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42 The wizard was much vexed, but kept his temper and resumed the charm. Soon, a mist poured from the tip of his wand, like the smoke from a cigar, and formed a cloud above his head, which slowly revolved and wound itself up into a ball until, as the chant ended, an enormous figure appeared. The wizard turned proudly to the magician, who said nothing. At length the wizard, seeing no sign of movement in his rival, asked confidently: "How's that?"

"Well," said the other, crossing his legs as he filled his pipe, "it is n't bad—not very bad. It is really fair work, of a certain kind. But it is n't the way I was taught. However, I'm afraid of hurting your feelings."

"Not at all," said the wizard. "I am delighted to be criticized. Speak freely, I beg!"

The old magician, with a bland smile and half- shut eyes, went on: "Well, it seems to me too long—much too long. If you were in a hurry,—suppose a rhinoceros was stamping his feet on your door-mat, you would n't have time to do all that. That cloud is no use; it only spoils the effect; it is out of style. And your spirit looks rather stupid and under-bred—an ugly wretch!"

A terrific howl was heard as the spirit dashed down upon the magician, seeking to tear him to pieces. The magician gently raised his wand, and the spirit melted as snow does into the ocean, and the magician went on quietly: "That shows you what a fool he is—no discretion and no stamina."

The wizard was rather cast down, and said sullenly: "Perhaps you will show me how you would do it?"

The magician smiled, and rising, took a handful of dust and threw it over the wizard's head.

"When are you to begin?" asked the wizard.

"Look around," said the magician.

The wizard turned, and saw a little winged figure, looking like a fairy.