"Yes; but they were only my adopted parents," explained the sprite. "They were a very rich old couple with lots of money and no children, so I adopted them not knowing that they were unfairies. When they died they left me all their bad habits, and their money went to found a storeroom for worn out lawn-mowers. That was a sample of their meanness."
"Well that's a pretty good story," said Jimmieboy.
"Yes," said the sprite, with a pleased smile. "And the best part of it is it's all true."
"Tut!" ejaculated the major, scornfully. "Wait until you hear mine."
CHAPTER X.
THE MAJOR'S TALE.
A GREAT many years ago when I was a souvenir spoon," said the major, "I belonged to a very handsome and very powerful potentate."
"I didn't quite understand what it was you said you were," said the sprite, bending forward as if to hear better.
"At the beginning of my story I was a souvenir spoon," returned the major.