"But, madam," said I to her, "I must entreat you to pardon my
brothers."
I related to her what I had done for each of them, but my account only
increased her anger.
"I must instantly fly after these ungrateful wretches," cried she,
"and bring them to a just punishment; I will sink their vessel, and
precipitate them to the bottom of the sea."
"No, beautiful lady," replied I, "for heaven's sake moderate your
indignation, and do not execute so dreadful an intention; remember,
they are still my brothers, and that we are bound to return good for
evil."
No sooner had I pronounced these words, than I was transported in an
instant from the island, where we were, to the top of my own house. I
descended, opened the doors, and dug up the three thousand sequins
which I had hidden. I afterward repaired to my shop, opened it, and
received the congratulations of the merchants in the neighborhood on
my arrival. When I returned home I perceived these two black dogs,
which came toward me with a submissive air. I could not imagine what
this meant, but the fairy, who soon appeared, satisfied my curiosity.
"My dear husband," said she, "be not surprised at seeing these two
dogs in your house; they are your brothers."
My blood ran cold on hearing this, and I inquired by what power they
had been transformed into that state.
"It is I," replied the fairy, "who have done it, and I have sunk their
ship; for the loss of the merchandise it contained I shall recompense
you.
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