those who attempt to cross the desert.'

"'Yes,' answered the old gentleman smiling, 'it is a wise precaution of
the fairy's, and very harmless, but I should like to hear what the
travelers tell.'

"The mirrors stretched right across the oasis, which was of a very
irregular shape, and by the time we arrived again at the main gate and
entered the grounds it was nearly dark.

"Dinner was ready, and after it was over the old gentleman told me I
had better leave about midnight so as to be back in the village before
it was light enough for anyone to see me.

"'But how am I to get back so quickly?' I asked.

"'The way you came,' replied the old gentleman.

"'But what if Bowser will not carry the basket?' I cried. 'He has
eaten all the peaches now, and I have no more.'

"'Yes,' he replied, 'but this time you will be on Bowser's back, and I
can promise you he will take you over in very quick time, for he has
been shut up in his cage without any supper and by midnight will be so
hungry that he will not lose any time in reaching the nearest peach
orchard. I am sorry to think that some poor farmer will suffer, but it
is the only way you can get safely back.'

"I thanked him for this further evidence of his kindness and the
evening passed very quickly in conversation. I had to do most of the
talking, as the two old people had heard no news of the world since the
fairy's last visit, and listened intently to all I could tell them."

CHAPTER XVI

"It was nearly midnight when I finally arose and prepared to depart.
The old gentleman led the way to Bowser's cage. It was a room at the
end of the kitchen, and Bowser was evidently expecting his supper, as
he uttered odd noises and came towards us with his neck stretched out.
I marveled that he was not asleep on his perch in the corner.

"'He never goes to sleep until he has eaten a great deal of supper,'
said the old gentleman, 'and as he is growing very impatient you had
better mount him at once while I open the door.'

"'But how am I to ride him?' I cried.

"'Get up on that stepladder,' said the old gentleman, indicating one
that stood against the wall, 'and when he comes near enough let
yourself down on his back and throw your arms around his neck. I will
open the door the instant you are seated and he will dart out.'

"It seemed rather a risky way to ride, but after all, I reflected, much
safer than the way I had come, for he could not drop me unless I let g