The next morning, after breakfasting with the Wizard, the witch, and the cats, the Prince was called into the garden and given a spade. "Just dig awhile, as we talk," said the Wizard, seating himself, "and see if you can find any Greek roots. My wife wants some for a philter she is making." [Illustration] "Tintypes," observed the witch, "catnip promulgating canticles concerning emoluments, producing." Vance stared; but the Wizard, who was evidently accustomed to this odd sort of talk, answered quietly: "You are right, as usual, my dear. He must be very careful not to cut them in two with his spade." The Prince took the spade and began to dig, though not very hopefully. The truth was, he had never been at all successful in finding Greek roots himself; and besides he was longing to ask the Wizard for the charm which should restore his family. However, he dug away bravely and said nothing till the Wizard spoke to him. "I suppose," said the Wizard, at length, "that, as to your family, you know the rule for simple reduction, don't you?" "Yes," said the Prince, doubtfully, "I do if that page wasn't torn out of my book. However, I could learn it." "Learn it, then," said the Wizard; "and when you have learned it, use it." "But, if you please," ventured the Prince, humbly, "they are already reduced to the lowest terms. I don't wish to reduce them any more." "All right, then," replied the Wizard, crossly; for the truth was, that, having a variety of affairs on his mind that day, he had forgotten that Vance's Court were pygmies, and was thinking they were giants, and a wizard never likes to find himself mistaken. "All right, then; don't reduce them. I'm sure I don't care what you do." "Oh, don't say that!" begged the Prince, with tears in his eyes. "Please don't act as if you didn't care! Oh, your Wizardship, I've come so far to find you, and I've met such unpleasant people, and such horrible things have happened to me on the way, pray do not refuse to help me now that I have found you at last!" "Well, then," returned the Wizard, "be polite, and do as I tell you. Do you find any roots, by the by?" "Not one," said the Prince, leaning on his spade in despair. "That's bad," said the Wizard. "I would sell the charm to you for one Greek root." "Oh," cried the Prince, "my tutor has some, I know. His head used to be full of them; and unless they have grown so small that he has lost them, I'll be bound he has them still." [Illustration] Upon this the Prince hastened to open his box, and, to his great delight, succeeded in obtaining from his tutor several Greek roots which, though small, were of good shape and in fair condition. These being given to the Wizard, and by him handed to the witch, the Prince waited eagerly for the charm to be told him. But the Wizard had apparently no mind to speak. He whistled a few moments, and then, drawing a string from his pocket, began to make a cat's-cradle over his long crushed-strawberry fingers.