Stranica 99 [99]
PAE CAS ThE -OR LÉRE,
current, and this river he must cross, without bridge,
without boat, and without aid.
c Master," said Fido, “I can go no farther. Accursed be
the fairy that drew me from nothingness to place me in
your service." Saying this, he lay down on the ground
and would not stir. Graceful vainly tried to restore his
courage, and called him his companion and friend. All
that the poor dog could do was to answer his master’s
caresses for the last time by wagging his tail and licking
his hands; then his limbs stiffened and he expired.
Graceful took Fido on his back in order to carry him
to the Castle of Life, and boldly climbed one of the icebergs,
still followed by Pensive. With his staff he pushed this
frail bark into the middle of the current, which bore it
away with frightful rapidity.
“Master,” said Pensive, "do you hear the roaring of the
waters? We are floating toward a whirlpool which will
swallow us up! Give me a last caress and farewell!”
“No,” said Graceful. "Why should the fairies have
deceived us? The shore may be close by; perhaps the sun
is shining behind the clouds. Mount, mount, my good
Pensive; perchance above the fog you will find light and
will see the Castle of Life!”
Pensive spread her half-frozen wings, and courageously
soared amid the cold and mist. Graceful listened for a
moment to the sound of her flight; then all was silent, while
ie