Page:The land of enchantment (1907, Cassell).djvu/29

 But half the mixture had been sprinkled when there was heard a hurried scampering and fearful howling, and a troop of gigantic cats with flashing eyes, rolling tongues, and all aglow with internal fires, sprang upon them from the front.

To await their approach seemed like courting instant destruction, but, remembering the warning in the verses of the charm, they went on with their business, although their hair stood on end, their teeth chattered, their blood ran cold, and the very marrow of their bones was chilled.

As the last particle of the mixture was used, there came a blinding flash of lightning, and the maker of ghosts and the maker of shadows fell at full length and knew no more.

'When they recovered consciousness they could not at first recognise their surroundings. The storm had passed, the air was clear, and the silver radiance of the moon shone softly on wall and tower. No horrid cats were to be seen, no fearful sounds were to be heard, for the charm had wrought its magical effect, and the castle was completely disenchanted.

The joy of the king may be imagined. With a total disregard of etiquette, he immediately hurried off with his sweetheart to the castle to confirm the good news with his own eyes. The Chancellor of the Exchequer too examined the cellars, and found them filled with common-sense beyond his most sanguine expectations.

The king's marriage was forthwith celebrated. It was followed by a banquet to which the maker of ghosts and the maker of shadows were specially invited, and, as the most honoured guests, occupied seats to the right and left of the royal pair.

His Majesty made a speech in which he warmly thanked and praised the two strangers, and he wound up by confirming his promise of a third of his kingdom as a reward for their memorable services.

The maker of ghosts, responding for himself and his friend, prudently declined the offer as not being suitable to their station, and respectfully suggested that common-sense would be of more service to them. The request was at once granted in a most liberal spirit; and thus was laid the foundation of the fortunes of the maker of ghosts and the maker of shadows.