Page:St. Nicholas (serial) (IA stnicholasserial321dodg).pdf/35

1904 ]

“Our sister did uot think of the probable consequences of what she suggested,” declared Lulea, smiling into the downcast face of little Espa, who seemed to feel rebuked by the disapproval of the others. “An instant’s reflection would enable her to see that such power would give the cloak’s mortal wearer as many privileges as we ourselves possess, And I suppose you intended the magic cloak for a mortal wearer?” she inquired.

“Yes,” auswered Espa, shyly; “that was mmy intention.”

“But the idea is good, nevertheless,” continued the queen, “and I propose we devote this evening to weaving the magic cloak, Only, its magic shall give to its wearer the fulfilment of but one wish; and I am quite sure that even that should prove a great boon to the helpless mortals.”

“Suppose more than one person wears the cloak,” one of the band said; “which then shall have the one wish fulfilled?”

The queen devoted a moment to thought, and then replied:

“Each possessor of the magic cloak mayhave one wish granted, provided the cloak is not stolen from its last wearer. In that case the magic power will not be exercised on behalf of the thief.”

“But should there not be a limit to (he number of the cloak’s wearers?’ asked the fairy lying at the queen’s feet.

“I think not. If used properly our gift will prove of great value to mortals. And if we find it is misused we can at any time take back the cloak and revoke its magic power, So now, if we are all agreed upon this novel amusement, let us set to work.”

AL these words the fairies sprang up eagerly; and their queen, smiling upon them, waved her wand toward the center of the clearing. At once a beautiful fairy loom appeared in the space. It was not such a loom as mortals use. It consisted of a large and a small ring of gold,