to pay him for his trouble, and he was
soon once more on his road to the barn.

I turned to the Prince. He had been observ-
ing me, and said pleasantly, “ Well, are you
ready to pay me a visit?”

I replied that I was, and remarked that it
was very kind of him to do so much for the
poor boy.

“Oh, that is nothing,” he answered. “It
ought to be a pleasure for one to doa kind act.
Have you ever observed,” he continued, “ that
it is still more pleasant to do a kind act and not
have it known?”

I replied that it ought to be, but that I had
also observed that few were content to do an
act of kindness and not wait to be thanked for
it. “Now, that poor boy,” said I, “ evidently
thinks that the wind blew the leaves into the
56 PRINCE UNO

barn, although if he had had his wits about him
he might have seen that there was not a breath
of wind blowing at the time. He has not the
slightest idea of giving you the credit for it.”

“ And I do not want the credit for it,’ said
the noble fellow. ‘I think very little of those
who do good only for the sake of getting credit
for it.”

By this time we were out of sight of the other
fairies, and I inquired if we would not better
wait for them to catch up with us.

He smiled. ‘Oh, no; they know the way
well enough; besides, they have work to do yet.”

“Vou seemed to be invisible to the boy,” I
said; ‘and I observed that though I heard
every word you said, he evidently did not hear
you at all.”

“ Ves,” said the Prince; “it would not do for
us to let every boy that plays in the woods see
us and our mad frolics. It would empty every
school-house in the neighborhood, and they
would think of nothing but running through
the woods trying to catch a glimpse of my
merry men, just as I have seen the foolish
fellows spend the whole of a summer afternoon
chasing butterflies.”

“My dear Prince,” said I, “I found you very
sad this afternoon. I do not wish to pry into
your sorrows, but I would just like to say this
to you: that I wish I could serve you in any
way.”
THE LEAF RIDERS 57

He looked up into my face with the same sad
expression which I had observed when he was
standing in the woods. ‘“ My dear Uncle Frank,
I know you would; but it is out of your power
to help me. On account of my poor
little wife, I could not tell you, the ee
other evening when you were with
us, the sad story of our oldest boy.
She has not
regained her
strength, al-




though nearly
two years
have passed
since our
brave boy was
stolen from
us; and have
not spoken to
you of it since,
because I have felt that you
could not help me, and be-
cause I think we ought to
bear our own burdens of
grief and sorrow, and not
thrust them upon other
people. I see, however,
yours is the true friendship that would help to
bear a friend’s burdens.”

I pressed his hand in silence. It was as I
suspected, then—the boy had been stolen.
58 PRINCE UNO

«And who could be so wicked as to rob you
of your child?” I asked.

“We do not know,”’ said he, “ but we suspect
a Wood-sprite whom I had punished for some
mischief he had done. He never forgave me,
though I only did my duty as his King. The
little boy was last seen in these very woods;
but though we come here often to look for him,
and though all the Birds and Crickets and Ants
have looked for him every day, and the Katy-
dids by night, we can learn nothing. The little
fellow must be above ground, or the Ants would
find him; and he must be kept inside of a tree,
or the Birds and Katydids would find him; but
the Squirrels and Woodpeckers are friendly to
the Wood-sprites, and they, who could tell so
much of what is hidden within the trees, will
tell me nothing.”

“ How strangely,” thought I, “ does all this
correspond with what the boy saw! I must
find that tree. I feel sure that I am on the
right track now. But the Bee!”

“ Are the Bees friendly to you?” I inquired
anxiously.

“The Honey-bees are, but the Humblebees
are not.”

“The boy must have been right, after all,”
thought I. “Oh, if I could only find that tree,
what would I not give!”

“Neither the Humblebees, however,” the
Prince continued, “nor any other insect, could
THE LEAF RIDERS 59

injure my boy or hurt a fairy in any way.
The most they could do would be to conceal
the place where he is hid.”

“ Then,” thought I, “it could not have been
the little Prince, after all, and the boy must
have been mistaken; for if the most that an
Humblebee could do would be to refuse to tell
the hiding-place of the child, it would require
something more powerful than a Bee to carry
him off.” In my perplexity, however, a new
thought occurred to me.

“What does a Wood-sprite look like?” I
inquired.

“Oh, they change their form very often.
When traveling they frequently take the form
of Humblebees—but here we are at the stone
door.”

I had not observed that while talking with
the Prince we had been rapidly approaching
the large stone cover to the staircase in the
sand. It was now directly at our feet.

I lifted it as before, without waiting to be
told to do so by the Prince, and -we descended,
the stone closing after us, this time apparently
of its own accord.

“Not a word of all this to my dear wife,
Uncle Frank,” said the little fellow.

“Never fear; I would not again alarm her
for all the world.”

“ Her sorrow wears upon me almost as much
as the loss of my boy,” said he. “I have to
60 PRINCE UNO



be as cheerful as possible at
home, to keep her spirits up.
But here we are in Fairy-
land, and I must change you
to a fairy. Drink from
this.”

He handed me a little bottle containing the
liquid which before had made me so small.
Placing it to my lips, I took a swallow of its con-
tents, and soon felt myself going down, down,
down, till I was no taller than the Prince him-
self, and could look into his beautiful blue eyes
without stooping.

“T like you better this way,” he said, taking
my arm in his; ‘it is so sociable.”

We were soon walking in the little city, under
THE LEAF RIDERS 61




















the beautiful trees which
grew on each side of the
street.
Notwithstanding my
previous experience, it
stillseemed very strange
to be down so close to
the ground. I was now
no taller than the top of
my shoe had been; in-
deed, I do not think I
could have gotten into
it without a ladder, and
IT am certain that, with
all my strength, I could
not have lifted it from
the ground. It would
have an-
swered for a
house for one
of my present
size. .
«What are
you thinking
of ?” inquired
62 PRINCE UNO

the Prince, looking into my face. ‘“ What makes
you so quiet?”’

“T was thinking of the old woman who lived
in her shoe,” I replied. “I never before could
understand how she could live in her own shoe,
but I think I understand it now.”

The Prince laughed mischievously. ‘I don’t
think she would have been cramped for room if
her feet had been as big as yours were a mo-
ment ago!”

“And her children no larger than fairy
princes! ” I replied, smiling at his good humor.

“We would better stop joking,” said the
Prince, looking at me archly. ‘You will be
getting the worst of it, and have your little feel-
ings hurt, if you persist.”

It gave me great satisfaction to discover that
the Prince seemed to take pleasure in my society,
and to be disposed to treat me in every way as
his confidential friend. We chatted pleasantly
together until we had reached his palace, and he
had started to run up the steps when he turned
quickly and said:

“Would you like to visit Weeboro to-day?”

“By all means,” said I, enthusiastically.
“ How long will it take us to go?” I took out
my watch to see what time it was. There it was
again, no larger than a shirt-button, ticking away
as before. It was just two o’clock.

“Well,” said the Prince, “let me see. It is
just two o'clock.” I had not told him the time,
THE LEAF RIDERS 63

Evidently he could tell the time without a watch,
for he had named the hour exactly. “I have,” —
he continued, “a long-legged donkey that can get
over the ground easily in about fifteen minutes.”

“Well,” I said, “trot him out, and we will
ride over.”

“We can ride only one at a time,” said the
Prince, dryly. “We will find him behind the
woods yonder.”

He pointed to a forest of trees just outside
the city, and we set off at once. When behind
the trees, where we could not be seen from the
town, he turned to me and said, ‘““I must now
make you large again; swallow this.”

He handed me a powder, which I placed upon
my tongue. The effect was magical. I com-
menced to grow larger with prodigious rapidity,
and was soon fully six feet in height.

“Lift me up,” said he, ‘and let me sit on
your shoulder. I will show you the way.”

I placed him on my shoulder as directed.

“Now,” said he, ‘I think we would better go
across lots, so as not to meet any of the Weeboro
people, who would be frightened out of their
little wits if they should see so large and homely
a giant as you are coming down the road. But
we must be off. Step out!”

“But where is the long-legged donkey?” I
asked.

“T am going to ride the donkey,” said he;
“you will have to walk.”
64 PRINCE UNO









He
laughed so heartily
at my stupidity, twitching my

great ear and pulling my hair in his
merriment, that, although the joke was all at
the expense of-my clumsy self, I could not help
laughing with him, and I believe I enjoyed it as
muchas he did. In as good humor as ever were
two mortals setting out on an excursion together,
I commenced my tramp, feeling very much
like a donkey, he pulling one of my ears or
the other, as he desired me to turn right or
left, in showing me the way. It was not diffi-
cult for me to step over fences and ditches
and small hills, and I verily believe that I made
fully one of their small miles in four of my great
steps. Atsuch a tremendous pace we were soon
THE LEAF RIDERS 65

near Weeboro. ‘“‘ We must not go any farther
in this direction,” said the Prince. ‘ We will
get behind that mountain which is close to the
city, and, once there, I can make you small
again.” I soon reached the place

pointed out, and lifted the
Prince carefully
down.












ay. Ae \

ai Beret

i
fi f

















ATi
66 PRINCE UNO

The mountain was several feet higher than my
head, and I was obliged to step on a small hill at
its foot in order to look over its summit at the city
which the Prince informed me was just on the
otherside, Fortunately, there was quite a forest
of trees on the mountain-top. By bending one
or two of them aside I could look through them
without myself being seen by the little people
in the city below. They would, I believe, have
been frightened to deathhad they, without warn-
ing or explanation, seen such a formidable ap-
parition as my great face peering at them from
that height. It was a beautiful town, and cov-
ered about as much ground as a large vegetable-
garden. At the foot of the mountain, and
between me and the city, was quite a large river,
about as wide as one of our streets. I learned
afterward they were very proud of this river,
and still more proud of a very fine stone bridge
which spanned it, and which they had been many
years building. It was lighted throughout its
entire length by little lamps, and was really a
fine piece of engineering. There were numbers
of vessels, of all kinds and sizes, in the river, from
the small tugs, which were puffing about from
place to place, to the largest ocean steamers,
which were, some of them, fully ten feet long.
In the center of the.city was a large open square,
and in front of it a handsome building, which I
soon concluded was the palace of their king.
What interested me most of all, however, was
THE LEAF RIDERS 67

a railroad, on which I could see a small train of
cars steaming toward the city. The locomotive
whistled as it came in sight of the depot, and I
could see little men with red flags hurrying to
the crossings and beckoning to the people to get
off the track. The locomotive was certainly not
more than ten inches long, and the cars in pro-
portion. Isaw the train stop at the depot, which
was about two feet high and fully five feet
long. I watched the little passengers get off,
one by one, while their diminutive trunks were
taken from the baggage-car by porters and ex-
pressmen. Carriages and omnibuses were in
waiting, and were soon bustling through the
streets on their way to the various hotels.

I was now conscicus of something pricking my
feet, as if a pin were being run into my shoe.
Looking down, I saw the Prince sticking his
sword, which was no longer than a pin, and very
sharp, right into my foot. In my astonishment
at seeing the city and its inhabitants, I had for
the moment forgotten all about the little fellow,
and he was endeavoring with right good will to
remind me of his presence and of his claims upon
my attention. I reached down in a hurry, you
may be sure, and, picking him up, placed him
on top of the mountain, where he could stand
on a level with my face.

“ Are you deaf?” he exclaimed. “TI-could
not make you hear a word, though I screamed
at the top of my voice. You certainly have no
68 PRINCE UNO

corns, for I have been kicking your great clumsy
feet for an hour past.” And he laughed heartily,
to my great relief, for I feared he was provoked
with me for having neglected him.

Placed in a position where he could point out
and explain the various objects of interest, he
was now of great assistance to me, and as he
knew every building in the city, and was ac-
quainted with the history of the place from
the earliest date, his replies to my numerous
questions were both interesting and instruc-
tive.

‘““Weeboro,” he explained, “is quite an old
city, and is governed by a king, a very intelli-
gent and worthy man, whose palace you see near
the square. He is well educated, having been
through college, and governs his people with
much wisdom. He is a good general, too, and
in the wars which are sometimes forced upon
him by the ambitious and proud king of another
little people, who live some thousand miles or
more from Weeboro, he never fails to come off
victorious. That large vessel which you see,”
he continued, pointing to a steamship in the
river, “is one of his war-vessels, and is only
one of quite a navy.”

By looking intently I could plainly see the
muzzles of cannon in the port-holes in her sides.
I became more and more interested with all that
I saw, and my interest was heightened by his
intelligent explanations. The story of Gulliver’s
THE LEAF RIDERS 69

travels among the Lilli-
putians had always been
interesting to me, but his
- little folks had neither

‘steam-vessels nor real
cannon nor railroads;
they had only bows and
arrows to fight
with; and a loco-
motive and train of
cars such as I had
just seen would
probably have
frightened them to









SSE SE death.
z “Tt seems too
PARA bad,” I remarked,
; Ca “that such a very
“\“c-S> small people should

go to war with each
other, my dear Prince. Can you do nothing to
prevent it?”

“ T cannot interfere,” he replied thoughtfully ;
“they must settle that between themselves.
The most I can do is to protect them from such
giants as you, and that I very easily accomplish
by hiding the staircases. If you wish to visit
the city now, you must lift me down and take a
swallow from the bottle. The little King would
think I had betrayed him to destruction if he
70 PRINCE UNO

should see me leading so large a giant through
his city! ”

I lifted him carefully down, and took a drink
from the bottle. In my anxiety to see the city
I thoughtlessly took a much larger swallow than
usual, and went down so fast that it made me
quite dizzy, and jingled the keys in my pocket.
Indeed, so rapid was my descent that my mouth
closed with a snap, and, as I was just about
making a remark to the Prince, my tongue was
caught between my teeth and received a severe
bite. The Prince laughed heartily at my dis-
comfiture, but I was all right again in a moment,
and, taking his arm, we were soon on our way
to the bridge.

Fortunately, he knew the road, and a short
walk brought us toitsentrance. I was surprised
to find soldiers on guard. They were stationed
so they could examine those who desired to
cross. They were handsome fellows, dressed
in red coats trimmed with gold lace, and yellow
trousers. Their horses—for they belonged to
the cavalry—were standing near by, ready sad-
dled and bridled. The Prince explained that
the King of Weeboro was very careful of his
territory, as his enemy was watchful and very
aggressive, and that it was necessary to be con-
stantly on the alert, especially at so important a
place as the bridge entrance.

As I was impatient to see the city, I felt
quite annoyed to think that we would have to
THE LEAF RIDERS 71

be detained for the purpose of answering nu-
merous questions of the soldiers; but as the
Colonel in command stepped forward to examine
us, I felt that we must submit to the delay.. To
my surprise, however, he no sooner observed
my companion, the Prince, than he saluted him
with great deference, removing his hat until its
little plume actually trailed inthe dust. Then,
calling one of his soldiers, he whispered a few
words to him, and came forward himself to
meet us. The soldier sprang hastily into his

y ie

eS


72 PRINCE UNO

saddle, and was soon rid-
ing as fast as his horse
could carry him across
the bridge to the city.

The Colonel did not
return his hat tohishead,
but held it respectfully in
his hand ashe approached
the Prince.











“Your Ma-
jesty is very
welcome to
Weeboro,’ said
he. “I have
just sent word
o the King of
our arrival.”

“Tt was not

necessary to
disturb him, my dear Colonel,” said the Prince.
“We are simply taking a walk.”

“ Will you not wait for the royal carriage?”
asked the Colonel.

“Oh, no,” replied the Prince. ‘I think we
prefer to walk across the bridge, and not trouble
his Majesty, King Leo.” And bidding him a
gracious good afternoon, the Prince and I started
for the city. It was plain to see that the Prince
was well known, and also greatly respected and
liked.

We walked slowly over the bridge, which I

cto

<
THE LEAF RIDERS 73

examined carefully at every step. It was re-
markably well built. At every few feet there
were very handsome lamps. It must have
been as light by night as by day. We were
not more than half-way across when I could
hear a band of music approaching. I soon saw
a whole army of little soldiers, with their flags
flying and muskets glistening in the sun, march-
ing toward us. None of them was taller than
the Prince. As they approached us, I could
see several small policemen keeping back the
crowd, to make room for them to march.

Directly behind the advance-guard was a
very elegant open carriage, drawn by four white
horses. As it approached us the door opened,
and a fine-looking man, very richly dressed
in black velvet trimmed with gold lace, and car-
rying carelessly under his arm a handsome sword
with a jeweled hilt, stepped to the ground and
came forward to meet us. His eyes were black,
but his hair slightly gray.

“My dear Prince,” said he, “how kind of
you to come and visit me so informally!”

To my surprise, he knelt down gracefully,
and kissed the hand of my companion. ‘“ Evi-
dently,” thought I, ‘‘ Uno must be a very im-
portant personage, when even this king stoops
to kiss his hand.”

The Prince raised him to his feet, and em-
braced him affectionately, saying, ‘‘ Arise, my
dear Leo; we have only come to make a short
TA PRINCE UNO

call, as my Uncle Frank, here, desires to make
your acquaintance and to see your beautiful
city.”

“ Any member of your royal family is most
welcome,” said the King, turning to me and
extending his hand cordially. ‘“ We will do our
best to see that he enjoys himself. But you
must both be tired walking; let me assist you
to the carriage.” -

The Prince turned to me, and motioned for
me toenter. I didso. Both he and the King
followed. No ‘sooner were we seated than the
King nodded to the officer in command, and the
procession started. The band, a very fine one,
struck up a lively march, and it seemed to me
I had never heard better music. It was amus-
ing, however, to observe the musicians. They
had small brass horns, precisely like those of
the larger bands to which I had been accus-
tomed; and as they played upon their instru-
ments, they puffed out their rosy cheeks until
their eyes seemed starting out of their heads.
The bass-drum was no larger than a small pill-
box, and the fife no bigger than a pin.

The streets were full of people, all anxious to
see the Prince, who was evidently a great
favorite. They frequently cheered him lustily,
and pressed so closely at times upon the carriage
that the little policemen had hard work to make
room for us. Uno bowed pleasantly right and
left. I did the same.
THE LEAF RIDERS 75

I observed that, while the Prince joked freely
and sociably with me when we were alone to-
gether, in the presence of the King he was very
dignified. I was discreet enough to treat him
with as much respect as I saw every one else
did.

We rode through the principal business street.
The small stores, with their goods displayed for
sale, and numerous signs to attract the attention
of the public, were very interesting to me. In
several of the cross-streets I saw railroad tracks
and small horse-cars.

At last the carriage drew up in front of the
palace, and the procession stopped. The soldiers
formed quickly into line, holding their guns
respectfully before them, and King Leo stepped
out. He invited us to enter the palace. As
we reached the top of the steps, he turned for
a moment to say a few words to the people.
They were all attention.

““ My dear citizens,” said he, “ our good friend,
Prince Uno, with an esteemed relative of his,
has come to visit our city quite informally. In
his walks about the town he naturally does not
wish to attract attention, or to be surrounded
with crowds of people. Since it is his royal
pleasure to move about among us for the time
as a private citizen, I feel certain that you will
accord him that privilege, and see that he is
not annoyed.” asc!

They removed their hats immediately, and
76 PRINCE UNO

after giving three enthu-
siastic cheers for Prince
Uno and the King, were
soon on the way to their
homes, having dispersed
in the most orderly man-
ner. I was much im-
pressed with their deco-
rous behavior, and with
the splendid discipline
which seemed to prevail
throughout the entire
city.

We now turned to enter
the palace, and were. met
at the door by the Queen,
to whom I was present-
ed by Prince Uno. She
was a handsome middle-
aged lady, who had most





















THE LEAF RIDERS | TT

agreeable manners, and gave us a hearty wel-
come.

“My dear Prince,” said she, holding out both
little hands to him, ‘‘ how more than glad I am
to see you!—and your friend also,” she added
graciously, bowing to me. ‘And how is that
loveliest of women, the Princess Ino?”

“She is quite well, my dear Queen, and
would have come with us had she known of
our trip. The fact is, Uncle Frank was very
eager to see your city, and I, knowing the time
required by you ladies to prepare for even so
short a journey, hesitated to detain him while
that ‘loveliest of women’ completed her toilet.
So we came away without letting her know
anything about it. I suppose I will receive a
scolding when I return.”

“You are not a properly managed and dis-
ciplined husband,’ said the Queen, archly.
‘Leo would not have dared do such a thing.
I must give the Princess a hint or two. But
come in, you two runaways, and see our baby.
You have not yet seen him, my dear Prince,
and he is such a fine fellow, and to be named
for you, too,” she added, turning to him. “ You
surely would not miss seeing your namesake! ”’

“T certainly would not miss paying my re-
spects to his Royal Highness,” said the Prince,
laughing; “so we will ask for an audience
without delay.”

As the Queen led the way, I had a better
opportunity to observe her graceful form. The
78 PRINCE UNO

charming mother was not over three inches tall.
““What must the baby be?” thought I.

She requested us to take chairs in the parlor
while she ran up-stairs for it.

