Page:The land of enchantment (1907, Cassell).djvu/24

 august shadow never be less,” without hesitation.

So far successful, the maker of shadows now asked the king about the jolliwog.

“I don't know myself,” said- he, “but I will write you a letter of introduction to a very wise philosopher, who, I think, can give you the information.”

Now this learned individual lived in a remote and desert place. Here was a clump of camphor trees, and the hollow trunk of one of the largest of them served for a residence, the smell of the wood being admirably calculated to keep away ants and prevent the philosopher from taking cold. There was

close at hand a library fashioned in the same way, a museum, an aviary, and an observatory, whilst a small kitchen-garden supplied his daily needs. The philosopher would sometimes remark to a chance visitor in his simple unaffected way: “What more do I want?”

His appearance at once commanded respect, for he was as bald as a looking-glass, and his snowy beard touched the ground. His present occupation was the translation of the language of birds, several being there to assist him at that very moment. When the maker of shadows presented himself, he courteously set the work aside, and, having read the introductory letter, asked in what way he could be of service.

“I am anxious,” said the maker of shadows, “to know what the jolliwog is, and how I can obtain his eye-tooth?”

“Ah!” replied the philosopher; and with this profound remark retired to his hammock, motioning his visitor to occupy his camp-stool.

After some time had passed the philosopher again appeared, and