"How can we set you free when we should only be exposing ourselves to your vengeance?"
"To avoid that the only thing you have to do is to pull out the longest feather in each wing, and then I shall be deprived of power."
This Arthur did, and immediately the magician took human shape, it being seen that he was a horrid dwarf who could hardly move. They touched him again with the feathers and he was changed into a caged parrot which began to shout, "Carabi! Carabo! It's all over with me now!"
Arthur informed his parents, telling them all about his extraordinary adventure, and begged them for permission to accompany the princes. Little Arthur's parents were astonished to see their garden changed into a fortress; and on becoming acquainted with the series of events which, without their knowledge, had occurred, granted their permission and at once the expedition was organised. Little Arthur mounted one of the magic feathers, bearing the princess behind him. The princes bestrode the other feather, and all the rest clung to each other. At a given signal they all flew away, and in a twinkling found themselves in their own country.
There little Arthur was splendidly presented with a pair of socks and several boxes of toys, his efforts being rewarded by a long and happy life in the bosom of his family.
tailpiece to Carabi! Caribo!
THE AUTHOR OF THE WALL
Ninin was reading in a newspaper: "They are beginning to pull down the great wall of China."
"Is that so? What! Does the newspaper say so?"