Father's gone to Manchuria, and Mother and The Lamb have gone to Madeira because Mother was ill, and don't I just wish that they were both safe home again.' Merely from habit, the Sand-fairy began to blow itself out, but it stopped short suddenly.
'I forgot,' it said; 'I can't give you any more wishes.' 'No--but look here,' said Cyril, 'couldn't we call in old Nurse and get her to say SHE wishes they were safe home.

I'm sure she does.' 'No go,' said the Psammead.

'It's just the same as your wishing yourself if you get some one else to wish for you.

It won't act.' 'But it did yesterday--with the man in the shop,' said Robert.
'Ah yes,' said the creature, 'but you didn't ASK him to wish, and you didn't know what would happen if he did.

That can't be done again.