"'We've no green silk thread, sir,' said I, 'that will securely lash fairies to spruce trees. But if you want anything else, and have fish to trade, I'll take them.'
"'I wisht you had the thread,' said he.
"'Why?' said I.
"''Twould be best for you,' said he with a sigh. 'If I could tie the wicked fairies up, I wouldn't have t'—have t'—do it. But,' he went on, 'as you haven't any thread, I'll take some calico t' make a new dress for my brother's little maid.'
"A certain look of cunning, which overspread his face at that moment, alarmed me. I thought I had better find out what the wicked fairies had to do with me.
"'Did you meet the fairies to-night?' said I.
"'Ay,' said he. 'I met the crew o' wicked ones on my way through the bush.'
"'And what did they tell you?' said I.
"He signed to me to be silent; then he closed the cabin door and came close to the counter, behind which I stood, with no way of escape open.
"'Has you got a loaded gun?' he whispered hoarsely.