by.

The family were prejudiced against him. What did he want there? It
was surely some sinister motive impelled him. He was probably
watching for an opportunity to gobble up the goldfish. We took his
part, however, and strenuously defended his moral character, and
patronized him in all ways. We gave him the name of Unke, and
maintained that he was a well-conducted, philosophical old water-
sprite, who showed his good taste in wanting to take up his abode in
our conservatory. We even defended his personal appearance, praised
the invisible-green coat which he wore on his back, and his gray
vest, and solemn gold spectacles; and though he always felt
remarkably slimy when we touched him, yet, as he would sit still and
allow us to stroke his head and pat his back, we concluded his social
feelings might be warm, notwithstanding a cold exterior. Who knew,
after all, but he might be a beautiful young prince, enchanted there
till the princess should come to drop the golden ball into the
fountain, and so give him a chance to marry her and turn into a man
again? Such things, we are credibly informed, are matters of
frequent occurrence in Germany. Why not here?

By-and-by there came to our fountain another visitor,--a frisky,
green young frog of the identical kind spoken of by the poet


"There was a frog lived in a well,
Rig dum pully metakimo."


This thoughtless, dapper individual, with his bright green coat, his