They are hungry." "Well, they can have some bread," said Reera.

"But it is nearly supper-time, and if you would allow me to transform your fishes into girls they could join us at the table and have plenty of food much nicer than crumbs.

Why not let me transform them ?" "Well," said Ervic, as if hesitating, "ask the fishes.

If they consent, why--why, then, I'll think it over." Reera bent over the kettle and asked: "Can you hear me, little fishes ?" All three popped their heads above water.
"We can hear you," said the bronzefish.
"I want to give you other forms, such as rabbits, or turtles or girls, or something; but your master, the surly Skeezer, does not wish me to.
However, he has agreed to the plan if you will consent." "We'd like to be girls," said the silverfish.
"No, no!" exclaimed Ervic.
"If you promise to make us three beautiful girls, we will consent," said the goldfish.
"No, no!" exclaimed Ervic again.
"Also make us Adepts at Magic," added the bronzefish.
"I don't know exactly what that means," replied Reera musingly, "but as no Adept at Magic is as powerful as Yookoohoo, I'll add that to the transformation." "We won't try to harm you, or to interfere with your magic in any way," promised the goldfish.

"On the contrary, we will be your friends." "Will you agree to go away and leave me alone in my cottage, whenever I command you to do so ?" asked Reera.
"We promise that," cried the three fishes.
"Don't do it! Don't consent to the transformation," urged Ervic.
"They have already consented," said the Yookoohoo, laughing in his face, "and you have promised me to abide by their decision.