Page:St. Nicholas, vol. 40.1 (1912-1913).djvu/265

1912.] Then he tapped on the ground, and he grew up six feet at the first tap. Then he waved the stick above his head, very carefully, till he was of proper size. After this he found his ship and went aboard.

“Shall we sail for home now?” said Billy to Peter.

“Aye, aye, sir,” said Peter; “but first let us eat and drink.”

So they took out of the bag all manner of good things, and ate and drank their fill.

Then they set sail over the Very. Wet Sea, and sailed for sixty days and sixty nights, over blue water and green, over rough seas and smooth, through hurricanes and fair weather, till they came to their native land.

Then Billy went ashore. He turned the ring three times on his finger and said aloud: “I wish that all things may be as they were before I set out on my adventure.”

No sooner said than done. Billy found himself a boy of proper size. Peter dropped his arms to his side and became a wooden sailor. The bag and spurs and the stick disappeared; only the wishing ring remained of all the magic presents he had received.

Then Billy picked up the ship and stuck it under his arm, and went home to his mother. When he found her, she was counting the gold pieces the Mining Mariner had sent her.

“Did you have a fine adventure?” asked his mother.

“Fine,” said Billy.

“How long have you been away?” asked his mother.

“Not a year,” said Billy; “there is still time for more adventure before the year is out.”

“What have you under your arm?”

“My ship,” said Billy, “and Peter, a very good sailor.”

“That is good,” said his mother. “Where is the chain I gave you?”

“It paid for a fine adventure,” said Billy. “I will tell you of it some day.”.

“I hope you will,” said his mother; “and what is that on your finger?”

“A wishing ring,” said Billy, “and I have two wishes yet to be wished.”