We looked round in great surprise, for there seemed to be nobody about to account for the voice; but presently I could just discern Shin Shira's face and yellow turban appearing. "Can't shake hands yet," said he, nodding amiably, "for they haven't arrived at present, but I've no doubt they'll be here shortly." "I wonder how he'd get on if he wanted to scratch his nose," whispered Lionel, who had a keen sense of the ridiculous. "It's rude to whisper in company," said Shin Shira severely, evidently aware that some remark had been made about himself--"but there, you're only a boy, and boys are--Hullo! here come my legs! that's all right! I thought I shouldn't have to wait long for them. Where are you off to?" and the little Yellow Dwarf hurried up to us now that he was quite complete. "Oh, we're just walking home," I replied, "only Lionel had a fancy to pass the Round Pond on our way; the little model yachts one often sees there are very amusing to watch." "Yes," agreed Shin Shira. "There's one been left behind to-day," he continued. "The boys who threw the stone at the duck were seen by the park keeper, and when he came after them they ran away, leaving their boat behind them. Serve them right if they lose it." "Oh, yes! There it is now!" cried Lionel, running towards the edge of the Round Pond. "What a jolly little yacht. Why, it's a perfect model," and he regarded it with the greatest admiration. He took it from the water and inspected it carefully. "I say!" he cried excitedly, "wouldn't it be ripping if we could become small enough to go for a sail in it!" "It's a very simple matter to arrange, if you wish it," remarked Shin Shira composedly. "D-do you really m-mean that it would be possible for you to make us as tiny as that?" stammered Lionel in his eagerness, his eyes bright with excitement. "I couldn't do it, but the fairies might," said the Dwarf, taking up the little yellow book which I had restored to him after our last adventure. "But should we be able to return to our proper size again?" I inquired carefully, for I remembered from previous experience that Shin Shira's magical powers had an unfortunate habit of going wrong at times. "Without the least doubt," replied he; "in fact, from the time that you are reduced to the size which you desire to be, you very gradually increase, till your original size is reached." "Then there's no danger?" I hazarded. "None whatever," was the reassuring reply. "Then do, _do_ please let us be 'reduced,'" pleaded Lionel eagerly. "Very well, then," said I. "And do you propose that we should go for a trip in the model yacht?" "Of course!" declared Lionel. "Put it in the water then," said Shin Shira, "and I'll see what I can do." Lionel quickly put down the boat, and stood watching Shin Shira to see what would happen.