touch this paw to the end
of your nose with the claws spread out, and all illness and weariness
will disappear over your left shoulder."

Mark took it, and thanked the cat heartily. He thought he would try it
then, and sure enough, he felt the fatigue walking over his left
shoulder, just as he had been told. The little girl stood looking on
with an amiable expression, and then the cat said, "Get on my tail."

Mark did not like to step on the cat's tail. He knew by experience that
a cat is apt to claw anybody well who ventures on such a caper; but the
little Goody laughed out, and stepping on it herself, invited Mark to
her side.

Thus encouraged, the boy got on; and then the tail began to grow, till
the top of it reached the garden gate, to which it fastened itself; and
Mark and his pretty companion walked merrily over this new-fashioned
bridge.

At the entrance, Goody took an affectionate leave of him, first pointing
to a little clump of bushes with emerald green leaves, saying, "Never
mind asking my father, the doctor. There is the plant of life, Mark;
pluck it quickly, and off for home and your mother."

Oh, what joy he felt! He gathered several sprigs of the precious
talisman, mounted the stick which the wolf had given him, and presto! in
an instant was at the door of his mother's cottage.

Quickly he entered, and running up to her, pressed the plant to her
lips. She brightened up immediately, hugged him to her heart, and
exclaimed, "Oh, how rejoiced I am to have you again! You have been gone
two years, seven months, and twenty-one days! How you have grown, and
how rejoiced I am, my darling! my own boy!"

At this moment, the wall of the room opened, and the beautiful fairy
Benevolence entered. She related to the happy mother all Mark's
adventures, and the courage, patience, and goodness which he had shown.
Then she told the brave boy that he might make use of the presents
given to him by the little old man and the giant.

Mark opened the snuff box, and out sprang a number of workmen about the
size of bees, who set to work with such good will and diligence, that in
an hour they had built a pretty little house, and furnished it
completely, not forgetting a book case filled with excellent books, some
fine engravings, and a few paintings on the walls. Mark was especially
delighted at this, for he wanted of all things to learn to read and
write; and the pictures charmed him even more, for he had a natural
taste