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diff --git a/old/60042-0.txt b/old/60042-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 1e09460..0000000 --- a/old/60042-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3464 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Moon Princess, by Edith Ogden Harrison - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Moon Princess - A Fairy Tale - -Author: Edith Ogden Harrison - -Illustrator: Lucy Fitch Perkins - -Release Date: August 2, 2019 [EBook #60042] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOON PRINCESS *** - - - - -Produced by Mary Glenn Krause, Stephen Hutcheson, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - - - - [Illustration: “_I will return soon, sweet mother._” - (Page 18)] - - [Illustration: Title Page] - - - - - The Moon Princess - A FAIRY TALE - - - BY - EDITH OGDEN HARRISON - - Author of - _PRINCE SILVERWINGS & - THE STAR FAIRIES_ - - _With Illustrations in - Color & Other Drawings - by - Lucy Fitch Perkins_ - - CHICAGO - A. C. M^cClurg & Co. - 1905 - - Copyright - A. C. McCLURG & CO. - 1905 - Published October 7, 1905 - - The Lakeside Press - R. R. DONNELLEY & SONS COMPANY - CHICAGO - - [Illustration: Fairy] - - _TO C. H. H._ - MY MOST APPRECIATIVE READER - - - - - CONTENTS - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - - - PAGE - - - CHAPTER I - How the Moon Princess Came to the Earth 13 - - - CHAPTER II - How the Wedding Guests Visited the Caves of Ocean 23 - - - CHAPTER III - How the Fairies Were Changed into Mocking-birds 30 - - - CHAPTER IV - The Little Dwellers in the Marsh 45 - - - CHAPTER V - The Rainbow Sisters 51 - - - CHAPTER VI - How the Sun Princess Came to the Earth 74 - - - CHAPTER VII - The Story of the Jewelled Beach 91 - - - CHAPTER VIII - The Lost Ocean 112 - - - CHAPTER IX - The Story of Princess Sunset 128 - - - CHAPTER X - How the Moon Princess was Taken Captive by the Black Dwarf 147 - - - CHAPTER XI - How the Sun Prince Rescued the Moon Princess 154 - - - - - LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - - - PAGE - “I will return soon, sweet mother” _Frontispiece_ - The Ocean Queen came forth, with her younger children, to greet - them 25 - “They threw themselves at her feet, begging for pardon” 41 - “They circled together, dressed in the vivid colors of the - rainbow” 57 - “A glimmering figure sitting on a high cliff” 106 - “Turning around, he saw a radiantly beautiful woman near him” 130 - - - _Also eleven drawings in black and white introducing the chapters._ - - - - - THE MOON PRINCESS - - - - - CHAPTER I - HOW THE MOON PRINCESS CAME TO THE EARTH - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -The heavens were a stainless blue, and the Moon shone out of them -arrayed in silvery garments. One by one the sky’s matchless jewels, the -stars, peeped out, studding that great ceiling with flashing -diamond-points, until the whole dome was a glittering mass of blue and -silver. The Ocean below seemed a big mirror, made to catch and reflect -the bewildering beauty above, for, shimmering softly, he carried in his -shining depths all those myriad lights. - -Calm and majestic the Moon glided over her star-studded pathway; but, in -spite of her glorious beauty and brilliancy, she was really sad and sick -at heart. Ethelda, her best beloved, the youngest and dearest of her -children, had just made a request the granting of which caused her that -night bitterest sorrow. - -There was an old custom among the Moon maidens that on her marriage each -one of them might ask whatever she most desired, and the thing which she -asked could not be denied her. Now, Ethelda of the starry eyes and the -shining spun-gold hair had asked a fearful gift at her mother’s hands. -She was betrothed to the Sun Prince Dorion, a handsome youth, strong of -limb, and a goodly sight to look upon, and he had long loved her. He had -seen this dainty maiden in all her varying moods, so he knew her well. -Sometimes, with her Moon maidens merrily engaged at play, she romped -happy as a child; or later, with the stately tread of a young princess, -she came and went in her big white palace. She often wore a pale blue -gown with silver trimmings, and a crown of flashing stars upon her head, -and then it was the brilliantly beautiful girl looked the daughter of -the skies. - -Prince Dorion had watched the slender maiden until every strand of her -glittering hair was dear to his heart. Later his father’s golden chariot -brought him daily to her palace. - -How Ethelda loved to watch him as he drove the fiery steeds with a -master’s hands, guiding them surely and steadily to her palace gates! He -was the finest of the Sun God’s sons, and Ethelda’s heart beat proudly -as she looked upon her chosen one. The Moon Mother was happy too, in her -daughter’s choice, and all would have been well in the wedding -festivities save for Ethelda’s unheard-of request. How the Moon hated to -grant it! But she had reasoned with Ethelda long and patiently without -effect. For the wilful little Princess was bent upon this mad whim. -“Alas! no good can come of it,” sighed the Moon heavily, and she gazed -down sadly upon the Earth as she spoke. “No good can come of it,” she -repeated. “What could have possessed the child to want it?” - -For Ethelda had asked no less than this: to visit the Earth and spend -her honeymoon there! - -The young Sun Prince, though at first reluctant to take his beautiful -bride upon such a wild trip, had finally yielded to her persuasions, and -now, being won by her tender pleadings, was as anxious to go as she. - -But the Moon Mother had no such faith in the foolish journey. Her mind -misgave her, and as she swung around the great circle in celestial -glory, her heart grew tremulous with fear for her daughter’s safety. The -request must be granted: that she knew; but she was devoutly thankful -for a wise law requiring a Moon maiden to revisit her own home yearly. -At most, then, they could stay but a twelvemonth upon the Earth. Reason -as she would, however, the Queen Mother’s heart was heavy, for with the -daughter upon the Earth the mother’s happiness would be gone. But the -maiden’s joy at the consent consoled her somewhat, and with an unselfish -mother’s love the Queen determined to hide her own grief and make the -wedding trip a brilliant and a joyous one. - -Prince Dorion came with a great retinue of knights, all dressed in -shining gold wrought in the Sun’s fiery furnace, and bringing wonderful -jewels to his bride. The Moon Queen, not to be outdone in magnificence, -showered silver in plenty upon them both, and bade one hundred of her -loveliest maidens accompany the bridal pair upon their journey. - -The wedding was so brilliant that the skies grew bright as day, and the -splendor was reflected for many miles across the heavens. When the -ceremony was over, the bride, in shining white and silver garments, came -forth from the circle of her bridesmaids to bid her mother farewell. - -Long-limbed and graceful was this daughter of the skies. Her finely cut -features showed her high-bred race. Her blond hair hung in yellow masses -to her knees, while her tender blue eyes, looking smilingly upon her -mother’s face, were radiant with happiness. Gliding swiftly forward she -reached the throne, and there, sinking on her knees, she begged her -mother’s blessing. - -Very tenderly the Queen watched her graceful child approach and kneel, -and then leaning forward she raised her to her breast and showered -caresses upon her. - -“Ethelda, best beloved,” she began, “stay not beyond your allotted time -upon the Earth. My heart misgives me when I think of your departure, and -will be heavy until you return. But see, my daughter, I have provided -for your safety as best I can, and you may come back to me whenever you -choose.” So saying, she drew the bride gently toward the window of her -white palace, and there, looking down, Ethelda saw a wonderful sight -indeed. A beautiful shimmering ladder of moonlight stretched in infinite -splendor down to the Earth. Whichever way she looked, the majestic sweep -of that brilliant ladder was before her. It reached the Ocean, whose -gigantic waves of foaming white rose to meet it, and it quivered in -dazzling glory upon the green-clad forests of the land. - -Ethelda was amazed and delighted at the wonderful sight, and throwing -her arms around her mother’s neck, she poured forth her gratitude in -loving words. “We will return soon, sweet mother,” she whispered -tenderly; “those shining steps will lead us safely back to you.” Then, -as her husband joined them, she stepped forward smilingly to greet him, -saying she was ready. - -One hundred of the Sun Prince’s knights, in trappings of gold made by -the Sun himself, and with bright shades of crimson trimmings, joined -them as she spoke. Ethelda’s maidens, in their glittering dresses of -whitest silver, followed; and joining hands with the knights, began -their magnificent wedding march to the Earth. - -Never was there a more kingly sight. Preceding the bride and bridegroom, -the gay cavalcade descended the glorious ladder of silver beams. Step by -step they wandered down the moonglade toward the Earth, and the Moon, -smiling lovingly at them, sighed again heavily as she spread her bright -pathway of silver before them. - -Now, the Earth knew of their coming, and she determined to give them a -welcome befitting their high and mighty rank. She already owed a great -debt to the Sun King, for it was his shining rays that warmed and -nourished her and made her fruitful. Most of her splendid fertility was -due to the warmth of the Sun. So she invited the whole world to meet the -bridal party, giving a grand ball in their honor. - -Her invitations were taken by the winds and swiftly carried to the four -corners of the globe. Hundreds of noble personages were asked to meet -the distinguished strangers, and all came to do them honor, bringing -cordial greetings and invitations to visit the different parts of the -world. - -The night of the ball had come. The Earth, resplendent in jewels, -awaited the arrival of her guests. The forest back of them was aglitter -with lights, for all the glow-worms and fireflies had been summoned for -the occasion, and for days they had been decorating the trees. An -orchestra of birds sang delicious music, and overhead the sky was -spangled with twinkling stars gazing in silent wonderment upon the -Earth’s splendor. - -By the side of the Earth Queen stood Prince Dorion. His suit of pure -gold shone like the Sun himself, and next to him was his beautiful -bride, the Moon Princess. She was dressed in white garments embroidered -in silver, and she was certainly a charming vision. Her gleaming yellow -hair was caught back from her forehead with a crown of flashing stars. -Her clear blue eyes, with their deep sky tints, were dancing in lights -as brilliant as her star crown itself. - -First came the Earth’s eldest son, the Ocean King, to greet them. The -Sea was a mass of fire with gleaming phosphorus, and King Ocean and his -mermaid daughters seemed to be floating in red flames as they -approached. The maidens’ long and wonderfully beautiful hair floated -behind them as they swam, and they sang the most entrancing songs. They -bore an invitation to Prince Dorion and his bride to visit them in their -marine home. And this invitation was at once accepted by the strangers. -Another invitation, accepted at once, came from Prince Dorion’s only -sister, Princess Kuldah, who lived upon the Earth with her husband. Many -more charming invitations were given them, but of course it was -impossible to accept them all. - -At last one distinguished-looking person strode forward, small of -stature and ugly to look upon. His body was dwarfed, and he had a big -hump on his back. His face was dark and glowering, and he wore a suit of -yellow leaves. All the guests moved aside to let him pass, as though -they feared him. He lived in the vast depths of the forest, amidst huge -mountains; his daily work, with his thousands of imps, was to build -those mountains big and high. Stone by stone he raised them, bleak and -barren, to the clouds. He limped as he walked, and he glared angrily at -the shrinking faces avoiding him; but he gave his invitation to the fair -guests, as the others had done, and bowed low before them as he gave it. - -An involuntary shudder ran through the lovely Princess as she heard his -words, and she clung suddenly to her husband in terror, as the black -dwarf’s eyes dwelt admiringly upon her. She felt a cold thrill of fear -at his bold glance. - -But Prince Dorion, reassuring her with a tender smile, turned to the -ugly creature, and to the astonishment of the Earth Queen and her court, -replied: “Sir Dwarf, we accept your invitation, and will gladly ride -forth with you whenever our hostess wills. The Sun King, my father, and -her Majesty the Queen of the Moon, have each sent the Earth a gift as a -glad token of our visit here, and we must place our precious gold and -silver deep within the bosom of your great mountains. There will it best -thrive and grow, increasing and benefiting the world.” - -The Moon Princess turned very pale when she heard her husband’s reply, -but the black dwarf limped away with a gratified smile upon his ugly -face. - - - - - CHAPTER II - HOW THE WEDDING GUESTS VISITED THE CAVES OF OCEAN - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -The Ocean King and his daughters came early for their guests. They had -driven fast, and their sea-horses were covered with a lather of white -foam. As they came shoreward the rising Sun dyed the sky a brilliant -pink, and for a moment the water caught its color. And then it was -delightful to watch the great rolling waves of the Sea blushing a -delicate rosy shade. Ethelda with Prince Dorion and their friends stood -on the creamy sands awaiting them. The Moon Princess wore a gown to -match her blue eyes, and its exquisite train, embroidered in silver -crescents, hung in heavy folds behind her. - -Stepping lightly into the Ocean King’s chariot, Ethelda sat beside him. -Prince Dorion followed, and very soon the whole party were comfortably -seated among the mermaids. Away they started. Some snowy birds, watching -them off, rose suddenly, and outstretching their long white wings, -floated lazily away. - -Billions of sapphire waves rolled in to meet them, but the horses sped -easily through, leaving only a broad roadway of foam behind. The shining -sun spread now over the wide expanse, and they seemed to be flying -through golden mists, while their great frothy path glittered in as many -colors as the rainbow. Farther and farther they went, deeper and deeper -grew the rich color of the great deep, until it seemed impossible it -could become bluer. Then slowly that brilliant blue changed, becoming a -clear cool green, the shade of the coldest waters. Not until then did -the Ocean King draw rein, and slowly descending, they finally stopped at -the gates of his palace. - -The palace was a wonder to behold. Its walls were built of richest -mother-of-pearl, and shaded from purest white to the most delicate rose. -Its broad staircases and wide halls were all of the same costly -material, while its trimmings and ornamentations were pearls and -diamonds of priceless worth. - - [Illustration: _The Ocean Queen came forth, with her younger children, - to greet them._ - (Page 25)] - -To keep the white light from dazzling with its splendor, the tall green -seaweeds waved about, lending a delicious, cool shade, like the green -trees on the dry land, so that everything was agreeable to the eye. - -The Ocean Queen came forth, with her younger children, to greet them, -and Ethelda thought she had never seen anything so delicately beautiful -as the Queen. Her eyes were clear as crystal pools, and her hair—a -bewildering mass of gold—floated about her, covering her almost -completely. She wore a pale green dress trimmed with magnificent pearls, -and on her head a crown of diamonds. She glided up to the strangers, and -in the softest voice bade them welcome. - -A magnificent banquet was served immediately, and then they were shown -the wonders of the sea palace. Rooms filled with costly treasures were -opened; chests of brilliant jewels were examined. - -But while the guests were enchanted with so much splendor, the King -explained that to the mermaid kingdom these heaps of diamonds and -emeralds and rubies were really not worth a single piece of coral; for -at these huge coral beds in the bottom of the sea the baby mermaids -received their education. They were taught to swim and play games and -amuse themselves, and later they lent their deft fingers to build and -carve those exquisite mountains of the sea. When the Moon maidens saw -the coral beds, they too shared the mermaids’ belief. - -The party were walking through the clear smooth waters, when presently, -ahead, they noticed a slight ruffle, and almost immediately they saw a -long pink line. It was the coral reef. As they approached they saw great -sheets of roaring foam sweep over the slippery coral, and as they passed -by the hissing white wall of foam they saw that the tiny builders had -raised their rose-colored mountains to a great height. The delicate work -was a marvel to see; it was like the weaving of finest lace-work, and -only the smartest of the mermaids were employed to carve the coral beds. - -“Can the Earth exhibit greater wonders?” exclaimed Prince Dorion. - -“We think not,” answered the Ocean King; “but perhaps it is because we -love our home so much. We have many more wonderful things we could show -you, but our time is limited, and we can only briefly display our -favorites.” - -Turning, he took from the hand of one of his daughters a beautiful -shell. Creamy and shining like satin was the outside of the curving -piece of mother-of-pearl, but its lovely lining was as pink as a -rose-leaf. Presenting it to Ethelda, the King bade her keep it to remind -her of her visit to his dwelling. “This beautiful shell, fair Princess,” -continued the King, “shares with the mermaid kingdom its great love of -home, and it carries deep in its heart the sound of the waves. It will -never lose it. No matter where it goes or how long it stays, if you but -hold it to your ear it will speak to you of us. For the deep musical -sound of the waves will always be heard singing within its depths.” - -Ethelda, delighted, thanked him for the charming gift, which she -gratefully accepted. Then continuing their walk, they arrived at the -door of a handsome palace, where the Ocean King’s only sister lived. She -was called the Princess Sea Foam, and her palace was built entirely of -pearls. Great oysters were constantly employed making these pearls for -her, and day after day they opened their wide mouths and deposited fresh -beauties at her doors. Her apartments were very elegant and all in -white, and the Ocean King’s guests were especially astonished at the -magnificence of the Princess’s clothes. She was very beautiful, for her -skin was clear and white and her features delicate and pretty. She was -small of stature, and looked more like a fairy than a mermaid, but her -dress amazed them by its beauty. It was snow-white, and was studded with -the largest and purest diamonds they had ever seen. Even her hair was -covered with precious stones, and wherever she moved, sparkles of light -burst forth. When she approached closer they discovered that the shining -jewels were not really diamonds at all, but clear and brilliant -raindrops! - -The Princess Sea Foam was in reality also the Rain Princess. Her duty -was to lie frequently upon the top of the waves and travel about, -watching the dry land and the sky. Often one sees the broad blue waters -flecked with white specks; then one knows that Sea Foam and her -companions, in their white dresses, are watching the world, to determine -when rain is needed. It is a great responsibility for such a tiny -Princess, but