Stranica 79 [79]
19 EL BG A SE OBA LIFE
Fountain of Immortality. If you can accomplish each of
these four days’ journey without turning aside from the
road, and, on reaching the castle, can answer three questions
that will be put to you by an invisible voice, you will obtain
what you desire. But, my child, reflect well before under¬
taking this adventure, for you will meet more than one
danger on the way; and if you fail a single time to reach
the end of your day’s journey you will not only miss the
object of your pursuit, but you will never quit the country,
from which none has ever returned."
"1 will go, madam,” returned Graceful.
" But you are very young, my child,” said the Fairy of the
Woods, "and you do not even know the way."
" No matter,” replied Graceful. “I am sure, beautiful
ladies, that you will not forsake me, and to save my grand¬
mother I would go to the end of the world."
“Wait,” said the Fairy of the Woods. Then separating
the lead from a broken window-pane, she placed it in the
hollow of her hand.
And behold! the lead began to melt and bubble without
seeming to burn the fairy, who threw the metal on the
hearth, where it cooled in a thousand different forms.
‘What do you see in all that?" said the fairy to Graceful.
" It seems to me, madam," said he, after looking atten¬
tively, "that I see a spaniel with a long tail and large ears."
“Call him,” said the fairy.
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