tch of lawn in the center of which stood the most beautiful
building I had ever seen. It was long and low, and all of carved white
marble, decorated here and there with black marble facings. Many
windows and glass doors stood open, and lacy white curtains swayed in
the breeze. There was no one in sight, and I walked on towards the
hedge over which I had seen the toucan disappear.

"Suddenly I heard a woman's voice say, 'Bowser, Bowser, what have you
there? Oh, you wicked bird, you've stolen somebody's washing.' A
pause and then the voice went on:

"'Why, it's a peach basket! What a strange contrivance! Go away,
Bowser. Oh, Richard, come and see what Bowser has brought home.'

"Another pause, and then a man's voice.

"'My dear, that's been made for something else besides peaches. Look
at the opening at the bottom. Why a man could hide in there quite
easily, and good gracious! Here's a man's handkerchief, with T on the
corner.' (I felt myself turning pale.) 'Do you suppose there is
somebody in our stronghold, Mary? Good Bowser, where is the tramp?
That's it. Bowser get him, old boy! Bring him here.'

"I shrunk away from the hedge, and was just turning to look for a place
where I could hide, for I had no mind to be dragged forth in this
unceremonious way, when a dark form appeared over me, seized me around
the middle, and the next moment I was lifted through the air and laid
in a heap on the other side of the hedge.

"I jumped to my feet, not knowing who or what I should see, drawing my
sword as I did so, but when I caught a glimpse of a nice motherly
looking woman and a mild-looking old gentleman standing before me
apparently very much alarmed, I hastily stepped forward and made a low
bow, begging their pardon for having intruded in this unseemly fashion.
I explained my errand, told them who I was, and how I had contrived to
get there, and when I had finished they both looked much relieved.

"'That is quite all right, Prince Tasmir,' said the old gentleman, 'and
now if you will come into the house and partake of some refreshment I
will tell you about the Wonderful Plant which you have come so far to
seek.'

"'First, may I ask,' I said, 'does Bowser bite?'

"'No,' said the old gentleman, 'he is quite good natured, and besides
he has no teeth.'

"'Well,' I said, 'I am rather grateful to him for carrying me safely
here, and I should like to give him those peaches, but did not wish him
to bite me i