“Not quite so bad as that, dear North Wind,” said Diamond, “for I didn't see you at all, and indeed I don't see you yet, although I recognise your voice. Do grow a little, please.” “Not a hair's-breadth,” said the voice, and it was the smallest voice that ever spoke. “What are you doing here?” “I am come to see my aunt. But, please, North Wind, why didn't you come back for me in the church that night?” “I did. I carried you safe home. All the time you were dreaming about the glass Apostles, you were lying in my arms.” “I'm so glad,” said Diamond. “I thought that must be it, only I wanted to hear you say so. Did you sink the ship, then?” “Yes.” “And drown everybody?” “Not quite. One boat got away with six or seven men in it.” “How could the boat swim when the ship couldn't?” “Of course I had some trouble with it. I had to contrive a bit, and manage the waves a little. When they're once thoroughly waked up, I have a good deal of trouble with them sometimes. They're apt to get stupid with tumbling over each other's heads. That's when they're fairly at it. However, the boat got to a desert island before noon next day.” “And what good will come of that?” “I don't know. I obeyed orders. Good bye.” “Oh! stay, North Wind, do stay!” cried Diamond, dismayed to see the windmill get slower and slower. “What is it, my dear child?” said North Wind, and the windmill began turning again so swiftly that Diamond could scarcely see it. “What a big voice you've got! and what a noise you do make with it? What is it you want? I have little to do, but that little must be done.” “I want you to take me to the country at the back of the north wind.” “That's not so easy,” said North Wind, and was silent for so long that Diamond thought she was gone indeed. But after he had quite given her up, the voice began again. “I almost wish old Herodotus had held his tongue about it. Much he knew of it!” “Why do you wish that, North Wind?” “Because then that clergyman would never have heard of it, and set you wanting to go. But we shall see. We shall see. You must go home now, my dear, for you don't seem very well, and I'll see what can be done for you. Don't wait for me. I've got to break a few of old Goody's toys; she's thinking too much of her new stock. Two or three will do. There! go now.” Diamond rose, quite sorry, and without a word left the shop, and went home. It soon appeared that his mother had been right about him, for that same afternoon his head began to ache very much, and he had to go to bed. He awoke in the middle of the night. The lattice window of his room had blown open, and the curtains of his little bed were swinging about in the wind. “If that should be North Wind now!” thought Diamond. But the next moment he heard some one closing the window, and his aunt came to his bedside. She put her hand on his face, and said-- “How's your head, dear?” “Better, auntie, I think.” “Would you like something to drink?”