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Higginson, Thomas Wentworth, 1823-1911

"Tales of the Enchanted Islands of the Atlantic"

Presently there came outfrom beneath an arbor of flowers a little miniature man, graceful andquick-moving as an elf. Arthur, eager in his quest, said to him, "In whatisland dwells Hanner Dyn?" "In this island," was the answer. "Where ishe?" said Arthur. "I am he," said the laughing boy, taking hold of hishand."What did they mean by calling you a wrestler?" said Arthur."Oh," said the child coaxingly, "I am a wrestler. Try me."The king took him and tossed him in the air with his strong arms, tillthe boy shouted with delight. He then took Arthur by the hand and led himabout the island--showed him his house and where the gardens and fieldswere. He showed him the rows of men toiling in the meadows or fellingtrees. "They all work for me," he said carelessly. The king thought he hadnever seen a more stalwart set of laborers. Then the boy led him to thehouse, asked him what his favorite fruits were, or his favorite beverages,and seemed to have all at hand. He was an unaccountable little creature;in size and years he seemed a child; but in his activity and agility heseemed almost a man. When the king told him so, he smiled, as winningly asever, and said, "That is what they call me--Hanner Dyn, The Half-Man."Laughing merrily, he helped Arthur into his boat and bade him farewell,urging him to come again.


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