The room in which we now found ourselves
was a handsome apartment with frescoed ceiling.
The walls were almost covered with elegant
pictures, many of which, I was informed by the
Prince, had been painted by the Queen herself,
who was quite an artist. Indeed, I was delighted
with her handiwork. Adjoining the parlor was
the library, well stored with handsome books,
and provided with easy-chairs and a cheerful
fireplace. I am certain I could not have read
the print of the books if my eyes had not been
exceedingly good. On the parlor mantel were
some exquisite bronzes. They were not larger
than the charms on my watch-chain at home.
Indeed, I would have been delighted to have
had one or two for that purpose.

While examining them the Queen returned.
I shall never forget so long as I live the cunning
wee baby she brought to show to us. It was
dressed in long skirts, and all of its clothes were
handsomely embroidered—by the Queen’s own
hand, as I was informed. The sleeves were
caught up at the shoulders with small blue
ribbons. Its head was not larger, I am sure,
than a small pea, and yet its eyes were open,
and it stared at us with them as if it had known
us before, and was trying to recall when and
THE LEAF RIDERS 79



where it hadseen us. I asked to be permitted
to hold it in my arms for a moment, but no
sooner had I received it from her Majesty, the
Queen-mother, than it commenced to cry, and
I was obliged to return it to her. How small
its tiny hands were! It opened and shut them,
however, moving the wee little fingers just as I
have seen larger babiesdo. Small as the fingers
were, what was my surprise to see on one of
them a gold ring! It was sucha tiny ring that
I am sure it would have been difficult to slip it
overapin! The baby soon grew tired of being
exhibited, and showed its displeasure by doub-
ling its little hands up into fists, and rubbing
its eyes vigorously until it commenced to cry.
The nurse, who had been standing near at hand,
80 PRINCE UNO

dressed in white apron and cap, then took it
up-stairs to the nursery. We could hear it
crying there for some time afterward, notwith-
standing its proud mother had just claimed for
it that it was ‘‘ the very best baby in the world,
and never gave any trouble.”

The King, who had not entered the parlor
with us, owing to some business matters to
which he was obliged to attend, now made his
appearance at the door. Prince Uno, turning
to the Queen, said, ‘‘We must now ask your
Majesty to excuse us for an hour or two, as we
wish to make a tour of the city for Uncle
Frank’s benefit, and have little time to spare.”’

“JT will not detain you longer,’ said the
Queen. “I feel highly honored by your visit.
Do not fail to call before you return home,
however.”

The Prince assured her that he would not, and,
bowing politely, we took our leave, accompanied
by the King, whose carriage was waiting for
us,

Uno, who always seemed to know my wishes
before I expressed them, said, “I think we will
not make use of your carriage, my dear Leo.
Uncle Frank wishes to enter the stores to make
some purchases, and desires to visit some of the
manufactories, as well as the steamers in the
river, and we would have to be continually
getting in and out of the carriage if we rode.”

“Just as you prefer,” said the King; “but
THE LEAF RIDERS 81

permit me to go with you, as my acquaintance
with the city will be of some service to you. I
will not dismiss the carriage, however, as after
you have finished your tour of the city, I should
like to have you visit our coal-mine, some three
miles from here. I feel certain it will interest
you, and besides, my dear Prince, I need your
advice about the management of it. It has of
late become so dangerous that every month
some of my poor miners are killed in it.”

We replied that we should be very glad to
have his company and assistance, and to visit
his mine. We were soon walking, three abreast,
down the street, slowly followed by the carriage,
which kept us in sight.

You may be sure I used my eyes to good
advantage, and saw all that was to beseen. I
observed that the street was paved with small
blocks of stone, and was a most excellent road-
way. The sidewalks were smooth and wide,
and the stores and other buildings were in all
respects like those I had seen of larger size,
although more neatly finished and more per-
fectly constructed. The majority were built of
bricks, which were about the size of grains of
corn. One very large building was being
erected at the time of our visit. The cellar had
been dug, and a pile of bricks and some small
barrels of lime, about as large as thimbles, were
lying in the street.

We had walked past several blocks of stores
82 PRINCE UNO

when I decided to enter one. It was a dry-
goods store. The shelves were filled with at-
tractive goods, and behind the counter stood
little salesmen, selling silks and cloths which
were not wider than narrow ribbons. After
making one or two purchases, we entered a
grocery store, where I was much interested in
the size of the articles kept for sale as compared
with those of like kind at home. Pumpkins
were no larger than apples, while apples were
no bigger than huckleberries. I should have







Fata gis |
aN Zaz Yin 4 § nN:
Git ee ye Ss
THE LEAF RIDERS 83

been pleased to take with me, as a curiosity,
the small pair of scales on the counter. After
leaving this store, a short walk brought us to
the post-office of the city. It was amusing to
see the people waiting to get the small letters
which the postmaster handed out to them
through the window, which was itself no larger
than one of our postage-stamps. Next to the
post-office was a hardware store, and in we
went. I requested the clerk behind the counter
to show me some pocket-knives. I desired
some six-bladed ones. He displayed a number
of different kinds for me to examine. They
were about as large as grains of wheat, though
perhaps not quite so thick, and perfect in every
respect. I was so delighted with them that I
bought a dozen to take back with me as curiosi-
ties, to the evident satisfaction of the small
storekeeper. The King would not let me pay
for them, but insisted on their being charged
to his account. I protested, but it was of no
use.

We next came to a bank, and I could see the
clerks, with tiny pens behind their ears, bustling
about, some of them counting out money, and
others making entries in the books. There was
an iron safe in which to lock up the money and
the books. I was informed that this safe was
necessary only as a protection against fire. I
was gratified to learn that it was entirely un-
necessary so far as thieves were concerned.
84 PRINCE UNO

All people in this happy land were honest.
There was no one capable of telling a falsehood,
or of taking anything which did not belong to
him.

The next place of interest was a barber’s shop.
I stood at the door and looked in without enter-
ing. Several gentlemen were sitting in small
chairs, being shaved. One of the barbers was
cutting a little boy’s hair. If the scissors had
been as large as those used at home, one careless
clip of the shears would have cut the boy’s head
off.

After leaving the barber’s shop we came to a
drug-store with tiny red and blue bottles in the

window. ‘They have very fine soda-water in
this store,” said the King, “and I wish you both
to try a glass with me.’’ We were soon stand-

ing in front of the fountain, which was a beautiful
affair of white marble with silver faucets. I took
lemon, the Prince sarsaparilla, and the King
raspberry. Such little tumblers, all foaming
and running over, as we held to our mouths!
It was exceedingly refreshing—the very best
soda I ever drank. The King paid for it, and
we went out.

A short walk brought us to a small building
which greatly interested me. It was a school-
house. As we entered the door I could see the
little scholars sitting on the benches. They
were very small children, not over an inch long.
In other respects, however, they looked and
THE LEAF RIDERS 85

behaved very much the same as IJ had seen
larger children behave in schools at home. I
observed one boy, for instance, while the atten-
tion of the teacher was directed to us, take ad-
vantage of the opportunity to snatch a hasty
bite from a tiny apple which he had concealed
in his desk. The teacher was a determined-
looking little woman wearing spectacles. To
my surprise, she was at the time of our entrance
deliberately putting some small boys into a bag.
The bag, quite a large one, was soon full, and I
could not resist the temptation to inquire the
reason for so strange a proceeding. “It is
my plan of whipping impartially,” she replied.
“These boys have none of them learned their
lesson; and that I may not be accused of whip-
ping one more severely than another, I place
them all in this bag, give the bag a good shak-
ing, thus”’ (and she suited the action to the
word), “to mix them up well, and proceed to
whip the bag soundly.’’ And she did so thor-
oughly, while we looked on. From the noises
which issued from the bag, I could not doubt
that the boys were very impartially and soundly
whipped. As she took them out one by one
they seemed much improved, and evidently
had no fault to find with her fairness. Indeed,
as they walked to their seats I observed that
their faces were entirely free from those expres-
sions of dissatisfaction so common to whipped
scholars of larger schools. I was much edified
86 PRINCE UNO

and impressed with this system of punishment,
and expressed my approbation of it.

“Oh, it is the only way to manage a school -
without being utterly worn out with complaints
from both scholars and parents,” said the ener-
getic little woman. “I have had no difficulty
since I adopted the bag plan. It leaves no room
for complaint, if one only shakes the bag thor-
oughly. I think of taking out a patent for it.”

We thanked her for her explanation, and,
bidding her good day, left the school.

“JT should like to have you examine a new
and very large sawmill which is near at hand,”
said the King.

I expressed my desire to see it. We were
not long in reaching it. The building was pos-
sibly as large as a dry-goods box. As we
entered the door the saws were at work upon
logs which I should think were about as large
as sticks of peppermint candy. The little work-
men had hard work handling them. The saws
were very sharp. Those of a circular form were
about the size of silver dollars. When the
engine was started, they were not long in turn-
ing a good-sized log into very nice little boards.

After spending a few minutes in the sawmill
we visited a large cloth-mill, in which were
hundreds of small looms weaving beautiful cloth
of various colors. In one corner of the mil!
were some looms of very intricate workmanship,
which, I was informed, were used for manufac-
THE LEAF RIDERS 87











ij ftp i

care: Tees Lf
bey OL LTS if

turing fish-nets. The
threads of these nets
were so fine that they
were invisible; indeed,
I should have supposed
the machine to be running upon air, instead of
upon a fabric, if I had not been requested by
the foreman of the mill to feel of the fish-net as
it issued from the loom. To my astonishment,
I could easily feel the meshes, and discovered
that the nets themselves were very strong and
might easily hold the largest fish. “ How easy,”
thought I, “must it be to catch fish in nets
which they cannot see!”

As we left this interesting mill I found that
we were very near to the river on which I had
88 PRINCE UNO

seen ships. The King proposed that we should
go-on board of one of his war-vessels, and also
upon one of his large ocean steamers. I was
very glad to accept his invitation. A few steps
brought us to the wharf. The King signaled
to the Captain of a large man-of-war, which
was lying at anchor some distance from the
shore. The Captain had been examining us
intently through his glass, and evidently recog-
nized the King, for we soon saw a boat lowered,
into which some little sailors stepped quickly.
They pulled lustily to the place where we were
standing. As soon as it reached us we took
our seats in the boat, which was, I should think,
about the size of half a watermelon cut in two
lengthwise.. The oars were about the size of
table-spoons. We were not long in reaching
the side of the vessel. A cannon was fired in


THE LEAF RIDERS 89

honor of our arrival. By means of a small rope-
ladder we reached the deck, where we found
the sailors and marines drawn up in line to re-
ceive us. They were a hardy-looking set of
fellows, dressed in blue flannel shirts with wide
collars, and in trousers which were very tight
around the waist and quite wide in the legs,
just such as I had seen sailors wear at home.
The Captain and other officers received us
with great respect, and took pains to explain
everything to my satisfaction. The ropes of
the vessel were not
much larger than
twine, but were very
strong. The can-
non particularly in-
terested me. They
were about as large








90 PRINCE UNO

as the toy cannon with which I had seen boys
play at home. They were effective, however,
even at long distances. I was informed that
the gunpowder, manufactured under King Leo’s
personal supervision, was a remarkably good
article. After a thorough inspection of this
interesting vessel we again entered the boat,
and, having taken leave of the Captain, were
rowed by the sailors to the side of a steamship
built to carry passengers across the ocean—
probably to some little Europe which the people
of Weeboro visited.

We were received on the deck of this vessel
by her Captain with scarcely less ceremony than
had been observed on the man-of-war. It was
claimed that she was the fastest vessel afloat.
We found her very handsomely fitted up, and
quite a contrast in this respect to the vessel
we had just left, which had been constructed
rather for strength than beauty. At the request
of the King, the Captain had the engines
started for a short trial trip, having first ordered
the lines cast off by which she had been made
fast to the wharf. The engine itself was a
miracle to behold. It was kept in splendid
order by its proud little engineer, and it was
fascinating to see it in motion. The Captain
rang a bell, the Pilot sounded the whistle, and
we were soon making good speed through the
water. We had not proceeded more than a
hundred feet from the dock when we observed
THE LEAF RIDERS 91

a carriage driven furiously to the
wharf. It contained some passen-
gers who supposed that they were
too late to catch the steamer and
that she was starting on her regu-
lar trip. They were greatly ex-
cited as they stepped out of the
carriage, and, waving their little
tickets, called to the Captain to
take them on board. The Cap-
tain smiled at their worry, but did
not, of course, stop the vessel to
return for them. I was greatly
amused to see one of the gentlemen evidently
scolding the driver of the carriage for not hav-
ing made better time.

After a pleasant ride of a few miles, during
which the Captain invited us to go below and
take some refreshments in the cabin, which was
very elegantly fitted up in hard woods, the bow
of the vessel was turned toward the wharf. We
were not long in reaching the dock, to which the
vessel was made fast. A small gang-plank was
run out, and after thanking the Captain for his
courtesy, we walked ashore. Here we found
the little passengers waiting, very much relieved
to discover that, after all, they had not been left
behind.

The King now suggested that we visit his
coal-mine. His carriage had been waiting for
us, and its white horses were tossing their heads


92 PRINCE UNO

and shaking their long silken manes, impatient
to start. We took our seats, the driver climbed
to his box, the footman closed the door and took
his station behind, and with a crack of the whip,
which was entirely unnecessary for such spirited
little animals, we were soon rolling along in the
direction of the coal-mine. At such a rattling
pace the city was quickly left behind, and I was
soon greatly enjoying the fresh country air.

In the midst of a large field I observed some
small frame buildings, which, I was informed,
contained the machinery for working the mines.
We left the roadway, and driving through a
wide gate, alighted from the carriage, and were
received by the Superintendent of the mine.
There were little piles of coal around its mouth.
A wheel with a long rope, which hung down
into a deep black hole, showed me where the
miners went underground to work. While we
were observing it the wheel commenced to turn
and the rope to come up out of the hole. Soon
a large wooden bucket, in which were standing
two of the miners with little black faces and
small lamps in their hats, came in sight. As
the bucket reached the level of the ground they
stepped out of it, and, seeing the King, took
their hats off and extinguished their lamps.

The King stepped up to them and said,
“ Well, my good men, how does the good work
go on?”

“Very poorly, your Majesty,” replied one of
THE LEAF RIDERS 93










\ ae Ly ;

)





them, “ty “as
growing more
dangerous every
day. If it were
not that people
must have coal, I, for one, would never go
down again.”

“T sometimes think,” said the King, turning
to us, “that I will close this mine and not let
my poor fellows go down in it any more. Every
month or two there is a fearful accident, and
numbers of them are killed. But what am I to
do? As the man says, people must have coal.”

I wondered how deep the mine could be. I
asked the King.
94 PRINCE UNO

“ About one hundred feet,” he replied.

“One hundred of their little feet; that is not
very deep,” thought I. “If I were only of my
full size now, and had my large pocket-knife
with me, I could dig up the whole mine in a few
minutes and uncover their deposit of coal for
them; but here I am, a miserable, weak little
creature who can do nothing.”

A happy thought occurred tome. Why not
get the Prince to change me to my full size just
for afew minutes? I feared it would frighten
the little people out of their senses; but, then,
so much good was to be accomplished, and King
Leo himself seemed so brave and intelligent,
that it did not seem possible he would be
alarmed. I asked him to excuse me while I
whispered to Prince Uno. The latter listened
to me attentively, but shook his head. “It
would never do,’ said he. ‘‘I am afraid to try
it.” After a moment’s reflection, however, he
smiled and said: “I am not altogether sure
about it, either. It would be a good joke, and
rather a practical one, too. I do not like prac-
tical jokes as a rule, but this one seems so
eminently practical that I believe we will try it.
We will endeavor to prepare the King for your
change of character.”

I undertook the task, and inquired of Leo how
large were the very largest people he had ever
seen.

“Well,” he replied, ‘‘there is at present a
THE LEAF RIDERS 95

circus in town which has a giant twice as tall as
Tam.” And he drew himself proudly up to his
full height. . “I have heard, however,” he con-
tinued, “that there are men in the world up-
stairs who are all of them giants, and who could
eat their meals off of the top of that building
while standing on the ground beside it.” And
he pointed to a shed about the size of a bureau,
“But the story is so ridiculous that I never be-
lieved it.”

It was plain that he had no idea how large
ordinary men were, and that I must approach
my purpose very carefully.

“Your Majesty is a brave man,” I began,
“and could not, I am sure, be frightened by
anything, not even at the sight of a man as tall
as that mountain.” I pointed to the very one
behind which I had been standing that after-
noon.

“Well, I should not want to be too near such
aman,” said the little fellow, “ for fear he might
step on me.”

“But suppose I should tell you that I was at
times nearly as tall as that mountain, what
then?”

“T should say you were telling a story,” said
he, smiling. .

“ But,” I continued, laughing, “if Prince Uno
here, who possesses wonderful powers, should
change me into a man of that size, and I should
while possessing the strength dig up your entire
96 PRINCE UNO

coal-mine for you, would you not be willing to
have Prince Uno make the experiment?”

The King evidently was inclined to think that.
I was wasting time and trifling with a man of
his intelligence. Prince Uno, with a smile of
good nature, came to my assistance.

“My dear King,” said he, “‘ Uncle Frank is
not joking, I assure you, but is in sober earnest.
He is, in fact, one of the large giant people up-
stairs of whom you have heard, and is, when of
his natural size, quite as large as he says. He
could easily uncover your whole mine for you
in afew minutes. Ican change him to his own
great size, if you are willing, as easily as I
changed him to his present size in order that
he might visit you. He will be only too glad
to help you, and you will find him a valuable
and powerful friend.”

The King seemed astounded and perplexed.
“My dear Prince,” said he, ‘“‘ I can believe any-
thing you tell me, even though it be so incred-
ible as this. I cheerfully consent to your mak-
ing this change, for the sake of the great good
it will accomplish.”

He regarded me attentively. Prince Uno
handed me a powder, whichI swallowed. Icom-
menced to lengthen out, and to go up, up, up,
above the Prince and the King, above the shed,
above the very tallest building, almost to the
height of the mountain itself. Notwithstanding
his preparation for the change, the King turned
THE LEAF RIDERS 97

slightly pale; but Prince Uno, with a reassuring
smile, said, ‘“‘ There is no danger, my dear Leo;
you have no idea what a good-natured giant
hesisie

“The horses! the horses!” exclaimed the
King. We had forgotten the little animals.
Frightened at the terrible giant who had so
suddenly grown up beside them, they were
running away toward the city at the top of their
speed, dragging the beautiful carriage after them
so rapidly that its wheels scarcely touched the
ground. The poor little driver and footman
were scarcely less frightened than the horses,
and could do nothing to stop them.

“They will kill themselves and break my
catriage,”’ cried the King, wringing his hands,
“and do so much damage in the city!” He
seemed to forget his fear of me in his appre-
hension for the consequences to others.

I realized the danger and that I must catch
the frightened little animals before doing any-
thing else. Notwithstanding their speed, ow-
ing to which they had already made consider-
able progress, it took but three of my long
steps to overtake them. I caught them securely
in my great hands, holding them as easily as I
would a couple of good-sized rats. How they
kicked against my sturdy fingers to get free!
I patted them gently with one hand while hold-
ing them with the other, and brought them back,
carriage and all, to the King. They were now
98 PRINCE UNO

so thoroughly frightened that they did not dare
to run, and after I had secured them by their
halters to a post of the fence, they stood quietly,
although trembling in every limb, turning to
look at me from time to time with a most ludi-
crous expression of fear and astonishment.

We had been so occupied with the horses
that we had forgotten the two little miners who
had come up out of the mine. With faces pale
with fright and hair standing up straight all over
their little heads, they gave a loud cry as I
turned toward them from my task of securing
the horses, and started at
the top of their speed for
the city. I could not help
laughing at their fear, and
was joined by the King





THE LEAF RIDERS 99

and the Prince, who were both greatly amused.
The King himself had by this time entirely re-
covered from his fright, and seemed to enjoy
the novelty of having so powerful a friend as I
now proved myself to be.

“Tf you will now call up the other miners
from below, my dear King, I will commence
my task,” said I.

He didso.: No sooner were they fairly above
ground than they too, after taking one look at
my huge form, started for the city as fast as
their little legs could carry them. The King
was now thoroughly amused, and actually grew
red in the face with laughter.

When the men were out of the mine I took my
knife out of my pocket. It had always been
an unusually large one, and was, like myself,
grown to its full size. Kneeling down by the
mine, I scraped out a large and deep hole, and
was not long in reaching the coal. It was a
large lump, about as thick as a bureau, and ex-
tended to a great distance under the-ground.
In one corner of it was a hole, out of which the
miners had dug their coal for several years. I
cleared the earth carefully away, so as to leave
the entire end of the vein uncovered and in full
sight. The little fellows could now break it off
easily and without danger. The King was de-
lighted.

“Am I dreaming,” he asked, “ or awake and
in full possession of my eyesight?”
100 PRINCE UNO

“ Awake,” said the Prince, “and under many
obligations to Uncle Frank.”

“Indeed I am,” said the grateful monarch;
“TJ cannot thank him enough. How can I ever
repay you?” said he, turning to me.

“ By never alluding to it again, my dear King.
What I have done is a mere trifle, and you are
very welcome.”

“A mere trifle!” he repeated, looking
thoughtfully at the work I had performed and
the coal which I had uncovered for him.

