File:The sea fairies (1911) (14566650039).jpg

Identifier: seafairies00baum (find matches)
Title: The sea fairies
Year: 1911 (1910s)
Authors: Baum, L. Frank (Lyman Frank), 1856-1919 Neill, John R. (John Rea), ill
Subjects:
Publisher: Chicago : Reilly & Britton
Contributing Library: New York Public Library
Digitizing Sponsor: MSN

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h the brilliant, unknown light. Lyinghere and there were heaps of virgin gold, some in its naturalstate and some already fashioned into ornaments and fur-niture of various sorts. Each man worked at a bench wherethere was a curious iron furnace in which glowed a vivid,white light. Although this workshop was all under water,and the workmen were obliged to breathe as fishes do, thefurnaces glowed so hot that the water touching them wasturned into steam. Gold, or other metal, held over a furnacequickly softened or melted, when it could be forged or moldedinto any shape desired. The furnaces are electric, explained Sacho, and heatas well under water as they would in the open air. Let meintroduce you to the foreman, who will tell you of his workbetter than I can. The foreman was a slave named Agga-Groo, who was leanand lank, and had an expression more surly and unhappy thanany slave they had yet seen. Yet he seemed willing to leavehis work and explain to the visitors how he made so many 194
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The Sea Fairies beautiful things out of gold, for he took much pride in thislabor and knew its artistic worth. Moreover, since he hadbeen in Zogs castle, these were the first strangers to enter hisworkshop, so he welcomed them in his own gruff way. The queen asked him if he was happy, and he shook hishead and replied: It is nt like Calcutta, where I used to work in gold beforeI was wrecked at sea, and nearly drowned. Zog rescued meand brought me here a slave. It is a stupid life we lead, doingthe same things over and over every day; but perhaps it isbetter than being dead. I m not sure. The only pleasure Iget in life is in creating pretty things out of gold. Could you forge me a golden sword? asked the Queen,smiling sweetly upon the goldsmith. I could, madam; but I wont unless Zog orders me todo it. Do you like Zog better than you do me? inquiredAquareine. No, was the answer. I hate Zog. Then wont you make the sword to please me—and toshow your skill? pleaded the pretty mermaid. I m

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