Los Angeles herald., 1910-08-07

tance the fish stopped before Il large
rock and pulled on strand of seaweed
which hung from the top.
A huge gold fish swan around the
corner and said, .
what does your highness wish?'
But when he saw Freddie he shook his
head and looked more closely. ITS
a boy [ caught near Reed-bed and
he's not to be hurt. l want him to
be half fish so that he can swim bet
ter" explained the young prince of
fish.
"The wish of your majesty shall be
obeyed." replied the fish, and with
swan around the rock. Freddie waited
anxiously wondering if the fish really
meant what they said.
Soon the older fish returned with
large ruby in its mouth. which 1t
dropped into Freddie's hand. 1t was
very cold Freddie held it UP to eX-
anime it more closely and it began to
grow warmer and soon was so hot 1t
almost burned his hand. Freddie
dropped it quickly, saying, Il don
want your ruby. It's too hot
The old fish picked it up and disap-
peared around the rock. I m very
glad it worked" remarked the gold
fish.
What worked?" asked Freddie.
"Why. the CHARM" replied the fish.
Look at yourself
Freddie looked. rubbed his eyes and
looked again Where were his feet
and legs? How did that scaly tan
become fastened to his waist?
Come and play" said the fish, but
Freddie felt so heartbroken over the
loss of his legs that he sank down on
the moss and cried. The gold hsh
grew disgusted and swan away.
What is the matter?" asked low
voice.
Freddie looked up and, seeing a SYM
pathetic silver fish near, told his trou-
BILE.
Yes, l know" said the fish. sadly
mot many months ago l was happy
and free, but the gold fish conquered
the silver fish SO now l have to do what
these gold fish tell me. But l know
their secret. If you ever manage to
get within twenty feet of the surface
you can taffe off that tail and you
will be the same as you were before.
Seeing the gold fish coming, the sill
yer fish darted away.
Freddie went to play with the gold
fish, resolving to watch for his chance.
After they had played several days
the gold fish seemed to slowly lose his
power over Freddie. One day, While
they were playing, the gold fish sud
denly darted away, calling TO Freudle
to do likewise. Slowly the end OF a
stout fish line sank near Freddie, who
gave it jerk
Then came a lively chase and many
times Freddie thought he would surely
be pulled back.
Suddenly he seemed to choke. Then
came the air. He drew a deep breath.
How good it was. He let go of the
line and swan in another direction
and when he reached the shore ran
home dripping wet
He met his uncle in the back yard.
"Sorry 1 had to take such severe
measures" said Uncle Jack.
Again Freddie rubbed his eyes,
There he was in the back yard and
near stood Uncle Jack with the nose
"Wake up. It's time to go fishing"
said his uncle. And Freddie knew he
EDNA MAE, =
6O9 E. 10Th street, Los Angeles, Catt'
"Hello, Freddie!" What in the world
are you doing down here so early?'
"Early?" exclaimed Freddie. why,
it's not too early to go fishing
"Oh, you know you don't want to go
fishing" replied the beautiful golden
fish. wouldn't you rather go down
under the water and see how ] liye?'
you bet would" responded Fred
die, who by this time was thoroughly
excited over an opportunity to go un-
der the water.
"AlI right" answered the fish. "Just
wait until 1 call my assistant and he
will help you down.
The fish blew a tiny whistle, and in
a very shot time a fish much larger
than the first conner, but not so pretty,
appeared.
Soon Freddie found himself swim
ming and darting through the water
Just as his fish companions were doing.
They soon came to a tiny castle built
of fine moss and sand, with doors and
windows formed by many beautiful
stones and pearls.
Come on in" urged the gold fish.