It must have seemed an Herculean task to
him, after all.

It was now time for us to return. I decided
to walk, as I could easily keep up with the
King’s carriage. The horses no longer showed
a disposition to run away, probably realizing that
it would be useless to try. The King and the
Prince suggested that it would be best for them
to go first and prepare the little people for my
coming, as we should doubtless find them ex-
cited by the stories told them by the miners
who had preceded us.

The suggestion proved a wise one, as they
found the city in a great state of excitement.
The miners had told the people that they had
no doubt that the King and the Prince had both
been killed by the “ Mountain Man,” as they
were pleased to call me.

With the thoughtfulness of a good husband,
Leo drove directly to the palace to relieve the
THE LEAF RIDERS 101

fears of the Queen. He then returned on
horseback to meet me, followed by crowds of
people, who were very desirous to see me as
soon as they found there was no danger. I had
the pleasure of meeting them ontheroad. Not-
withstanding their preparation, they no sooner
caught sight of me than it required all the as-
surances of the King to keep them from running
back tothe city.
He permitted
me to lift him,
horse, saddle,
and all, in one
of my great
hands, from the
ground to the
level of my
_ face, where
” "he sat calm-
i jj ly erect, like
a beautiful
equestrian sta-
tue. This act
of confidence
on his part probably did more than all his ar-
guments to quiet the fears of his subjects. When
I returned him safely to the earth on his little
charger, they were thoroughly reassured as to
my good nature, and we all entered the city to-
gether.

The Queen was, of course, astonished to see


INCE UNO

PR.

102

Great was

e

m

and

ifted them with-

out d

amazement
ten or twelve of
d

the bravest offi-
cers of the army
to step upon my

open hand

her
1

as

fficulty,

i

upona great plat-

form

to a level

th the roof of

,

itself,
h I re-

1

wi

the palace

1C

after wh

ince Uno now
reminded me that

i

turned them safe-
ly to the ground.
t was

12k

growing

late and hightime
should

that we

1ce

ing

ttle folk

i GaGa peste Sot ee
Sy ai
SS ciaspance hun!
SH og is
EDeOe eine
auNoaa
B .mo9.8
oo S +»
aeons
oaaia &

as my great vo
was deafen



to
d

an

,

1

my breath
much like a whirl-

the |
THE LEAF RIDERS 103

wind that it blew off the hats of several officers
toward whom I happened to be looking when I
spoke. I lifted the Prince to my shoulder and
started for the river, King Leo having first made
me promise faithfully that I would return and
make him another visit.

“What is his name, Prince Uno? What is
his name?” called out the little people, as I
moved off.

“Donkey!” shouted the Prince, laughing
immoderately. He turned his head to conceal
his merriment, and kicked me in the side with
his foot. “Call him Donkey.”

We were soon at the bridge, and here a new
difficulty presented itself. It was plain that I
could not, with safety to the structure, cross it.
My immense weight would have crushed it.

“T will change you,” said the Prince, “if you
will put me down.”

“No, you need not; I will wade the river,”
said I.

The Prince seemed pleased with the idea, and
laughed. “ Your legs are long enough to wade
an ocean,” said he.

I sat down on the bank of the stream, and
took off.my shoes and stockings, rolling my
trousers up above my knees. Then placing
my stockings inside of my shoes, and taking my
shoes in one of my hands, I arose. The Prince
kept his place on my shoulder during the whole
performance. I now stepped into the water.

I think all the people of the city were by this
104 PRINCE UNO

time assembled on the bank to see me cross.
The river was not so deep as I supposed, and in
its deepest portion did not come quite to my
knees. We were, therefore, soon safely over,
and, waving an adieu to our little friends on the
bank we had left, I put on my stockings and
shoes and started for the fairy palace. At its
door I was made small again by the Prince, and
we entered, warmly welcomed by the Princess
Ino, who seemed glad to see us.

She had been waiting tea for us, and we sat
down to it, quite hungry. The little lady her-
self presided gracefully at the head of the table,
and poured out our tea with her own hands.
It was delicious and refreshing. We had some
slices of buttered toast about as big as pepper-
mint lozenges, and some hot muffins.

After the meal was over, the Prince asked me
to excuse him for an hour or two, as he had
some matters of importance which required
his attention, adding that the Princess would
entertain me until his return. The Princess
then invited me into the library, a cozy little
room, and motioning me to a pleasant, easy
chair, she seated herself on a little tufted sofa
just in front of me.

“T am very glad to have this opportunity,
Uncle Frank,” she began at once, “ of speaking
to you alone and confidentially about my dear
Uno. He feels the loss of our darling boy so
deeply that I am worried about him—sometimes
THE LEAF RIDERS 105











so much so that I lie awake half the night. You
must not let him know a word of this, but give
me your best advice.”

I remembered what Uno himself had told
me, that very afternoon, as to worrying about
his lovely wife. ‘Here is a pretty state of
things,” thought I. “He is worrying about
her, and sheabouthim. This comes of husband
and wife not talking freely together. If they
only had compared notes they would have dis-
covered that about three fourths of their anx-
iety was unnecessary.” I determined to set
them right, and said: “ My dear Princess, I am
glad you have taken me into your confidence,
106 PRINCE UNO

for I now have a pair of secrets, and I propose
to get rid of both of them by telling yours to
Uno and his to you. I think you will both
thank me for the breach of confidence. Now it
happens that on this very afternoon our dear
Uno said to me, in strict confidence, that he was
worrying about his charming wife—worrying so
much that it was wearing him out. This even-
ing his charming wife tells me that she is wor-
rying about him—worrying so much that she
lies awake at night. Do you not think that you
and Uno would do well to compare notes, have
a plain understanding, and stop worrying about
each other?”

“Ts the dear fellow worrying about me?” she
asked, much surprised. ‘I should never have
suspected it.”

“No,” I answered; “ the dear fellow conceals
his anxiety from you with the same unselfish-
ness which has led you to conceal yours from
him. Take my advice, my dear Princess, and
let Uno see that he is a cause of anxiety to you;
have an understanding at once.”

“T will this very evening,” said she. “ This
comes from having so wise a friend to consult
as Uncle Frank. And now, my dear Uncle
Frank, I must ask your advice about the
search for my darling boy. Oh, I have so
long wanted a friend with whom I could advise
and to whom I could speak freely!’ she said
earnestly,
THE LEAF RIDERS 107

“ And have overlooked that best of all friends,
your husband,” I replied.

“Ves; it was because I felt the subject was
such a painful one to him.”

“More painful to him, dear Princess, because
he dared not speak of it to you. He speaks
freely and manfully about it with me. How
can I serve you?”

“Oh, in every way,” she answered eagerly.
“By helping me to look for my boy. You
can do so much!”’

“Then rely upon it, my dear Princess, I will
do all that Ican. Now, be it known to you, I
have been searching for him for some time, and
I am most glad to find that I can speak freely

to you about it, for you can

oe aid me very much. First of

» all, have you a picture of the

little fellow which you can let

me see, so that I can recognize
him when I find him?”

“Oh, how my poor heart re-
joices to hear you talk so con-
fidently about finding him!”
she exclaimed. ‘I have a picture of
him with me always.”

She drew from her bosom a tiny gold
locket, and, opening it, handed
"aapoe it to me. It was the portrait

,


108 PRINCE UNO

blue eyes, and a pleasant, smiling face, very
much like his father’s.

“ How like my splendid Prince!”’ I exclaimed.

“Oh, Uncle Frank, he is like his noble father,
not only in looks, but in everything, so brave
and gentle.”

“T cannot doubt it,” I replied. ‘I see it in
every feature. Ican well understand why you
are so proud of him. It makes my heart ache
to think in what unkind hands he may be now.
‘ The beautiful curls, which you took so much
trouble to arrange so carefully, are neglected
now, I warrant me! If we could only be sure
that those who have the sweet little fellow are
kind to him, how much easier it would be to
bear! How old was he, dear Princess?”

There was no answer. I looked to see why
she was silent. The beautiful head was bowed
down, and the face covered with the tiny white
hands, while between the delicate fingers were
falling slowly, one by one, the bitter, bitter tears
of a mother’s love and sorrow. Oh, how I
reproached myself for my senseless, thoughtless
words! JI had trampled ruthlessly upon the
feelings of this poor little broken-hearted mo-
ther, and I could have torn my tongue out by
the roots, in my self-reproach. I threw myself
on my knees before her. ‘“ Dearest Princess,
forgive, oh, forgive my thoughtless words. Only
look up and say you forgive and forget them,
-andI promise to spend my entire lifetime in
THE LEAF RIDERS 109

looking for your boy. Believe me, there is
hope.” She sobbed convulsively. “It was
only yesterday,” I continued earnestly, “I was
looking for him, and by morning I will be again
at work. I promise you to leave nothing un-
done until I place your brave boy once more in
your arms. Only say you forgive me!”

“T have nothing to forgive you for, Uncle
Frank. You are most kind to me, and I ap-
preciate it all, I do assure you; but I am such
a poor, weak, heartbroken little woman that I
cannot help giving way at times. I thought I
could bring myself to talk calmly and deliber-
ately with you, in the hope of finding my boy,
but I overestimated my strength. Do not dis-
tress yourself, I pray, on my account. It was
not so much what you said, but because it was so
exactly like what I myself am always thinking,
-and your words reminded me of my own bitter
thoughts and fears.”

“Then dismiss such thoughts and fears, my
dear Princess, for there is every reason for hope.
Indeed, something tells me I shall find your boy
before many days have passed over your beau-
tiful head, and I would be willing to spend a
lifetime in such a search, if years instead of days
were necessary to restore him to you.”

If I had had twenty lives to spend in such a
task I would have been repaid for them all by
the grateful look which the little woman gave
me. Under my encouraging and hopeful words

































THE LEAF RIDERS 111

she soon regained her spirits, and was talking
cheerfully and calmly when Prince Uno re-
turned.

‘“‘T have been very busy and could not come
before,” said he. “I hope you have not missed
me, and that you have had a pleasant evening.”

“We have missed you very much, and needed
your counsel, my dear Uno,” said the Princess.
“Uncle Frank is looking for our darling boy,
and I wish you had been here to talk with
him,”

Uno looked in surprise first at one of us and
then at the other, as if he could hardly believe
his senses or realize that we were actually con-
versing on the forbidden subject. I understood
his astonishment, and said: ‘‘ Yes; this anxious
wife of yours, my dear Prince, has been worry-
ing about you, it appears, and I have at last
succeeded in convincing her that you yourself
have been wasting a great deal of unnecessary
anxiety onher. I now advise you both to stop
worrying about each other and to come to an
understanding this evening.”

He seated himself by her side on the sofa,
and taking her hand affectionately in his, said,
“And have you really been worrying about me,
Ino?”

She smiled brightly. “More than you knew
or dreamed, my precious husband; and now I
find that all the time you have been anxious
about your foolish wife, and but for this good
112 - PRINCE UNO

Uncle Frank of ours we should probably never
have understood each other.”

It was plain to be seen that both were greatly
relieved to discover that they could talk calmly
and freely witheach other about their great trou-
ble and speak of my plans for finding their boy.

“ And what do you propose to do?” asked
Uno.

“To begin my search early to-morrow morn-
ing,” I replied. ‘I do not wish to tell you my
plans, except so far as it may be necessary. I
will only say to you, do not worry any more
than you can help. Hope for the best. It is
- now late, and we must not sit up any longer,
so I will bid you good evening.”

I rose to go, and proceeded to take my leave
of the Princess. She held out her hand affec-
tionately and gratefully. Prince Uno, rising,
said, “I will show you to your room.”

I turned to him and asked, smiling, “Am I
to stay here all night, then?”

“JT did not say all night, did I?” he replied
laughingly. ‘ You are to go to sleep here.”

It was evident that I was again to be moved
in my sleep. I was not at all uneasy this time,
however. It was, after all, a very pleasant and
easy way of getting home—much pleasanter
than walking through the gloomy woods and
cold night air; but I slyly resolved this time to
keep awake and see how the fairies managed to
move me. With this thought I turned again to
THE LEAF RIDERS 113






bid the Princess good night.
“ Good night, my brave little
lady. Keep your hopes bright.
Remember, I am, from this
evening, to be continually at
work for you, the most faith-
ful and devoted servant you
have ever had.”

“ Oh, thank you, dear, dear
Uncle Frank; thank you ten thousand times.
May you only be successful!”

The Prince was waiting for me on the stairs.
He conducted me to my room as before, bade
me a pleasant good night, adding laughingly,
as he closed the door, “ You will be called at
the proper time in the morning,” and was gone.

“ Good night, my fine fellow,” I thought to
myself. ‘TI will keep my eyes open this time;
you will not fool me again.”

I was soon undressed and in the comfortable
little bed. I was tired, and the bed was very
soft and pleasant. I tried hard to keep my
eyes open, but it seemed as if I had never felt
114 i PRINCE UNO

such a comfortable, easy, soothing bed before;
it made one close his eyes almost in spite of
himself. I soon realized that I was gradually
but surely going to sleep, notwithstanding all
my efforts to keep awake; and before many
minutes had passed I had forgotten the Prince,
the Princess, the beautiful palace, the soft bed
—everything.

When I awoke I was in my own bed in my
own room at home, and it was morning. The
fairies had fooled me again.



HEBUBBLE


«As ever ye saw a bubble rise,
And shine with a thousand changing dyes,
Till, lessening far, through ether driven,
It mingles with the hues of heaven.”
Tue Cuvprit Fay.


Il

THE BUBBLE RIDERS

LAY in bed only long enough
to collect my thoughts and re-
call the events of the preceding
day. I remembered the assur-
ance I had given the Princess
Ino to commence the search for
her boy at once, and arose quickly and began
to dress.

I was surprised to find that the pockets of
my trousers were filled with something so
heavy and bulky that the cloth seemed about to
burst. I examined them to see what the con-

tents could be, and found a dozen very hand-
117


118 PRINCE UNO

some pocket-knives, almost as large as my own,
but of much finer workmanship. Where could
they have come from, I wondered! At last I
remembered the little hardware store in Wee-
boro, and that I had purchased a dozen of the
knives for curiosities. They had evidently
grown larger, like myself, when I was restored
to my natural size by the fairies in the night.
I regretted the change, but I found them in
their present state so handsomely finished, and
of such exquisite workmanship, that I was glad
to possess them, and placed them in my bureau-
drawer, retaining one for use.

After I had eaten breakfast, I set out at once
for the woods, for now the thought of finding
the dear little boy was never out of my mind.
I determined to find the lad who had seen what
he thought was a bee flying through the air,
carrying what I felt certain must have been the
little fairy Prince. After a search of some hours,
I discovered him sitting on an old log whittling
a small stick.

“Well,” I said, “ have you found the tree?”

He started at the sound of my voice, not
having perceived me until I spoke. Upon rec-
ognizing me, he jumped up quickly, and, to my
delight, said, “Yes; come with me, and I will
show it to you. Do you know,” he continued,
“T have heard a sound coming from the tree as
if some one inside was crying?”’

You may be certain I was now very desirous
THE BUBBLE RIDERS 119

to proceed at once to the place, and I followed
him eagerly, over logs and through bushes and
briers, for a great distance. Att last, after a fa-
tiguing walk of an hour, we came to a large
tree surrounded by some very thick bushes.

“That is the tree, and there’s the hole,” said
the boy, pointing to a small, round hole, about
as large as those in which squirrels live, and
about five feet from the ground.

“How long is it since you last heard the
sound of some one crying in the tree?” I in-
quired in a whisper.

“Yesterday afternoon,” he replied. ‘I was
standing right where we are now.”

I listened with the closest attention, but
could not hear a sound. Then, giving the boy
some money as a reward for his discovery, I
instructed him to go away and leave me alone
to watch the tree, and not to speak to any one
of what he had seen and heard. He seemed
satisfied with his reward, and was soon out of
sight and hearing. After his departure I con-
cealed myself carefully in the bushes, having
first crept as near to the tree as I thought it
safe to do, in order to escape being seen by any
one going to or coming from the hole. I now
waited patiently and quietly to discover sound
or sight of the object of my search.

My thoughts naturally turned to all the
events of the preceding day. JI recalled Prince
Uno’s sorrow when I first found him in the
120 PRINCE UNO

woods, and all that he had told me of his long-
lost boy; then the visit to Weeboro; and lastly
the interview with the beautiful Princess, in her
palace, the evening before. Could it be that in
the tree which I was now watching was the
bright little boy whose loss was such a trial to
the otherwise happy couple? What would I
not give, how many weary days and nights
would I not gladly spend in watching this old
tree, if I could be the means of restoring their
little boy to them? I remembered all Prince
Uno’s kindness to me; how forgetful of himself
he had been, and how thoughtful of my plea-
sure and happiness; how generously he had
concealed all his troubles, in his endeavors to
make my visits to Fairyland pleasant and en-
joyable. ‘The noble fellow shall not lose
by his unselfishness,” said I to myself, “ for
he has made me unselfish too, and I will
spend my whole life, if necessary, in finding
his boy.”

An hour passed, and I had heard and seen
nothing unusual. The birds were singing in the
trees above me, and the bees were humming in
the air around me, but nothing went to or came
from the tree. Another hour passed, and still
another. It was nearly noon. I was growing
tired. Perhaps the boy was mistaken; perhaps,
after all, this was not the tree; perhaps he had
deceived me in order to get my money. The
boy seemed honest and truthful, and I could
THE BUBBLE RIDERS 121

not and would not believe this. I resolved to
be patient and not abandon my post.

Another hour passed. I was growing hun-
gry and began to think of my dinner. Hark!
Was there not a sound? Did I hear wee small
voices talking together and coming toward me,
or was it only the humming of the bees? [I lis-
tened attentively and breathlessly, and was cer-
tain I could hear voices, though I could see no
one. One of the voices was peculiar and differ-
ent from the other, for I could distinguish that
there were two of them. It seemed as if the
one who was speaking was now passing between
me and the tree. This was what I heard.

“Uno himself
never weeps, but
his little wife
does, and I am

glad of it.”
“Ves, he does,
too,” said the

other. “I saw
him weeping in
these very woods
yesterday morn-
ing. Oh, he is
brave and pow-
erful, but he can-
not find his
boy!”

I was afraid to


122 PRINCE UNO

breathe, lest they might see or hear me, and
stop talking.

“Oh, how I hate him!” said the one who
had first spoken. ‘“I know he regrets the day
he ever punished me.”

I recalled what the Prince had told me about
punishing the Wood-sprite, and I felt certain
that that very sprite was standing within a few
feet of me, though I could not see him. How
exasperating! If I could only catch him,
thought I, I would take him to the Prince, and
tell him I had heard the villain confess. To
attempt to seize him without seeing him would
result only in my catching a handful of air, and
in letting him know that I had discovered the
tree. I felt certain that he would then, so soon
as I had gone, move the little Prince to some
other place of concealment, where I could never
find him. I resolved to wait patiently, and
hear all that I could, and then get Uno to help
me.

““We must take the boy away from here,”
said the Wood-sprite. ‘ The fairies have of late
been coming to these woods every day, and
they may find him.”

“When shall we move him?” inquired the
other.

“T shall be busy for the rest of this week,
and cannot attend to it,” said the first. “Be
here exactly at four o’clock in the afternoon one
week from to-day, and I will meet you.”
THE BUBBLE RIDERS 123

I listened attentively, but they did not speak
again. Finally I heard them coming from the
tree; they had apparently been inside while
I was waiting. After conversing a moment
longer, but in a tone so low that I could not
distinguish their words, they passed softly,
almost silently, by me, going down the hill.

As soon as I felt sure they were out of sight
and hearing, I crept cautiously to the tree, and
was on the point of calling to the little Prince
inside when it occurred to me that perhaps they
had left a Wood-sprite inside the tree to keep
watch over him, and that if I should speak to
him they would know that I had discovered the
place of his concealment and would remove him
so soon as I had gone; whereas, on the contrary,
if I should say nothing they would not suspect
anything ; for how should a man be supposed to
know about a fairy boy’s having been stolen?

Convinced that in finding the tree I had ac-
complished all I could without further help from
Uno, I walked slowly home. ‘How can I
manage to catch the scoundrels?” thought I.
“ They are invisible; and who can put his hand
on a thing he cannot see?”” A happy thought
occurred to me: the invisible fish-nets I had
seen them making in the mill at Weeboro would
be the very things for my purpose. “I will go
at once to Weeboro, and have the men there
make me a large invisible fish-net. I will then
spread it all around the tree, just leaving open
124 PRINCE UNO

the little pathway through which the Wood-
sprites must come to take the dear boy from
the tree. So soonas they come out of the hole
with him, I will draw the net close and catch
them all.”

Without thinking of my dinner, I set out at
once for Weeboro. But how to find the fair-
ies? I felt that I had no time to spare; indeed,
I could not tell how long it would require to
make the fish-net. I knew that I must be back
within one week, or it would be too late. I
had, of course, to find Uno before I could get
into Fairyland. ‘ What if I should not be able
to find him for a week!” thought I, in agony.
Not a minute must
be lost.

