In due course, everything being ready, the trap-door was again opened, and, just as expected, the rising column of water struck the shield, and, running along its concave curve, poured downwards into the basin. For a little time the water seemed to leave the basin faster than it was received; but that was not really the case, for the engineer had calculated the matter to such a nicety, that not until the basin was almost brimming, and the weight of the water helped, did it empty as quickly as it was filled. And what a sight it was when the squares sent out their spraying, sparkling streams of water! No wonder the Desert Fairies drew back in startled amazement. Rain they knew! A travelling water-spout they had seen and marvelled at! But here was something past all comprehension; a hundred thousand never-stopping jets of water, shooting straight at them, and, more weird and awe-inspiring than anything they had ever heard or seen before—giving out the strangest music, and the most brilliant colours, as the wind and sun played in and out among them. Very soon they saw the results of the water’s action. Everywhere within range the sand lay flat and heavy; and try as they might, every attempt to fling the loose grains through the spraying water into the trench was a dismal failure. They were completely worsted, and for many a day thereafter the Fairy Workmen were allowed to follow their pursuits in unmolested freedom. Having now rid themselves of the attacks of the Desert Fairies, the work of laying out the City and surroundings rapidly advanced. In particular, four things were pushed ahead with all possible speed. They were, the finishing of the great trench, the completion of the tunnels through which the water was to flow to fill it; the building of a very large basin and ornamental fountain over the pits and opening to the Well, and the construction, underneath the basin, of simple but effective machinery for the control and regulation of the waters of the Well. In due time they were all finished, and ready to be put in use. Prince Waratah thereupon declared a general holiday in order that all might take part in the first and most important event connected with their venture, namely, the turning on of the water that was to transform the trench into a Lake, and, in so doing, convert what had hitherto been a hill in the desert, into Fairy Island!