Through the fire (13)

Through the fire (13)

He might have remained so for ever if the wind-fairy had not blown a tremendous gust which made the pink light in the lantern flicker and the old man start up and open his eyes.

" Who are you ? " he asked.
" Come to ask a question, eh ? What is it ?  What do you want ?  Speak out ! "

Jack tried to remember what the Princess had told him to say.

" I'm come from the Fire Princess, and she wants to marry the Water King's son, and they're afraid of touching each other, lest he should dry up, or she be put out. So, please, they want to know what to do. "

Jack stopped because the old man was shaking so with laughter that he feared he would tumble off the Pole altogether.  

" Oh, the stupidity of people ! And all this time they are afraid of doing the very thing they ought to do. Of course it's impossible for them to marry till he is dried up and she is put out. What put out fire but water ? What dries up water but fire ? ー You had better go back to Prince Fluvius  and tell him to give her a kiss. Now what do you want to ask next ? Let it be something for yourself this time. "

(13/15)