I started out at a
quick pace for the
seasidebay. Onmy
way through the
woods I passed the
spot where I had
first discovered the
boy who had found
the tree forme. To
my surprise, he was
sitting on the same
log, with his back
toward me, and had
a bowl of soap-suds
on his knees and a


THE BUBBLE RIDERS 125

long pipe in his mouth. He was blowing soap-
bubbles, which looked very beautiful as they
floated away in the air, reflecting all the colors
of the rainbow. Although I was in a great
hurry, he seemed to be enjoying himself so
thoroughly, and was such a picture of content-
ment, that I could not resist the temptation to
stop and watch him for a moment. He was
very dexterous in producing the soap-bubbles,
which he succéeded in blowing to a large size.
Some of them, caught by the wind, which was
blowing gently at the time, went directly up
into the air out of sight, while others floated
along very near to the ground until they were
lost in the woods.

As I stood watching them I thought I heard
again the merry laughter of fairies. I listened
attentively. Could Ibe mistaken? No; it was
the same joyous laughter that I had heard by
the sea-shore and in the woods at the leaf-riding
time. I looked carefully through the bushes
and up into the trees, but, though I strained my
eyes until they fairly ached, I could not dis-
cover a single fairy.

I closed my eyes and listened. I could dis-
tinctly hear their laughter, and thought it
sounded nearer to the ground and in the direc-
tion in which the soap-bubbles were floating.
Opening my eyes, and looking in the direction
of the sound, I made a discovery. The boy
had just succeeded in blowing an unusually

THE BUBBLE RIDERS 127

large and strong soap-bubble. It floated softly
out of his sight behind a thick cedar-bush which
was in front of him. No sooner was it out of
his sight than a dozen fairies sprang out of the
bush, with merry shouts and laughter, and run-
ning after it, succeeded in catching and holding
it. While detaining it, it burst. With evident
disappointment they returned to the bush to
wait for another. One after another of the
bubbles, which they succeeded in catching with
great dexterity, burst as the first had done.
At last they secured a large and unusually
strong one, and before it could break they
threw over it a little net, which, upon looking
closely, I could see was a cobweb which they
had found in the woods. The bubble now
tugged hard, first one way, and then another,
as if trying to get free; but the little fellows
held it by the long threads of the web, and, I
could perceive, were preparing to make a bal-
loon with it.

All that they needed for the purpose was a
car or basket. I was wondering where they
would procure one when a bright little fellow
exclaimed, ‘I have it! I know where there is
a basket!” Running to the cedar-bush, he
climbed up into its branches. He soon re-
turned, bearing on his shoulders a small birds’
nest that the birds had left there from last year.
No fairy would take a nest which the birds
were still using.
128 PRINCE UNO

They all shouted when they saw it, and soon
had it tied securely below the bubble. The
balloon was now finished and ready for a ride.
As many climbed into the nest as it would con-
veniently hold. So soon as they were all com-
fortably seated the others cut the rope, and
away it sailed into the air, as light as a feather,
carrying with it as merry a set of little romps as
J had ever seen.

I was delighted. The boy had evidently seen
nothing whatever, and was still blowing bub-
bles as before.

The fairies who had been unable to find room
in the nest waited for another bubble to come
behind the bush. They soon found one strong
enough for their purpose, and were not long in
throwing a cobweb over it and tying another
birds’ nest under it as before; they seemed to
know just where to look for an empty birds’
nest when they wanted one. Away they sailed
over the tops of the trees, laughing and sing-
ing, as happy as only fairies can be.

I watched them until they became mere
specks in the distance, and seemed to be as high
as the clouds themselves. While looking at
them, the boy, who had exhausted his supply
of soap-suds, and who had not observed me at
all, rose quickly from the log on which he was
sitting, and went home, carrying his bowl and
pipe with him. I was all alone, and began to
realize that I had, in my desire to see the fairies
THE BUBBLE RIDERS 129

and their balloons, forgotten the object of my
errand, and lost my only opportunity of inquir-
ing of them where to find the Prince. It was
too bad. How could I have been so thought-
less! I was thoroughly provoked with myself
for my stupidity, and was about starting to find
the seaside bay, greatly fearing that I should
miss it as before, when I heard some one near
me laughing roguishly at my discomfiture, and,
looking carefully about me, I discovered Prince
Uno himself observing me intently. I need not
say how delighted I was to see him.

“The very person I was looking for!” I ex-
claimed. “You must show me the way to
Weeboro at once.”

I think he suspected that I had good reasons
for haste, for, without asking for explanations,
he told me to follow him, and we set out at
once. Thestone cover to the staircase was soon
reached, and I lifted it as usual, without waiting
to be told to do so, and we went down. He
turned as soon as we reached Fairyland, and
gave me the small bottle to drink from. I was
soon of his own size, and we were walking
quickly along, arm in arm. He saw that I was
greatly in earnest, and asked me no questions.

“My dear Uno,” said I, at last, “ I wish to
ask you some questions about the Wood-sprites
and their habits. I am now, as you know,
spending my whole time looking for your little
boy.” The pressure of his hand upon my arm
130 PRINCE UNO

showed the interest he felt in my words. ‘ You
seem to have great power. Could you give me
anything that would make me invisible to a
Wood-sprite?”’

He stopped instantly, and drew from his
pocket a very small flask of red glass, with a
gold cap or cover, which was screwed tightly
on. ‘I have prepared this for you, knowing
that you might need it,” said he. ‘‘ You have
only to unscrew the cover carefully and take
one smell of its contents, and I promise you
neither Wood-
sprite nor mortal
will be able to see
you. Be sure to
keep the top care-
fully closed, so that
its valuable con-
tents may not es-
cape.”

I thanked him,
and placed the lit-
tle flask in my
pocket.

“Now, can you
give me anything
that will make a Wood-sprite visible?” I inquired.

He seemed to have anticipated that I would
ask this question, for I had hardly spoken the
last word before he handed me a small box
containing a fine white powder.


THE BUBBLE RIDERS 131

“Tf only one grain of that powder touches a
Wood-sprite, it will change him so that you can
see him plainly; but it must touch him. If he
is invisible, of course it will be very difficult to
know just where to throw it.”

“Tf I once get him into my net,” thought I,
“J will know where to throw it!”

“Now, would you be willing, my dear Prince,
to lend me that little bottle containing the
liquid to make me small, and the powders to
make me large?”

He smiled. ‘Yes, I will do this, Uncle
Frank, since you are searching for my boy; but
never mortal had such things before.”

He gave both to me, and I placed them care-
fully in my pocket. I now had the flask to
make me invisible, the powder to make the
Wood-sprite visible, the bottle of liquid to make
me small, and the powders to make me large.
Did I need anything else?
I would ask the Prince.

“My dear Prince, youknow
Iam on very important work,
and must not fail. DoI need
anything else?”

“You will need to have the
royal scepter of the Fairy
Kingdom.”

Se While I was wondering
A X what that could be, he took
“S$ from his bosom the hand-


132 PRINCE UNO

somest thing I had yet seen in Fairyland. It
was a small golden rod, exquisitely carved, in
shape not unlike the scepters of kings which I
had seen in pictures. In one end of it was set
a most brilliant diamond, which in the sunshine
fairly dazzled my eyes.

“Uncle Frank,” said he, earnestly, as he
handed it to me, “never mortal knew what you
now know. Never has mortal touched what
you now holdin your hand. Oh, guard it care-
fully as you would your life, and bring it safely
back to me when you have finished your task!
I trust it with you because I know you are
faithful and true. Jf you can once place this in
my boy's hand, when you find him, he becomes
for the time KING OF THE FAIRIES, and Beast
and Bird, Fish and Insect, Wood-nymph and
Wood-sprite, must obey him.”

I was astonished. “But suppose the Wood-
sprite himself should get hold of it?” I ex-
claimed.

“Vou need not fear that; he would not dare
to touchit. If you should see my boy you can
safely hand him this scepter, though he should
be surrounded by Wood-sprites. Their power
over him will cease the moment his little hand
touches it.”

“ How wonderful! I will guard it with my
life, dear Prince.”

“Be sure you do,” said he, earnestly. ‘It
has never been out of my keeping before. You

,
THE BUBBLE RIDERS 133



now have everything you need, even for so
difficult atask as yours. Do you wish me to go
with you to Weeboro?”’

I preferred this time to go alone, and told
him so. He seemed to understand my reason,
and made no objection. I held out my hand to
bid him good-by.

“Rely upon me, dear Prince, and tell the
lovely Ino to keep her spirits up, for I will yet
find her boy.”

' He pressed my hand, but did not answer.
His eyes were filled with tears. I wished to
comfort him, but felt that no poor words of
mine were sufficient for the purpose. Return-
134 PRINCE UNO

ing the pressure of his hand, I left him and
started on my journey for Weeboro.

I was soon out of the city of the fairies, and
had reached the place where I had before taken
the Prince on my shoulder, when I bethought
me of the powder which would make me large
and enable me to get there more quickly than
in my present small size.

I soon reached the mountain behind which I
had stood with the Prince, and stepping as be-
fore on the little hill at its foot, I bent aside the
trees on the top of the mountain and once more
looked down on the beautiful city. What did
T see?

The streets were full of soldiers hurrying to
the Square, where they rapidly formed in line,
as an army. Sitting on his horse, in the uni-
form of a general, was the King himself direct-
ing the movements of his troops. I was aston-
ished. What could be the cause of all this
confusion and excitement? I soon discovered
it. At adistance of several miles from the city,
and approaching it rapidly, was a still larger
army than that of King Leo. I was not long
in deciding that it must be the army of the
proud little King of whom the Prince had told
me, and who so frequently made war without
just cause upon the King of Weeboro.

The soldiers of this new army were of the
same size as those of Weeboro, but their king
was rather taller than King Leo, and was a fine,
THE BUBBLE RIDERS 135

soldierly little fellow, who sat upon his war-
horse as proudly as any monarch in the world.
He turned from time to time to urge his men to
greater speed, and was apparently in hope to
take the town by surprise before King Leo
could get his army in readiness to meet him.

In this he was disappointed, however; for so
careful had King Leo been to keep guard over
his country that he had known of the approach
of the enemy long before his army was in sight.
As the invaders approached the town they
saw the splendid troops of Weeboro marching
steadily and bravely out to meet them.

I was profoundly interested. Need I say
that my sympathies were all with my little
friends, or that I admired the coolness with
which King Leo gave his orders to his officers,
who galloped away with them to their respec-
tive commands? I was eager to see which
army would commence the attack, and observed
with misgivings that the force of King Leo was
not nearly so large as that of his enemy. I
could only hope that he might make up for the
difference, however, by courage and skill.

He evidently thought that he would gain by
making the attack, for he ordered his troops
to advance. They did so steadily, although
the cannon of the enemy made sad havoc in
their ranks. Three several times they charged
bravely down upon the greater numbers of the
foe; three several times were they beaten back,
136 PRINCE UNO

notwithstanding they fought like lions. I could
see, even at the distance at which I was stand-
ing, the anxious look on the face of my little
friend as he ranged his men once more in line,
but with the evident intention this time of letting
his enemy make the attack.

He had not long to wait, for the opposing
King came on, without stopping for a moment
longer than was necessary to get his men into
line. He was bravely met, and, to my delight,
was beaten back. Again and again was he
obliged to retire before the courageous army of
Weeboro, now fighting at its very gates for
home and country, wives and children. They
could not keep up such an unequal battle long,
however, for so great was the force of the in-
vading King that he was able to bring fresh
troops to the attack so soon as those in the front
ranks were exhausted or disabled. I could see
that the army of Weeboro was beginning to
give way at every point, retiring slowly into the
city itself, while bravely and stubbornly con-
testing every inch of the ground.

How bravely King Leo fought, like the lion
for which he was named! He seemed to be des-
perate now, and his sword looked like a ray of
sunlight, so constantly did it flash through the air.
But what could courage and skill and personal
strength avail against such odds? He was
forced back, inch by inch, until he was at last
in front of his own little palace, where, com-
THE BUBBLE RIDERS 137

pletely surrounded by the enemy, he still held
his ground, single-handed, with such strength
and courage as only a brave man can show
when he fights in defense of wife and child,
and at the very door of his own home.

It was at this moment that the other King
beheld him, and calling upon several of his
strongest men to press forward and end the
battle by killing the brave Leo himself, the
other King soon stood in front of him. They
had just crossed swords in mortal combat when
a terrible heartbroken cry rang out upon the air.
The little Queen had rushed from the palace
upon seeing her husband’s danger.

I could wait no longer. I had been so inter-
ested in the battle that I had not realized the
danger of my little friend, or my great strength
and power to save him. That cry of agony
seemed to arouse me out of my strange irreso-
lution. Raising myself quickly to the top of
the mountain, I cried out, ‘‘ Stop /” in a voice
which must have sounded like thunder to the
little people below.

In an instant, and while they were gazing at
my enormous form, Istepped down the side of the
mountain, waded the river, and was at the side of
King Leo. The effect can be imagined. The
soldiers of Weeboro and their brave King knew
me at once as their friend, and were now sure
of my help, while the invading army were almost
paralyzed with fear at seeing so terrible a giant.
138 PRINCE UNO

I took away the
sword of their King
and made him a
prisoner. So fright-
ened were all of his
officers and men that
the soldiers of Wee-
boro had no trouble
in capturing them.

‘Defeat had been
instantly changed
into victory. Need I
attempt to tell how
thankful the Queen was to me for saving her hus-
band? or how, with tears in her eyes, she tried
toexpressher gratitude? Itwould beimpossible.

All of the guns, swords, horses, and cannon
of the enemy, of course, now became the prop-
erty of Weeboro, and the soldiers themselves,
without arms of any kind, were quickly marched
outside of the city and placed under guard.

Remembering what Prince Uno had told me
about the frequency of these attacks by his
vicious enemy on my friend Leo, I determined
to take advantage of this opportunity to put an
effectual stop tothem. I told both of the kings
that I desired to meet them in the Court-house,
where I should insist on the signing of a per-
manent treaty of peace. I observed that King
Leo had very generously returned the sword of
his enemy to him. While I could not help ad-


THE BUBBLE RIDERS 139

miring the nobleness
of the act, I was un-
able to discover that
his prisoner appre-
ciated it.







It required but a step or two for me to reach —
the Court-house door, where, desiring to enter
with the two kings, I took a swallow: from the
bottle, and, as I stood waiting for them on the
steps, was soon no larger than they; indeed, I
was now not nearly so large and strong as the
captive King himself. Whatever his surprise,
however, he did not speak, and we entered the
building together.

As I was now ona level with him, I was able
to get a better view of his face, and must confess
140 PRINCE UNO

I was not pleased with his looks. He seemed
of a treacherous, vindictive, and ambitious dis-
position, and was a disagreeable contrast in this
respect to my friend Leo, whose candor and
frankness could not for an instant be doubted.

We entered the council-room of the Court-
house, and took our seats at a table.

“Tf you will excuse me for a moment,” said
Leo, ‘‘I will bring pens, ink, and paper.”

He went out, closing the door after him. No
sooner had he left us than I had reason to re-
gret having changed to my small size, for the
strange King instantly drew his sword.

“TJ will teach you now not to interfere in
my matters again,’ said he. ‘‘ You are now no
larger or stronger than I, and I shall kill
you.”

I was thoroughly alarmed, being without a
weapon of any kind with which to defend my-
self. Even my penknife was a tiny, useless
thing. It was clear I was no match for the
warlike monarch with his sharp sword. I felt
sure that if he could succeed in killing me while
small, I would be as effectually dead as if I
were killed by a larger sword while of full size.

He did not hesitate, but started angrily for
me, and I jumped quickly behind the table,
seizing a chair with which to defend myself.
At this moment, fortunately for me, the door
opened and King Leo entered. He seemed to
understand the situation at a glance, and draw-
THE BUBBLE RIDERS 141

ing his sword, attacked my opponent with great
bravery and skill, for he was an accomplished
swordsman.

You may imagine I was not long in taking
advantage of the interruption to get out my
powders. In my haste I swallowed two of them,
and rose so quickly to my full height that I
carried the entire roof of the Court-house up
with me, balanced like a hat upon my head,
and was once more master of the field. Great
was the surprise of the people of the town, who,
seeing the roof rise so rapidly in the air, sup-
posed there had been some terrible explosion
inside. They were much relieved, however,
when they perceived my gigantic head and
shoulders rising out of the building like a great
jack-in-a-box.

The two kings were now not so high as my
shoe, and their swords no bigger than pins as
compared with my great size. I took that. of
the strange King out of his hand and stuck it
in the lapel of my coat, and resolved that he
should not have it again.

After removing the roof of the Court-house
from my head, and shaking the broken plaster
from my shoulders and hair, I stepped out of
the building, and, getting down on my hands
and knees, looked over into the room where the
two kings were already engaged in talking over
the treaty. After I had removed the sword
from the hand of his enemy, King Leo, refusing
7
Ke

PEN CRSA STAN
Sees



OTF
~
THE BUBBLE RIDERS 143

to take advantage of the defenseless position of
his prisoner at a time when he could easily have
killed him,—and he certainly deserved to be
killed, —had returned his own sword to its scab-
bard, and actually invited the little scoundrel to
take a chair.

“TJ shall have to require you,” said he, “to
sign an agreement never to take up arms against
me again.”

“T will do nothing of the kind,” replied his
Majesty, King Vim; for that, I afterward
learned, was his name.

‘“Then, my dear Leo,” said I, “ you will not
let him return at all.”

This brought the spunky little fellow to his
senses. I think he had forgotten for the mo-
ment that I was looking down upon them both.
At the sound of my voice he looked angrily up
at my great face with an expression of vexation
at being reminded of the disadvantage in which
he found himself which, taking into account the
difference in our sizes, was comical to behold.
I could not help admiring his courage, for I
think almost any other being of the same size
would have been frightened out of his wits.

After examining the papers carefully he re-
luctantly signed the treaty.

I was convinced, however, from the expres-
sion of his countenance, that he did not intend
to keep it, and felt certain that he was not to be
trusted. After observing him thoughtfully for
144 PRINCE UNO

a moment, I decided to give him a severe lec-
ture.

“Vou do not seem to appreciate the gene-
rosity of King Leo, my friend,” said I, “and I
have only this to say to you: that if you ever
do break the treaty which you have signed, and
take up arms against him again, I shall come to
your city myself and shall not leave one brick
upon another. I shall level it to the ground
with a few good kicks, and bring you a prisoner
to Weeboro, to work for the balance of your life
as a day-laborer in King Leo’s coal-mine!”

This terrible threat seemed to have the effect
upon him which I desired, for he became very
quiet and docile.

' The treaty which had been signed was now
placed for safe keeping in the vault of the Court-
house, and the two kings left the building.

I picked up the roof of the Court-house from
the ground, on which I had deposited it, and
fitted it carefully on the walls again, so that in
the event of a storm the rain could not ge
the building.

The two kings walked away toward the army
of King Vim, engaged in an earnest conversa-
tion which I could not overhear. It seemed to
me that King Leo, judging from his manner and
gestures, was advising with Vim as if with a
friend rather than as with a man who had just
attempted his life.

They soon reached the outer gate of the Gy
THE BUBBLE RIDERS 145

and proceeded to the army of King Vim, which,
without arms or horses, was waiting, under
guard, just outside the walls. A few steps
brought me to their side. King Vim perceived
my approach, and, turning to me, said as coolly
as if I had been one of his own officers:

“T will now trouble you for my sword.”

I was both surprised and indignant. ‘ Why,”
said I, “you are the most impudent little thing
I ever saw! Here you have tried to kill, first
my valued friend King Leo, and then my poor
self, with this very sword; and now you have
the coolness to ask me to return it, as though

-you had loaned it to measafavor! You have
my word for it—and it is a pretty big word for
a chap of your size to carry about with him—
that you shall never put hand upon it again!”

And I may state here that he did not, for I
quietly resolved to take it home with me and
use itforascarf-pin. I saw that it would make
a beautiful one, for its hilt was of solid gold,
inlaid with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, and
the blade itself of the finest blue steel. I felt
justified in retaining it, for, by the rules of war,
he had fairly lost it in consequence of the bad
use he had made of it. It afterward played an
important part in this history, but whether as a
scarf-pin or not will be seen.

“ How am I to get home?” asked King Vim,
sullenly, looking up at me out of the corners of
his eyes.
146 PRINCE UNO

“The way you came, crosspatch,” I replied.
“Vou don’t expect us to send you ina carriage,
do you?”

“ But I came on horseback,” said he, hinting
plainly for the return of his horse, for which he
was too proud to ask.

“ Well, you will go back on foot,” I replied;
“you will have more leisure and better oppor-
tunity for observing the scenery.”

He looked daggers at me, but could, of course,
do nothing. I could not help smiling at his te-
merity, however; for I was now so large as to
be able to squeeze him to death easily between
my thumb and forefinger, and yet he treated me
as coolly as if I were no bigger than himself.

