Go to
the north side of the pond, where the moon is shining on the water,
turn yourself around three times, while you say this charm:
'_Twist me and turn me and show me the elf_--
I looked in the water and saw_--'
Then look in the water, and think of a word which rhymes with 'elf'
and makes the charm complete."
Tommy knew the place very well. He ran to the north side of the pond,
and turning himself around three times, he repeated the charm. Then he
looked in and saw--himself.
"Why, there's no one but myself. I can't think of the right word. What
can it be? I'll go back and ask the Old Owl," thought Tommy. And back
he went. There sat the Owl as before.
"Oo-hoo," said she, as Tommy climbed up. "Did you find out the word?"
"No," said Tommy, "I could find no word that rhymes with 'elf' except
'myself.'"
"Well, that is the word! Now, do you know where your brother is?"
"In bed in the loft," said Tommy.
"Then all your questions are answered. Good night;" and the Old Owl
began to shake her feathers.
"Don't go yet," said Tommy, humbly; "I don't understand you. I am not
a brownie, am I?"
"Yes, you are, and a very idle one, too," said the Old Owl. "All
children are brownies.
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