THE BLACK DWARF

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 520, 24 November 1928, Page 29

THE BLACK DWARF

A STORY OF A SOUND SLEET It was no good trying to see the Dwarf in the morning - , afternoor.. evening, for at such limes ho w bed. It was difficult to see him itween times too. lor lie only g for the pleasure of going to bed ; and that so quickly that no one And out when was the proper call, and in consequence his kn grew rusty for want of use, am* doorstep never wanted cleaning. It was late ono afternoon when th«. Countryman, on his way home from the village where he lmd been it. search of work, met the King returning from a day’s hunting. Like a loyal subject he made liis\ most elegant bow. which so impressed his Majesty that he stopped his horse, and leaning forward in the saddle, said: • Which road do you take through the forest, my fine fellow?” “The right or the left.” said the Countryman nimbly, for all ways were alike to him, and he was anxious to please. “Then take the left.” replied the King “and call at the Black Dwarfs dot tage. It's time he paid us his respects. Tell him we lunch with him to-morrow while out hunting.” “A very pretty message.” said the Countryman whole-heartedly. “I’ll put my best leg forward.” The King felt in his leather pouch. “Take this silver Tor your trouble.”

he said. “I know an honest man v * I see one.” The Countryman spun the co the air as he watched him ride ; “As easily earned as anything taken to-day,” he said as it drc into the palm off .his hand, but he * a little too soon, and changed mind about that later on. , Then he took the road to the and kept his weather eye open fo neat little villa that was built of stone, and was surrounded by a b thorn hedge. It stood in a large clearing, looked the picture off neatness, e: the garden, which had run to seed. The Countryman coughed as he opened the gate to warn the Black Dwarf of his approach, then very gently he knocked, rat-a-tat. The only sound that answered him, as he stood with his muddy boots on the clean doorstep, was a prolonged snore. Ho knocked again, but nothing happened. Then he began beating with liis lists on the door, but the snores continued. He turned the silver piece over In his pocket and looked at his bruised knuckles. “A pretty pickle to get into for sixpence,” he remarked. Then he noticed that, without thinkling, he had stumbled across the path that led to the Wizards house. it was low-roofed and tumble-down, not a bit like the Black Dwarfs, for the step was dirty, and the path worn by the feet of the many people wjio came to seek his help and buy his spells St three for a shilling. The Wizard was quite easy ter get on with, and always at home to callers, so the Countryman leant over his gate, and asked him what on earth he was doing in his garden so late in the afternoon. “Making spells,’* said the Wizard, amiably. ‘How do you like this one?” and he held up a small wooden containing a powder. “I don't know until I’ve tried it,” r. plied the Countryman, who had a * f respect for spells. “What is It j ads of ?” “Beos* stings, hornets* wings, frogs’ liver. It’s a recipe o£ my My dear sir, it is strong enoug wake the ieven Sleepers.” “Seven, eh?” said tlie Country with a start. “If it’ll wake one t good enough. liow much do you for it? I’m out of luck just now, you can have this silver piece.” “Excellent,” agreed the Wizard, had been wondering what he cou.« with such a mighty snpll. “Blow the powder under any door, the charm will work at once.” As it was rather late, the Countryman waited till the next morning before trying out his purchase, then he went to the Black Dwarfs cottage and blew' the powder under the door. A loud sneeze greeted him,* another, and yet another until the Black Dwarf had sneezed himself out of bed and across to the door. “What do you want?” he demanded, angrily. “The King sent me " said the Countryman. “He is coming to lunch with you.” “When?” cried the Black Dwarf in a fine way. The Countryman looked down the forest path. A huntsman was blowing his horn. ' Nov,” he answered, as gently as he could. “Take this for your trouble,” said the Black Dwarf, tossing the Countryman a golden guinea. Then, drawing his dressing gown round him, he sneezed again, and went down to the gate to greet the King.