King Leo was a kind-hearted man, and was
generous enough to give King Vim a horse on
which to ride home. I said nothing by way of
objection, for I was pleased to see on Vim’s face
a look which showed that he appreciated the
kindness. Indeed, after a moment’s reflection,
he turned to the generous Leo, and, holding out
his hand, thanked him cordially, but said not a
word to me. On the contrary, he turned his
back proudly upon me, as though ignoring the
fact that there was any such person as my great
self in existence. With a smile on my face I
watched him as he sprang into his saddle and
rode silently away, followed by his men in regu-
lar marching order. I watched them for miles.
He spoke to no one, but, with bowed head, hu-
THE BUBBLE RIDERS 147

miliated and disappointed, looked neither to
the right hand nor to the left, and never once
behind him. They were soon out of sight.

As I was now
so very large that
I could not with
any comfort talk
to the King, and
as there was no
longer any danger
in my being small,
I took a drink from
my bottle, and was
‘ z soon walking so-

ee ono ciably, arm in arm,
with him.

When we reached the palace and had ascended
the steps I saw that an immense crowd of the
people had assembled in the Square. They no
sooner beheld us than they cried out:

“Tong live King Leo and our good friend
Donkey!”

This was the first time I had heard the name
of Donkey applied to me seriously. They had
remembered the name which Prince Uno had
given to me as a joke, and had evidently sup-
posed he was in earnest and that it was my real
name,

I could not help smiling, and said, “ My dear
Leo, your name is a very appropriate one, for
you certainly are as brave asalion; but I hope


148 PRINCE UNO

that I do not resemble the animal whose name
I seem to bear.” en

“This is too bad,” said he; “I must explain
to them.”

He did so, telling them it was all a joke of
Prince Uno, and that my real name was Uncle
Frank.

“T am too good-natured to care about it, my
dear King,” said I; ‘‘and since calling me a
donkey could not make me one, there is no need
of correcting them.”

We were about to enter the palace when we
perceived a little man, who looked like a farmer,
come riding up the street toward us, almost
breathless with haste and excitement. He was
without coat or hat. We both stopped to hear
what news he could bring.

' He alighted quickly from his horse, and bowed
before the King.

“Your Majesty, an immense tiger is in the
woods near the city, and has already killed two
people. Will you not let a regiment of soldiers
surround the woods and shoot him?”

_ King Leo’s face wore an anxious look. “ Here
is more trouble,” saidhe. ‘“ These tigers destroy
more of my people every year than do the wars
themselves, I believe. Before this one can be
killed at least a hundred of my best men must
perish.”

I wondered how large the tiger could be, and
inquired of the farmer.
THE BUBBLE RIDERS 149



“He is larger than any yet seen,” he replied
—‘‘ fully as long as my horse.”

“My dear King,” said I, turning to Leo, “ let
me manage this terrible tiger for you.”

He looked much relieved. ‘I cannot repay
you, Uncle Frank, for a tenth of your kindness
to me.”

“ You can repay me easily for all I have done,
my dear King,” said I, remembering the object
of my visit to Weeboro and the necessity of
commencing the invisible fish-net at once.

“Tf you will let your regiment of soldiers
surround the forest in which the tiger is hiding,
they can without danger, by building fires and
150 PRINCE UNO

making noises, keep him in the woods until I
can come to capture him. In the meantime I
wish to visit your fish-net mill and have your
men begin the manufacture of a large fish-net
for me as soon as possible. As soon as we get
the men at work upon that important task I
promise to undertake to secure your tiger for
you.”

The King smiled sadly. ‘‘ No fish-net that
we could make, Uncle Frank, would hold a
tiger.”

I explained to him that I wished the net for
another and very different purpose, and that,
as I was anxious to have it by a certain time,
I wished to get the men at work upon it at
once.

“We will instantly set out for the mill,” said
King Leo, “ and I promise you our best efforts.”

We walked rapidly, and were not long in
reaching the building. I explained to the fore-
man the kind of net I wished. He listened at-
tentively, made a few figures upon a sheet of
paper, and said he could give it to me in seven-
teen days.

“That will not do. I must have it in six, or
it will be too late!”

“ He must have it in six,” said the King, “if
it takes every man, woman, and child in Wee-
boro to do it.”

“Your Majesty,” replied the foreman, “it
will take five hundred men to prepare the ma-
LTHE BUBBLE RIDERS 151

terial alone in that time, and another five hun-
dred to do the work.”

“ They are at your command, from my army,”
said Leo.

“Then I promise it in six days,” replied the
foreman.

I thanked the King, and, guided by the little
farmer on horseback, started at once for the
woods to capture the tiger.

I found it necessary, of course, before starting
to change to my large size, and did so. The
King explained to the farmer—who, as he lived
in the country, had not seen me on my visit to
the city—all about my great height, advising
him to put a cloth over his horse’s head, that it
might not be frightened and run away. The
man was greatly astonished and somewhat
frightened, but under the assurances of the
King controlled his feelings, and rode ahead of
me in order that his horse might not see me.
We soon came to the woods, the man riding at


152 PRINCE UNO

the top of his speed, and I walking leisurely
behind him. He hoped I would not require
him to go farther, and, to his great relief, I in-
formed him that he might return, and that alone
I would look for the tiger. The soldiers who
had surrounded the forest had been keeping
watch carefully, and were sure that the animal
was still in the woods, as they had heard him
growling savagely at intervals of every few
minutes, although he was now quiet.

The little farmer was not long in availing
himself of the permission to ride to a safe dis-
tance, and I at once commenced my search,
getting down on my hands and knees for the
purpose, and bending the trees aside where they
grew unusually close together, in order to look
between andunderthem. Notasignof a tiger,
however, could I see.

I proceeded carefully in this manner for
several miles. At one place, where the bushes
were unusually thick, I found a little striped
kitten. It was one of the smallest I had ever
seen, and was beautifully marked. I picked it
up. It was quite wild,—I supposed from being
in the woods,—but I soon quieted it by smooth-
ing its soft fur with one hand while I held it
securely with the other. When I first seized it,
it had tried to scratch and bite me, and showed
its little teeth in a spiteful manner amusing to
behold. I placed it in my bosom, buttoning my
coat carefully over it, intending to take it home,
THE BUBBLE RIDERS 153



and continued my search forthetiger ; but finding
that the kitten was trying to escape by crawling
out between the buttons, I placed it in my coat
pocket and fastened the flap securely over it.
I examined cautiously every inch of the entire
forest, but, seeing nothing of the tiger, con-
cluded that he had escaped, notwithstanding
the vigilance of the soldiers. Rising to my feet,
I stepped back to where the little farmer was
waiting for me, surrounded by a number of his
neighbors. They were all very much disap-
pointed to find that I had seen nothing of the
tiger, but were somewhat relieved to learn that
he was no longer in the woods and had probably
left that part of the country. I promised if he
made his appearance again to return and capture
him. Bidding them good afternoon, I started
to walk back to the town, accompanied by the
farmer, who wished to ask the King to allow a
154 PRINCE UNO

guard of soldiers to remain near the forest dur-
ing the night. We were not long in reaching
the city, where Leo and a large crowd of his
people were waiting to see me bring in the
terrible animal. They were, of course, greatly
disappointed, and I regretted my failure ex-
ceedingly when I saw how badly the good King
himself felt. Unconsciously I put my hand in
my pocket for my handkerchief, and was re-
minded of the kitten by feeling its soft fur.

“By the way, I have found a most beautiful
pet for you, my dear King,” said I. I drew out
the little creature, holding it very carefully, for
it was wonderfully strong for so small a kitten,
and was still quite wild. To my surprise, the
little people had no sooner seen the kitten in
my hand than they scattered in every direction.

“The tiger! the tiger!” I could hear from
frightened lips on every side. Even the brave
Leo himself turned pale.

“Hold him tight, Uncle Frank!” he ex-
claimed. “It is the tiger himself!”

I was greatly amused, and laughed so loud
and long that the poor little tiger dropped its
tail, laid its ears close to its head, and, trembling
in every limb, seemed as frightened at the sound
of my voice as the people had been at his ap-
pearance. I had actually captured the terrible
tiger himself, and held him securely in my hand.
Having shown the King and the people how
easily I could manage him, they gradually came
THE BUBBLE RIDERS 155

nearer to see the formidable monster that had
given them such a fright.

The King ordered a strong iron cage to be
brought. It was about as large as a rat-trap,
and I placed the tiger in it, fastening the door
securely. The immense crowd of people that
now pressed around the cage showed how great
a curiosity was the little animal I had captured.
I left them looking at it, and, stepping over
their heads, was soon at the side of King Leo,
of whom I desired to ask a few questions before
returning home.

It seemed best for me to make myself small,
and I did so, in order that I might be on a level
with him, and thus be able to converse more
sociably, as Prince Uno would say.

““My kind and noble friend,” he exclaimed,
“how can I ever repay you for your valuable
service to me?”

“Tn one way only, my dear King, and that is
by having the invisible fish-net ready for me on
time.”’

“Tt shall be ready on the day it is wanted,”
said he, ‘‘if I have to take off my velvet coat
and work in the mill with my own royal hands.”

I thanked him heartily.

“May T inquire what kind of fish you expect
to catch in it?” he asked.

“T expect to catch the Wood-sprite who stole
Prince Uno’s boy.”

His face and manner changed in an instant
156 PRINCE UNO

from the gaiety of a moment before to the most
serious attention, and, taking my arm, he led
me aside where we could be quite alone.

“ And are you good enough to be spending
your time looking for that dear boy?” he asked.

I replied that I was, and that I intended to
give up everything else until I had found him.

“ And now, my dear King, when I tell you
that I can do absolutely nothing until that net
is finished, and that I firmly believe I can recover
the boy when it is finished, you will understand
why I am so anxious.”

“ Rely upon me, it shall be ready,” he replied.
“Tf I were not sufficiently in debt to you your-
self to attend to it, I would feel myself bound
to do it for the love and duty I bear the Prince.”

“Has Uno, then, authority over you?” I
asked in some surprise, although I remembered
the respect which the King had shown Prince
Uno on my first visit to Weeboro.

“Indeed he has; but it is a pleasure to serve
so noble a master,” he replied. ‘“ Prince Uno
is a powerful monarch, and he is as well beloved
by all of his subjects, excepting one, as he is
powerful.”

“T am surprised at one thing,’ Ireplied. “I
cannot understand why, if he is so powerful, he
does not make the Wood-sprite tell him where
his boy is.”

“He could force the rascal to tell if he were
only willing to,” replied the King; “but Uno
THE BUBBLE RIDERS 157

is so noble and so just that he will not consent
to have the Wood-sprite tortured into confes-
sion. His argument is that he does notactually.
know that the Wood-sprite has his boy, and it
would be very unjust and
cruel to torture the Wood-
spriteonmeresuspicion. And
so,’ continued the King, “ he_
will not do an unjust act even
to recover his boy. What
provokes me is that the mis-
erable Sprite laughs in secret
at the sufferings of his noble
master, and at the security he
enjoys through that master’s
nobleness.”’

“Tf I could only find the
boy,” I exclaimed, “I would
be willing to spend my life in
the search. But I must leave
you, for it is growing late, dear Leo. Take
good care of my kitten.”

He smiled. ‘ Suppgse you look at the kitten
now, while you are so small,” said he. ‘‘ Pos-
sibly it may not look so insignificant to you.”

I decided to do so, and we both walked over
to the cage. . The crowd respectfully made way
for us, so that we could get close to it. What
had seemed a rat-trap to me while I was large
was now a great cage, with iron bars strong
enough indeed to hold a tiger. Behind them,


158 PRINCE UNO

his eyes glancing wildly from one of us to the
other, his tail lashing his sides in his fury, was
a terrible tiger. My little heart fairly stopped
beating as I looked into his open red mouth
and saw his formidable teeth. As we drew
nearer he sprang with his full weight against
the bars, in mad efforts to get at us. J am sure
he would have made short work of me if he had
only been loose.. I no longer wondered that
the people had scampered in every direction
when they first saw him. It was plain to be
seen that he was trying to getat me. Could it
be that he recognized in my small face the great
enemy who had captured him in the woods? I
verily believe he did. He made great springs
at the bars of the cage, and at last succeeded in
bending two of them apart so as nearly to admit
of his putting his whole head through. In an-
other moment, it was clear, he would be free.
The crowd commenced to give way in all direc-
tions, and the King drew his sword to defend
himself. I was terribly frightened, but be-
thought me of my powders. I swallowed one
hastily, and commenced to grow rapidly up, up,
up to my full height and great size. It was
amusing to observe the effect upon the tiger.
He at once ceased his efforts to getat me. His
tail fell between his legs, his ears were laid back
close to his head, and, trembling in every limb,
he showed every symptom of fear. JI was now
six feet tall, and looked down once more upon
THE BUBBLE RIDERS 159

a rat-trap, in which was no longer a great and
terrible wild beast, but an innocent, timid, gentle
little kitten. I straightened the bars of the cage,
and, putting my hand through the door, gently
stroked its soft fur.

“How strange!” I thought. “Here my
hand is stroking his back with perfect safety,
where a few short moments before it would
have been torn in pieces. Thus it is with many
of the difficulties and troubles with which we
have to contend in life. If we permit ourselves
to be frightened by them and shrink from our
duty, they soon overpower us; but if we rise
above them, they grow small and insignificant,
and we easily master them!” I fastened the
door securely, and turned to bid the King
good-by. He regretted to have me leave, and
made me promise to come often to visit him.
“We cannot do without you now, Uncle Frank,”
saidhe. “You are toovaluable a friend to lose!”

I thanked him for the compliment, promised
to come soon again, and started for the fairy
palace, the little people cheering me loudly as
I walked away.

A very quick walk soon brought me to the
palace. Taking the drink to make me small
again, I ran briskly up the steps, and was met
at the door by both Uno and Ino, who seemed
overjoyed to see me once more.

Tea was waiting, and I was invited to a seat
at the table. After tea we spent the evening in
160 PRINCE UNO

the parlor. At bedtime I was about to retire
when it occurred to me to ask the Prince if there
was not some way for me to find him whenever
I needed him. I reminded him of the difficulty
I had experienced. As I was now on most im-
- portant business, and as it would be very serious
if I should not be able to get back to Weeboro
on the day the fish-net was to be ready, the
question seemed a very reasonable one. He
did not answer, but, removing the beautiful
little pearl horn with which I had seen him
summon the fairies, he placed it in my hand.

“ Another of my treasures,” he said. “You
have only to sound this horn when you need |
me, and I will be with you in a second.”

This was grand. With so many things as I
now had I felt that there could be no such word
as “ fail.”

The Prince showed the way to my room, after
I had said good night to the Princess. Before
leaving me he gave me an invitation to accom-
pany him, on the following day, on one of his
errands to do good. As there was nothing to
prevent my doing so, I gladly accepted the in-
vitation. Bidding me good night, with a wish
that I might have pleasant dreams, he left me.

I undressed and got into the little bed, having
first taken pains to place the horn safely in my
breast pocket. I determined this time to keep
my eyes open in order to see the fairies when
they came to move me. It was of no use. No
THE BUBBLE RIDERS 161

sooner was the cover tucked in around me, and
my head upon the pillow, than I began to feel
sleepy. My eyes gradually closed, as if the lids
had weights upon them, and in a few moments
I was sound asleep.

When I awoke it was morning. I was in my
own room at home, and my clothes were on the
chair by the side of the bed.




“So rose from earth the lovely Fay,
So vanished, far in heaven away.”’
Tue Cutprit Fay.
TRL ENS
Be
Pen

7 a





IV -

RUBBED my eyes to make sure
that I was awake, and happened
to look at my bureau. What
was my surprise to see the silk
necktie which I had removed
from my collar the night before
badly torn, and with a great sword fully four
feet long running through it. It was a mag-
nificent weapon, with a handle of solid gold,
inlaid with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. In
the end of the hilt was a brilliant diamond as

large as a walnut. You can imagine my sur-
3 165


166 PRINCE UNO



prise. Foramoment I could not understand it,
but I soon remembered having taken the sword
of King Vim from the lapel of my coat before
retiring in the fairy palace, and having adjusted
it carefully asa scarf-pinin my necktie. Ithad -
now evidently grown large like myself, and
was of the appropriate size for a full-grown

man.

At once I bethought me of the little horn the
Prince had given me, and wondered if it, too,
had grown large like the sword. But no; it was
still as small as when the Prince had placed it
in my hand. All the other things given me by
Uno—the flask, the bottle, and the box of
powders—were also of their tiny size.

I now recalled the fact that the pocketful of
knives which I had purchased in Weeboro had
grown large like the sword, and I decided that
the things belonging to fairies never changed in
size, and that it was only those of the little
people whom I had seen in Weeboro that grew
large like myself. I concluded that if King Leo
~

cS

THE MAGIC CHAIR 167

\
\' Ta
Nv FZsS
ake

EZ



and King Vim them-
selves were once out of
Fairyland they would
become quite as large
as other folks.

After dressing, I
buckled the sword to
my side so that the
beautiful handle was
concealed by my coat,
and went downto break-
fast, which I ate very
hastily, as I was anxious
to meet Prince Uno and
go with him on the
errand, in accordance
with his invitation.

I searched long and
carefully for him by the
sea and through the
woods, and thought it
very strange that he had
not taken any pains to
meet me when he knew
I was to go with him at
his own request. I was
becoming quite uneasy
when I happened to
think of the little horn.
How stupid not to have
thought of it before! I
168 PRINCE UNO

took it from my coat pocket, and, placing it to
my lips, blew a soft, clear note such as I had
heard him sound upon it. I had hardly time to
place it again in my pocket before he stood in
front of me, smiling.

“Well, if you are ready to go wih me, Uncle
Frank, we will set out at once.”

I was, of course, ready, and we immediately
started.

“JT think, on reflection,” said he, “that you
would better make yourself both small and in-
visible, as I am going where I do not wish you
to be seen.” a‘

I took the little flask he had given me, and,
unscrewing the top, smelled of its contents. It
was very pleasant and fragrant to smell, like
some delightful perfume. I fastened the top on
again carefully, and replaced the flask in my
vest pocket. I was about to inquire of the
Prince how long it would be before I would
become invisible, when I happened to look
down at my feet. I could not see them at all;
indeed, there seemed to be nothing between my
eyes and the ground itself, for my feet, legs,
arms, and my body itself, had entirely disap-
peared. The sensation was an exceedingly
strange one. I could feel myself distinctly, and
was conscious of moving my legs and arms with
my usual strength, but in all other respects I
seemed composed of air.

I spoke to the Prince, but, strange to say,
THE MAGIC CHAIR 169

could not hear my own voice. “Is my voice
invisible, too?” I exclaimed.

The Prince laughed heartily. ‘He evidently
heard me, though I could not hear myself.

- “Your voice can now only be heard by a
fairy,” said he, “and you can only be seen by
a fairy. No mortal eye could now see you, nor
mortal ear hear you; and it will be very con-
venient to-day, for I am going to. visit mortal
people, and you must be neither seen nor heard.”

This was certainly very strange, but, on the
whole, I rather enjoyed such privileges.

“You are too large and clumsy,” he con-
tinued, “to go visiting with a fairy, and must
make yourself small.’

I could not see what difference it could make,
now that I was invisible, whether I were large
or small; but I felt in my pocket for the little
bottle, and took a swallow of its contents. I
suppose it had the usual effect, for the Prince
seemed satisfied with my present size, though
I could not see for myself.

“You will now find,” said the Prince, “ that
you can fly.”

“That I can fly! ” I exclaimed.

“Yes,” he answered; “ you can fly, or rather
you can float in the air from one place to an-
other, which is about the same thing, or, at
least, equally as coe en ze

“You surprise me,” I replied.

“Well, you might as well try,” said he, “ ane
UNO

PRINCE

170



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begin
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shall float through the air with me over the trees

and hills

so do just as you see

and we are off;

,

”

me do.

areas)
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THE MAGIC CHAIR 171

myself floating as easily as a bit of thistle-down
or a feather. Up, up, up we went—over the
bushes, over the tallest trees, over the hill itself,
until we were, I should think, half a mile high.
It was delightful. The birds were flying about
us and below us, and we could see far and wide.
The Prince turned to look at me from time to
time, and laughed heartily at my astonishment.

“Well, how do you like this?” said he, at
length.

“J think it is perfectly splendid,” I replied.

I could move in any direction I desired, could
go up or down, as I wished, or could sit still,
balanced pleasantly in the air, as if upon a bed
of the softest down; indeed, I felt that I could
have ridden on a leaf from the top of the tallest
tree as easily as I had seen the fairies them-
selves riding on the day that they filled the
barn.

“We will talk as we go,” said Prince Uno,
“and I will explain to you where we are going
and tell you about the people we are to see.”

We floated along easily in the direction he
pointed out, and he commenced his story.

