The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1906-03-23

the sea. but the Princess had no idea
what they'were being used for. In
the distance she could hear the mel,
shouting loudly. and. though she grew
very nervous, she never ceased her
combing; the more anxious she be-
came. the more vigorously she went
on with her task.
In the meantime the bat that had
talked SO long 10 Darella was flying
round the isxnd arousing hundreds OF
other bats. Al the sound OF his voice
they all gathered around him in n
dense gray cloud. and FASTENED down
10 the waters edge just as the occu-
pants OF the boats were prepared Ia
land. But the moment the men placed
their feet upon the beach the bats
hurled themselves in their faces AMI
beat them back. Again and again the
men struggled forward, but they could
not advance at all. For not only had
they 10 fight against these vicious lit
tie creatures. but they could feel ar
the same time something twining
round their legs and holding them
back. They did not know that il was
the golden locks OF the Princess Da-
rella that impeded their progress so
much. for when the wind rushed away
with her silken tresseS il had orders
10 twist I'll, Al about TIL enemy and
hinder them as much as possible. One
by one the men We're beaten back 10
their boats until. worn out Ly strug-
II lafn h,. h.,
bats. they decided to return 10 the
palace and leave the Princess TO her
fate.
When the bats saw they were vie
tOrious, they fell into line behind their
leader, and in this order they sudden
~ appeared before the maiden. She
.Gmped to her feet with fear as sha
saw that hundreds of these little crea-
.Ures surrounded her but in min
ute the voice she knew spoke 10 her
telling her not 10 be afraid.
The Princess advanced few steps
ana held out her hands gratefully.
Dear little bats. thank YOU" she
said kindly. 1T is very good Of YOU to
have fought so bravely for me. and
| wish that l could show YOU some
return"
You can! You cam they cried be-
coming almost mad with excitement.
Tell me how" cried Darela eagerly.
Il will do anything for YOU"
Let Us each kiss your hand" they
entreated. Then we shall be able 10
resume our natural forms"
SO. although the Princess did not
like it at all. she held ont her hands
and allowed each bat TO careSs them.
The bats that kissed her right hand
instantly became men, while her left
hand was the means of restoring the
women to their original shapes. The
Princess was overjoyed at the changes
that she saw around her, but after
looking about her eagerly her face sud
denly grew very sad.
Are there no more OF yOu?" she
asked. Where is the bat that helped
me to-day"
Immediately she felt soft touch
upon her hair, but before she had time
TO object, a handsome figure. with
Sidf bdlis NlbONl bflpl' iNls w llh
little cry of JOY the Princess Darela
threw herself into his arms
MY Dream Prince" she said de
liGhtedly. II always said we should
meet some day. How glad | am that
| remained true 10 You. although
saw you only in my dreams"
So the Princess married the Dream
Prince. who proved 10 be the King
Of the island. and very wealthy one.
turned into bats as a punishment for
teasing some fairies. and the spell
could only be removed in the way
have just descrbed.-Cassell's Little
Folks.