Liquid of Petrifaction, which is contained in that
bottle on the shelf yonder--over the window."

"What does the Liquid of Petrifaction do?"
inquired the boy.

"Turns everything it touches to solid marble.
It's an invention of my own, and I find it very
useful. Once two of those dreadful Kalidahs,
with bodies like bears and heads like tigers,
came here from the forest to attack us; but I
sprinkled some of that Liquid on them and
instantly they turned to marble. I now use them
as ornamental statuary in my garden. This table
looks to you like wood, and once it really was
wood; but I sprinkled a few drops of the Liquid
of Petrifaction on it and now it is marble. It
will never break nor wear out."

"Fine!" said Unc Nunkie, wagging his head
and stroking his long gray beard.

"Dear me; what a chatterbox you're getting
to be, Unc," remarked the Magician, who was
pleased with the compliment. But just then
there came a scratching at the back door and a
shrill voice cried:

"Let me in! Hurry up, can't you? Let me in!"