“The little boy we are about to visit,” said
he, “is called Lame Will. Heis so called from
being a cripple, having been for years unable to
walk a step; but he is so patient and uncom-
plaining, so gentle and cheerful, that he has
made friends of the fairies, and to-day he is to
receive from me a present which will be more
172 PRINCE UNO

valuable to him than would be a fortune of -
money. He was injured while an infant,” the
Prince continued, “by a fall which hurt his
back, and now he has to spend all of his time
in an uncomfortable chair, and be pushed about
from place to place by some one else, for he
cannot move himself. What makes it harder
for him is the fact that his father is a poor car-
penter and cannot afford to hire any one to push
-him about; and as his mother has her work to
do, the poor fellow has to sit patiently in one
place the greater part of the day. Fortunately,
he loves the woods. Not far from his father’s
house is a beautiful forest of pine-trees, whose
falling leaves have covered the ground with a
soft brown carpet. To these woods, whenever
the weather is pleasant, either his father or his
mother rolls his little chair; and there he sits
patiently, all alone, with no companions except
the birds and the bees and the squirrels, the
whole of.a summer day. They are pleasant
company for him, though, for they all know
him and are not afraid of him. Even the beau-
tiful humming-birds, the most timid of all birds,
will come and sit upon the arm of Will’s chair
by the hour; and the squirrels bring him nuts
~ to eat, and play hide-and-seek with one another
over his chair, as if he were one of them. The
honey-bees are great friends of his, too. I have
myself seen them bring him honey to eat with
his plain dinner of dry bread. So you see,”
THE MAGIC CHAIR 173

continued the Prince, “ that, although poor Will
is lame and cannot help himself, he has many
kind and pleasant friends, and is not so lonesome
as one would suppose.”

We were by this time floating over a forest
of pine-trees, and the Prince, pointing down,
showed me where, far below us, a woman was
pushing a chair toward them, in which sat a
little boy such as he had described.

“We are just in time,’ said the Prince.
“Will’s mother is rolling him to his favorite
place inthe woods. We will go down and make
him a visit after she has returned.”

We descended gradually and softly until we
reached the tops of the trees, and then settled
down quietly among their fragrant leaves until
we reached the lowest limb of a very large tree
near the edge of the woods. The Prince took
a seat upon a branch, where he sat swinging
gracefully backward and forward in the gentle
breeze which was blowing through the forest.
Will and his mother were now under the tree
itself, and I took a seat on a limb near the
Prince, where I could easily see the lame boy’s
face. It wasa pale face; it-looked as if he were
in pain; but it wore a cheerful smile as he
turned to thank his mother for bringing him to
the woods. His chair was roughly put together,
of wood, and had small wheels on which it could
be rolled about from place to place; but it did
not look at all comfortable.
174

PRINCE UNO

“Now I must leave you, my
dear Will, with your little friends,
and get back to my work,” said
his mother.

She stooped to kiss him, and
telling him she would come for
him at night, left the woods, and
was soon out of sight on her way
home.

The place that Will was so fond
of visiting was, I thought, a very
pleasant one. It was at the edge
of the woods. Stretching in front
of the chair in which he sat wasa
beautiful meadow filled with white
daisies and red clover-blossoms,


THE MAGIC CHAIR. 175

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9 yy ,
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CARS

into which the bees were dipping for honey.
At a short distance from him a large honey-
suckle-vine, full of flowers that filled the air
with their perfume, was climbing over some
rocks, and I could see more than one beautiful
humming-bird fluttering over it.

As Will’s mother was now out of sight and
hearing, the Prince, beckoning me to follow him,
floated softly off the limb of the tree down to
the arm of Will’s chair. It was evident that he
made himself visible to the poor boy, for Will
instantly looked up, much surprised.

‘‘ How do you feel to-day, my dear fellow?”
inquired Uno.

It was a full minute before Will could answer,
he was so astonished; but at last he managed
to say, “I am about the same as usual, thank
you; but who are you?”

“T am Prince of the Fairies, Will, and have
known you for a long time.”

“And he is the dearest and best prince that
ever lived, Will!’ Iexclaimed. ‘ You may be


176 : PRINCE UNO

proud to have such a noble fellow for your
friend.”

To my surprise, Will did not look toward me,
and evidently had not heard a word I had said.

The Prince smiled, and, turning to me, bowed
very low.

“Thank you for the compliment,” said he,
laughing; “but you forget that your voice
cannot be heard by mortal ears; even mine
cannot unless I choose.”’

He turned once more to the boy.

“Ts not your chair a very uncomfortable one,
my poor fellow?” said he.

“Ves,” answered Will, a painful look coming
over his face as he spoke. ‘‘It is so straight
and hard, and my poor back is so crooked, that
it hurts me very much, especially by the time
night comes. I am then very tired. I often
wish I could lie down in the clover-blossoms
yonder; they look so pleasant. But I must not
complain of my chair, for my good, kind father
spent many an evening making it for me when
he was all tired out after a hard day’s work.
So I let him think it ’s quite as comfortable as
he meant it to be. Indeed, I ought to be very
thankful for it, for many a poor lame boy has
none at all.”

“Well, my patient fellow,” said the Prince,
“ you have been so uncomplaining that you have
made friends of the fairies, and especially of
their King, and to-day he is ‘going to give you
THE MAGIC CHAIR 177

a handsome present. He intends to give you
a magic chair.”

Will looked up as if he did not quite under-
stand the Prince, who stepped to a cobweb
tassel, which was hanging out of a cedar-bush
near by, and gave ita gentle pull. I heard the
distant ringing of the fairy bell, and in a mo-
ment more a fairy servant stood before the
Prince, and bowed low.

“ Bring me the magic chair, Pepin,” said the
Prince. i

The little servant bowed again, and de-
parted.

I think I was now quite as anxious as Will
to see what kind of a chair a magic chair could
be. I had not to wait long, for in another
moment I saw some fairies coming toward us,
rolling lightly in front of them a most beautiful
and comfortable chair. It was of rosewood,
with soft cushions of velvet, and had large
wheels and broad arms. One of the arms was
so large that it looked as if it might be a box.
On the other were numbers of flat ivory buttons
with letters printed on them. In front of the
chair was a foot-rest which could be raised and
lowered. The color of the velvet cushions was
adelicate blue. From what I had seen of things
in Fairyland, I knew that it would neither fade
nor wear out.

“There is a chair for you, my poor boy,” said
the Prince, ‘ which will not hurt your back, and
178 PRINCE UNO

which you will find to be very convenient in
more respects than one.”’

“Do you mean that this beautiful chair is
really for me?” asked Will, as his pale face
lighted up with smiles.

“Tt is for no one else,’ answered the Prince,
pleasantly, ‘“‘and I advise you to take posses-
sion of it at once.”

Poor Will proceeded to get slowly, and evi-
dently with great pain, out of his old chair. I
slipped off the arm of the chair to assist him,
but was reminded, by finding myself no higher
than his shoe, that I had been made too small
to be of any use. I observed the Prince, how-
ever, wave his hand toward Will, after which
the poor fellow seemed to move more easily,
and I concluded that Uno had the power of
assisting him without touching him and without
Will’s knowing it.

Will was soon comfortably seated in the
magic chair. Resting his hands on the broad
arms, and placing his feet upon the foot-rest,
he exclaimed, ‘‘ Oh, this is delightful! It does
not hurt my back in the least. How can I ever
thank you, good fairy?” said he, turning to
Uno, his face beaming with gratitude. ‘‘ What
have I done to deserve such kindness?”

“You have been patient, my dear boy,” an-
swered the Prince, ‘‘and have borne your trial
like a man, without complaining. But you have
not seen the advantages of this chair yet; let
me explain them to you.

)
THE MAGIC CHAIR 179

“Tt will run,” he continued, “ of its own ac-
cord, without being pushed by any one, and it
can be made to go so swiftly that the fastest
railroad train could not overtake it. You have
only to touch this button marked ‘R’ to start
it’’—and he pressed upon a button which was
upon the arm of the chair with the letter R
printed upon it. In a moment the chair began
to move, and although it was only running at a
moderate rate, I had hard work to keep up with
it. The Prince, observing this, motioned me to
take a seat by the side of him on the arm of
the chair, and I didso. Wenow began to move
more rapidly. The springs were so easy and
so perfectly adjusted that we passed over the
largest stones and logs without a jolt, and at
last, turning about, under the guidance of the
Prince we came back swiftly to the place from
which we had started. Poor Will was de-
lighted.

“Why, I can now go wherever I please,”
said he, “ without troubling any one.”

The Prince smiled. “It will go up hill as
well as down,” he said, ‘‘and across water as
well as on land; and this button marked ‘S’
will stop it whenever you wish. You have
only to touch this button marked ‘ Beat,’ upon
reaching the water, and the chair will immedi-
ately change into a safe boat in which you can
cross the widest river.”

I myself was becoming as interested as poor
Will, whose eyes fairly sparkled with delight.
180 PRINCE UNO

“Oh, was ever such a wonderful chair heard
of!” he exclaimed.

“This button,” continued the Prince, press-
ing one on which I could read the word
“Cover,” “you will find handy whenever it
rains.”

In a moment a cover of polished leather, like
that of a carriage, spread out over the chair,
with curtains which could be raised or lowered.
The curtain which could be let fall in front was
provided with small glass windows, through
which Will could see how to guide the chair
while thoroughly protected from astorm. The
whole was so arranged as to be a shelter from
the heat of the sun with the curtains rolled up
on all sides, or as a complete protection against












THE MAGIC CHAIR 181

rain by letting them down and fastening them,
as occasion required.

“Why, that is as good as a house,” said
Will. ‘“ What will father and mother say?”

“We will not inquire until you have seen
more,” said the Prince. ‘‘ These three buttons
are for breakfast, dinner, and tea; and as it is
now time for dinner, I will press the button
marked ‘ Dinner,’ and see what will happen.”

In a moment the arm of the chair which, as
I have stated, was large and square like a box
underwent acuriouschange. The wooden sides
were rolled up like shutters, showing through
glass windows alittle kitchen. Init wasarange
or stove, in which I could see a fire burning,
and bustling about the room in the preparation
of a meal were fairy cooks in white aprons and
caps. From the pleasant odors which came
from the kitchen when they lifted the covers
from the pots on the fire and opened the oven
doors, I felt sure the dinner was to be a good
one. It was soon thoroughly cooked, and two
little waiters came up-stairs out of a small door
which opened out on the top of the arm, upon
which they placed a small table. They quickly
spread a fine white cloth and brought on the
dishes, all of which were of the most beautiful
china, I think, I had ever seen. They were of
different colors and with gilt edges. LEvery-
thing was as small as when I had taken dinner
with the Prince in his palace. The knives and
182 PRINCE UNO

forks were of silver and the spoons of gold. As
soon as the table was laid, one of the tiny
waiters bowed to Will, and asked him what he
would have. The little chap rattled off the
names of the different kinds of meat so fast that
one could hardly understand him—“ Roast
turkey, roast chicken, roast duck, roast mutton,
ham or lamb or tongue!”

Poor Will looked as if he thought he must be
dreaming.

The Prince seemed much amused, and re-
minded him that the dinner would get cold if
he did not decide quickly.

“Come, Will,” said he, ‘‘ here you are in your
own house, at your own table, and don’t know
what to eat. Try roast turkey.”

The waiter started for the kitchen immedi-
ately, and soon returned with a tempting-look-
ing plate of turkey, both light and dark meat,
which he set before Will. After much bus-
tling about he brought up vegetables of all
kinds.

Poor Will could not understand it at all, but
sat staring, first at the table, then at the waiter,
and finally at the Prince himself, as if he could
not believe his eyes.

“ Well, I must say,” said Uno, laughing, “ you
are very polite. Here you have an elegant
dinner, and you have not yet invited me to dine
with you; but I see I must make myself at
home or I will not get anything to eat.”
THE MAGIC CHAIR 183

He seated himself
on a chair which the
waiter had brought
from the kitchen, and
> said:

“ Waiter, bring me
roast duck without
any gravy!”

In a moment it was
placed before him,
and, without further
ceremony, he helped
himself liberally to
everything on the
table,and commenced
eating with a relish.

“Come, Will, get
to work; taste it if



you can’t believe it.”

Thus urged, poor Will ventured to taste the
food. My recollections of the meals I had had
in Fairyland made me certain he had never
tasted anything so good. A mouthful or two
of the delicious dinner soon brought him to his
senses, and he began at last to realize that he
was awake and that it was all real.

-“ This is the most wonderful thing I ever
heard of!” he exclaimed; “and what is stran-
gest of all is that, though everything is so small,
whenever I put a mere taste in my mouth I
seem to get just as much from one of these little
184 PRINCE UNO

spoons as I do at home out of one of mother’s
big ones. Is this delightful chair really to be
mine?” he inquired.

“ All yours, Will; and you can have supper at
night, and breakfast in the morning, by merely
touching the buttons I have shown you.”

At this moment he observed me. I had been
standing quietly by, watching them both in
silent admiration.

“Uncle Frank, I declare you must excuse
me!’ he exclaimed. ‘ You must be as hungry
as Will and I, and must have some dinner at
once. Here, waiter, bring a chair and take his
order.”

I preferred turkey with a small slice of ham
as a relish, and it was soon placed before me.
It was evident that the waiter saw me distinctly,
though Will had neither seen me nor heard a
word I had said.

We had ice-cream for dessert, after which
almonds and raisins were brought in, with some
red apples about as large as currants.

As soon as dinner was over the little waiters
cleared the table and shut up the kitchen; the
little shutters were rolled back, and everything
was as dark as before.

Will leaned back in the chair, while tears of
pleasure rolled down his cheeks. “This is too
good to believe!” he exclaimed. ‘I am so
afraid I shall somehow wake up and find it all
a dream,”
i *

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186 PRINCE UNO

“Let me give you a good pinch and show
you that you are awake,” said the Prince,
laughing. ‘ Now let me explain the rest of the
buttons to you.”

. “ What, are there any more?” asked Will.

“You will think so before I get through,”
replied the Prince. ‘ When you wish to go to
sleep at night, you can change the chair into a
comfortable bed by touching this button.”

In a moment the chair opened out into a
comfortable, soft bed.

“ How delightful! ”’ exclaimed Will. “ Why,
that is no trouble at all.”

“When you wish anything, no matter what
it is, so long as it is anything you ought to
have, you must press down this button’”’—and
he touched a button marked “ X.” As he did
so a little drawer opened; in it were a slate and
pencil.

“You have only to write the name of what
you wish upon the slate,” said the Prince, “ and
close the drawer. After waiting a moment
you can open the drawer, and you will find
then exactly the amount of money—neither
more nor less than just enough—to purchase
what you wish. You must not be unreasonable
or foolish in your requests,” he continued, “and
if you find no money in the drawer, you may
be sure that you have not asked wisely. Be
very sure never to ask for money itself,” he
added, “for the love of money merely for the
THE MAGIC CHAIR 187

sake of possessing it, and not for what it will
buy or the good it will do, is a very low and
mean passion.

“ And right here, Uncle Frank,” said the little
fellow, turning to me, “do you know, it always
seems so strange to me that men who have
enough to eat and wear, and every needed
comfort, should be continually striving to heap
up wealth, when all the money in the world can
buy them no more.

“Tf you ever get into trouble, Will, and need
my help, you have only to pull this little bell-
rope, and I shall come to you at once.”

“T shall want to see so kind a friend very
often,’ said Will, “and fear I may trouble you
too much.”

“You must not ring for me unless you need
me,” said the Prince, kindly but seriously, “ for
I have much to do and little time to spare.”

Will promised to be careful, and inquired,
“ Are the little waiters and cooks always in the
kitchen?”

“Not always,’ answered the Prince, “‘ but
you will always find them there when you need
them. One advantage about them is,” said he,
smiling, “that they will never charge you any
wages.”

~“T declare,” said Will, examining the chair
with satisfaction, ‘I would not change places,
while I have this chair, with the strongest and
healthiest boy in the world.”

?
188 PRINCE UNO

The Prince
seemed partic-
ularly pleased
at this, and
looking over
at me, smiled. © 3 A
“What, not 2
even to be well and strong again?” he asked.

“No; I would rather have this splendid
chair.” He seemed thoughtful for a moment,
and then asked, ‘Can I have my father and
mother and little sister take their meals with
me?”

“No,” replied the Prince, seriously; “no
human being must ever see your little kitchen
or your fairy servants; you will have to eat by
yourself.”

“Then I can never eat at all,” said Will,
sadly. ‘I could not be so selfish as to have
such splendid food when those I love best are
living on dry bread and cold water. You must
not think me ungrateful, good fairy, if I give
up my beautiful chair. I know you would not
if you knew what a trial it is for me to go
back to the hard, uncomfortable one in which
you found me.”

The poor boy was getting slowly and pain-
fully out of the soft cushions to return to the
chair his father had made for him.

“T am just as much obliged to you,” he con-
tinued, “as if I accepted your splendid gift.”



ce
THE MAGIC CHAIR 189

I looked at the Prince. A tear was in his
eye, and he seemed to hesitate a moment as if
to make sure that Will really intended to give
up the chair. Then putting out his hand to
prevent his leaving it, he said: “Keep your
chair, my poor boy; you need not give it up.
I felt sure you would not be so selfish as to
live a life of ease and enjoyment when your
good father and mother and little sister were
poorandneedy. Iam pleased to discover your
nobleness of heart. Keep the chair, and let
them share its comforts with you. You must
promise me, however, that no one else shall
ever know of your kitchen.”

Will was once more happy, and sank back in
the soft cushions with a smiling face. “‘ You are
so good,” he exclaimed, “‘ that it overcomes me.”’

The Prince himself seemed
gratified, and said, “ We will
now try a ride in the chair,
Will, and see what it can
do.”

He motioned to me to
take a seat upon one of the
arms, and sprang lightly
himself upon that contain-
ing the buttons. We were
no sooner seated than he
touched the button marked
“R,” and the chair com-
menced to move, It ran


190 PRINCE UNO

swiftly out of the woods and across the meadow,
at one place jumping easily and lightly over quite
a large stone, until we came toasteep hill, the sides
of which were very rocky and almost perpendicu-
lar. I expected to see the Prince stop the chair or
change its course; but he did not, and, to my
surprise, it ran easily up the side of the hill, carry-
ing us safely to the top. I certainly thought
it the most wonderful chair I had ever heard of.
We ran easily down the opposite side of the hill
until we came to a railroad track. I could hear
a train of cars coming in the distance, and won-
dered if the Prince would cross the track in
front of the engine or wait for the train to pass.
We had no horses to be frightened, that was one
comfort, I thought. To my surprise and alarm,
he ran the chair right upon the track itself, and
pressed down hard upon a button which I had
not observed before, on which was marked
“RR.” This, he explained, stood for rail-
road. To my surprise, the wheels of the chair
now adjusted themselves so as to fit the two
iron rails of the track, and the chair commenced
to run rapidly in the same direction as that in
which the train behind us wascoming. I began
to get very nervous, feeling we would certainly
be overtaken; indeed, the locomotive soon came
in sight, and the engineer commenced to ring
the bell and blow the whistle. I was preparing
to jump off when I happened to look at the
Prince. He sat upon the arm of the chair, so
THE MAGIC CHAIR 191



calm and undisturbed
that I decided to wait a
moment longer.
Looking coolly back-
ward to see how far the
train was behind us, he
pressed the button still
harder, and, to my aston-
ishment, I perceived that
the locomotive was not
gaining upon us a single
inch. The Prince smiled,
and once more touched
the button. The chair
now fairly bounded -for-
ward; faster and faster
we went, until the train
was out of sight behind
us, and we swept around
a curve in the road.
“There,” said the
Prince; “I guess that
engineer will not ring his bell or blow his old
192 PRINCE UNO

whistle at me again. He has not steam enough -
in his boiler to overtake us; and having shown
him what we can do, we will now run into the
woods here, and see him pass by.” He pressed
the button marked “R.”’ The chair jumped
the track, and was soon rolling through the
woods behind some thick cedar-bushes. Here
he stopped the chair, and we could hear the
train coming. It soon thundered by, going so
fast that the ground fairly trembled. The en-
gineer was leaning half-way out of the cab
window, evidently looking for the wonderful
chair that had run away so easily from his great
locomotive; and the expression of astonishment
on his face as he passed was comical to behold.

Will was delighted. ‘“ Have I any hair left
on my head?” he exclaimed.

“Yes,” replied the Prince, smiling; “it is all
there, but it needs a comb and brush badly.”

After the train had passed we once more
_ started, and ran swiftly and easily to the road
leading toward Will’s home. We soon came in
sight of the house, and observed Will’s father
and his sister, a little girl about five years old,
coming to meet him and bring him home.

“You must not speak to me while they are
by, Will,” said the Prince, “ or let them know
I am with you. I am going home with you,
for I want to see them eat supper at your ex-
pense.”

“Why, they will see you easily enough with-
THE MAGIC CHAIR 193

d

out my telling them,” exclaimed Will, in sur-
prise.

“No; they will not,’ answered the Prince.
“JT shall be invisible to all except yourself.”

Will seemed still more surprised at this infor-
mation, but promised to obey Prince Uno’s
request.

By this time we had reached Will’s father
and sister, and the chair stopped.

His father was an elderly man, with slightly
gray hair and an honest, good-natured face.
His sister, whose name was May, was a chubby
little girl with bright brown eyes and brown hair
and rosy cheeks. They were both greatly
astonished to see Will in his new chair.

“It is a magic chair,’ said Will, his eyes
brightening as he spoke. “ Lift May up to ride
with me. Oh, father, it is a wonderful chair, and
it will take me all night to explain it to you.”

