THE LAST WISH
"I wish," said Anthea more slowly, "mother mayn't get to the police."
"Done," said the creature after the proper interval.
"I wish," said Jane suddenly, "mother could forget all about the diamonds."
"Done," said the Psammead; but its voice was weaker.
"Would you like to rest a little?" asked Anthea considerately.
"Yes, please," said the Psammead; "and, before we go any further, will you wish something for me?"
"Can't you do wishes for yourself?"
"Of course not," it said; "we were always expected to give each other our wishes—not that we had any to speak of in the good old Megatherium days. Just wish, will you, that you may never be able, any of you, to tell anyone a word about Me."
"Why?" asked Jane.
"Why, don't you see, if you told grown-ups I should have no peace of my life. They'd get hold of me, and they wouldn't wish silly
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