Page:Stories and story-telling (1915).djvu/217

 though, as it happens," he added; "how very odd! it runs too—

'Twist me and turn me and show me the Elf— I looked in the water and saw myself,'—

which I certainly did. What can it mean? The Old Owl knows, as Granny would say; so I shall go back and ask her."

And back he went. There sat the Old Owl as before.

"Oohoo!" said she, as Tommy climbed up. "What did you see in the lake?"

"I saw nothing but myself," said Tommy, indignantly.

"And what did you expect to see?" asked the Owl.

"I expected to see a brownie," said Tommy; "you told me."

"And what are brownies like, pray?" inquired the Owl.

"The one Granny knew was a useful little fellow, something like a man," said Tommy.

"Ah!" said the Owl, "but you know at present this one is an idle little fellow, something like a little man. Oohoo! oohoo! Good night, or rather, good morning, for it is long past midnight." And the old lady began to shake her feathers for a start. "Stay," said she, "I think I had better take you home."

"I know the way, thank you," said Tommy.