“Approach, mortal,” continued the fay, with a smile. “Touch her lips with thine, so shall it rouse her into waking life; for upon whom her [[311]]bright eyes shall first rest there will her love take root and abide for ever.”
And the youth kissed the budding, rosy mouth, and as he did so, behold! there opened to his gaze a vision of Paradise. [[312]]
THE LAUGHING JACKASS.
CHAPTER I.
LOST IN THE BUSH.
“Ha-ha-ha! Ho-ho-ho!” roared the laughing jackass. It was a glorious morning in the heart of the bush. The warm sun glinted athwart the branches of the trees and cast festoons of light beneath, as if some gigantic magic lantern was at work.
The mocking bird of Australia sat perched upon the highest bough of a giant red-gum and looking down beneath upon the form of a wee urchin lying prostrate on the turf, sobbing as if his little heart was breaking.
“Ha-ha-ha! Ho-ho-ho!” laughed the merry jackass, making the bushland ring again with its mimic jeers.