The Washington times., 1903-09-13

l would, said he. 4 fear, though, my
mother Will miss me- "Oh, never" said
the witch with assurance. With this she
tenderly lifted the delighted little fel-
low upon the broom before her Like the
flight of bird, gracefully and swiftly,
did they dart toward the heavens. Fred
die laughed and shouted with glee
Higher and higher they few. passing
now and then huge white cloud that
seemed rolled up and sleeping for the
night. The stars increased their magni-
tude a thousand times and they bathed
Freddie and the witch in their strange
blue light. But still higher than these
did they soar
"Oh. dear. who are those creatures
coming toward us so rapidly?" gasped
Freddie, catching hold OF the witch's
sleeve. But she had not time to answer
Jefore they were launched into the
midst of a swarm of little airships.
Seated in each one was a dwarf of very
strange build and feature. They made
menacing gestures, and Freddie knew
on the moment that the witch and him
self were prisoners. A moment seemed
scarcely to have elapsed before they
were standing in the presence of the
king, who. unlike his subjects, was
many feet in height. He now blew
trumpet, and IN stalked a very old
man carrying a scroll under his arm.
He halted before the two prisoners.
The king, pointing angrIly, said 10 him:
Unfold to me, sir, the secrets of these
people" The old seer, bowing low.
said: 20 worthy sire. will read for
you what manner of beings these are
by looking at their countenances. He
drew near and wrinkled up his face in
a funny way. All hearkened, and so he
began in a very high, whining voice:
This one" pointing to the witch, "is a
crafty, wicked person, devoid of all
heart. She will work evil here in Mars
If she be permitted to remain. This
one" said the old seer, turning around
as though centered on pivot and look
ing with a squint at Freddie. "is a
good little creature. as yet untouched
by anything evil. Whence came you,
my little MANI" touching Freddie on
the cheek. From the earth,'' said the
little fellow. "Ah, we must spare you.
Your face tells that you have a good
heart and an unsullied soul"
Enough" shouted the King, notion
ing away the seer with his scepter, and
they bound the old witch in chains and
put her in a dungeon. Then the queen
as though a vision. came, and, taking
Freddie by the hand, showed him to her
children. You are kind, good queen, -
said freddle, looking up at her, and
there was a little tremor in his voice,
but ! should like to go to the earth
again, for ] surely Will be missed" "It
shall be as you will" said the queen
She sang out a few sweet notes, and
instantly queer craft poised in the air
before them. Freddie entered 1t. It rose,
and then began to descend. The little ad-
venturer nearly lost his breath An
hour of bewilderment- now passed, and
o n IL wl1-
frightened little boy stealing into his
cozy room. In the morning Freddie did
not tell any one of his experience, nor
did he ever tell. Now Freddie Is a man,
very good and very much beloved.
Wonderful as II must have seemed to
hear the old seer read the chaacters OF
hear the old seer read the cha actecs OF
he had never seen them before, there are
many persons who can do the same
thing. and in most cases can do it with
the greatest accuracy, for we carry our
characters on our faces.