she has guided her millions of followers wisely, and the -Earth is well pleased with her lovely daughter’s work. - -They make the precious raindrops and then store them away in a big room -in the pearl palace. When rain is needed the doors are opened and the -skies absorb the moisture. The heavens fill with clouds,—at first -glorious, shining masses, lying against the blue sky as white and foamy -as the Princess herself on the blue waves, but later, gathering force, -they darken to a gray or black, and fall upon the Earth in a shower of -glittering drops. Over and over again must Sea Foam do this wonderful -work, but it is a work of joy, because she loves those glittering drops -of shining water. - -The Sun warms the world and gives it heat, but the Ocean must cool and -freshen it with raindrops; for all the rain that falls from the skies -must first be gathered on the Earth, and this responsibility rests on -the Ocean King’s sister, dainty little Sea Foam. - - - - - CHAPTER III - HOW THE FAIRIES WERE CHANGED INTO MOCKING-BIRDS - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -They were most reluctant to leave the beautiful world under the water, -but the Sun Prince and the Moon Princess must keep their engagements, -and there were many journeyings for them yet. The Ocean King had kept -them as long as possible in his dominions, but now he felt obliged to -let them go, and so regretfully bade them adieu. - -He had arranged in their travels about his strange and wonderful -possessions to land them in a beautiful southern country. From this spot -they would travel north toward the Valley of Enchantment, to visit the -Sun Princess, that lovely sister of Prince Dorion who was making her -home in this world. They all looked forward with much pleasure to this -visit; it seemed, in fact, to be one of their chief topics of -conversation, for they naturally desired to see the only sister of -Prince Dorion, who was famous for her great beauty. Now and then, -however, in the midst of their joyous travels, a black shadow seemed to -cross the pretty Moon Princess’s face: it was when she remembered the -promised visit to the black dwarf. Somehow she could not overcome her -horror of him, and was never reconciled to making him a visit. - -Reluctantly the company bade adieu to the Ocean King and his charming -family, and rose through the clear, limpid waters of a big Gulf. It was -a beautiful sight that met their eyes as they came to the surface in the -open sunlight. A wonderful land lay before them. Its shores were shaded -with spreading branches of magnificent live-oak trees which grew down to -the water’s edge, planting their splendid trunks in the very midst of -the curving line of yellow sand. Farther back pink crêpe-myrtles, yellow -acacias, and white Spanish daggers were scattered, and a long row of -pecan-trees kept dozens of chattering squirrels busy. Cherokee roses -bloomed in thousands, their yellow hearts showing in brilliant contrast -to their dazzling white petals. “How beautiful this country is!” said -the Princess, and every one echoed her words. - -As they landed they were greeted by the Sun Princess’s messenger, who -would guide them northward to the Valley of Enchantment. This guide -belonged to the company of Sun people who had accompanied the Sun -Princess to her new home. He proved a charming companion indeed, for he -knew everything about the countries through which they passed, and in -their travels told them many interesting facts. They learned that they -were in a southern land, on the borders of a great Gulf. They could see, -beside the live-oaks, some superb trees growing to great heights,—trees -with great long green leaves, holding big creamy blossoms that opened -like white chalices to catch the sun. One tree especially stood out in -magnificent strength. Its rough old trunk was enormous and knotted with -age, and its broad branches spread out protectingly covered with big -waxen leaves. The great tree had a dignity about it that fascinated the -Princess. As the little company walked nearer to examine it, they -noticed how the grass—soft as velvet—stretched away like a green carpet -toward the yellow marsh beyond. The nearer they came to the tree the -bigger the tree looked, and they found a round hollow in one side the -trunk, where a squirrel had hidden his nuts. “It is a magnolia-tree,” -the guide replied, in answer to their questions, “and there are many -thousands like it scattered through this southern country.” - -At that moment a sound rose upon the air, so soft and exquisite in its -melody that they held their breath to listen. It came from the branches -of the tree, and was a song of welcome from the mocking-birds. In a -moment a thousand of these little feathered songsters had joined the -chorus. Their notes rang out joyously, for they warbled and trilled in -an ecstasy of delight until the strangers thought they had never heard a -more beautiful concert. Then suddenly, while the Moon Princess listened -entranced, the music ceased as abruptly as it had begun. They heard a -flutter of soft wings, and saw above their heads a flock of tiny birds. -The birds were lovely,—a soft gray in color, with a splash of white on -the wings and tail, and as they flew away and disappeared in the -distance all became silent again. - -What a silence it was! Not a sound broke the stillness. The brilliant -sunshine danced along the ground like little sparks of fire, but not a -leaf stirred. It grew warm. The blue gulf lay like a sheet of glass in a -sort of golden mist. The heat was intense; it seemed to shimmer in a -yellow haze over everything; and then suddenly a little movement broke -the profound stillness. It came from the green-eyed, red-throated -lizards as they ran through the grass. They stopped to watch the -strangers wonderingly, but as the Moon Princess moved slightly, the -timid little creatures, affrighted, took the color of the leaf on which -they were, and lay as motionless as death! - -Then the Princess spoke softly: “This world is very wonderful; I have -never seen so many bewildering things before.” - -As they resumed their journey the guide told them the history of the -bird. - -“The mocking-bird is really the southern fairy, you know,” he began, -“and the entrancing song it sings is only the story of its life. It -tells the tale over and over again, in a delicious burst of song; as the -little children alone understand the fairies’ speech, I cannot tell all -it says, but I will repeat exactly what I have heard. Once upon a time -there dwelt in the midst of that great magnolia grove we have just left -a band of fairies. They were the lightest-hearted and happiest little -band in the world, and they had just celebrated a splendid marriage. One -of their most beautiful Princesses had married a nephew of the Queen. He -was as handsome as his bride was beautiful, and everything went merry as -a marriage bell. Now, Prince Adelstan, in spite of his high rank and -station, was always playing some prank upon some one, but his tricks -were generally good-natured, and the fairies seemed to love him the -better for his fun; he was, indeed, a great favorite with them all. Now, -when he married the dignified and beautiful Princess Verdande, every one -predicted that he would become more sober, and, as a married man, put -aside his boyish manners. - -“It really seemed just about as they prophesied. Of course, a fairy’s -life is a brilliant round of pleasure, but Prince Adelstan seemed -contented to travel the world over with his lovely wife and act just as -all well-behaved fairies should. The little people were all delighted, -of course, with the change in their favorite, and said among themselves -he was even more attractive than ever. In reality Prince Adelstan was so -absorbed in a plan he was forming for himself and bride that he had no -time to think of playing foolish pranks on others. Fairies, as you know, -are free to do exactly as they please, except for one rule, and that -rule can never be broken. Their life must be lived at night, amid -moonshine and starlight, and then they pass many gladsome hours -together; from dusk until dawn they are the merriest little people in -the world. But at the first streak of light every fairy must -vanish,—under a leaf, in the heart of a rose, behind a dewdrop, the -fairy may hide; but hide he must, and there remain sleeping until -darkness again falls upon the world. This rule in Fairyland has been -enforced for centuries, and no one, however brave, has had the hardihood -to break it. Sometimes (but very rarely), on a day when the Sun does not -shine and the Earth is covered with a white veil of mist, a fairy can -peep out, but he must be extremely careful that he is only in the mist, -for he must never see a ray of sunshine for a moment. - -“Well, can you imagine what Prince Adelstan decided to do? He determined -upon a terribly rash thing, and planned it for months. He lay awake -thinking of it, for in his excitement he could not sleep. He whispered -it at last to his beautiful bride, who trembled in his arms as she -listened. She was horrified at first, and pleaded with him to give up -his rash plan; but he was bent upon it, and after weeks of pleading from -him, she finally yielded and consented to help him. Together they -decided to elude the fairies and break the law; for their rash -determination was no less than this—to see the Sun rise. - -“Night after night they discussed it, and one beautiful moonlight one, -when they had danced until dawn, and the other fairies, exhausted, had -slipped into the hearts of the magnolia blossoms to sleep, Prince -Adelstan and Princess Verdande stole carefully down to the waters of the -Gulf, and, breathless with curiosity, awaited the coming of the Sun. - -“Never shall they forget that morning. The waters of the Gulf looked -steely gray in the first faint light of dawn. A pearly white mist was -lifting slowly from them, and melting as it lifted. The little bride -caught her breath with admiration as the cold steel-gray of the water -slowly changed into a delicate, warm pink, for the Gulf, like a great -mirror, was reflecting all the lights in the sky. The sea-shell pink of -the faint dawn heralded the approach of the Sun. Gradually the delicate -coloring grew a deeper rose, until the white clouds overhead seemed dyed -in crimson. The waters lay still and silent; hardly a ripple disturbed -their serenity. Presently long, piercing rays crept across the sky, -while all the colors of the rainbow seemed to blend and mix together. -Gradually the world grew brighter and brighter. Then suddenly out of the -shining water rose a great red ball of fire! The Princess clung to her -husband, for, beautiful as it was, she was surprised and frightened. The -Sun mounted slowly into the sky, casting his brilliant rays across the -heavens, and at the same time great slanting streaks of yellow beams -danced before their bewildered eyes. The waters of the Gulf were -marvellous to see, for they glistened like millions of flashing -diamonds. The two fairies stood amazed at the magnificent sight before -them, for even Fairyland has nothing more beautiful than the sunrise. - -“Presently a flock of white sea-gulls rose shrieking from the sands, and -Prince Adelstan and his wife (startled by the sudden noise, and abashed -by their terrible disobedience) tried to hide behind a blade of grass. -Alas! what was their horror to discover that they could not. They had -grown much larger, and they realized in despair that they could no -longer hide under the flowers; their wings, too, had disappeared, and -they knew they were banished from Fairyland. Then their sorrow began, -for, try as they did, they could find no trace of their brother and -sister fairies. - -“There was a dreamy stillness everywhere, and the flowers were very -tempting in the early morning dew; but alas! those flowers no longer -formed a home for the disobedient fairies. Hand in hand they wandered, -and for miles they stumbled sadly along, until at last they reached the -edge of a great marsh. The green and yellow grasses there were scarcely -moving, and lovely tints were shimmering in a hazy amber splendor. The -unruffled waters of the bayou, as it ran curling around the rushes, -gleamed in spots of silver. The world took on new beauties beneath the -Sun, but the unhappy Princess and her husband could not enjoy them. They -journeyed about in misery until they found the gnarled old -magnolia-tree. They hid themselves in its hollow trunk. - -“The fairies, of course, had missed them, and knew perfectly well of -their misfortunes, but the Queen’s heart was hardened against them -because of their dreadful disobedience. However, the band of little -fairies, in spite of all, united in deep sympathy for their erring -brother and sister, and they prayed the Queen to grant them pardon. The -Queen’s heart softened a little at last, for after all the Prince was a -beloved nephew; but even she had not full power to restore them to -Fairyland. The law once broken, full penance must be done; for -disobedience is a dreadful crime in Fairyland. - -[Illustration: “_They threw themselves at her feet, begging for pardon_.” - (Page 41)] - -“Late one night, when the Moon was high in the blue sky, and the world -was flooded with silver, when the bright stars flashed out like millions -of dancing points of fire, the two unhappy culprits crept out from the -hollow of the magnolia-tree. The fairies were holding high festival, -feasting on rose-leaves and drinking the dew from tiny acorn cups. -Thousands of them were dancing in and out of the moonlight, and their -bright wings flashed gold and silver lights wherever they moved. Their -wands, too, sparkled and glittered as if they were on fire. The exiled -Prince and Princess gazed sadly upon it all, seeing now fully what they -had lost; but alas! it was too late. They knew quite well their bulky -forms without wings could never again become as light and airy as before -their disobedience. Swiftly, however, they ran forward, and before the -astonished Queen had time to escape, they threw themselves at her feet, -begging for pardon. The Queen frowned as she listened to the story of -their disobedience, and the other fairies shuddered when they heard of -the great crime. Still, her Majesty loved her nephew and his bride, and -her heart was heavy as she heard the sad tale. The Queen was unusually -handsome that night, and seated on a throne of moss-rose buds, she -seemed very far above the culprits at her feet. Her white-and-silver -dress sparkled brilliantly against the bright pink of the rosebuds, and -the green leaves about them were so covered with dew that they seemed to -be made of frosted silver. - -“‘Alas! my dear children,’ she began sadly, ‘I have not the power to -make you fairies again. You have lost Fairyland forever by your act of -disobedience. Once banished, you cannot be recalled; beside, were it -possible for me to admit you again to Fairyland, you would never be -happy with us again. You have seen the glorious sunrise once, and -nothing in Fairyland is so beautiful. You would constantly long for that -magnificent sight again. But,’ she added thoughtfully, ‘perhaps I can -render you perfectly happy in some other form upon the Earth, and in -this way restore your contentment.’ - -“Tremblingly Prince Adelstan and his bride bade her change them, for, -miserable as they were, they knew she spoke the truth. They would never -be happy in Fairyland again; they would always long to see the sunrise. -Then silence fell upon them all, as the Queen slowly raised her -glittering wand. - -“Presently there arose upon the stillness of the night a most glorious -sound. It was the mocking-bird raising its voice in thanksgiving and -praise for happiness found again. Again and again those delicious sounds -floated out on the air, filling the night with sweetness, until the very -fairies stood breathless to listen. It seemed marvellous that so much -sweetness of sound could be contained in such a tiny body; but the -little songsters trilled and sang in glorious delight. - -“Only in this land of sunshine and magnolias will you find this -wonderful bird. It never wanders far from the Gulf. It flourishes best -amid the magnolias, and it fills the southern woods with music. It sings -at all hours; at night, when the Moon is looking kindly down upon the -Earth, and the Earth is serenely smiling to the Moon, its clear notes -ring out joyously, until even the stars from their glittering palaces -lean down to listen. But it is at the witching hour of dawn that the -most wonderful of its melodies is heard. Then it awakens to watch again -that miracle of the world, the mystery of the rising Sun, and as the -golden spears of light streak the heavens, cutting away the white veil -of mist and coloring the skies with rainbow hues, its glorious voice -rings out and floods the world with music; for at that hour the -mocking-bird is telling over and over again the story of that -magnificent sight—the sunrise.” - - - - - CHAPTER IV - THE LITTLE DWELLERS IN THE MARSH - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -As the guide finished his charming description of the southern -nightingale, he pointed out to them the marsh. It was a strange-looking -place, and Ethelda asked many questions concerning it. Why was it -dangerous to cross? Why must they skirt the marsh and go around it, as -they were doing? It was much the shorter way to cut right across it, but -instead, they walked miles out of their way to reach the other side. -Their guide assured them that the marsh was not so charming as it -looked. Down amid its dark cypresses, where the jagged palmetto fans and -latanier grew, and where the tall rushes and reeds were so fine that, -swaying softly under the breeze, they looked like moving water, but -water dyed in emerald and topaz tints—lurked many dangers. Rattlesnakes -and toads and deadly insects made it their home, and the ground was all -a quagmire, so that stepping on it they would sink deep in mud and -slime, and perhaps die there. - -“Oh,” said the Princess, “how awful! Does nothing nice live there? Those -beautiful tiger-lilies and big purple passion-flowers bloom so -charmingly, surely there must be something there to enjoy them.” - -“Well,” answered the guide, “the birds frequently nest there, and the -great pelicans and cranes hide in it; but beside them there are only -three respectable families that I know of who ever enter it.” - -“Who are they?” asked Ethelda, deeply interested at once. - -“Why, the first family I mean,” replied the Sun messenger, “is the -Crayfish family. Deep down in the black slime live this family, who -delight in digging and burrowing in the mud. They live in very black -dirt, but a happier family it would be hard to find. They are splendid -little housekeepers, too, and spend most of their mornings in their own -homes, trying to build up and beautify their houses, and they never -meddle with any one else. Any time of day you can see their bright eyes -peering out of their mud windows wonderingly. The Crayfish babies are -very tiny, and are carefully and tenderly watched. They never are -allowed to play with others, and cannot leave their mother’s side a -single minute until they are five years old. Indeed, they hold on to her -sides until that age. By that time they are considered grown, and can -care for themselves and choose their own friends. On this account, -perhaps, the Crayfishes don’t visit much, because with a dozen children -clinging to her the mother is hardly a welcome guest anywhere; the -Crayfishes have few friends in consequence. The Mud-Turtles, I believe, -are about their only callers, and only through them do they occasionally -hear of the outside world.” - -“How comical!” laughed a pretty Moon maiden. “Now tell us about the -other families.” - -“The head of the other family,” said the guide, “is very interesting -indeed. He is a queer little animal called Opossum; he looks like a rat, -but is larger than a cat. He spends the day lazily, sleeping among the -foliage of trees, or in hollows of their trunks or boughs. His fur is -nearly black, but little white patches about his face give him a most -wise appearance. He brought his family, consisting of a wife and sixteen -small babies, and started housekeeping on the edge of the swamp. The -babies are not as big as mice, but they are the sweetest little furry -things you ever saw. They cuddle up so nicely together, and just wait to -be fed. Of course Mother ’Possum has her hands pretty full watching and -caring for sixteen small children, so it devolves on the father to -provide food for them; and every night he runs around the country -looking for something to eat. He is really a devoted father, but he is -not fond of work; and how to feed a wife and sixteen babies without work -is a very hard problem to solve. So I am sorry to tell you Mr. ’Possum -often steals his food, that being the easiest way to get it, and nothing -appeals to him so strongly as a tender young chicken. - -“Now, the third family dwelling in the marsh are the Raccoons. Mrs. -’Possum has a great contempt for this same neighbor of hers, and they -are not on very friendly terms. Mrs. ’Possum is a splendid housekeeper, -but Mrs. Raccoon cares nothing at all about her home. True, she builds -her house carefully in the topmost branches of a tree, but having done -that, she considers her duty ended, and seldom occupies it. ‘Any old -place is good enough to sleep in,’ she says; and just so she can find a -spot with water enough to moisten her food before eating it, she is -content. Therefore she wanders around, with the little Raccoons, -anywhere and everywhere, and when they get tired they just creep under -some old log and go to sleep. Of course Mother ’Possum, with her strict -ideas of housekeeping, thinks this careless habit no way to live or to -bring up children; but whenever Mrs. ’Possum reproaches Mrs. Raccoon -with being a slipshod housekeeper and a gadabout, Mrs. Raccoon -invariably replies, ‘Have you ever noticed how soft and fine my fur is, -and how many beautiful rings I wear on my tail?’