The little old man smiled a benevolent smile, and exclaimed: "Oh!" Then he shifted his pipe again, and said quickly:
"Give me the school-books."
Conrad did so, at once.
The little old man then opened a spelling-book, and turned to the fly-leaf.
"Conrad," said he.
Conrad started, for he wondered how the little man had learned his name. He himself had not once mentioned it. He was sure now that the queer little person was an enchanter.
"So, Conrad," said the little old man again, "you wish to go to the fairies, do you? Well, you may go; but you must leave your books with me until you come back."
Conrad's attention was now attracted by a raven, which he saw standing beside the enchanter, and which he had not noticed before.
Turning to the bird, the enchanter said: "Give me my key."
The raven hopped from a large key upon which it had been standing, and taking it in its beak, presented it to its master.