“‘Didn’t know! Didn’t know!’ That’s what every stupid person says. You should have known. If you didn’t expect me why did you wish three times?”
“Why, I—I don’t know,” said Tommy. “I was just—just wishing.”
“Oh, then maybe you don’t want your wish?” asked the other eagerly. “If that’s it, just say so. Don’t waste my time. I’ve an appointment in Meadowville in—in——” He took off his funny sugar-loaf hat, rested the end of the feather on the bridge of his long nose and spun the cap around. “One—two—three—four——” The cap stopped spinning and he replaced it on his head. “In four minutes,” he ended sternly.
“Th-that’s a funny way to tell time,” said Tommy.
“I never tell time,” replied the stranger shortly. “Time tells me. Now, then, what do you say?”
“Th-thank you,” said Tommy hurriedly, remembering his manners.
“No, no, no, no, no, no!” exclaimed the other exasperatedly. “What about your wish? Do you or isn’t it?”
“Why—why, if it isn’t too much trouble,” stammered Tommy, “I’d like to have it very, very much.”
“Of course it’s trouble,” said the fairy sharply. “Don’t be any stupider than you have to be. But everything’s trouble; my life is full of trouble; that’s what comes of being a D. A.”