—for she is awfully -vain. Then she flourishes her tail around, and whisking about, shows off -the pretty black and white rings she carries, to the best possible -advantage, until Mrs. ’Possum in disgust sends all the little ’Possums -scurrying away, fearing lest they become vain and worldly like the -Raccoons. But with the exception of the Raccoons and the Crayfishes, the -Opossum family own the big yellow and green marsh.” - - - - - CHAPTER V - THE RAINBOW SISTERS - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -As the guide messenger told all these tales of the marsh, the Moon -Princess and her companions noticed they were gradually leaving the -southern land; for of course such wonderful beings as Moon Princesses -and messengers of Sun Princesses travel much faster than mortals, and -they were travelling rapidly. They seemed to be in the midst of a -charming forest of long, cool shadows and crystal springs. - -“What place is this?” asked Prince Dorion, stopping to admire the long, -cool vista of trees ahead. - -“O, this,” replied the guide carelessly,—“this forest was once the abode -of the Rainbow Sisters.” - -“Who were they?” innocently inquired a dainty Moon maiden, tripping -lightly along. - -“Would you like to hear about them?” asked the guide. - -“O, yes,” replied all the Moon maidens in chorus, “do tell us all about -them.” - - -“Once upon a time, in a charming country, a delightful people lived. The -skies were clear as crystal, and the Sun shone brightly out of them. -Great palm groves grew green and beautiful, and curious flowers sprang -up in marvellous bits of color. There was a strange and fascinating -beauty about this land. Even the rocky hills edging the big broad desert -that stretched for miles away, barren of the smallest green blade of -grass to make them pretty, were not ugly. Yellow as gold they sparkled -in the bright sunshine, rich and mellow against the paler sand beyond. -The country lay near a large blue sea, and through its many cities ran a -splendid shining river. Now, every one of the clear, cool drops of this -smiling stream was precious as diamonds to the people, for, beautiful as -their land was (and it was superb with its splendid mosques and temples -and rich with jewels and carvings), it lacked one thing that the rest of -the world enjoyed,—never a drop of rain fell there. - -“For more years than you could count, the trees and the flowers had -never tasted a cool sweet drink from the skies. The heavens were always -blue and clear, for the Sun shone brilliantly out of them every day. -Sometimes a cloud might form, but if it did, it floated by white as the -foam on the sea, never dark or black. - -“Now, you may think that golden sunshine and blue skies are very lovely -things to possess, but the people tired of having them all the time. -They felt that a nice shower of rain occasionally, even if it came out -of an ugly black cloud, would be better than all the pink and violet and -green shades of their clear heavens. The only thing that saved their -trees and their gardens from burning up as in the dry heat of the -desert, and that gave them water, was the glorious big river flowing by. -No wonder, then, they loved and prized its drops. Broad and long, it ran -through the country, and curled in silver splashes about the banks. -Twice every year it overflowed, and then, with feasting and joy, they -caught it in pools and canals dug to hold and preserve the precious -liquid. In this way they kept the gardens green and lovely, but oh, the -work was so hard! Thousand of poor slaves labored day and night to -accomplish it. The kind-hearted king offered a big reward to any one who -would devise some way to make rain fall in his country, and many wise -men spent days and nights studying over the great question. Big trees -were planted to catch and draw the moisture, and many other means were -tried, but in spite of all these doings the clouds sailed by, as fleecy -and white as snow. - -“So things went on for many years, and still no rain ever came. Now, the -king had an only son, to whom he was perfectly devoted. The child was -very beautiful, and was also wise, as a prince should be. It was a -common thing to see the handsome little fellow standing in the midst of -a grave council of men, listening to their words of wisdom. He never -seemed to tire of their long discussions, and would remain, solemn and -silent, among them, instead of playing with the children about him. Thus -he grew in wisdom and strength to manhood, but he was seldom seen at the -court balls and festivals, preferring to wander about among the -beautiful mosques of his father’s city, or to stand on one of their -daintily carved minarets and gaze across the yellow sands of the desert. -Often he would remain thus for hours, and though his eyes were looking -far out over the appalling yet wonderful beauty of the desert, his -thoughts were always only of how he might solve the riddle of his -country, and bring it the cool drops of rain it so earnestly wanted. -This one idea absorbed him utterly, he could think literally of nothing -else, for he noticed with sorrow how terribly hard his father’s slaves -toiled to carry the precious water from the river when they tilled the -ground. - -“One day, shortly after he was grown, he was sitting beneath the shadow -of a great pyramid, and was planning and musing on the one question -always uppermost in his mind. The day was warm; the desert around him -shimmered in a golden haze. The yellow hills were so bright beneath the -noonday sun that his eyes fairly ached as he watched them, and it was a -relief to turn from their glittering lights toward the cool, flowing -river, and watch a fringe of feathery, waving palms. ‘Oh, for the dark -shadow of a cloud,’ he murmured, ‘to soften all this glare!’ - - [Illustration: “_They circled together, dressed in the vivid colors of - the rainbow._” - (Page 57)] - -“He had not spoken aloud, and yet he heard a musical sound as though in -answer to his wish. He turned quickly, and saw a wonderful sight. The -desert had disappeared, and he was looking into a shadowy green forest, -with crystal springs. Clear, limpid streams of water ran through the -woods, and beautiful flowers were blooming. Farther along in the -distance he saw a big mountain, dark and gray, and yet all about its -sides grew pretty green ferns. Looking closely, he observed that there -was an opening in its side, and through this opening came the music of a -flute. As he watched more closely he saw a lovely maiden come slowly -forth. She was dressed in a brilliant gown of orange color, and her -flowing robes floated softly about her. Her hair hung in waves of gold, -and on her forehead flashed a beautiful star. In her hand she carried a -wand, but the wand was so curious that he forgot the beauty of the -maiden in noticing it. It was long and slender, and seemed to be made of -pure gold and laden with jewels; but it was not this wealth of -glistening gold that attracted him, it was a curious cloud of white mist -that curled and floated away from it each time that she waved it aloft. -He had never seen anything so peculiar before. Each white cloud that -floated away nestled among the hollow places in the hills like a thin -veil, or hovered over the babbling streams in the forest. While he was -watching the mysterious cloudlets from the magical wand, a second -maiden, more beautiful than the first, followed, dressed in a pale blue -gown, and having, like the first, a brilliant star on her forehead. She -also carried a jewel-laden wand, and it sent forth similar mysterious -white clouds. Then came a third, dressed in a brilliant red; and -another, in soft green; and still another, in charming violet; and so -on, until seven beautiful creatures stood together, dressed in the seven -vivid colors of the rainbow. They formed a ring, and slowly moved -together in a circle about an open space before the mountain. Lightly -stepping, thus they danced, always in a circle, and always gazing -intently toward the opening in the mountain through which they had come. - -“Presently, as they gazed expectantly, Prince Asgard saw coming toward -them the most exquisite creature he had ever beheld. She was tall and -slender, and her graceful form seemed to dance along rather than walk. -She was dressed in some soft, clinging material of pure white, shading -to a glittering silver, and the girdle confining her waist looked like a -bit of the blue sky itself, it was so dainty. Her hair was like that of -the other maidens, and looked like spun gold, and it was so fine that it -glistened wonderfully as she moved. Her slippers were pale blue, and -embroidered with silver threads. A brilliant star on each slipper -flashed like a big diamond as she danced along. A tiny golden crown held -her hair in place, and seven glittering stars encircled her head. Her -wand was of frosted silver, and as she waved it, the soft vapor rolled -away in white clouds, as it did before the wands of the other maidens. -As she appeared, the seven other maidens broke into a song of gladness, -singing in a clear, high tone these words:— - - Little Sister, fair and dear, - Born of seven colors clear, - Welcome! In our round of pleasure - You’re to us the dearest treasure; - Out into the world we’ll send - Mist and clouds of white that blend. - -The silver maid replied, singing:— - - Dearest sisters of my race, - I come forth to your embrace; - Faithful, tender, always true, - Shall my love be unto you. - -Then they all danced a wonderful dance while singing together:— - - Let the foaming clouds on high - Fall in raindrops from the sky; - Let the lightning’s fire flash, - Come, with thunder’s awful crash! - Let the cooling rains thus sink, - Giving earth her crystal drink! - -“As they moved together in graceful steps and in perfect rhythm to the -music of the song, Prince Asgard saw a wonderful arch or bow form across -the cloudlets that had arisen from their wands. It was a magnificent -rainbow, and each of the seven distinct colors was matched in shade by a -dress worn by one of the maidens. Their flowing draperies blended -bewitchingly and mixed together in pretty confusion as they danced, -making thus a complete circle of rainbow colors. It was an exquisite -sight, and the Prince marvelled at it, and wondered what it all meant. -Presently the maiden who had first appeared, and who seemed to be the -eldest and the leader of the sisters, waved her wand aloft and -approached the silver maid, and taking her hand, led her into the middle -of the circle. The circle then formed again, and continued dancing -around the little white Princess. For several minutes they danced; then -each in turn, beginning with the eldest, tenderly clasped the silver -maiden in her arms and kissed her on the brow, and then ran lightly into -the opening in the side of the mountain. - -“The silver maid stood one moment longer, smiling and lovingly watching -her sisters, then she, too, tripped lightly toward the mountain, as -though to follow them. But, as if a sudden thought had come to her, she -turned abruptly and glided toward Prince Asgard. His heart was beating -with excitement as he watched her, and he held his breath with -admiration, for he had never seen any one before so wondrously -beautiful. - -“In a moment she was beside him, and he noticed her eyes were sparkling -and blue as the girdle she wore. - -“‘O, Prince of the Southern Lands,’ she began, in musical tones, ‘you -have witnessed the dance of the Rainbow Sisters—a sight forbidden to -mortals. We live in an enchanted mountain in the heart of a great -forest. Our mother is the beautiful Sea Foam, whom you have often -watched in her white dress upon the ocean. We help our mother with her -work, but our home is in the deep recesses of these lovely woods. Never -before has a mortal eye seen these woods nor witnessed our sacred dance -in them. From our magical wands float out the mists to form the -cloud-world. Upward they travel, gathering moisture as they go, and -floating across the blue heavens, they fall again in refreshing rain -upon the earth. But our precious mist-clouds never fall in your country. -We will never send them there again unless, unless—’ and she hesitated -in the most charming and provoking manner in the world. - -“‘Unless what, O beautiful Princess of the Silver Gown?’ eagerly asked -the Prince. - -“‘Alas, that I may not tell you,’ replied the little Princess, growing -grave. ‘This only may I add: Once, in the long ago, your people did a -great wrong, and were very rude to my sisters. It was their custom then -to dance publicly, once a year. Always, your people gathered to watch -them, and with pleasure my sisters danced before them, and with their -magical wands they sent out the mist-clouds far and wide. Refreshing -rain fell in your midst then as elsewhere, and everything was joyous and -charming. But your people were rude and offended my sisters sorely, and -never again will they visit you or dance before mortals. All your -methods to bring rain into your country will fail, your schemes will -come to naught, and until my sisters relent and forgive, the clouds will -continue to sail across your blue skies as white as the flecks of foam -on the sea.’ - -“‘Never shall the rain fall in my country?’ echoed the young man sadly. -‘Never? Then, O beautiful Princess,’ he added despondently, ‘shall I -never see you again?’ For at that moment the Prince forgot his great -problem, how to bring rain to his country, and thought only (with a -heavy heart) that he would lose sight of the little Princess of the -Silver Dress. - -“‘Never, O Prince,’ replied the Princess gravely, ‘unless—’ then she -smiled suddenly, showing her teeth like gleaming pearls between her red -lips,—‘never unless you find us again, and—’ - -“‘And what?’ the Prince demanded earnestly. - -“‘Alas,’ replied the silver maid, again grave, ‘I cannot tell you. There -is one thing alone that might cause them to return to your country, but -it seems so impossible, that it will never happen, I am sure; and -beside, I cannot tell you what it is.’ - -“‘O,’ replied the Prince earnestly, ‘I will find it out. No obstacle on -earth will prove too hard, and you may be sure nothing will prevent my -finding you, beautiful Princess.’ - -“‘I wish you success,’ sweetly replied the Silver Princess, and then, as -she spoke these words, she blushed a vivid crimson. - -“She was so beautiful as she stood thus before him, blushing and smiling -at the same time, that the Prince, falling on his knees, begged her to -give him a sign by which he might hope to see her again and win her -love. - -“She tore off a piece of her blue girdle, and dropping it on the earth, -put her foot lightly upon it. ‘I leave you a flower,’ she said, ‘may it -comfort you. Forget me not’; and saying this, she disappeared. - -“The Prince rubbed his eyes, for as she vanished he found himself again -gazing at the feathery green palms across the big river, and looking -around, found the yellow desert stretching in boundless sands to meet -the horizon. The forest, the mountain, all had gone. But as he turned -away from the great tawny hills in despair, he saw at his feet a tiny -bit of blue. Stooping, he picked up the prettiest flower he had ever -seen. It was as blue as the silver maid’s eyes, and as he held it to his -lips he repeated her words, ‘Forget me not’; and since that day the -little flower has always been called the forget-me-not. - -“Now, as Prince Asgard went home he pondered deeply on what he had seen, -and gaining the consent of his father and the wise men of the country, -he gathered together a great army and started out into the world in -quest of the unknown princesses. No person believed he would succeed in -finding the Rainbow Sisters or in bringing rain into the country. The -story of the Rainbow Maidens was well known to the wise men, but they -counted it a myth, a fairy tale, and they smiled among themselves when -they heard that Prince Asgard believed it firmly. But they did not -object to his trying: it would do no harm; and in the meanwhile they -would still study and devise other methods. - -“Prince Asgard said good-bye to his father and the people, and at the -head of a great army sparkling in gold and silver helmets and shields, -he started on his journey. He was going to look for the Rainbow Sisters -because his country needed rain, yet in his heart he knew it was because -of love for the youngest and prettiest of those sisters that he was so -eagerly searching. - -“The army travelled everywhere throughout the world. By sea and by land -they went, and they had many wonderful adventures. Tigers and wolves, -bears and panthers, attacked them, and strange people told them they -were on a foolish quest, but they did not heed such remarks, and -continued on their way. But after several years had passed, and they -seemed no nearer the Rainbow Mountain, the soldiers became discontented, -and said it was a foolish trip after all, and begged to be allowed to -return to their own homes. The strange countries through which they -passed taught them much, and they often saw rain and splendid storms; -yet when some of their fine ships were wrecked and lost at sea, many of -them felt that perhaps it was pleasanter after all to be in a country -where only sand-storms of the desert were known. One by one the soldiers -were released by Prince Asgard from their promises; they returned to -their homes, and at last the Prince was entirely alone. But he was not -discouraged. Determined and brave, he vowed he would never give up the -search, and he started out again with renewed courage to find the -beautiful Princess of the Silver Dress. - -“He wandered many months, but without success. At last one night