The Prince looked over at me from his arm
of the chair, and winked in his pleasant way,
evidently enjoying their surprise and the poor
boy’s satisfaction, as, indeed, I did myself, im-
mensely. It was doubly pleasant that we could
see and hear all that was going on without being
ourselves seen.

“Come, May,” said Will, “and jump up here
beside me, and I will give you a ride.”’

Her father assisted her into the chair, where
she sat on the cushion beside Will, the chair
being easily large enough for both. Once
194 i PRINCE UNO



comfortably seated, she folded her little plump
hands complacently in her lap, and seemed as
delighted as was Will himself when the chair
commenced to roll easily and slowly along by
the side of their father, who was, as may be
supposed, greatly astonished, and asked Will
where he had found it.

“The best fairy in the world gave it to me,”
said Will; “and it has an umbrella-top, and a
boat, and a kitchen, and dinner and breakfast
and supper, and a bed, and a gold tassel, and a
railroad button, and can beat a locomotive, and
I cannot begin to tell you all!”

Again the Prince winked at me, and laughed
heartily but noiselessly.

We were not long in reaching the house, and
Will’s mother appeared at the door. To her —
surprise, the chair rolled easily up the stairs
and into the kitchen, But what was the sur-
THE MAGIC CHAIR 195

. prise of all when Will asked them to fasten the
door, and then, touching the “ Supper” button,
showed them the tiny kitchen, with its range
and cooks and waiters and the table and dishes.
Little May stood with her hands clasped behind
her, looking through the windows into the
kitchen, and watching every movement within.
The dishes, knives, forks, and spoons were
especially interesting to her. She supposed
the waiters themselves to be dolls, and Will had
hard work at first to keep her from taking them
in her hands as they came up-stairs to set the
table. They seemed to understand her mistake
and to be greatly amused by it. She soon
found out that she was not to touch them, and
was content to stand quietly and look on with-
out meddling.

I will not take up your time or mine with
telling how Will’s father and mother were de-
lighted with the wonderful and princely gift,
nor how at the supper-table little May could
hardly keep her attention upon the food, so
interested was she in examining all that she
saw. It was a pleasant sight, and the Prince
and I enjoyed it greatly. After supper Will
explained to them the wonderful slate and
drawer.

“We will try never to ask for anything foolish
or unreasonable,” said his father. ‘I am very
well satisfied,” he continued, “ and need nothing
myself, now that you are so happy and comfor-
196 PRINCE UNO

table, my dear boy; but your good mother is
not strong, and I do not think it an unreason-
able wish to ask for sufficient money to hire a
servant to do the heavy work for her.”

“Vou shall neither of you work any more,”
said Will, “for you have both worked hard all
your lives, and I ought now to support you.
Mother shall have a servant at once.”

He pressed the button, and the drawer
opened. ‘‘ Money to hire a servant,” he wrote
upon the slate, and closed the drawer.

When he opened it, sure enough, he found a
month’s wages for a servant.

“Tsn’t this splendid!” shouted Will. “ Money
fora brand-new dress—you know you need one,
mother.”

He wrote the request, and again closed the
drawer, and again he found money.

“T do not know how much money it requires,
mother; is that enough?” he asked, handing
her the amount.

“Tt is enough to buy mea nice muslin dress
—just such a one as I need,” said his mother.

« A muslin dress!’’ exclaimed Will; ‘“ that’s
not half good enough for the best of mothers!”
And he wrote again upon the slate a request for
“a splendid satin dress.”

Again was the drawer opened, but this time
there was no money. Will’s face turned pale.

“Tt is out of order,” he exclaimed in dismay,
“and will not work any more!”
LE WAGIC CHAIR 197

“No,” said his mother; “that was a kind
and well-meant wish, Willie, but not a wise one.
What do I want with a satin dress, my dear
boy?”

«Sure enough,” said Will; “it was I who
was out of order,

ul test
i i






















I

a



after all, and not the ! t | Ti i
chair.” i ill

The Prince looked
at me, and laughed
again quietly.

“But, mother, I |
think a satin dress |
would be none too Hi)
good for you, all the |--
same,” said Will.

“Write to himior Ke .-
a doll for me,” said |
May, who had been
watching very at- |
tentively eee | fil
that had passed.

They all anebeds|
heartily. Lt

“TJ wonder if that |
would be unreason-
able?” asked Will.

‘Why, no, Willie,” SSS
said May; “every P™: °°”
little girl ‘cept me ports Dad
has a doll.” Ezz







198 PRINCE UNO

“So they do,” said Will; “ well, we will try.
The Prince is good-natured, and will not get
angry if I make a mistake once in a while.” And
he wrote upon the little slate: “A doll for May.”

The little girl watched the drawer eagerly,
clasping her dimpled hands together in her
anxiety as to the result. I saw Prince Uno
smile pleasantly, and stepping toward the
drawer, touch it with his hand. He was evi-
dently invisible to Will himself now, as well as
to the rest, for I could tell by the expression on
Will’s face that he did not see him.

In a moment the drawer was opened. This
time there was no money in it, but I was sur-
prised to see that the drawer itself had grown
larger, and in it was the most beautiful doll I
think Ihave ever seen. It had long flaxen curls
of real hair, and blue eyes that would open and
shut. It was beautifully dressed, also, and in
the drawer with it was a small trunk, having a
lock and key, and filled with extra clothes.

“Oh, but is n’t he a dear, good fairy, Willie!”
exclaimed the happy little creature, clapping
her hands in her delight.

I thought so too, and nodded my head in
approval as I looked over at the Prince, who
seemed to enjoy May’s good opinion of him
more than any compliment he had yet received.

“ You have not asked for anything for your-
self, Will,” said his mother.

“Oh, have I not everything in possessing the
THE MAGIC CHAIR 199

chair itself?”’ said Will. ‘I cannot think of
asking for anything more.”

“Well, then, my happy boy, it is time we
were all going to bed. You will have to leave
your chair down-stairs for the night. It is too
heavy to carry up to your room.”

“Ts it, though?” said Will. “It will go up-
stairs itself, and carry me with it!” Ina mo-
ment more he was rolling up the stairs to his
room.

“Now, mother,’ he exclaimed, as soon as he
had reached his room, “ see what a splendid bed
it will make!” He touched the button. It
opened out at once, and needed only the sheets
and coverlet, which his mother soon brought,
to make him comfortable for the night.

Will’s face wore an anxious expression as
his mother turned to kiss him good night.
“Mother, I am so worried,” he said.

“What are you worried about, my boy?”

“T am afraid it is all a dream, mother, and
' that in the morning I shall wake and find my
beautiful chair gone. Are you sure you are
awake, mother?”

“Yes, my boy,” said she, smiling cheerily.
“T am sure I am awake, and that it is not a
dream, though it is all very wonderful. I feel
certain you will find the chair all right in the
morning.”

“T wish I could keep awake and watch it,”
said Will.

d
200 PRINCE UNO





The Prince, who had, I think, been perfectly
invisible to Will from the moment he had entered
the house, now stepped lightly upon the boy’s
shoulder, and whispered something in his ear.
Will smiled. ‘“ You are right, mother; it will
be here in the morning, and it is not all a
dream.”

The Prince beckoned to me to follow him.
Tears stood in his eyes, but they were not tears
of sadness. He led the way silently down-stairs
and out of the house, and for a long distance on
our road through the air, as we floated side by
side on our way home, he spoke not a word.

At last I spoke to him: ‘f You have made
that poor boy happy for the rest of his life, my
dear Prince.”
THE MAGIC CHAIR 201

“Did I not tell you, Uncle Frank, that to do
good always makes one happy?”

“You did indeed,” I replied; “but I never
understood it so well as now.”

We floated on in silence for some distance
farther, and at last came in sight of my house.

“You will spend the night with me, I am
sure, dear Uno.”’

“No; I cannot, Uncle Frank. Many thanks
~ to you, all the same. Ino would miss me.’

“She knows you went with me,” I urged,
“and will understand it. I will give you a
good bed, and promise that you shall not be
disturbed in the night, either.” I looked slyly
at him and laughed.

He smiled good-naturedly. ‘You would
treat me better than I treat you, I have no
doubt,” said he. ‘You would find, however,
that, small as I am, you could not move me as
easily asI did you. But I must say good night.
Come soon to Fairyland, my dear fellow; we
are always glad to see you.”

“Good night, dear Prince, and best of fairies,”’
I replied. And before the sound of the last
word had died away in the air he was gone.

I floated softly down to the door of my house,
made myself large and visible, and entered with
my night-key. I went quietly to my room, and
sat for some time in deep thought, recalling all
the events of a delightful day spent with the
most delightful being I had ever known.




“He waved his scepter in the air,
He looked around aud calmly spoke.’’
Tue Cuiprit Fay.






THE RECOVERY OF THE FAIRY
BOY

SPENT the following day on a trip
with the Prince, and will at some
future time, possibly, tell you the
story of it. The day after, and
each of the intervening days be-
fore that on which I was to re-
turn to Weeboro to get the net, I spent in
watching the tree in which the Wood-sprite had
concealed the fairy boy.

Early on the morning of the day on which
the net was to be finished, I hurried to the
seaside wood and blew upon the fairy horn.

Prince Uno was quickly at my side. We went
205


206 PRINCE UNO

together to Fairyland. I parted with him at
the palace, after bidding him keep a good heart,
and assuring him that I felt certain that I would.
find his boy much sooner than he anticipated.

I started for Weeboro, and was not long in
reaching the city. As might have been expected,
being anxious, I went immediately to the mill.
To my dismay, I found it locked and empty,
and not a sign of the net could I see through
the windows. My heart sank withinme. Here
it was only the day before that on which I
should need it, and evidently not a thing had
been done toward finishing it. Almost overcome
with anxiety and disappointment, I hurried to
the palace of King Leo. He was just coming
down the steps, and, as he saw me, held out
both hands and greeted me cordially.

“My dear, dear King,” I exclaimed impa-
tiently, “the day has come, and the net is not
finished!”

“T beg to differ with you!” he replied. “It
is all ready and waiting for you.”

“Oh,” said I, much relieved, “ then you have
taken it out of the mill?” ;

“No; it is in the mill, and we locked the
doors, that nothing might happen to it.”

“Impossible,” I replied, “for just this mo-
ment I looked in through the windows, and
could see not a sign of it.”

He looked at me in surprise. ‘ Why, what
did you order?” he exclaimed.
THE RECOVERY OF THE FAIRY BOY 207

“ An invisible net,” I replied, somewhat an-
noyed.

“ Precisely,” said he; “ and if it was to be an
invisible net, pray tell me how you could ex-
pect to see it by looking through the windows?”

Sure enough. How stupid I had been! I
drew a long breath of relief.

The King laughed heartily at me, and I wasso
gratified to find that the net was ready that I
joined him cheerfully in laughing at my stupid
blunder.

‘Let us go to the mill and see it,” said he, at
last.

“T thought it was invisible and could not be
seen,” said I, turning upon him quickly, for it
was now my turn to laugh. ‘“ You see, it is
very easy, my dear Leo, to make mistakes.”

“Yes, Uncle Frank,” said he, good-naturedly ;
“it shows that we should not be too ready to
ridicule the mistakes of others, remembering
that our own turn may come all too soon.”

In my anxiety to find the net I had forgotten
to make myself small. I now took a drink from
my bottle, with the usual effect, and we were
soon walking, arm in arm, to the mill.

The King unlocked the door, and we entered
the building. I could tell, by feeling, that the net
was exactly what I required for my purpose, and
I was inexpressibly relieved. In my delight, I
turned to thank him, from the bottom of my
heart, for his faithful performance of the promise.

THE RECOVERY OF THE FAIRY BOY 209

“Vou shall have the greater satisfaction,
however, of knowing by to-morrow, my dear
Leo, that you have been the means of restoring
to our dear Prince his bright little boy.”

He was delighted, and shook my hand
warmly. ‘‘ How kind of you to say so, Uncle
Frank! The moment that I realize it will be
the happiest of my life. When do you com-
mence the task?”

“T can do nothing until to-morrow morning,”
I replied.

“Then you can spend the whole of to-day
with me, and I will consider it a great treat. I
will see that you have a pleasant time. And
now, to begin, what would you like to do?”

I did not know, but proposed a walk; we set
out, arm in arm.

“By the way, what have you done with my
kitten?” I inquired.

“Oh, it is on exhibition at a circus which is
now intown. Would you like to see it? They
have quite a menagerie of wild animals.”

I was pleased with the suggestion, and we
started immediately for the tent—a large one
with three poles, on each of which a flag was
flying. It was at some distance up the street
on which we were walking. A walk of half an
hour brought us to the door, however, where I
found we had nothing to pay, as the King had
the right to enter, free of charge, to all of the
shows which came to town, and to take any of:
210 PRINCE UNO

his friends with him. Once inside the tent, I
saw a large ring, covered with sawdust, in which
the performance had already commenced.
Ranged around the ring were seats, rising one
above the other almost to the top of the tent.
Nearly every seat was occupied, the little people
having come in crowds to see the circus, which
was an unusually good one. I enjoyed it all
very much. The horses were handsome and
well trained, and many of the actors were very
expert. A band of music was playing on a
platform near the entrance. I was much amused
at some small boys who were trying to steal in
under the canvas. They had succeeded in get-
ting about half-way under when one of the men
connected with the circus observed them, and
creeping softly up behind them, with a whip in
his hand, he laid it over them so smartly that
they were not long in scrambling back again to
the outside of the tent.

We had been looking quietly at the perform-
ance for some minutes when a loud cry arose
at the opposite side of the ring, where the wild
beasts were kept. The greatest confusion fol-
lowed. People from that side of the circus came
rushing past us with pale and frightened faces.

I inquired of one after the other what was the
matter; but so great was their fright that they
hurried by without answering. At last I could
distinguish cries of “ The lion is loose! the lion
1s loose!”
THE RECOVERY OF THE FAIRY BOY 211



The King, who had started to his feet upon
hearing this cry, became greatly alarmed.

“Oh, Uncle Frank, my wife and baby are
here somewhere; help me to find them!”

I thought of my powders. “I will first find
the lion, my dear Leo, as the quickest way of
protecting them ’’—and I swallowed a powder.

I rose rapidly to the top of the tent, and,
finding it too low for my great height, took
hold of the central pole, raising it off the

ground, with the entire canvas, like a
great umbrella. I held it
easily in my left
hand.






212 PRINCE UNO

I then laid it carefully upon the ground while I
looked about for the lion. It was not difficult
to find him, for he was now roaring with all his
might. I discovered him just in time; for he
had, with one blow of his great paw, struck
down a man, and was standing over him with
one foot upon his breast, looking from one side
to the other, while his tail lashed his sides in his
fury. I caught him quickly by the back of his
neck between my thumb and forefinger, very
much to the relief of the man, who, fortunately,
was not injured, and who was, you may be sure,
very grateful to me for saving his life. The lion
was a splendid little fellow, very savage, with
a black mane, and exceedingly strong for so
smallacreature. I held him without difficulty,
however, until his keeper had repaired the cage,
when I placed him inside and fastened the door.
It was amusing to observe the effect upon him.
From being so angry and dangerous as he had
seemed a moment before, he now appeared to
be thoroughly cowed, and seemed mortified at
having been so easily captured. Much to the
amusement of the little people, who now
crowded about the cage, he crept, with his tail
between his legs, into one corner, and, lying
quietly down with his face to the wall, did not
show himself again. I could not help laughing
at him myself.

The elephant now attracted my attention.
He was a plump, fat fellow about as large as a
THE RECOVERY OF THE FAIRY BOY 213






aon,

young pig. Much to the surprise of the little
people, I picked him up easily by placing one
hand under his stomach. All of his efforts to
get away were useless, though he moved his
chubby legs awkwardly and fairly snorted his
displeasure, until, twining his trunk about one
of my fingers, he commenced to tug at it with
so much strength that I began to fear he would
actually pull it out of joint. I was forced to
put him down again, and spank him soundly,
before he would let go. This performance
greatly amused the small boys standing about.
I thought they would laugh their little heads
off. Some of them, in their merriment, rolled
over and over on the sawdust, while one diminu-
tive newsboy, taking his position in front of the
elephant, said, “ Aha! old fellow, how do you
like that? Did n’t that remind you of your -
214 PRINCE UNO

mother?” at which suggestion I could not help
laughing heartily myself.

The King now came to where I was standing.
It seems he had found the Queen among the
audience, ina nervous state of mind. Although
much frightened at the first alarm of the escape
of the lion, however, she had felt instantly re-
lieved when she saw my huge form rise to the
top of the tent, knowing that I would soon -
master him as I had conquered the tiger.

“It seems strangely fortunate, Uncle Frank,”’
said King Leo, “‘ that you somehow always hap-
pen to be at hand when we most need you.”

It certainly did seem somewhat strange that
whenever of late they had been exposed to peril
I had opportunely appeared-to save them from
danger.

I was now quite interested in examining the
other animals of the menagerie, and especially
the smaller ones. The monkeys particularly
amused me greatly with their tricks and comical
little faces. After seeing all there was of in-
terest in the collection, including the tiger, which
was regarded by everybody as a great curiosity,
I was about leaving with King Leo and the
Queen when the manager of the circus came to
where I was standing, and desired to speak with
me. I reached down carefully, and lifted him
up to a level with my face, so that he could
talk more easily tome. He then said he hoped
I would be good enough to raise the tent again
THE RECOVERY OF THE FAIRY BOY 215

for him. He suggested that it would be a very
easy thing for me to do, and that they would
then be able to keep their engagements accord-
ing to the handbills, and give an entertainment
that evening. He urged that it would be a
serious disappointment to the people if he was
prevented from doing so, as well as a great
pecuniary loss to him. I good-naturedly con-
sented to help him, and stepping to the tent-
pole, I lifted it easily to its place; then, by
standing outside, I held it in position by reach-
ing over the top of the tent, while they fastened
the cords below. The manager was profuse in
his thanks, and his little troupe assembled to
give me three cheers.

I now took a swallow from my bottle in order
to grow small, and, in company with the King,
started for his palace, the Queen having already
preceded us inher carriage. We had not gone
far before we met crowds of people hurrying
from the city toward the circus to learn more
about the escape of the lion. Many of them
were anxious parents who had children, in
charge of nurses, at the show, and were natu-
rally alarmed. Indeed, the most extravagant
reports had been circulated by mischievous per-
sons, to: the effect that many lives had been lost.
We quieted their fears, and they seemed greatly
relieved. We had not gone more than a few
steps farther before we met some newsboys call-
ing out “extras” of their little newspapers.
216 PRINCE UNO

“Here you air—extree!”
shouted one little ragged fel-
low, running toward us. “ Es-
cape of the wild beasts at the
circus! Great loss of life! !”’

“This is too bad,” said King
Leo. ‘ Here, boy ; how many
papers have you?”

The boy told him.

“Well, I will buy them all
of you.”

And he actually paid for the
whole lot rather than have any
more of them sold to frighten
people.
it very















<=

‘
Hip





ph Se
KS td

a
THE RECOVERY OF THE FAIRY BOY 217

generous of him to pay the boy for them, when,
as King, he clearly had the right to forbid his
selling them.

“That would be punishing the boy, who is
not to blame,” said he. ‘“ But I will step into
the printing-office, and give the publishers a
piece of my mind, when I have spare time.

“Some of our newspaper editors,” he con-
tinued, ““seem to have no principle whatever.
They do not hesitate to publish the most im-
probable and sensational reports in order to sell
a few papers. When I use my authority in the
matter, they rant and rail about such nonsense
as the ‘liberty of the press,’ until I feel like
kicking them.”

By this time we had reached the palace, and
found the Queen at the door waiting for us.
She insisted on my staying to dinner. As I
was quite hungry, I consented to do so. I
found it a most enjoyable meal, and elegantly
served. After dinner the Queen asked to be
excused while she looked after her baby, and
King Leo invited me to his library. Here I
spent the afternoon very pleasantly and profit-
ably, listening to his wise plans for improving
his kingdom.

At last the hour approached for me to start
for home with the invisible net. King Leo
called the Queen, who came with her beautiful
baby to take leave of me. After kissing the
baby—it was as sweet as a rosebud—and prom-
218 PRINCE UNO



ising to come soon again to pay them a visit, I
set out for the mill in company with King Leo.

I was surprised to find that the net was so
light that even in my present small size I could
lift it easily. After I had made myself large, I
placed it carefully on my shoulder, and could
scarcely feel its weight. It was very large,
however, and formed quite a bundle on my
great shoulder.

I now bade the King good-by, with many
thanks for his attention to the matter, and
started on my way for Prince Uno’s palace.

And now my work seemed nearly done. One
THE RECOVERY OF THE FAIRY BOY 219






i
day more, and I would have 5
recovered the dear boy and re-
stored him to the heartbroken
little mother. I stepped lightly
and proudly over the ground
with my valuable burden, and
soon stood in front of the pal-
ace. I hesitated for a moment,
wondering what to do with the net, when my
eye rested on the roof of the palace itself. It
seemed a convenient and safe place for the
net, and lifting it carefully from my shoulder,
I deposited it there. I now made myself
small, and entered the palace. Prince Uno
and his wife were overjoyed to see me. The
Princess looked anxiously at me, as if inquiring
if I had news, good or bad, for her.

