"Master, I obey!" shouted the spirit in a voice of thunder, and then suddenly dashed down upon the little fairy.
If the fairy had remained still it might have been hurt; but, just as Ahab came rushing down, the fairy darted away like a humming-bird, too quick for the eye to see the motion. Ahab made a clutch, but caught nothing but sand. Again he tried, but with no better success. A third and fourth trial so exhausted the huge monster that he sat down upon the sand completely tired out.
The wizard danced around in a perfect rage; and when Ahab gave it up, raising his wand he waved it thrice, and commanded the fairy to stand still. The fairy bowed, and stood quiet.
"Now, Ahab," said the wizard, triumphantly "bring her to me!"
Ahab arose, and walking heavily to the fairy, took her by the arm. The arm came off in his grasp; but Ahab, not noticing this, brought it to the wizard.
"You dunce!" commenced the wizard; but the absurdity of the situation overcame him, and he laughed, saying: "Well, bring me the rest of her!"
On the next trip, Ahab brought the head.
"Very good," said the wizard; "perseverance will bring her. Go on."
In a few more journeys the pieces of the fairy lay at the wizard's feet.
"There!" said the wizard, in triumph; "I think that ends your spirit!"
"Not at all," said the magician, pointing his wand at the heap of arms, wings, body, and head. In an instant the pieces flew together, and the fairy stood before them as well as ever.
"Come now," said the wizard, angrily, "that's not fair!"
"You had to help your spirit, why should n't I help mine?"
"I only kept your spirit still!"
