reach that western shore,
When thou and I in joy and love shall live for evermore:

From the druid's incantation,
From his black and deadly snare,
From the withering imprecation
Of the demon of the air,

"It will guard thee, gentle Connla of the flowing golden hair;
My crystal boat shall guard thee, till we reach that silver strand
Where thou shalt reign in endless joy, the King of the Fairyland!"

When the maiden had ended her chant, Connla suddenly walked away
from his father's side, and sprang into the curragh, the gleaming,
straight-gliding, strong, crystal canoe. The King and his people saw
them afar off, and dimly moving away over the bright sea towards the
sunset. They gazed sadly after them, till they lost sight of the canoe
over the utmost verge; and no one can tell whither they went, for
Connla was never again seen in his native land.

* * * * *

ITALIAN STORIES

* * * * *

PINOCCHIO'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND[1]

BY CARLO LORENZINI

I

MASTER CHERRY FINDS A QUEER PIECE OF WOOD

THERE was once upon a time ...

"A king!" my little readers will instantly exclaim.

No, children, you are wrong. There was once upon a time a piece of
wood.

This wood was not valuable; it was only a common log like those that
are burnt in winter in the stoves and fireplaces to make a cheerful
blaze and warm the rooms.

I cannot say how it came about, but the fact is, that one fine day
this piece of wood was lying in the shop of an old carpenter of the
name of Master Antonio. He was, however, called by everybody Master
Cherry, on account of the end of his nose, which was always as red and
polished as a ripe cherry.

No sooner had Master Cherry set his eyes on the piece of wood than
his face beamed with delight; and, rubbing his hands together with
satisfaction, he said softly to himself:

"This wood has come at the right moment; it will just do to make the
leg of a little table."

Having said this he immediately took a sharp axe with which to remove
the bark and the rough surface. Just, however, as he was going to give
the first stroke he remained with his arm suspended in the air, for
he heard a very small voice saying imploringly: "Do not strike me so
hard!"

Picture to yourselves the astonishment of good old Master Cherry!

He turned his terrified eyes all around the room to try and discover
where the little v