Page:The land of enchantment (1907, Cassell).djvu/41

 along, having fixed one end at the starting-point, so that it would be an unerring clue to finding their way back again. The gallery reached, the maker of ghosts would pretend to be lost and shout for help, when they hoped that the yellow dwarf would be within hearing. The shadow was brought to conceal them if necessary, and the ghost of a cock by way of precaution, as it is well known that the underground dwarfs cannot endure Chanticleer and his shrill summons. All being ready, the three made a hearty meal, and at the appointed time descended the shaft. They had little difficulty in finding the place where they had got their first experience, and then carefully made fast the end of the silken cord. That done, the maker of ghosts led the way, whilst the others, having put on their goloshes, to deaden the sound of their footsteps, followed under cover of the made shadow. After they had gone some distance, their leader paused and held up his hand. They listened, and found they could hear the sound of falling water. They were on the wrong road evidently, so went back again, rewinding the silk as they went.

Well, they made a good many trials—so many, indeed, that they were almost ready to give it up in despair. Time pressed, and as yet they had done nothing. At last, by a lucky chance, they struck the familiar gallery. Some distance along they came to a halt ; the maker of ghosts advanced a few steps, put out his lamp, and began shouting for help. The others waited behind, completely hidden by the thick shadow.

Sure enough, after a great deal of shouting, a distant glimmer of light gladdened their eyes, and by-and-by, the yellow dwarf himself appeared with a pick under his arm, and clothed in his familiar dress His sharp little eyes glanced here and there, but, of course, he could only see the maker of ghosts, to whom he gave a facetious poke with the pick handle and began to chant as usual—

“I fear, good sir,” dolefully replied the maker of ghosts, “that I have nothing to offer you but my very best thanks, and these I tender with all my heart.”