“Not quite yet, my lovely Ino, not quite
yet!” I said gaily; ‘“ but hopes are brightening,
and I am very near the end.”

“Oh, you are a good, kind Uncle Frank to
say so!” she exclaimed, taking my hand in both
220 PRINCE UNO

of hers, “and I love you dearly for your un-
selfish efforts.”

She was so earnest and grateful that it seemed
as if I could have laid down my very life for her
if it would have restored her bright boy to her
at that moment.

We all had tea together. After a pleasant
evening spent in the parlor, the time to retire
arrived. I wasshown to my room by the Prince,
as before. Instead of bidding him good night,
I called him in, and closed the door.

“My dear Uno,” I said earnestly, “1 have
at last reached a most important point in my

yes
Hh
ee is






THE RECOVERY OF THE FAIRY BOY 221

plans, and by to-morrow night expect to have
your boy or never to see you again. Every-
thing depends on the next twenty-four hours,
and I need your assistance.”

“Oh, need I say that I am all yours, dear
Uncle Frank?”’ he exclaimed earnestly.

I continued: ‘‘ Upon the roof of this palace,
just above the room in which we are now stand-
ing, isalarge net whichisinvisible. Everything
depends upon my having that net to-morrow.
To-night, when you move me, it must be taken
to my room, so that I can have it in the morn-
ing. Be very sure that it is carefully handled.”

“Rely upon me,” said he; ‘‘ you shall find it
in your room in the morning. But oh, can I not
go with you? Think carefully before you de-
cide, Uncle Frank. Remember, I may be able
to assist you.”

“No,” I answered; ‘I do not wish any help.”

While I felt that he would be of great assis-
tance to me, the pride I felt in accomplishing my
task all alone was so great that I decided to de-
cline his help.

“Do not be too sure of not needing me, my
dear friend,” he said earnestly. ‘‘ You do not
know my power. At any rate, promise me,”
said he, seeing the resolution in my face, “‘ that
you will call me with the horn I gave you if
you do need me.”

“T promise,” said I, “faithfully. In the mean
time be hopeful, my dear Uno, for I now feel
222 PRINCE UNO

very sure you will see your long-lost boy by
to-morrow night.”

“ Oh, may it only prove true! ”’ he exclaimed.
“T cannot stand this terrible strain much longer.”

I held out my hand to him. ‘I must say
good night, dear Prince. Do not, for your life,
forget the net.”

‘‘Oh, do not fear it,” he answered. “ How
could I forget it?”’

He closed the door and was gone. I had
some misgivings as to the wisdom of dispensing
with his powerful aid in so important a task as
was now before me, but my pride was too great
for me to ask his assistance. I soon got into
the little bed, and was sound asleep probably
before many minutes had passed.

As before, I was moved in my sleep, and
woke in the morning in my own room at home.
So great was my anxiety for the safety of the
net that I could do nothing until I had searched
for it by feeling about the room; for I could not,
of course, see it. It was some time before I
found it—not until I had spent fully half an
hour in the search, and grown very much wor-
ried. Then I at last stumbled headlong over
it. The Prince, in his anxiety, had left it ina
heap in the very middle of the floor, for fear I
might not discover it, whereas I had been feel-
ing around the sides of the room for it.

I dressed with feverish haste, and could eat
no breakfast, so great was my desire to reach
THE RECOVERY OF THE FAIRY BOY 223

the woods. I buckled the sword of King Vim
to my side. I examined closely to see that I
had all of my valuables—the powder to make
the Wood-sprites visible, the flask to make me
invisible, the powders to make me large, the
bottle to make me small, the beautiful pearl
horn, and the fairy scepter; all—I had them all.
Now for the net itself. I soon had it on my
shoulder and was on my way to the prison
tree. Over the logs and rocks, through bushes
which scratched my face in my eager haste, up
hill and down dale, I walked as if on air. The
work of a lifetime seemed about to end in suc-
cess or failure. I saw nothing, heard nothing,
felt nothing, in my terrible anxiety. Was I to
recover the boy at last? was my only thought,
and to be able to restore him to the dearest
friends I had in all the world my only hope.
With this thought and this hope I walked miles
without fatigue, and was at last in sight of the
prison tree. Now to go softly, and carefully
spread the net! To spread the net? It was
gone! Ihadlostit! I stood still in the agony
of that terrible discovery, and could not move.
My heart almost ceased to beat. I had lost
the net—the invisible net on which everything
depended! In my haste and anxiety it had
fallen from my shoulder without my noticing it.
There was no time to lose; in my very despair
I realized and felt this, and that I must imme-
diately retrace my steps and try to findit, And
224 PRINCE UNO



now my case seemed
well-nigh hopeless. I
had come so rapidly and
anxiously that I could
not tell by what road
I had reached the place
where I was standing.
But danger sharpens
one’s wits. I examined the leaves to see where
my feet had pressed them, the moss upon the
stones to see where I had crushed it; and so for
weary miles I patiently retraced my way, feeling
carefully with my hands for the lost net. Pa-
tience is seldom without its reward. Just as 1
was about to give up the search as a hopeless
one, and just as I had resolved to try to catch
the Sprites without the net,—knowing that I
must be at the tree by four o’clock or it would
be too late,—I found it! Who can imagine my


THE RECOVERY OF THE FAIRY BOY 225





feelings or appreciate
my delight? It wasall
safe, just as it had fallen
from my shoulder. I
looked at my watch. It
was nearly two o'clock,
and I yet had time.
Placing the net once
more upon my shoulder, I started for the tree,
this time without a thought but for its safety.
At last I came again within sight of the tree, and,
putting down the net, I drew out the little flask
to make me invisible. Never had its delightful
perfume smelled so sweet. I screwed the top
carefully on, and replaced it in my pocket. For
the last time I felt for the bottle, the powders,
the fairy scepter, and the horn. They were all
safe. Picking up the net once more, I set out
for the tree. None but fairy eyes, I am sure,





.

Eek




226 PRINCE UNO

could now have seen the invisible net on the
shoulder of an invisible man creeping cautiously
and noiselessly through the woods to the prison
tree. Could it be possible that I was at last at
the place? All was quiet, and it lacked a full
half-hour to four o’clock. I commenced to
arrange my net. I spread it carefully around
the tree, leaving only a small opening at the
path by which the Wood-sprites would come.
I adjusted the ropes by which I could close this
opening so soon as I felt sure of their being
inside the net. Having arranged everything
carefully, I took my position in the bushes
where I had watched before.

How slowly, to my anxious heart, the mo-
ments passed! Did I hear a sound? Yes;
they were coming! Nearer and nearer! At
last they were within a few feet of me, talking
earnestly. My heart was now beating so loudly
that it seemed as if they must hear it and dis-
cover my presence; in my excitement, I actually
tried to hold it quiet with my hand. They
were passing me now, and were within the circle
of the net and on their way into the tree. I
cautiously pulled the cords to close the opening
of the net, and knew that when they should
come out with the boy I should have them safe.
I had not long to wait.

“Oh, Uncle Frank, is that you? Oh, help
me, or I am lost!”

I looked quickly at the opening of the tree,
THE RECOVERY OF THE FAIRY BOY 227

and saw the beautiful boy struggling to escape
from invisible hands. I had forgotten that I
should be visible to his bright fairy eyes; and
quickly putting my finger to my lips as a signal
for him to be quiet, I drew the net tightly to-
gether, and had all three, the two Wood-sprites
and the fairy boy, secure.

Now for the powder! I sprinkled it on the
place where they were, and in an instant could
see the two Sprites plainly. They were ugly-
looking fellows. Unfortunately, in my haste,
however, I had spilled some of the powder
on myself, and I, too, was now visible. The
Wood-sprites saw their danger. One of them
placed something quickly to his mouth, and
blew a shrill whistle which sounded far and
wide through the woods. In an instant I was
struggling with a hundred unseen hands, and
the Wood-sprites were free! I had forgotten
—what I ought to have remembered—that the
Wood-sprites were almost as many in number
as the Fairies themselves.

“Seize the Prince’s horn! Take the horn
away from him!” shouted the Sprite.

It was their Chief I had caught in my net, and
before I could grasp the fairy horn it was gone.
Oh, if I had only consented to let the Prince ac-
company me! Why had I been so foolish?

“Ha, ha, ha!” laughed the Wood-sprite
Chieftain at my discomfiture. ‘Bind him
tight!”
228 PRINCE UNO

I felt that I was being tied, but I seized the
sword of King Vim, and in one movement of
its bright blade cut every cord. I was free
once more.

“Rust his sword!” shouted the Sprite.

They had strange power, for the beautiful
sword of King Vim almost fell to pieces in my
hand and was utterly useless. Again a hundred
unseen hands pulled me down.

“The bottle!” shouted the Wood-sprite.
“Empty it down his throat and make him
small. We will put both him and the boy in
the prison tree, and keep them there!”’

The little boy seemed to lose all heart now.

“Oh, Uncle Frank, why did you lose the
fairy horn?”’ he exclaimed. ‘One note on
that would have brought my father, their King
and master!”

I made one last desperate but hopeless effort
to get free. In the struggle something fell from
my bosom, and shone brightly in the sunlight.
It was the royal scepter. Alas! I had forgot-
ten all about that too until now, when it was
too late to avail myself of its power. But no;
the fairy boy had seen and recognized it when
it fell. With one spring he reached it, and in
an instant it was flashing in his hand. Whata
change came over him in that one short mo-
ment! Isaw before me no longer a frightened,
trembling child, but the proud front and face of
the King of the Fairies, of Beast and Bird, of
THE RECOVERY OF THE FAIRY BOY 229

Fish and Insect, of Wood-nymph and Wood-
sprite!

How grand and beautiful he looked! His
smile was full of courage now, and conscious
power. And the Wood-sprites—where were
they? With bowed head and bended knee,
they were pleading for pardon at his feet.
Everything was changed.

“JT forgive all except your Chief and his
brother, who have been so cruel tome. They
must go before my royal father for judgment.
Untie Uncle Frank this instant.”

A hundred trembling hands untied the cords
which bound me, and helped me to rise. It
seemed like a dream. I had come to save the
fairy boy, and he had saved me. He turned to
the Wood-sprites.

“Use the same cords to bind your Chief and
his cruel brother!”

In an instant it was done.

“Now go to your homes. A better chief
will be appointed to rule over you.”

I could hear their departure, like the rus-
tling of many leaves, growing fainter and fainter
in the distance, until I knew that there was
no longer any one near us but the two pris-
oners.

“‘ Walk on before us!” said the Prince, sternly,
to them. ‘This day you appear before the
High Court of Fairyland to answer for your
treason!”

THE RECOVERY OF THE FAIRY BOY 231

With pale faces and trembling limbs they
obeyed him.

I whispered to the proud boy, “ Oh, be care-
ful not to lose your hold of the scepter, my
dear Prince!”’

He smiled pleasantly. ‘There is no longer
any danger, Uncle Frank; having once touched
it, 1 am now their King. It would make no dif-
ference now even if I should lose it, if that were
possible. But how can I repay you for your
patient search for me? I have seen you every
day; and oh, it made my poor heart lighter to
know that you were looking for me and had
found the tree! You are surprised that I know
you; but I have seen you many times in your
own house at home before I was stolen, and I
saw you every day through the bark of the tree
in which I wasimprisoned. Oh, you have been
so faithful!”

“ And so foolish,” I replied.

“You did your best, and did it well,” he said.
“ But how did you leave my beautiful mother?”

“Very anxious about her boy,’ I answered.

“IT warrant it,” he said gaily. ‘ We must be
careful how we break the news to her. You
must help me, Uncle Frank.”

“T have been worrying about that same task
for some time,’’ I answered. ‘‘We must be
very careful how we manage it.”

“ First of all,” said he, smiling, “you must
curl my hair.”
232 PRINCE UNO

“Curl your hair!” I exclaimed. ‘I can
never curl your hair.”

“Oh, yes, you can, if I show you how. You
have only to brush it over your finger as mother
does.”’

I looked at his tiny head, and held out one
of my immense fingers.

He laughed heartily. ‘“ Why, you might as
well try to curl it over a log!” he exclaimed.
“You must have something smaller than that.”

He was a witty little chap, and had won my
heart already with his pleasant ways and merry
speeches.

“T have it!” I answered. I cut a round
twig, about the size of a match, from a bush
near us.

“Yes, that will do,” said he. “Now for a
brush.”

We were standing near a mullen-stock. I
quietly cut a narrow slip from one of its velvety
leaves, and fastened it around a small stick with
the plush side out. It made for the purpose
an admirable brush. Sitting down upon a log,
and with the Prince standing upon my knee, I
now carefully brushed the beautiful curls over
the twig, until they looked almost as handsome
as when I had seen them in the picture.

“ Now for a looking-glass,” I said, “in which
to see yourself.”

“TI can see myself in your eye,” said he, “‘ if
you bend your head.”
THE RECOVERY OF THE FAIRY BOY 233

I laughed at the idea, and bent my head as
requested.

“Ves, that will do,” said he, critically. ‘“ Now
for home. I will ride on your shoulder.”

He floated easily, apparently without effort,
to my shoulder. Preceded by the two Wood-
sprites, we set out for Fairyland. We were not
long in reaching the great stone cover to the
staircase. I was
about to lift it as
usual, when, to my
surprise, the little (
Princegently waved
the scepter over it,
and it opened slowly
of its own accord,
showing the steps
below.

“Why, you are
stronger than your
royal father!’ I ex-
claimed.

“How so?” he
asked.

“ Why, I always had to lift the stone for him.”

“ And did you suppose he could not open it
for himself?” he exclaimed.

“ Certainly I did,” I answered. ‘He told
me to open it.”

He laughed long and merrily.

“Well, I must say you are smart, Uncle


234 PRINCE UNO

Frank. How did you suppose he got into Fairy-
land when you were not with him to give him
your precious help?”

“Sure enough,” said I. ‘I did not think of
that. How could I have been so stupid! ”

“Well, well,” said the little fellow, evidently
much amused ; “fatherhasbeen playing his jokes
upon you, my dear Uncle Frank, and has been
enjoying it, I warrant. I must help you to pay
him back, and take your part now that you have
taken mine.”

He turned to the two Wood-sprites. ‘“ You
must go down first,” he said sternly, and with.
great dignity.

They came immediately to the staircase and
stepped down before us. At the bottom of the
steps we saw several fairies. The Prince called
them to him, and gave the Wood-sprites into
theircharge. ‘‘ Keep them in close confinement
until I send for them,” said he.

The fairies seemed overjoyed at finding their
little Prince restored to them. They obeyed
him without question, and hustled the rascally
Wood-sprites off without ceremony.

“And nowtomeet mother! You must carry
me in your pocket, Uncle Frank, while you
break the news gently to her,”

It was a good suggestion. I placed him in
my great coat pocket, and started at once for
the palace, anxious and worried as to how I
should perform so difficult a task. The beauti-
THE RECOVERY OF THE FAIRY BOY 235

ful little mother was on the palace steps waiting
to hear any news I might bring. I took a seat
upon the ground at the foot of the steps, in
order to speak more easily with her.

“Oh, Uncle Frank!” she exclaimed. ‘‘ Have
you any news?”

“Yes, dear Princess, I am sure now of suc-
cess. I have found out at last where your
bright boy is, and-I shall soon bring him to
you.”

“You have
seen him,then.
Tell me, oh,
tell: me you
have seen







236 PRINCE UNO

“Yes, I have seen him, and so shall you very
soon.”

“T could kiss your dear, good face for that
kind word, Uncle Frank,” she exclaimed; ‘ but
oh, if you fail now, my heart will break!”

“T shall not fail—be sure of that, dear Prin-
cess. One thing only worries me.”

“Tell me what it is!” she exclaimed anx-
iously. -

“Tt is, my dear friend, that the bright boy’s
mother will forget herself, and not prepare her-
self to meet him.”

She placed both hands upon her heart as if in
pain.

“Uncle Frank, you have found him! I see
itin yourface! Donot deceive me any longer!
Is he well?”

“He is well and safe, my dear Princess.”’

“Then bring him to me at once; oh, I will
control myself!”

“Suppose I should say he was near you now,
little mother, and that in a few minutes you
will see him!”

“Oh, bring him to me, or I shall die!

“Then don’t die, mother,” shouted the little
fellow in my pocket, “for I am here!”

Her face grew paler, and I feared she was
about to faint; but she did not. I think the
very uncertainty as to where he was, and her
efforts to find him, kept her from giving way,
and broke the news to her more gently and

{”
THE RECOVERY OF THE FAIRY BOY 237 |

Lu a vee



gradually than I could possibly have done my-
self. I soon liberated him, and in an instant
the little fellow was pressed to her bosom, and
her beautiful hair was mingling with his own
fair curls. The lost was found, and my work
was done!

I was very weak now, and felt my own strength
giving way. It was Uncle Frank who was faint-
ing—fainting from fatigue, from anxiety, and
from happiness. I woke to find little people
hurrying to and fro around me, to smell de-
lightful and refreshing perfumes, and to hear
my name pronounced by many little lips.

“ Poor, dear Uncle Frank! We were so self-
ish as to forget all about him who has worked
238 PRINCE UNO

so faithfully for us. Oh, forgive us, dear, kind
Uncle Frank!”

“Did you faint, dear Princess?” I asked.
“Try to control yourself; I have found your
boy!”

A gentle kiss, and the falling of tears on my
great rough cheek, were the only answer, but
a most pleasant answer they were, for they told
me of the gratitude of the happy little mother,
and of a great and good work done.

Under careful attention I soon revived, and
recognized Uno among those waiting on me.
He had come while I was unconscious, and I had
not seen the meeting between him and his boy.

“TI cannot consent to your remaining so large,
Uncle Frank,” said he. ‘‘ You must come down
to where we can thank you.”

He held the scepter in his hand, and gently
touched my shoulder with it. He did not need
the little bottle, then, after all!

I can tell but little more: how we entered the
palace; how royally I was treated, its most
honored and welcome guest; how King Leo’s
carriage drew up before the palace, and how he
and his beautiful Queen joined in doing me
honor; how the little boy Prince could not leave
my side during all my stay, and seemed happiest
when on my knee; how the Wood-sprites were
tried, found guilty, and sentenced to death, but
forgiven by their kind though injured Prince,
who, however, appointed a new and better chief
THE RECOVERY OF THE FAIRY BOY 289

to rule over the Wood-sprites; and how, at last,
I rose to leave the happy family circle I loved
so well, to remember, as I was about to start,
that I must wait until night, though I wished to
’ reach home before.

Prince Uno saw the wish in my face, and
taking the beautiful scepter from his bosom, he
placed it in my hand.

“The royal scepter is yours, Uncle Frank.
I could give you no more valuable gift. It will
not make you King of the Fairies—no mortal
could be that; but to come and go through
Fairyland when and how you wish, by night or
by day ; to be visible or invisible, large or small,
at will; to command the willing service of all
the fairies, and of their grateful Prince himself”
—and he bowed low before me—“‘all this I may
and do give you with this fairy scepter!”

I could say nothing in reply. My heart was
too full for speech. I stood in silence and with
bowed head before him. A little hand slipped
confidingly in mine. It was that of the beauti-
ful boy.

“And to come often to Fairyland and see
me is to be your bounden duty, Uncle Frank!”

I caught him up in my arms and kissed his
smiling face. “It shall be a most pleasant duty,
little Prince!” I replied. ‘‘ And now good-by.”’

“Not good-by, but good night, dear Uncle
Frank. You will come to-morrow.”

“Yes, to-morrow and many to-morrows.”
240. PRINCE UNO

The pleasant partings were soon over, and I
left Fairyland. I looked back, when at the
great staircase, to see fair hands waving to me
from the palace steps, and one, the smallest of
them all, threw me a kiss. I waved mine in

return.
“ Good night, bright boy, good night!”


THE RECOVERY OF THE FAIRY BOY 241

There is little more to tell.

To-day I wear upon my watch-chain two
beautiful charms. One is a little horn of pearl,
the other a golden scepter whose brilliant dia-
mond is admired by all whoseeit. Those who
look at them see only two beautiful charms,
and little dream that one soft note upon that
horn of pearl would summon to my side the
most powerful Prince in all the world, or that
by the scepter’s magic power I can enter Fairy-
land by day or by night, become invisible or
visible, large or small, at will; and command, in
case of need, the willing service and instant help
of all the fairies in the world!

But the pleasantest is yet to tell.

Often when I seem alone I have most charm-
ing company, for a bright-eyed fairy boy loves
well to come and sit with me, and gossip, by
the flitting hour, of life and things in Fairyland.
He seems to love me very much; but oh, no
mortal knows how more than dear he is to me!

“ But, bark! from tower on tree-top high,
The sentry-elf his call has made;
A streak is in the eastern sky,
Shapes of moonlight flit and fade!
The bill-tops gleam in morning's spring,
The skylark shakes his dappled wing,
The day-glimpse glimmers on the lawn,
The cock has crowed, and the Fays are gone.’’
Tue Curprit Fay.


THE DE VINNE PRES8.

sepeesoieresnycejeserrrnesenete sss
peat bebadeled stays et siasretsi

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