snuff tin from his hands and
clapped it, snuff and all, right down over his eyes. Strange to say the
contents of the tin had not diminished by so much as a single pinch, and
such a fit of sneezing seized the old scoundrel that he rolled on the
grass in the greatest distress, quite unable to put the usual spell upon
me. All the other Druids, with abject terror expressed on their faces,
sank at once into the ground. The form of the head Druid, sneezing and
sneezing and sneezing, gradually faded away before my eyes, and long
after he had completely disappeared the sneezing could still be heard.
Eventually this died away, and pulling my clothes together as best I
could (for by now they were all in rags), I made the best of my way
home."

'Having finished his story the grocer now became very thoughtful, and we
all sat round his little room smoking in silence until far into the
night, wondering at the strange events he had related. Next day, and for
a whole week, great festivities were held to celebrate his return, and
the Mayor very willingly resigned his office in favour of one who was
held in such esteem. Innumerable presentations were made to him and
addresses read to him, yet, in spite of all the honours he received,
never did he forget his old friends. Nor was he too proud to serve in
his little shop, now enlivened by the songs of the birds he had not the
heart to turn away. He spent the remainder of his useful life in the
performance of kind deeds and in well-deserved happiness.'

* * * * *

[Illustration: THE MERCHANT'S WIFE AND THE MERCHANT]

[Illustration: headpiece]

THE MERCHANT'S WIFE AND THE MERCHANT

'Very, very good, indeed,' the King remarked when the policeman had
finished his story, and he was so pleased that he gave all the
youngsters a half-holiday, with strict injunctions to be back in time
for tea.

At tea-time they all came skipping back, bringing with them a little old
man they had found, apparently lost, and moping about the common. He
carried in front of him a pedlar's tray, on which were exposed for sale
many little oddments, such as reels of cotton, needles, pins, ribbons,
and even little toys, which he now hawked round amongst the assembled
company. As many as were able bought some small thing or other out of
kindness to the little merchant, and the good-natured old monarch
invited him to tea.

While they were all enjoying this meal, they were dist