Page:The Floating Prince - Frank R Stockton.djvu/78

Rh her with great secrecy to the bottom of the pasture field, the very outskirts of the fairies' domain.

"Look here," said he, in his lowest tones. "Do you know, little Corette, that things are not as I expected them to be here? Everything is very nice and good, but nothing appears very small to me. Indeed, things seem to be just about the right size. How does it strike you?"

"Why, I have been thinking the same thing," said Corette, "The sisters used to be such dear, cunning little creatures, and now they're bigger than I am. But I don't know what can be done about it. "I know," said the Condensed Pirate. "What?" asked Corette.

"Condense 'em," answered her companion, solemnly.

"Oh! But you couldn't do that!" exclaimed Corette.

"Yes, but I can—at least, I think I can. You remember those two pink condensing balls?"

"Yes," said Corette.

"Well, I've got mine."

"You have!" cried Corette. "How did you get it?"

"Oh! when the old fellow knocked it off my head, it fell on the chair beside me, and I picked it up and put it in my coat-pocket It would just go in. He charges for the balls, and so I thought I might as well have it."

"But do you know how he works them?"

"Oh yes!" replied the Condensed Pirate. "I watched him. What do you say? Shall we condense this whole place?"

"It won't hurt them," said Corette, "and I don't really think they would mind it"

"Mind it! No!" said the other. "I believe they'd like it"

So it was agreed that the Fairy Cottage, inmates and grounds