“These creatures may appear to you quite insignificant,” continued the sprite, “but they are not so. Stand aside and watch what this, the smallest of them, can do.” Saying which Quiz made a sign for Bob to retire a few paces; which he did.
“Now, Resolute, give us a taste of your quality, by emptying out that water-hole,” cried Quiz.
Ere the words had left the elfin’s mouth the [[303]]wee man advanced, and said, “Out, water—out, fishes,” and immediately the water rose in the air like a white vapour, and rolled away with the other clouds; while the fish all jumped out and arranged themselves on the bank according to their size and species.
“Well done, Resolute!” shouted Bob, in ecstasy.
“Dame Growl will set you harder tasks to-morrow than this one,” resumed the sprite. “Yet keep good heart, and I will help you to accomplish them and to rescue the chief’s lovely daughter from her hands. To-morrow I shall see you again.”
And with another polite bow, Quiz gathered the wee little men beneath his skin, and hopped away to a deep crevice in the cliff, where he vanished from sight.
When evening fell the Witch came forth from the house leaning on her staff.
“Ah, sluggard!” she cried, “if you have not done the work I gave you I will have you thrown head-foremost from the cliff.”
Bob laughed, and pointed with his finger to the lines of fishes and the wide, empty water-hole.
Dame Growl held her skinny arms aloft in amazement.