he -stood, almost despairing, on the edge of a dark forest. He had just made -up his mind that he would live and die in a foreign country, because he -would never go back to his own home until he found the Silver Princess. -‘O beautiful Princess,’ he said aloud, ‘some way I shall find you and -prevail upon you to marry me, for I can never be happy without you’; and -yet as he said it, it seemed to him almost an impossibility. - -“He entered the forest and sat down within its gloomy depths to rest a -while. The Moon was just rising, and in a little while her bright rays -penetrated the black density of the trees. Little patches of silver lay -along the ground, and a light wind stirring the trees made the silver -rays dance along, until the earth seemed sprinkled with millions of -shining jewels. He was watching the pretty sight intently, for it made -him think of the dress of silver that the little Princess wore. He was -so absorbed that he was considerably startled when he heard a musical -sound such as he had heard on the edge of the desert. - -“Looking up quickly, he beheld, to his amazement and joy, the same big -mountain, and heard the rippling waters of the crystal streams flowing -over the rocks. He could hardly breathe, he was so excited, and so -fearful lest it should prove a dream. - -“But again the beautiful sister emerged as before. Her magical wand sent -forth its cloud-vapors as she danced forward; again the other lovely -maidens followed, and again they formed a ring of rainbow brilliancy. -The Prince sat expectant and trembling. Would the Silver Princess -appear? A moment more and the little Princess tripped out, more -beautiful than ever. Her silver dress gleamed and sparkled in shining -light as she floated forward. Her eyes were tender and blue, and her -dainty girdle, with its touch of color, bound her slender waist. Her -lovely arms shone white and firm through the thin gauze of her dress. -Butterflies floated about her, airy, exquisite things, marvellous in -color, and lighting on her hair and shoulders, gave a curiously -beautiful touch to the picture. - -“Her sisters greeted her lovingly and tenderly, as before, and they then -began their graceful and mysterious dance. Clouds of vapor rolled about -them as they moved, until the forest was enveloped in a misty veil; but -through it all the dazzling dresses and graceful forms could be plainly -seen. Then, as the dancing drew to a close, the rainbow circle shining -lovely through the mist, the seven dancers, each in turn, stooped, and -clasping the Silver Princess in their arms, kissed her caressingly. - -“Prince Asgard remembered with an aching heart that this parting kiss -was a signal for their disappearance, and fearing he might lose the -beauteous maid again, he darted forward impulsively. He hardly knew what -he intended to do; he had formed no idea beyond the fact that he would -speak to her, appeal to her to remain by his side. At the moment he -sprang forward there was a fearful cry from the seven sisters, and -turning, they fled to the mountain side, urging the Silver Princess to -follow. She stood dismayed, and trembling in every limb, and then, with -a little low cry of terror, she followed swiftly. But whether she was -confused or frightened, she stumbled as she ran, and fell upon the -earth. - -“At that moment Prince Asgard reached her side and lifted her gently to -her feet. She turned so pale as he assisted her that he held her for a -moment in his arms to support her, fearing she would faint, and -anxiously asked if she were ill. - -“‘Alas, no,’ she replied, as she drew away from him, ‘but you have done -a very terrible thing.’ - -“At that moment a sad and mournful cry arose from the heart of the -mountain, and the seven sisters floated out slowly and surrounded the -Silver Princess. She threw herself on her knees before them, but they -did not touch her. It seemed as though they feared to do so. She -implored them to touch her with their hands, to kiss her, but they only -sang a sad refrain in answer to her prayers. - - Little sister, mortal now, - Alas, we cannot kiss your brow. - Still for ever shall abide - In your sky a rainbow guide; - And the love we have for you - Now and always shall be true. - -Then, tenderly kissing their hands to her, they floated off and -disappeared in the mist. - -“‘What does it mean?’ said Asgard tenderly, lifting the Silver Princess -from her knees. ‘Why are you so unhappy? I love you with all my heart, -little Princess. Will you not consent to marry me? Ask your sisters to -spare you, for I cannot live without you.’ - -“‘Alas,’ she replied, ‘my sisters have gone for ever from my sight. When -you first touched me I became a mortal like you, and I cannot now return -to them.’ - -“‘O, little Princess, do not be sad,’ replied the Prince, ‘for you have -made me so happy by remaining. Surely you will not refuse now to marry -me?’ - -“‘No,’ replied the Silver Princess, smiling through her tears. ‘I am an -earth maiden now, and I love you. But though I am happy to be with you, -I am sorry to lose them. Our dear mother warned them that some day I -would love a mortal, and they have feared you since the night I spoke to -you in the desert. That was the condition I could not tell you,’ she -added shyly. ‘Your touch would make me mortal, and as you lifted me in -your arms when I fell, I became an earth maiden and lost my fairy -nature. But you have solved the riddle of your country, for when we -enter it together, you will find that rain will follow. My sisters love -me dearly, and for my sake will forgive your people. They will follow me -to my new home, and though we shall never see them again, the reflection -from their brilliant dresses will glow in the sky. As the rainbow, they -will arch the heavens when we arrive, to show me they are near to -welcome us.’ And sure enough, when Prince Asgard and the beautiful -maiden of the silver dress (who was called Hyndla) entered the land of -lotus flowers and acacias, they saw, arching the heavens, a magnificent -rainbow. - -“The people greeted them with cries of joy, and gave them a magnificent -wedding, for they were grateful to Princess Hyndla and her seven -sisters, and they had learned all about her in messages from Prince -Asgard. On the day he and the Princess Hyndla appeared, a great white -cloud hovering over the city suddenly turned black, and fell in millions -of sparkling drops upon their fields, and the splendid rainbow soon -afterward arched the skies. - -“The Princess Hyndla grew more beautiful each day, and as she was wise -as she was charming, you may be sure her husband loved her dearly. -Together they planted row after row of handsome trees to remind them of -Hyndla’s forest home; those green trees brought cool shadows, and when -the clouds floated low to kiss them, the broad branches caught and held -the moisture. Ever after, rain frequently fell in the land. - -“Years later, when the children of Hyndla and Asgard were old enough, -they played in the palace gardens, and romped merrily beneath those same -shade trees, and sometimes they whispered lovingly to each other the -romantic story of their beautiful mother and her rainbow sisters.” - - - - - CHAPTER VI - HOW THE SUN PRINCESS CAME TO THE EARTH - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -“Oh, how charming the Rainbow Sisters must be!” said Ethelda, “and how I -love to hear you tell these wonderful stories of the Earth! Do you know -any more?” - -“Yes,” replied the guide, smiling, “a good many more, but what would you -like to hear about?” - -“Won’t you tell us of how the Sun Princess happened to come to this -world?” interrupted a dainty little Moon maiden; “I really have never -heard it exactly, and as we are going to visit her, perhaps Princess -Ethelda will let us all hear about it?” - -“Most willingly,” replied Ethelda; “I know the wonderful story almost by -heart, of course, but I never tire of it,” she added, looking tenderly -at Prince Dorion the while. - -So the guide, with this permission, began:— - -“In the Land of the Sun there was once a Palace of Wisdom, where all the -science in the universe could be studied. Of course this Palace of -Wisdom became very famous. Far and wide it was heard of, so that from -all parts came representative young men to study and become wise. Now, -the ruler of the Sun lands was a powerful king, possessing many sons, -but only one daughter, the Princess Kuldah. She was a maiden of -wonderful beauty. Her countenance was so exquisitely lovely, that all -who looked upon her immediately fell in love with her. This caused the -young Princess, as well as her father, great annoyance, because her -suitors became legion. One day, however, with the help of her maidens -she wove a veil of delicate texture, which completely concealed her -features. In this way, she was enabled to go and come throughout her -father’s vast possessions in comparative ease. - -“Notwithstanding her great indifference toward her lovers, kings and -princes sought her hand in marriage, but her father (who adored her and -could deny her nothing) was secretly well content that she chose none of -them, but remained always in his dominions with him. - -“Tall and of majestic appearance, the Princess Kuldah looked the -daughter of the Sun King. Her eyes were brown and large, with brilliant -lights within, and her curling brown hair, falling below her waist, had -caught a little of the golden fire of the Sun. Her gleaming white teeth -looked like pretty little pearls when she smiled. Indeed, she was a -queenly sight as she drove in her handsome chariot toward the Fire -Mountains. - -“These mountains were a great range of gorgeous-hued stones, piled very -high. Rising in blazing splendor, they perpetually sent forth their red -beams in dazzling streams of light across the Sun country. But the heat -and glare of her home—which would have burned and killed an earth -maiden—were but life-giving elements to the Sun Princess. She loved the -glitter of her country, and no glare seemed too great for her. The -palace where she dwelt was built of the brightest, yellowest gold to be -found, and she moved through it a splendid vision of beauty. - -“Her favorite ride was toward the Fire Mountains. One morning as she -drove the fiery steeds toward their flaming heights her horses became -unmanageable. Pull as she would, she could not control them; they went -like the wind at his greatest fury. She had outrun all her companions in -her mad race, and she was in the most imminent danger of being killed. -At this critical moment there arose in her path a tall and handsome -young man. The horses were as startled as the young Princess at this -sudden appearance, and for a moment, in alarm, slackened their speed. It -was in this second of hesitation that the young man leaped into the -chariot beside Kuldah, and snatched the reins from her hands. It took -but a few moments of his great strength to subdue the enraged animals -completely, and in a little while they were trotting along quietly, as -if nothing had happened. - -“Then of course the grateful Princess turned to thank her preserver. In -her excitement (when she had lost control of the horses), she had thrown -back her veil, and the young man found himself steadily gazing into her -beautiful countenance. Strive as he would, he could not resist the love -that surged in his heart as he looked upon her. But although he was -falling in love rapidly, he had heard too much of the haughty Princess’s -coldness and indifference to feel sure of winning her. He guessed at -once it was she, because he had heard she was the loveliest being in the -Sun world, but he determined he would not yield to her influence and -become one of her suitors. The Princess’s own feelings, when she looked -at the young man, surprised her very much. He was so modest and -dignified, and withal so handsome and charming, that she could not help -wondering who he was. He was certainly not one of her suitors, for she -had never seen him before. This young man, too, seemed quite indifferent -to her attractions, and talked to her very seriously about driving her -horses, and showed her how to manage the reins in case they tried to run -away again. She might have been just a plain girl for all the admiration -he showed. At first this indifference pleased her; later she rebelled a -little against it. - -“She learned he was a young Prince who had been studying in the Palace -of Wisdom. This astonished her still more, for although he had been in -her country some time he had never sought her out at all. He had come to -the land of the Sun to study its fire and flame, and he was evidently -absorbed only in that study. The Princess was so astonished to learn all -these facts, and to observe his indifference to her famous beauty (which -was proved by his not seeking her hand in marriage), that she forgot to -lower her veil, and sat talking to him much longer than she otherwise -would have done. Finally remembering, she covered her face, but not -before she had asked him to call at the palace and let her father thank -him properly for having saved her life. - -“The young man secretly determined he would not accept her invitation, -for he had already learned to love her, and feared the usual fate of her -suitors. However, when the hour approached the next day he could not -resist the temptation to see once more the lovely Princess; after that -he found many excuses to call, and managed each day to see her. - -“But the wonderful part of it all was, that Kuldah took as much pleasure -in his company as he did in hers. So later, when he asked her to marry -him she said yes, right on the spot, fearing to delay, lest he might go -off and become as indifferent as he was at first, and never come back -again. - -“He was very happy when she said yes, and thus far everything had gone -very smoothly for them both; but when they went in to see the old King -their troubles began. Kuldah was wreathed in smiles, and Prince Minio -looked very happy and proud. The old King, who had never supposed for -one minute that his daughter would accept any man,—having refused so -many,—had one day rashly promised all the suitors that, if she ever made -a choice, they should each have a fair chance to win her. This, of -course, was the cause of the lovers’ trouble now. The Princess was -indignant that her father should have made such a promise about her. She -considered herself free to choose for herself. So she stormed and wept -about it as only a Sun Princess could do, and declared she would never, -never marry any man but the man she loved. - -“But her old father, who was so indulgent and yielding with her usually, -remained firm in his decision, and said he could not break a promise -once made, for that would not be honorable. Therefore, the very next day -he announced to everybody that a contest in skill and science should -take place between the suitors for her hand. The Princess was very -unhappy, of course, during the days that followed, but Prince Minio -cheered her by saying he felt equal to winning her in a fair contest. -His love was far greater than that of the others, and therefore he felt -assured he would learn a way to win her for his bride in spite of them -all. - -“When the great day for the contest came, a large gathering of the -suitors was held in an open field at the foot of the Fire Mountains. -They were a fine and noble company of young men who contended for -Kuldah’s hand, and her father said she should have felt proud and glad -at such a sight. But she was too sad to feel proud. She had dressed as -became a Sun Princess, and her gown was of finely spun gold, embroidered -in diamonds. Her white arms and throat gleamed through the thin gauze -dress, and a girdle of diamonds encircled her slender waist. From her -shoulders fell a train, which swept for yards behind her, and a narrow -gold band held her beautiful hair in place. For her hair hung about her -in loose masses, falling far below her waist, and mingling its -burnt-gold color with that of her brilliant dress, so that one could -hardly tell where one ended and the other began. As she stood she looked -like a golden Princess, except that her face was as pale as the fleecy -clouds overhead. - -“In her majestic beauty she let them kneel and kiss her hand. Each one, -as he touched her hand, swore in turn to be faithful and true to the -knight who should win her, but each one believed secretly he himself -would be the winner. Then began the tournament of skill. One showed how -he could ride; another how he could mount and dismount, or how he could -unhorse an enemy; a third used the gloves or the sword with wonderful -dexterity; another engaged in a trial of strength, or swiftness in -running; and so on until the long list was completed. - -“It seemed to the Princess, as she watched in despair their wonderful -deeds, that there was nothing left for her beloved even to attempt. The -suitors had all done such marvellous things; and her heart ached within -her when she learned from one of her handmaidens that her lover was the -last to appear on the lists. Yet, when he did step forth, calm and -serene, her heart leaped again to her throat, her confidence returned; -for he looked strong and handsome, and it was only with pride and -pleasure she gazed upon him. She leaned forward with a smiling face to -listen to his words, for he was speaking. - -“‘O mighty King of the Sun,’ he was saying. ‘I have one request to make -of you before beginning my experiment. If successful in what I -undertake, I want your consent to take the Princess away with me from -the Sun lands. What I shall try to accomplish to-day is but the -beginning of a great problem I wish to work out. It may take thousands -of years to complete, and I wish to live in a land of my own choosing, -that I may be able to accomplish it.’ - -“The Sun King, astonished at these words, hesitated to grant such a -remarkable request, but the Princess threw herself at her father’s feet, -and added her pleadings to the Prince’s. Finally the Sun King -reluctantly consented; but the other suitors smiled broadly among -themselves, as they heard the words, for no matter what the Prince might -do they believed he never could show more skill or wisdom than they had -already displayed. - -“Having bowed smilingly to the King and kissed Kuldah’s hand, Prince -Minio turned to his competitors and said: ‘I have made a close study of -the Sun’s fire, and I am convinced that, no matter where this fire is -sent, it will continue to burn and hold its remarkable glint and its -quickening power. It will never be extinguished, but glow brilliantly -for ever. Therefore, my experiment in skill to-day shall be made from it -alone; it will serve my purpose better than anything else.’ So saying, -he picked up a huge bowlder from the Fire Mountain nearest him. The -stone was so big that it seemed impossible for any one to lift it. But -the Prince gathered it up in his arms with a terrific effort, and -balancing it perfectly threw it far out into the heavens. It bounded -away and rolled into space with tremendous force, making a whirring -noise as it dashed along. Again and again he lifted out the big rocks -and tossed them off in the distance. It seemed as if he would never tire -of this remarkable exhibition of strength. Hundreds and thousands of the -brilliantly burning stones went whizzing through space, before the eyes -of the astonished spectators. Yet he continued, calmly throwing more and -more stones, until the heavens fairly gleamed with millions of burning -lights. Thus were the star fires first kindled, and they were truly a -magnificent sight, even to the Sun people, accustomed as they were to -splendid spectacles. - -“As the Prince predicted, the stars have never lost their brilliancy, -the Sun’s power to warm and enliven all creatures has proved very strong -and lasting, and those splendid, flaming signals light the -turquoise-blue skies every night, even to this day. - -“Finally, Prince Minio selected with great care seven superb stones, -even brighter than the rest, and threw them not quite so far from the -Sun. In this way they felt the Sun’s influence more strongly; though -they flew to a good distance they always revolved about their old home. -Whizzing and whirling continually, yet never flying away from the Sun, -they appeared to the spectators to be the prettiest of all the stars in -the sky. Then the Prince, turning to the Princess, who was bewildered -with the joy of his brilliant success, bade her choose from the seven -stars the one that should be their home. She chose what she thought the -loveliest of all the seven, and they named it the Earth! - -“The old King unhesitatingly pronounced Prince Minio the victor. For he -acknowledged that, beside the great strength the Prince had displayed in -lifting the stones from Fire Mountain, the Sun people had never before -witnessed such a glorious sight as the star-studded heavens; and even -the suitors, though much disappointed, consented in a manly way that he -should take Princess Kuldah as his bride, saying he had fairly won her. - -“Shortly afterward a marriage of magnificence and splendor followed, and -Prince Minio and his charming wife came to the Earth to spend many -years. The Earth, owing allegiance to the Sun, never loses sight of him, -and though she continues to rush through space at a terrible rate, yet -the Sun King always sees her. - -“Out of the white mist on the Earth came trooping a wonderful band of -little creatures to greet the Sun people. They were very tiny; their -skirts of silver glistened like the moonlight, and their jewelled wands -sparkled like the dew. These little creatures were fairies, and ever -after dwelt among the Earth children, helping to beautify the world. -They wander about us in the moonshine and are sometimes caught in the -mist, but they can never come out in the sunlight. One of the laws in -Fairyland is to be in bed before the dawn. From dusk until dawn the -fairies lead a gay life. They hold their revels, they dance, and they -travel the world over, frolicking like mad sometimes, but only the -Moon’s white light shines on their silver dresses. - -“Many other charming people adopted the Earth as their home, for it was -beautiful to live upon. The Sun Princess and her husband did not object -to others coming to their home at all, only, as the strangers came in -great numbers, they finally decided to set apart a great space for -themselves alone. They reserved, therefore, a charming bit of country -for the Prince’s workshop, otherwise there would have been so many -interruptions Prince Minio could never hope to accomplish his scientific -work. Charming as the Earth people were, they interfered with the -Prince’s heart’s desire. Therefore, he and his friends from the Sun -chose a wonderful valley which lay in the heart of a great range of -mountains. The valley covered many miles of ground, and it had the most -sublime scenery in the world. Rivers ran through it, and big mountains -rose suddenly in its midst. Small silver lakes also shone like crystal -mirrors. Wonderful springs abounded there; boiling water came out of -one, while from the next shot up cool and deliciously sparkling drops. -They called the bubbling, spouting springs geysers, and people come from -all over the world to see and study them. - -“After the Sun people had reserved the country, the Earth people never -remained long on that spot; they recognized the law and accepted it, -only making short visits to the marvellous place. Sometimes, if one -mortal, more daring than the rest, determined to live there, and built -him a house, he was promptly punished, for the fairies at once opened a -geyser directly under the carefully chosen home and destroyed it -entirely. So this beautiful valley of yellow stones and brilliant lights -and rushing waters is left to the Sun Princess and her people. It is -certainly a valley of enchantment, for it is never very cold and never -very hot there, but is an ideal workshop for a Prince. The geysers and -boiling pools are just the escaping gas and steam of his big furnaces; -for the fires in his furnaces under the earth are kept burning day and -night. It is all very mysterious. In one part he has a big hot lake, and -in another an ice-cold one. The cold lake is shaped like a human hand, -and near it is a big fountain that dashes up clouds of white spray, -hundreds of feet high, flecking the green surface of the water with -foam. - -“Nothing can be more beautiful than this enchanted valley. The fairies -are busy beautifying it all the time. They have painted the colors of -the rainbow in the rocks, and the great canyon looks now as if millions -of jewels were piled up there. For it is a bewildering mass of color. -Amethyst, topaz, and emerald tints sparkle everywhere, and when the -sunshine pours down on it you feel as if all the wealth of the world -must be hidden in the rocks, for they sparkle like diamonds and rubies. -As the years go on the valley grows more beautiful, for the Sun Prince -and his bride watch it by day,—and of course as the fairies have charge -at night it is never neglected. - -“When the Sun Prince has finished his great labors and solved his -problem, of course, he will close his workshop, and with his lovely -bride go back to their home in the Golden Palace of the Sun. But until -then his workshop fires will burn. The geysers and fountains will spout -up great volumes of water and steam, making the valley one of the -wonders of the world. And all the Earth mortals who go there will be -made welcome by the fairies.” - - - - - CHAPTER VII - THE STORY OF THE JEWELLED BEACH - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -“Do you wonder that I love the story?” said Princess Ethelda, as the -guide finished. - -“Oh,” replied the Moon maidens, almost in one voice, “it is an -enchanting history, indeed.” - -“See,” replied the guide messenger, pointing in the distance to a high -mountain, “beyond that mountain lies the Beautiful Valley of which I -have just told you.” - -In a little while the merry party had reached the mountain top, and -stood gazing in a bewilderment of pleasure at the wonderful valley -below. Exquisite lakes and shining silver rivers lay beneath; beautiful -hills stretched away in the distance; and the glorious colors in the -rocks, which the fairies had painted so vividly, reflected the pinks and -yellows in a growing radiance that lighted up the whole valley in -splendor. Innumerable rays flashed out in little threadlike flames, -flooding the world below in a blaze of color. - -“How magnificent it is!” exclaimed the visitors; and the guide was well -pleased with their admiration. - -I could never describe to you properly the entertainments that followed -their arrival, nor the joy of Dorion and Ethelda in meeting the -beautiful Sun Princess. Princess Kuldah was as beautiful as ever, and -spared no pains to make her brother and his bride and their companions -welcome. The Prince, her husband, showed them his wonderful workshop, -and they marvelled over the geysers, and listened with awe to the -description of his great problem. - -The days seemed all too short, and the guests were surprised when the -time for their departure arrived. The feasting and dancing and -sight-seeing were at last ended in the valley of enchantment; one -glorious morning they rose with the Sun, and bidding good-bye to -Princess Kuldah and her people, started to meet the black dwarf of the -mountains. The same guide would accompany them to the place where they -were to meet him. The Princess saw none of them felt much desire to go; -Ethelda was particularly downcast, still she bore up bravely, and with a -smiling face she began the journey. - -Although Ethelda and her companions were charmed with the splendors of -the deep, they were still more impressed with delight over the new -beauties they discovered upon the land. They had seen the glittering -mountains of the Moon and the fiery craters of the Sun, and had wondered -at such magnificence, but the Earth’s fresh coloring was a revelation. -And the Earth had decked herself right royally to receive them. The -month was April, and the world, rioting in flowers, was aflame with -color. The poppies, yellow and scarlet, burst forth from the meadows’ -tenderest green. The white petalled, yellow centred daisies came out in -thousands to greet them, while the roses, pink and white and red, -flashed everywhere. The trees, too, dressed in the earliest Spring -green, nodded and waved their long branches in a glad welcome, and the -tiny wood violet, modest and sweet, sent forth its perfumed breath in -waves of delight, filling the air with sweetness. - -“Wonderful—wonderful!” cried Ethelda, throwing herself in an ecstasy of -pleasure upon the soft greensward, and gathering handfuls of the flowers -to weave into garlands. “I should like to live here always,” she said. -The Sun Prince shared his bride’s delight, but he whispered cautiously: -“Take care, sweetheart. Remember a Moon maiden and a Sun Prince can only -visit for a twelvemonth. A longer stay would be dangerous; it would keep -us here for ever.” - -“O, yes,” answered Ethelda; “I was hardly in earnest when I spoke, for I -could not leave my beloved mother sorrowing. Yet I am very happy here.” - -Days of pleasure passed, on the journey. Days of wonderment too. When -the strangers saw how the small seed planted in the ground—warmed by the -sun and watered by the rain—throve and became a tiny blade of grass, a -delicate flower, or a magnificent tree, this seemed a miracle to them, -for nothing ever grows out of the soil of the Moon or the Sun. - -One day as they stood on the top of a high mountain they saw a very -strange sight. A great sea lay shining in the distance, sparkling and -glittering in gold and blue. It washed the shores of magnificent valleys -and rich gardens. Fruits and flowers grew in abundance, but the strange -sight lay in the fact that the valleys and fruit gardens stretching out -so broadly suddenly stopped at a line of yellow sand,—stopped so -abruptly that it seemed almost a straight line, it was so clean cut,—and -the sand covered hundreds and hundreds of miles of the Earth. - -“How queer it looks!” they said among themselves; “not a blade of grass, -not a tree, on the barren waste! We have never seen anything like it -before. What is it?” - -“It will take two stories to explain that wonderful view lying before -us,” replied the guide. - -“Oh, do tell them!” cried the Moon people in chorus; “we love stories”; -and they settled themselves to listen. - -“Well,” began the guide, “the first relates to the Princess Ethelda.” - -“To me?” asked the Princess in astonishment. - -“Yes,” answered the messenger; “look closely at the sea beach and tell -me what you see.” - -“Why, great shining jewels seem strewn over the yellow sands,” said the -Princess, perfectly amazed; and in turn each of the Moon people saw the -same. - -“Well,” continued the messenger, turning to the Princess, “when her -Imperial Majesty of the Moon consented to your coming to visit the Earth -on your bridal trip, she ordered many wedding presents for you, and in -finishing the loveliest that she gave you, it came about that that beach -was formed. But I will begin the story of the Jewelled Beach. - -“The Moon was shining through a turquoise-blue sky. Now and then a baby -cloud passed before her face, but it was so white and airy that it did -not even hide the dazzling lights of her silver palace. One could see -them perfectly well, shining through the handsome windows. - -“Serenely beautiful the Moon Queen moved through her star-studded -pathway. She was calm and majestic. As she swung around the celestial -circle that night she leaned down lower to watch the golden gleam of a -small star shining far in the distance. For many reasons that particular -star had occupied her mind of late, and that evening she seemed even -more intent upon it than ever. How beautiful it was! Of all the millions -of glittering points embroidered on the sky, that small one stood out -the brightest. In bold relief its dancing lights sped out over the -heavens in friendly twinkle toward the Moon. - -“The Moon Queen smiled to herself as she watched, and then out from the -jewelled windows of her home suddenly leaped a brilliant crystal light -to meet the star rays. From that moment her Imperial Majesty made up her -mind on a subject she had long thought of. Turning to one of her -handmaidens who stood near, she bade her summon the master mechanic of -her empire; when this had been done, and the man stood before her, she -asked, in liquid tones, ‘How many workmen do I employ in the silver -mountains?’ - -“‘Ah, your Majesty,’ was the reply, ‘you have so many thousands employed -there, that it is almost impossible to say.’ - -“‘Good,’ replied the Queen thoughtfully, ‘I have sore need of thousands -now. Bid them all meet me to-morrow. Call them together at the -foot-hills of the mountains. Let no man be missing; from the greatest -artist in your shops to the humblest workman, let not a sprite dare to -forget my command!’ - -“The master mechanic promised obedience, and bowing low left her -presence. - -“When the hour arrived that the Queen had named, there gathered at the -foot-hills of the mountains all her little workmen. Thousands and -thousands of tiny sprites were there, and they glittered from head to -toe in shining silver garments; silver dust powdered them until their -clothes looked white as frost, and when they moved their sheen was like -costly jewels. Talking together, they were wondering why the Queen -should have commanded them to meet her at their busiest hour. Except -that she was not fond of idlers, and required prompt and vigorous work -from her people, she was a gentle mistress; but now, when they were -rushing with the wedding presents for the marriage of her favorite -daughter (which was soon to occur), she had called them from their -shops. It surely seemed unwise. All work had ceased, for not a sprite in -all Moonland was missing. What could it mean? - -“At last her Majesty appeared. Her great retinue of nobles and -gorgeously dressed maidens accompanied her, and with music and gay -laughter they came nearer. Presently the sprites saw the Queen bid her -attendants stop where they stood, and unaccompanied she approached the -gallant army of her little workmen. She was well worthy the cheers of -admiration that broke from their lips as she neared them. Tall and -magnificent in form, she looked every inch a Queen, yet her bright blue -eyes glowed with a tender light of love, showing a gentle nature, as she -bowed her thanks for their affectionate greetings. Her long, fair hair -floated softly about her, sometimes clinging to her white dress like -threads of gold, and at her slender waist was gathered a graceful silver -girdle, caught with a diamond crescent. At last, in all her splendor, -she stood among them, and as she raised her hand asking for silence, -absolute silence fell upon them. - -“‘My good and loyal subjects,’ she began, ‘I have come to-day to intrust -you with an important but secret work. No one in all the kingdom save -yourselves must know of it. When all is completed, I myself will divulge -the secret to my people, and I believe it will gladden them. But until -then will you faithfully promise to help me and to keep my counsel?’ - -“‘Beloved Queen,’ they answered in one loud voice, ‘your will is ours; -we will obey you gladly.’ - -“‘Then listen, friends and subjects,’ the Queen continued with smiling -face, ‘for this is my command: That you make me a splendid silver -ladder! Step by step must it be wrought, and with greatest care, for it -must stretch out miles and miles in length. Strong as bands of steel -each round must be, but finer in its texture than the gossamer web of -the spider. Weave it with the fairies’ touch, making it exquisitely -light, yet so bright withal that it can easily be seen for thousands of -miles. Spare neither care nor labor, beloved subjects, for the ladder -must be mine within the week.’ - -“Days and nights the hammers of the little workmen rang out clearly, -like notes of merry music, and the Moon people said among themselves, -‘What gorgeous wedding presents our little Princess will receive!’ But -they never dreamed of the mysterious ladder of glistening silver steps. -And the Queen Mother kept her counsel. Only, each night as she sailed -across the jewel-laden heavens, she leaned closer to the Earth Star and -studied it. - -“She saw great valleys and snow-clad mountains, barren deserts and -limpid blue seas. She saw, too, great forests and boundless plains; but -though her searching eye looked upon every inch of that beautiful bright -ball whirling through space, she thought the loveliest spot on the whole -globe was on the borders of the largest ocean. That ocean was so big -that it measured just one half the star itself. All the other oceans and -the land together could be taken up and put upon its broad blue surface. - -“This splendid body of water washed the foot of a glorious country. Big -mountains, raising their purple heads among the clouds, crept down to -feel its cooling depths. Or, higher still, they reared their lofty peaks -and held them scornfully aloft; and thus, capped with perpetual snow, -they stood beautiful and glorified. Great plains stretched back from its -curving yellow beach, and all the fruit one could name grew in the rich -valleys. It was the garden spot of the world. Amid its groves of yellow -oranges and lemons birds sang deliciously; flowers bloomed throughout -the year, and the skies were nearly always sunny. In this earthly -paradise palms lazily waved their feathery green arms, and trees grew so -big that houses could be cut out of a single trunk. Here it was that the -Moon Queen’s eye lingered longest, and it was almost with a child’s -delight she saw the big blue waves roll in and break upon the sand in a -fringe of soft white foam. - -“The week had passed, and the Queen’s ladder was ready. One by one its -silver steps were tested; ring by ring its loops were firmly fastened -and bound together; for, dainty as it looked, the ladder must be strong -for constant use. - -“When all was ready the sprites were cautiously sent with it on a secret -mission to the Earth. None but the Moon Queen knew their errand; but she -smiled to herself, for after all, when completed, it was to be a wedding -present and surprise to her favorite daughter. - -“Down from the palace crept the little people, carrying their silver -treasure. The night being dark, they reached the Earth without being -discovered. In a little while they found the ocean beach the Queen so -loved,—for it was here the first jewelled rounds of that sparkling -ladder should be laid. By the soft light of the stars, the sprites saw -that the Earth was very beautiful; but what were those queer, sad sounds -they heard, mingling with the breaking of the waves upon the beach? The -workmen stopped to listen, and caught the strains of music; then, -looking closely at the water, they saw a line of lovely maidens, with -flowing golden hair, which they continually combed as they sang. The -Moon sprites were quite astonished at the sight. The maidens were -surpassingly beautiful, but their song was very sad. - -“‘Who are you, and why do you sing so sadly?’ they called. - -“‘Alas!’ replied the charming creatures, ‘we are mermaids. Our father is -the Sea King. We have always been as happy as the day is long, until a -few years ago, when a terrible misfortune came upon us. One of the -prettiest of our sisters was about to be married. We were busy with the -preparations for her wedding, gathering the seaweed and the pretty -mother-of-pearl shells that float up on the land, to decorate her -palace. We had searched carefully our large and magnificent sea-gardens -for the finest specimens of weed and shells. But a beautiful shell, -brilliantly tinted in every shade of rose and green and blue combined, -had been thrown high upon the sandy beach, out of our reach. Our dear -sister became too venturesome, and floating on a big wave she grasped -the shell she coveted. - -“‘At that moment, the hideous Gnome King sprang suddenly from behind a -rock, and snatching her in his arms ran off. In vain we pleaded with him -to restore our lost darling. The cruel monster only laughed, and swore -she should become his wife. Her bridegroom of the Sea was almost beside -himself with grief when he learned the awful news. He offered his life -in exchange for hers, and we gathered together all our jewels for her -ransom. But nothing would move the hard heart of the wicked Gnome King, -and he still keeps our beloved sister in his power. That is why we sing -so mournfully. The monster, finding she would not marry him, carried her -to the top of a high mountain, where she could see her beloved home, but -never reach it. - -“‘She is helpless upon the land, and though she can look down at the -foot of the mountains and see the curling waters of her home, she cannot -reach it. Her lover sits below, encouraging her with words of love, but -he is helpless to reach her. Miserable and longing for home, she watches -all the ships that pass, and with her lute sings the most wonderful -songs, begging the sailors to rescue her. Many have tried, and the -mountain-side is white with the bones of those who have perished in the -attempt. For the Gnome King makes mad those who try to save her; they -lose their way and die. - -“‘Alas, kind friends, unless you will help us, we fear she is lost to us -for ever.’ - -“The kind-hearted Moon sprites were certainly touched by this pathetic -tale, and they determined among themselves that they would form a plan -to outwit the cruel Gnome King, and rescue the sea maid. Of course to do -this they would have to delay a little the planting of the Moon ladder, -but they felt that her Imperial Majesty would certainly have consented -to delay in such a case. So, gathering up their precious burden, they -climbed the mountain to seek the sea maid. - -“Knowing that she could never reach her sisters alone, and enchanting -all the mortals who tried to rescue her, the Gnome King had no guard to -watch the maiden. She was left entirely alone upon a big rock -overlooking the ocean. The wicked king came at rare intervals to see if -she would consent to marry him, but otherwise she was left undisturbed. - - [Illustration: “_A glimmering figure sitting on a high cliff._” - (Page 106)] - -“The Moon sprites, however, were not affected by the King’s -enchantments, so they had no difficulty in reaching her. Suddenly the -mermaid saw a gleam of brilliant silver flooding the darkness behind -her, and in a moment she was surrounded by a thousand little -silver-dressed creatures. At the same moment the Moon sprites caught -sight of a glimmering figure of matchless beauty sitting on a high -cliff. The maiden was a vision of loveliness. Long, waving, golden hair -floated about her, and her eyes were the color of the sea. She held a -lute in her hand; as her fingers moved softly across it, it gave forth a -weird but beautiful sound, and to this accompaniment she sang -charmingly. Quickly the Moon sprites told her of the plan for rescuing -her, and joyfully she listened. - -“They carefully suspended the silver ladder from her mountain cliff. -Holding it tight between them to steady it, they flung it swiftly down -until its brilliant steps touched the trembling water. At this moment -they heard a faint noise like rumbling thunder, and the affrighted -maiden bade them hurry with their work, as it was the signal that the -Gnome King would soon visit her. In a twinkling they seized the maiden -in their arms, and carried her down the brilliant steps. They were not a -moment too soon, for hardly had they placed the maiden in her -bridegroom’s arms and picked up their ladder, when the Gnome King and -his legion of wicked gnomes were swarming on the mountain-top. - -“The rage of the wicked King was fearful to see, but it was useless. He -could not regain the mermaid and he could not harm a Moon sprite; but in -his anger he pelted the beach with stones, venting his fury in -destroying its beauty. Small but ugly, they fell in thousands, covering -the golden yellow of the sand, and hiding its glistening splendor. Thus -he showered his spite upon the beautiful playground of the mermaids. - -“But the Sea King’s daughters were too happy over the return of their -beloved sister to fret very much. True, their charmingly beautiful beach -seemed ruined, but their beloved sister was home again. Thousands, -indeed millions, of little stones were piled about in ugly confusion, -and marred the soft, bright sand the sea people so loved, but they were -powerless to prevent it. The Moon sprites went back to their work of -fastening the moon-ladder to the Earth, and the Sea King invited them to -remain for his daughter’s wedding the next night. - -“The wedding spectacle was certainly a grand one, for the Ocean Monarch -had ordered the greatest fireworks in his kingdom in honor of the event. -The sea blazed up as though it were burning. Flames seemed to leap and -flare up everywhere, and thousands of brilliant colors mixed and -trembled in its depths. The phosphorescence was wonderful, and wherever -the eye could reach, the brilliant lights shone and sparkled. The Moon -sprites were amazed at such magnificence. The night was as brilliant and -beautiful as day; and they felt that the wonders of the Earth world were -great indeed. - -“Just then a messenger arrived from her Imperial Majesty of the Moon, -saying that she had watched her workmen rescuing the maiden, and had -seen the wedding festival and the splendid illumination, and before -recalling her little people to the Moon, she wished to give the bride a -present. The wicked Gnome King had tried to ruin the playground of the -mermaids, but she would restore it, making it more interesting and -fascinating than ever. - -“It was a royal gift the Moon Queen gave. She said that henceforth the -beach should be enchanted. The hideous stones the gnomes had thrown -should not ruin it after all, but should make it more precious to the -world, for they should all turn to shining jewels. She chose to make the -white pebbles the loveliest of them all, and so change them that the sea -people could never forget her. These stones shone as clear as crystal, -and in the pure depths of each one there trembled a moon-ray, a memento -of her crystal kingdom. This brilliant ray glistened like a diamond, -caught and held a prisoner, and was from that day called the moonstone. -But it was hard indeed to choose the prettiest of the beach jewels. For -opals clear as water, and with fire from the sea, sparkled beside the -moonstones; sardonyx, chrysoprase, and emerald, jasper, aquamarine, and -topaz, were piled so high that the beach was soon most widely known. - -“The Earth people come in hundreds to seek these treasures, making them -into precious necklaces and charms. But though they carry thousands and -thousands away with them each day, the mermaids smile and do not mind at -all, because the Moon-ladder, uncoiling every night in sparkling -brilliancy, reaches down from the silver palace and touches the beach -like a magician’s wand, and the mermaids know that so long as the -shining steps of brilliant silver shall rest upon these sands, just so -long will the beach continue enchanted, and splendid jewels be formed in -such glittering quantities that they will last for ever.” - - - - - CHAPTER VIII - THE LOST OCEAN - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -The little company seemed well pleased with the explanation of the -jewelled beach, but as soon as the messenger ceased, they asked for the -explanation of the trackless sands. - -“That is a longer story; shall I tell it now?” was the reply. - -“O yes, do,” said the Princess Ethelda. “We are not a bit tired, and it -is so pleasant to look down on the very spot while you tell us.” - -Thus encouraged, the guide messenger began:— - -“Ages ago, when the world was young, three great Kings ruled in the -universe, the Sun King, the Ocean King, and the Earth King. The Earth -King owned all the land of the world, and often travelled over it, -watching it and caring for it. He was frequently accompanied by his -favorite daughter, the beautiful Princess Selene. She was a graceful -maiden of about eighteen. Her lovely brown eyes and long, wavy, -golden-brown hair, and her white skin and pink cheeks, made her a very -charming picture indeed. Being a fun-loving, merry little maiden, her -cheerful disposition made her a delightful companion, so her father was -always pleased to have her travel with him. - -“On one of these journeys the young Princess seemed more serious than -usual, and one morning she came to her father with a request which -greatly surprised him. However, when he found her heart quite set upon -it, he made up his mind to grant it. She said she had long contemplated -doing her share of work in the world, and that she did not think she -wished always to remain just a fun-loving and pleasure-seeking young -woman. She asked her father to give her a portion of his vast kingdom to -cultivate as a garden, declaring she would make it the most beautiful -garden in the world, a sort of earthly paradise. - -“As soon as her father consented to her wish, she chose a charming spot. -It was on the borders of a great sea, and back of it were magnificent -mountains. A large gulf, too, stood near, whose waters flowed into a -shimmering sea beyond. Here Princess Selene, having chosen hundreds of -companions, took up her abode. She planted trees for shade and sowed -grass for a quiet, restful color, and then she laid out her garden -according to a well-thought-out plan. - -“I could never begin to tell you in a short story how wonderfully -beautiful she made it. Fruit trees of all descriptions grew there; -lemons and oranges, citrons and bananas, peaches and apricots, -flourished—everything nice you can think of. She did not forget the -flowers, either. Magnolias and acacias, poinsettias and jasmines, and -every Southern flower you could name, bloomed beautifully. Lovely birds -flocked there, and rested in the cool trees, singing to the flowers and -filling the garden with delicious music. The Princess and her companions -worked hard and faithfully, and the garden became the most charming spot -imaginable. All the world talked about it and came to visit it. - -“The country about was very attractive. Great snow-capped mountains rose -abruptly from the sea, and white clouds, nestling down to touch them, -hovered like angels’ wings above the rich valleys as though in -protection. The clouds were seldom dark, for it rarely rained there, and -the sunny blue skies seemed to smile perpetually. - -“Now, the powerful Sun King had many sons, but one of them was -especially handsome, and, better than that, he was the soul of honor and -truth. He was called Prince Corus. He often came to Earth to visit the -Ocean King’s family, for one of the sons was his favorite companion. The -two young men were inseparable; they were devoted to each other, and -fond of the same sports. - -“When the Ocean King’s son, Prince Fronto, grew to manhood, his father -gave him control of a smaller kingdom, a beautiful sea that washed the -shores of Princess Selene’s famous gardens. This sea was reached by -sailing through the blue waters of the gulf; shining and beautiful, it -stretched for miles and miles through a magnificent country. It was on -the shores of this sea that the two Princes spent most of their time, -and it was here one day that they came across the lovely Selene and her -maidens. Both the young men felt at once that they had never before seen -anything so perfectly charming as the Princess, and they lost no time in -learning to know her. - -“She treated them with the greatest courtesy; and in a little while the -three had become firm friends, and spent many happy hours together. The -young men did not attempt to disguise from themselves the fact that they -both loved this royal maiden; but the Sun Prince, in a spirit of -nobleness, offered to leave his friend Fronto alone to win her hand, -though in losing her he would become the most miserable man in the -world. Up to this point, however, Fronto apparently showed a similar -generosity of spirit, and putting his arm about his friend, urged him to -remain, saying: ‘We will abide by the decision of the Princess. Let her -choose between us, and whoever wins her love shall marry her, letting -the other suitor swear friendship to them both.’ - -“‘So be it,’ replied the generous Prince Corus, for it seemed a fair -proposition. ‘Much as I care for her, I will promise to give her to you -gladly if she loves you; for, after her, I love you best in the world.’ - -“They clasped hands, and swore a solemn oath to abide by this agreement. - -“Selene was in no hurry to choose, and seemed equally fond of them both. -Never by word or sign did she show which she preferred. Always together, -the three wandered through her gardens, plucking the fruit or listening -to the songs of the birds. The two young men came every day to see her, -and strove to invent plans for her amusement. Corus brought his father’s -golden chariot, and often the three took a mad race across the sky. But -the maiden was never afraid. She loved the spirited, prancing steeds, -and their flashing golden harness; and the wild ride brought a glorious -color to her cheeks. She thrilled with pleasure when the rushing wind -blew back her flowing hair, and her eyes caught a deeper blue from the -heavens, and sparkled and danced with delight, so that Corus and Fronto -thought her more bewitching than ever. - -“Again, Fronto would invite them to see his father’s famous sea-gardens, -and they would ride across the sapphire-blue waves until they reached a -rocky island. Here they would rest, to watch the seals climbing over the -rocks. They amused themselves long, laughing at the awkward antics of -the fat baby seals, who would tumble with loud splashes into the water, -and then frolic about noisily. The Princess loved these famous -sea-gardens; they were very different from her own, but wonderfully -interesting, nevertheless. Every sea-plant grew there. Huge trees of -seaweed were plainly seen, and curious water-flowers in abundance. -Magnificent shells bordered the walks, shells dyed with the mystic -colors of the sea,—blue and green and opalescent,—others pink-lined, -like the sky at sunset, or brilliant red, like the coral reef. Charming -gold-fishes swam about these water-gardens, and their scales, glowing -like fire, sent out great sparks of light. Mermaids floated through, -with long golden hair and starry blue eyes, singing low to the music of -their lutes. Thus many days and weeks were passed, and each hour the -young Princes grew more madly in love with the charming Princess Selene. - -“At last a day came when they could no longer resist asking her to -choose between them. But when they stood before her, and waited for her -answer in silence, the fun-loving little Princess suddenly became grave, -and said most seriously: ‘Why make me choose at all? Your friendship may -be broken if I do, and I could not bear that.’ - -“‘You need not fear for us, sweet Princess,’ said Fronto, ‘for we have -sworn an oath, and will not break it.’ - -“Selene gazed earnestly at them, not understanding this reply. Then -Corus, pale as death, nodded assent, saying: ‘It is even true, fair -Selene; as you cannot choose but one, we both have promised allegiance -to the one you favor. We love you too sincerely to do otherwise.’ - -“A brilliant color dyed Selene’s cheek as she heard these words, and -turning to Prince Fronto she began softly: ‘So be it. We have passed -many happy hours together, and in my heart, Prince Fronto, I have a deep -affection for you.’ - -“Hearing her speak thus, Prince Corus grew very white, and turned away -to hide his pain, whispering to himself: ‘They shall not see how I -suffer. I have sworn an oath, and I will keep it.’ - -“But whatever the Princess continued to say to the Ocean Prince, it -seemed not to please him. Finally she said to him, while she turned and -beckoned to his friend: ‘Therefore, kind brother of the shimmering sea, -you must forgive me; for, though I love you as a friend, my heart -belongs to Corus, and him I choose to be my husband.’ - -“The Sun Prince could hardly believe he heard aright; but as the -beautiful girl turned shyly toward him, he caught her hand, and -kneeling, kissed it, thanking her for his great happiness. - -“The Ocean Prince showed great surprise at Selene’s words, because he -had always thought she preferred him to Corus; indeed, it was because of -this he had made the compact so readily. Swiftly now his thoughts grew -black with anger, but the two lovers were talking together and did not -notice it. Soon he grew calmer; outwardly he seemed to be peaceful, and -stooping, he too kissed Selene’s hand, and swore friendship to the two. - -“Preparations began for the wedding, and each day, as the ceremony drew -nearer, Fronto seemed happier. He really acted as though he had -forgotten his wish to marry Selene. This, of course, made Corus and his -bride more contented; they could not bear to be merry, and feel that -Fronto was suffering. But the Ocean Prince was only pretending. -Instantly, on leaving the lovers on the day of their betrothal, he had -gathered together all the little demons and wicked imps he knew, and -employed them to build big mountains on the shores of his sea. Soon -precipitous mountains gathered in clusters about the water’s edge. They -seemed only barren rock, as they loomed up from the flat sand, like -watch-towers guarding a prison. Selene and Corus teased the Ocean Prince -for building such ugly peaks, but he did not mind their jests. Finally -he had his dominions hedged in with a dark-hued rocky range. - -“Then, one day when the Sun Prince was absent, he deliberately carried -out the plan he had so carefully concealed: he stole the Princess and -hid her in the caverns of his great mountains. When Corus returned, -broken-hearted and distressed over the loss of his bride and the -treachery of his friend, and demanded her release, the Sea Prince -absolutely refused to give her up—laughing to scorn his friend’s demand. - -“War, of course, immediately followed. The Sun Prince was no slight -enemy, for all his father’s powerful forces were at his command. The -heavy bowlders piled up by the wretched little fiends the Ocean Prince -had employed were not easily surmounted, however, for they were -splendidly built. It would take years to pull them down. So Corus -determined he would not even try. He would rescue his beloved bride in a -simpler but more powerful manner, and in less time. - -“A great river ran through the country, from the inland sea down to the -blue waters of the ocean. Now, the Sun Prince closed up that river, -shutting off all communication between the ocean and the inland sea. The -Sea Prince laughed at first when he saw this. He had so much water in -his own sea he never dreamed it could be exhausted. - -“But now the Sun Prince tried new measures. As the tides could not bring -the water to the foot of the big mountains to replenish them, he sent -down burning rays upon the sea to dry it up. Evaporation began. Day by -day the water decreased, and shrunk away slowly from the white face of -the sand and the red sides of the mountains. - -“A hundred feet of the water fell quickly, and then Fronto saw that the -Sun Prince, in drying up the water, could doom him and his followers to -death. Panic-stricken, he restored the Princess, and begged for mercy. - -“Corus, though happy to have his beloved bride again, felt that the -awful crime Fronto had committed should not be treated lightly. His -punishment must serve as a warning to the world. Still, at the request -of his gentle-hearted bride, he forgave his false friend, and sent him -back safe with his companions to the Ocean King. However, he forced -Fronto to remain in his father’s dominions for ever, saying that he had -proven, by his treachery, he was unfit to govern a kingdom of his own. -Moreover, that kingdom should exist no longer. He would dry it up and -make it a huge desert, to mark the spot of a false friend’s perfidy. - -“So the Sun never relaxed his fierce gaze, nor the wind its hot breath. -Together they scorched the seabed until the water disappeared, and the -bottom looked like a huge white bowl. Then slowly the desert formed. The -fierce heat became so intense that even the rains refused to fall there, -and the earth was too salty to allow anything to grow. Every living -creature shunned it. Neither bird nor beast would visit it, and thus it -remained for thousands of years. - -“When you are in the bottom of this bowl, you are nearly three hundred -feet below the ocean. Upon all sides are great mountains, some over ten -thousand feet high; and this spot is the hottest place in the world. The -desert looks like a great plain leading out to the horizon. The soil is -almost as fine as white flour. - -“But, silent and deserted as it is, the Sun Prince declared that, -because his beloved bride had been kept there, it should still be sacred -in his eyes—still retain a certain fascination. So, in all its -desolation, it does possess a weird beauty of its own. The sand dunes -reflect the light of the sky. They are sometimes deep blue, sometimes -topaz yellow, and again, at sunset, a brilliant rose. - -“The quiet of the desert is profound, save when some whirling sand-storm -blows. Then all living creatures caught there are lost unless they lie -flat and cover heads and mouths. Except for this, the air is always -magnificent. At times, it is all covered with a pink mist; at other -times, it is a pure golden haze. The mountains, too, are in changing -shades of purple and lilac and blue, with golden and blood-red colors -mingled. - -“All these years the place has remained a desert,—a monument to the -treachery of Prince Fronto. Yet the bitterness of the Sun Prince seems -to be lessening. Perhaps the sweet pleading of the beautiful Selene has -won forgiveness, for of late that awful waste shows signs of life. True, -its great mesas, in gray and gold, bordering its lonely hundreds of -miles, are rocky and barren still; but now and then a green bush of -elder arises on the sands, and the cacti and greasewood are beginning to -flourish well. This is the first sign of life, but it means surely that -Prince Corus has relented, and will remove the curse that ‘nothing shall -ever live there.’ - -“Occasionally, too, an animal has been seen running across the dry, -parched sands, and birds that once flew hundreds of miles to avoid the -hot plains now skim lightly across them. Then, at times, trees and green -grass and cool fresh lakes of water are visible. These last disappear -quickly when one approaches and tries to drink from their curling waves. -Wise people call these sights mirages, but perhaps, after all, they are -real, and foreshadow what the desert will become. - -“The Sun Prince is wise and merciful, and though justice must be done, -when justice is appeased he can restore the cooling streams and -vegetation to the parched sands. Some day, perhaps, the magic spell will -be withdrawn from the mysterious desert, and its shining seas again -smile beneath sunny skies. Even now, Prince Corus occasionally sends a -great cloudburst to drench the scorching plains. At first, we know, he -did not love the barren waste. It brought back too keenly the sorrow of -his stolen bride; but time has softened that feeling, and with his -beloved Princess by his side, he looks down and smiles upon its glare -and glitter. He shows this in the wonderful sky effects above it. They -are things of beauty. If clouds gather, he tips them with rainbow -colors,—brilliant reds and oranges, purples and greens, melting into -delicious pinks, soft lilacs, and grays. The sunset there is a glorious -sight never to be forgotten. - -“Its mountains, too, are beautiful. Often the ridges are clear-cut and -sharp. Again, when the Sun pours his heat upon them, they seem as flat -as the palm of your hand. They change color frequently, for at times -startling reds and yellows and pinks are painted in stripes all over -them. Later the canyons are flashing in brilliant needle-like points of -superb color, but again they are a dull blue or gray, and lose their -splendor. - -“But most sublime of all the sights is still the mirage. Trembling and -glowing in the sea, lie trees and mountain peaks, reflected clear and -beautiful. Maybe it is only the reflection of the golden haze that lies -in the canyons at sunset; but whatever it is, it is one of the desert’s -splendors. And though the lilac mist and the purple shadows that creep -between the valleys and climb the mountains seem more natural to its -desolation and its silence, yet the glory of that mirage—glittering with -its dazzling hue, and flashing its strange lights like the rays from a -fire-opal—will cling the longest in one’s memory.” - - - - - CHAPTER IX - THE STORY OF PRINCESS SUNSET - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -When the story of the great desert or the lost ocean had been told, the -little company of Moon people thanked the guide for his tales, and again -started on their journey. Soon they approached the borders of a -beautiful wood. The guide told them that he would turn back when they -had travelled through the forest, for on the other side of the forest -the black dwarf awaited them. - -Princess Ethelda shuddered as she heard, but being a brave little -Princess, she turned laughingly to the guide and said, “Well, Sir Guide, -cannot you tell us another pretty story before you go?” - -“Willingly,” replied the guide, and he at once began the story of -Princess Sunset. - -“Once upon a time there lived in the heart of a great forest, something -like this we are passing through, a young Prince with his two elder -brothers. They lived in a splendid palace, and were fond of hunting and -shooting; but they were also frequently at war with their neighbors, so -that fighting of some sort always seemed to be going on. This youngest -was named Oswald; though he always accompanied his brothers to war, and -was the very bravest of all the knights, he thought it was useless to -fight about everything. Life would be much happier if people were kind -and peace-loving; and unless there were a serious question to fight -about, he did not believe in fighting at all. He much preferred to roam -the forest, studying the sky and the trees, or the lovely waters of the -clear blue lakes. He would spend hours thus, musing on the wonderful -works of Nature, and wondering where she kept her marvellous paint-box. - -“Now, Prince Oswald was very good-looking. He was tall and slender as -the young saplings about him, but he was powerful and strong of limb, -too; and when his brothers told him to choose a wife among the pretty -maidens of the land, almost any of the princesses would have been glad -to be chosen. But Prince Oswald was in no hurry to choose; he did not -fall in love very easily, and he thought he would just wait until the -right princess came along. - -“One day, when lying on the shore of a beautiful body of water, he -noticed that the sky was suddenly tinged with red. He rubbed his eyes -with amazement, but the red hue tinged every object that he looked upon; -the treetops, the lake, and the deer that glided along the edge of the -forest had a delicate crimson splendor. In the midst of this fairy -spectacle he heard a musical voice sigh, and turning around saw a -radiantly beautiful woman standing near him. Her countenance was lovely, -and her glorious brown eyes were sparkling with light. She smiled as she -looked upon him, and for a minute her teeth gleamed white as little -pearls between her red lips. Her splendid golden hair hung in soft -masses below her waist, and the wind was blowing it softly about. Her -garments were loose and flowing, and variegated in color, shading from -the tenderest pink to the deepest crimson. The wonderful dyes of her -dress seemed to float away from her in rosy clouds, and blend in the air -until the rich rose-color around glowed and deepened to a magnificent -red. - -[Illustration: “_Turning around he saw a radiantly beautiful woman near - him._” - (Page 130)] - -“As Oswald stood gazing upon this gorgeous maiden, she addressed him in -a low and charming voice: ‘O, dreamer of the woods, am I not worth -seeking? Why do you waste your life in idleness here? Look for me in the -land that lies westward, beyond the setting of the sun. There may be -many obstacles in your path, but, overcoming them, you will find your -bride awaiting you. Am I not worth the winning?’ - -“For answer, Oswald sprang forward to clasp her in his arms, but at that -instant the red light glowed more brightly about her, flaring to a -brilliant flame; and thus standing in its midst, she disappeared in a -sea of fire, leaving the sky and water a dull, heavy gray. - -“Prince Oswald returned to the palace deeply wrapped in thought, and -indeed he could think of nothing but the beautiful maiden he had seen. -The next morning he determined he would seek and find her, because until -he did he felt he could never be happy again. After making preparations -to go, and bidding his brothers good-bye, he started alone to seek the -Land of the Setting Sun. First he found the spot by the lake where, the -evening before, he had watched the glorious beauty of the strange -maiden, and he sat down in silence. Again the sky took on its delicate -rose, deepening until the ruby splendor of the clouds piled themselves -into gold and crimson palaces. From one of these palaces Oswald felt -confident his beautiful lady would emerge, and tremblingly he sat -expectant. Suddenly the same peculiar sigh met his ears, and turning to -greet the lovely stranger, he saw to his disappointment only a -glittering sword. The blade was, of course, of shining steel, but the -handle was formed of one magnificent ruby. The radiance from this superb -jewelled handle was magnificent. It gleamed and sparkled in flaming red, -until the whole western world glowed with the bright reflection. - -“Oswald realized with a beating heart that it was a message from the -mysterious lady, and he lifted the sword to his side. Then feeling brave -enough to meet any dangers because she had sent him the sword, he -started on his travels to the Land of the Setting Sun. Over hills and -prairies, but always toward the west, Prince Oswald travelled. He rested -by night only, and at early dawn was off again. On the third night he -saw a bright light ahead, and on approaching it found it to be a -beautiful princess. She was dressed in a gown of spun silver, and on her -forehead there shone one magnificent star. She greeted him kindly, and -told him she was the Evening Star, and would light him through the dark -forest. He thanked her gratefully, and accompanied her in among the dark -and gloomy trees. She glided ahead, and the light from the beautiful -star crown showed him the way, even in the darkest places. Evening Star -told him she recognized him in the distance by the ruby-hilted sword he -wore. ‘You seek the Princess Sunset,’ she continued, ‘do you not?’ - -“‘Yes,’ replied Oswald, ‘and I shall never rest until I find her.’ - -“‘Alas!’ said Evening Star, ‘though I sincerely wish you success, I must -tell you that many difficulties will beset you, for of all the young men -who have passed this way in quest of the golden-haired Princess not one -has ever returned. The obstacles that have beset them have proven too -great, and they have never yet been able to rescue her. - -“‘She is wonderfully beautiful, though, and I am not surprised that you -seek her. Once I met her face to face, and I could never forget what a -vision of beauty she was. It was a charming evening, and I had risen -over the purple hills a little earlier than usual. Tall and majestic the -Princess stood upon the hilltop, clothed in her marvellous dress of -crimson. Her great brown eyes looked questioningly into mine, and her -splendid hair floated back from her lovely face in a sort of golden -mist, while the breeze blew her long, trailing robes across the sky. Her -exquisite form stood plainly outlined thus for several minutes, and the -crimson colors from her garments tinged the heavens from a delicate pink -to a brilliant ruby-red. Then suddenly stretching forth her arms toward -me, she greeted me with a tender smile of welcome, and vanished. Never -shall I forget her charm. She was the daughter of a great king and lived -in a splendid palace, but she was as gentle and tender-hearted as a -child. Her great delight was to roam the woods, gathering flowers and -weaving them into a gorgeously colored robe. The brighter the flower the -better she loved it. Red, yellow, blue, all were gathered and woven -together, until the dress was a miracle of beauty and brightness. Her -gown was so brilliant, that when she wore it the very skies reflected -the colors, and she would stand upon the hilltop and let the flowing -skirts trail out in long, loose lines across the heavens. This was her -delight. - -“‘People came from far and wide to see the Sunset Princess in her flower -dress, for when she wore it she was marvellously beautiful. Among them -once came a wicked magician, and the moment his eyes fell upon her he -determined to marry her. So, to gain his end, he killed her father and -her brothers, and destroyed all her people. Then he stole her, and hid -her in his western palace; and there he has kept her a prisoner ever -since. But she declares she will never, never marry such a cruel -monster, even if she should never escape, and he cannot marry her -without her consent. - -“‘Now, the poor Princess has the power to appear in a dream to any one -she wishes to come and deliver her from the wicked old magician’s power. -But this is her only privilege. She can never stir from his palace -(except in dreams) unless by his especial invitation. Once every day he -invites her to come forth. At the sunset hour he calls her, and with her -maidens she walks out upon a spacious balcony. But she is a brave -princess, and she courageously wears her crimson flower dress, and gives -him only scornful looks. - -“‘The magician occasionally invites her out on the balcony for a cruel -purpose—to show her the fate of each brave knight who tries to rescue -her. Sometimes the gallant youth is already dead. Sometimes the wicked -magician changes him into some four-footed creature before her eyes, -making him wander upon the earth afterward as an animal. Alas! dear -Prince,’ continued Evening Star, sadly, ‘I dread to see you go upon this -dangerous expedition.’ - -“‘Do not fear for me,’ answered Oswald, bravely. ‘At last, I have -learned where the beautiful Princess of my dreams is imprisoned. No -matter what the dangers are, I will find her and rescue her.’ - -“Indeed, he was so rejoiced at the news brought by Evening Star that he -slept with a light heart that night, and at early dawn started again -toward the Setting Sun. Every evening the sky was tinged with the lovely -red, but he had no other sign from the Princess. - -“One night he stopped at a castle where he met the beautiful daughter of -a wealthy and powerful duke. After a handsome banquet and ball given in -his honor, where the young countess paid him the highest honors, the -duke approached him, and offered to give him her hand in marriage if he -would remain and help to govern the people. - -“Now, Oswald was very grateful for all this kindness, but his heart was -too full of the Sunset Princess to think of any other maiden. So, after -thanking the duke courteously, he declined the honor. The young countess -tossed her pretty head in disdain when she heard he loved another, and -told him he was a fool for his pains, and that he would never rescue the -Sunset Princess. - -“But Oswald was not discouraged by her words, and continued his journey. - -“That night he approached another forest, so dark and gloomy that he -could not see his hand before him. But he remembered the red light that -shone from his ruby-handled sword, and when he held it up he saw the -path quite plainly before him. He heard dreadful squeaking noises all -about him; groans and sudden cries and many dangers beset him. - -“Presently a hideous giant arose. He was tall, and had green eyes, which -he rolled awfully, and he gnashed his long white teeth as Oswald came -along. - -“‘You cannot enter my country,’ he growled loudly, and for a moment -Oswald felt he didn’t want to enter it, because he saw (by the red light -of his sword) a man being bitten to death by two horrid snakes. One -snake was blue and one was white. - -“But Prince Oswald was brave as could be, and he could not see the man -being killed, without helping him; so he dashed forward, and in one -instant had killed both snakes with his shining blade, and rescued the -man. - -“But just as he thought he had won a victory, a great swirling current -of water appeared at his feet, and he leaped back only in time to escape -a blow from the tail of a great black dragon. Now he knew the forest was -bewitched; but he continued his journey, and all day long he fought for -his life. Sometimes it was with wild beasts, and sometimes with the -magician in person; but Oswald never let go his sword for one minute, -and the great magic of its blade protected him. At last the cool shadows -of evening began to fall, and the goblins became less and less -troublesome. - -“Then suddenly he perceived in his path a beautiful maiden. She seemed -almost a phantom, for floating around and about her was a ghostly mist. -But for all that, she was wondrously fair, with an unearthly sort of -beauty. Her eyes shone like stars out of her snowy draperies, and her -voice had a far-away sound, like the tinkle of silver bells. - -“‘O Prince of the Wonderful Sword,’ she said, ‘you have done me a great -favor. I am the White Lady of the Mist, and my golden shuttle was stolen -by the wicked old magician who stole the Sunset Princess. I could do -nothing without it, for all my power lies in its magic. In fighting and -overcoming the magician’s imps in the forest to-day you have restored it -to me; his snares can never more affect me. So, now, I will prove that -my power is restored, and that I am free again, by serving you. I will -blind these wicked enemies of yours, so that they will seek you in vain, -and I will conduct you safe this night through the Forest of Terrors.’ - -“So saying, she began weaving with the shuttle, and a wondrous weaving -it was, for long streamers of mist floated like a white veil over the -forest. Little by little the ghostly vapor covered everything. Faster -and faster she wove, singing softly as she did so a curious kind of -rhyme:— - - “‘Wonderful Shuttle, weaving for me, - Cover each shrub and cover each tree; - Then, while my fairies dance and sing, - Straight through the forest this brave knight bring!’ - -“Gradually great clouds of white formed everywhere. Their gauzy vapor -thickened as they rolled away and enclosed the whole forest. Nothing -could be seen but the wonderful little Lady of the Mist, and she stood -shining and gleaming like silver in the centre of the ghostly shroud. At -last, when all was snowy white, she stopped singing, and bade the knight -follow her. Always through the thick veil he could see her shining -bright and clear, and thus she conducted him through the dark forest. -But the magician’s imps could not see a thing, and though Oswald heard -them fighting and snarling, they did not trouble him again. - -“At break of day, on the edge of a beautiful lake, she left him; but he -was in full view of the magician’s elegant palace. The Lady of the Mist -bade him remain in hiding until the sunset hour, and when the Princess -came out to view his dead body (or the wicked magician’s skill in -changing him into some animal), he must hold his gleaming sword in front -of him, and boldly advance to her side. The White Lady of the Mist -promised to aid him at the critical moment, and she would give him a -sign to advance and rescue the Princess: it would be a veil of mist -descending the mountain. He must not rush forward until the mist -appeared, however, as she could not help him while the sun shone. - -“The Prince promised faithfully to follow her instructions, though it -was hard to wait all day. He walked around the lake, keeping well in the -bushes, and finally hiding himself beneath the Princess’s balcony. - -“The magician’s palace was truly magnificent, for it was built all of -solid black ebony. It was very gloomy and terrible to look upon, but -also very costly, Oswald could see. The great arches of ebony that -upheld the balcony were inlaid with glittering gold and diamonds, so -that the palace sparkled brilliantly in the sunlight. But a black palace -was an unusual sight, and one felt at a glance that it was the abode of -a magician. The floor of the balcony was inlaid with a border of -splendid white pearls, and precious rugs lay on the floor. Costly jewels -were scattered carelessly about in quantities, for the magician felt if -he lost anything his magic could easily restore it. Enticing fruit -gardens grew down to the borders of the lake, and handsome trees spread -out their cool green branches. The place was so lovely it seemed a shame -that such a wicked old magician should own it. - -“Toward evening, when the sun was low, the magician came out and angrily -called for the Princess. It was plain to see he was in a very bad humor. -He had heard of the golden shuttle being restored to the White Lady of -the Mist, and he was fearful of her power against him. He did not know, -however, that Oswald was the knight who had been successful in restoring -it, for he had given such strict instructions to his imps of the forest, -that he felt sure Oswald had not escaped death. - -“Prince Oswald’s heart beat very fast as he saw the palace door open. -When the lovely Princess, pale but proud and noble in her bearing, -stepped forth, he could hardly restrain himself from falling at her -feet. He was bewitched by her beauty, for she was far lovelier than he -had supposed. But he dared not venture forth without the signal from the -White Lady of the Mist. Presently, as he waited impatiently, he saw -creeping down the mountain-side the thin white veil. It rolled out in -clouds, for the White Lady realized she had a great work to do. The old -magician, however, did not see the mist, because his face was turned the -other way. He could not understand why his imps did not hurry across the -lake with Prince Oswald, as they had done with the other knights. They -should suffer for this delay on the morrow, he growled. - -“But Prince Oswald understood the delay. The little imps had not caught -him; and he also knew by the thickly forming mist it was time to act. -Grasping his shining sword firmly in his right hand, in one swift bound -he reached the Princess’s side. He caught her hand in his, and she clung -to him in pure joy and delight. At that moment the magician turned and -saw them standing together. With a loud cry of rage he sprang toward -them, but it was too late. - -“At this minute great clouds of mist rolled over them and completely -covered their forms. Everything was shrouded in ghostly white, and -volumes of vapor continued to roll down the mountain-sides. Faster and -faster came the heavy veil, completely blinding the magician. But Oswald -picked the Princess lightly up in his arms, and holding his gleaming -ruby sword before him as a lantern, ran easily through the fog. He -reached the lake and found it as clear as crystal, and saw no sign of -the mist except behind them. Evening Star shone brightly in the heavens -to light them across the dimpling waters, and she had placed a lovely -canoe in the green bushes for them. All this time the White Lady of the -Mist was hanging her curtains behind the lovers, while her golden -shuttle was weaving them so thick, that even the magician’s sharp eyes -could not penetrate their folds. - -“Prince Oswald and his Princess now saw clearly, and Evening Star -directed their footsteps. When far from the wicked magician, and safe, -they sat down to rest. Oswald told the Princess how much he loved her, -and begged her to marry him; she in gentle tones thanked him for what he -had done, and gladly consented. - -“Just then Evening Star approached, and begged them to rest in her -beautiful country. Gorgeous palaces awaited them, and a splendid people -wanted to be governed, she said. ‘And,’ she added, ‘if you consent, each -night I will come and visit you, for I love the Sunset Princess as a -sister, and my greatest happiness will be to watch yours.’ - -“Then the Sunset Princess, who also loved Evening Star, begged Oswald to -consent. They lived ever afterward in that charming country on the banks -of a great and lovely lake. The waters of the lake were so clear that -the pebbles many feet below glistened like fire-opals. There they lived -in great happiness; and as the years went by Oswald loved his beautiful -wife more, for she was charming to see. - -“Each evening, as the sun went down, Oswald and his lovely family (for -there were many little children) met on the shores of the lake, and the -Princess always wore her bright flower dress. Even now, if you will but -watch for their coming, you will see them yourself. First comes the -Princess, proud and graceful as on that first evening when Oswald -discovered her. Prince Oswald is close beside, and the children troop -down in brilliant flower dresses like their mother’s. The red sandstone -cliffs on the high banks of the lake are the first to catch the glow of -the children’s garments. Suddenly the dull sandstone reflects a -brilliant light, gleaming out like burning fire. The glowing cliffs -tinge with magic colors the soft fleecy clouds above, and one by one -these colors deepen. Purple, gray, pink, gold, and crimson lights blend -together, in glorious confusion. The calm surface of the water reflects -the brightly colored heavens, and gradually the whole western world is -aflame. - -“Thus each evening, in this glorious field of color, Oswald and his -family watch the sky, and await the nightly visit of the splendid -Evening Star.” - - - - - CHAPTER X - HOW THE MOON PRINCESS WAS TAKEN CAPTIVE BY THE BLACK DWARF - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -As the guide finished his story of the Sunset Princess, Ethelda noticed -they had passed through the forest, and it was with a little thrill of -terror she saw the black dwarf and his companions a short distance -ahead. - -After thanking their kind messenger for his guidance and the delightful -stories he had told them, Prince Dorion and his party joined the dwarf. -He seemed more hideous than ever, but his manner was perfectly -respectful as he greeted his guests, and he hardly looked at the -Princess. Two days of travel followed,—days during which new beauties of -the earth were revealed; and because of her interest in these beauties -the lovely Moon Princess almost forgot her sad forebodings. She did not -see the black dwarf during that time, and the horror of his presence -almost passed. He kept out of her sight, and remaining in front with his -imps, led the way. - -Gold and silver had been scattered as they travelled, and for each piece -that fell there formed later a splendid mine. The precious metal, -melting and filtering through the earth in slender veins, reached -finally the heart of the deepest mountains. There it spread and grew, -until to-day the earth is full of its treasures in gold and silver -mines. - -One day, Ethelda, light-hearted and happy, had loitered behind for a -moment, to gather some tiny green ferns creeping between the rocks. She -was stooping to pluck one, when suddenly she felt herself rudely seized. -Looking up, she saw it was the black dwarf who had her within his grasp. -She tried to get away, but his grip was like iron on her delicate arm. -She could not move, and realizing her utter helplessness, she screamed -aloud. Her agonizing call reached her husband, but too late for him to -aid her. For the black dwarf stamped violently upon the ground, which -opened wide, and with her in his arms he sank into the opening, which -immediately closed over them. Then Ethelda fainted. - -When she recovered, she found she was in a large vaulted chamber, in a -big cave. The light was very poor, but she could see the ugly black -dwarf watching her steadily. For a moment she thought she would die of -fright, and then she remembered that, as a Moon maiden, she had the -power to protect herself from harm. In that instant her courage returned -and strengthened her. Softly she repeated the words of the charm she had -learned in the nursery of the Moon palace, and had sung at her mother’s -knee. In a low, musical voice she chanted:— - - Rays of the Moon, brilliant and bright, - Protect me by day, protect me by night. - Naught can harm me when in your embrace, - Protect me you must, as child of your race. - Send but the halo seen often about you, - And I promise, sweet mother, I never shall doubt you. - -As she sang, a beautiful halo formed gradually about her, such as you -sometimes see about the moon, and in the centre of this great shining -space Ethelda stood alone. - -When she moved, her white and silver dress flashed in long sparkling -rays, like the moonlight on the water. The black man covered his eyes to -shield them at first from the blinding light, for it was like the sudden -flashing of midday into the darkest night, and the cave became very -bright. He looked on surprised, not understanding Ethelda’s words, and -on finding what she had done he was completely astounded. He stepped -forward quickly to snatch her from the glowing circle, but found he -could not reach her side. Then he became furious and called his imps, -who swarmed to his assistance; but when they approached the maiden, a -barrier of iron seemed to stand before them. They could not break it -down at all, nor could they penetrate the beaming circle. Ethelda was -safe from any harm except imprisonment. - -The dwarf soon abandoned all thought of reaching her, and in truth he -never really meant to harm her, but had stolen her to marry her. So he -determined to try kindness to win her love, and though he kept her a -prisoner, he was not otherwise unkind. In many ways he tried to please -her. - -For years he had been fitting up a wonderful cave, hoping some day to -induce a lovely maiden to accept and marry him. But he was so ugly and -repulsive that all the Earth maidens shunned him. Still he had gone on -decorating the cave, determined to steal a wife if necessary. - -He had gone to the Earth festival with the intention of finding a wife -there, but when his eyes fell on the Princess Ethelda he forgot all the -other maidens. He thought her gloriously beautiful, and determined to -steal her, although she was already married. Therefore, he made up his -mind that the Moon Princess should love him and forget her husband. On -that account he tried to be kind. Every morning he sent her a beautiful -gift, and then soon after paid her a visit and asked her to marry him. -Each day her reply was the same,—that she loved her husband and hated -him, but if he would restore her to her husband, and show her her home -in the starry skies, she would forgive his stealing her. At these words -the dwarf would go into a great rage and leave the room, but every day -he would return, hoping she had changed her mind. - -At last he conceived a great idea by which he thought he could win her. -Day and night he worked over it, and one morning, when it was completed, -he invited her in to see a room he had fitted especially for her to -occupy. He thought she would be so pleased at what he had done for her -that she could no longer refuse him. - -When he opened the door and bade her enter, she was amazed and delighted -in spite of herself. Round and beautiful in shape was the room. Great -stalactites and stalagmites hung from the ceiling and grew from the -floors,—all a mass of shining light, for they were of purest white -crystal, and shone like the sun. The room was richly furnished, and -every comfort seemed there; but all of this was not what she saw to -admire. It was a darker room beyond that absorbed and enchanted her. Her -eyes beheld what she thought at first was her own beautiful home again. -Quickly she passed into it. Blue as the heavens she had left was the -lofty ceiling she gazed into. She stared with fresh wonder at the -bejewelled stars, and with beating heart watched their brilliant rays. -She expected every moment to see the Moon sail past in silver glory. But -the radiant splendor of her mother’s Moon palace was absent, and then -Ethelda recognized with a great pang that it was not really the sky she -saw at all. - -The countless clusters of stars overheard had been gathered only with -untold labor. The dwarf had stationed his numerous slaves to watch the -heavens all the night, and when a shooting star fell they seized and -brought it straight to him. Gradually, therefore, toiling and working in -this way, they built the famous Star Chamber in the great black cave for -the Moon Princess. - -Ethelda’s disappointment was very keen when she learned the truth. Still -she loved the Star Chamber better than any other spot in her prison, and -she visited it often. - - - - - CHAPTER XI - HOW THE SUN PRINCE RESCUED THE MOON PRINCESS - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -In the meanwhile Prince Dorion, distracted with grief, was trying in -every way to dig down deep enough to rescue his beloved bride. But the -stones would not yield. He had seen his darling disappear in the hands -of the hideous black dwarf, and he often came to that place to mourn. -Night after night he visited it, hoping a miracle would restore Ethelda -to him there. But all day he searched the world for her. - -The Earth, mortified by this outrage to her hospitality, tried to help -him. Her granddaughters, the mermaids, had sought information from every -part of the globe, but as yet without success. The Moon Princess had -disappeared from the face of the Earth completely. The year passed, and -sorrowful and sick at heart the Sun Prince bade his companions adieu. He -determined to abide upon the Earth until he found Ethelda. What was his -amazement, therefore, when the knights and maidens refused to leave him. -They would wait with him, they said. The loss of his bride had bound -them more closely together. The Sun’s rays looked down appealingly and -the Moon ladder glittered temptingly, but they bravely turned their eyes -away. They built a beautiful city near the Ocean, where they could see -the Moon ladder more plainly, but they had lost the right to climb its -shining steps, for the twelve months had expired. - -Prince Dorion searched every day for his bride. He consulted a wise -witch living alone in a deep forest, but she shook her head sadly, and -always replied in these curious words:— - - “Search as you please, - But not among trees - Shall the fair Princess be found. - Go from the water - To the Moon’s daughter; - There lies she in prison bound!” - -Never a word more would she utter, and the poor Prince would puzzle -himself about how he could reach the Princess. But he continued his -search. He would often go to the spot where his beloved had disappeared. -A stately tree, as slender as the Princess, had sprung up there. Its -waving green branches swayed gently, and stretched out with delicate, -tender leaves. Its trunk wore the white and silver dress of the Moon -maiden, and stood like a ghost to mark the place. - -The Earth people ever after called it the Silver Birch. At its foot a -beautiful little spring had bubbled up, and its crystal-clear waters had -formed a tiny stream that gurgled over the rocks, seeking to reach the -sea. In its shining depths he sometimes saw the Moon’s ladder, and he -fancied the clear blue eyes of Ethelda looked out wistfully at him. But -it was only the blue patches of sky overhead. - -One night, sad and depressed, he sat beside the Ocean. The great -throbbing sea seemed to soothe him a little. While he sat there thinking -of Ethelda, and almost despairing, a mermaid floated shoreward. Resting -her beautiful arms on the white gleaming sand, she spoke to him. - -“O, Prince of the Sun,” she began, “I have news for you—news of your -lost bride.” - -“News of my beloved Ethelda?” cried the Prince, joyously. - -“Yes,” answered the mermaid, “your Ethelda is safe and unharmed. I have -seen her.” - -“You have seen her?” cried the Prince. “O favored mermaid, take me to -her at once.” - -“Mighty Prince,” replied she, “I have come to show you the way. Do you -remember the bubbling stream you have often sat beside? It was formed -from Ethelda’s tears. Those crystal drops arose even through the rocks -to comfort you; but deeper down ran the stream, cutting into the Earth -until it formed a dark and gloomy river to lead you back to her. I found -this stream and followed it—straight from the crystal spring into a dark -and gloomy cave. There Ethelda lives and waits for you.” - -A moment more and Prince Dorion was swimming beside the little mermaid. -They swam along the coast until a dark line showed them where the river -joined the ocean. And after many a turn and twist in the black river, -they reached Ethelda’s cave. - -The Moon Princess sat within the vaulted Star Chamber alone. What a -radiant creature she was! Her silver halo surrounded her, and she was -chanting in a musical voice the pretty words which had caused it to -form. The Sun Prince’s eyes dwelt lovingly upon her, but he was amazed -to see overhead the stars shining in the clear blue vault of heaven. - -“Ethelda,” he cried softly; and his heart leaped with love at the sight -of his bride, and bounding forward he reached her side. In another -moment she lay in his arms, sobbing and laughing for joy. - -“Beloved, you are unhurt?” he questioned anxiously. - -“Yes,” she answered, growing calmer. “I am unharmed; and in a way he was -not unkind. But he wished me to marry him, and so kept me in this gloomy -cave, hoping I would consent. - -“See, beloved, even the stars above us he stole to comfort me and win my -love. Every shooting star that fell from the heavens was brought here -and placed in that high ceiling. They shine so brightly there that the -blackness of the ceiling seems almost blue, and sometimes I almost -believe I am gazing into the skies. But, beloved, nothing comforted me -in your absence. I have sat weeping here, forming this river of tears to -bring you to me.” - -Prince Dorion pressed her tenderly to his breast at these words, and -whispered: “Dry your tears now, sweetheart, you will not need them -longer, for I shall take you for ever away from this hideous prison.” - -Silently he carried her to the mermaid’s side, and softly they slipped -away. - -But before Ethelda left, feeling herself safe again within her husband’s -arms, she slipped out of the Moon’s halo and left it in the famous Star -Chamber of the black cave. There it stays for every one to see, lighting -the room with its silver rays in company with the glorious stars which -the black dwarf stole and placed there. - -Back again into the golden sunshine Ethelda came, and once more the -beautiful Moon shone down caressingly upon her. Freed from the black -dwarf’s spell, and with her loved companions, she soon recovered from -her long imprisonment, and was lovelier and more joyous than ever. She -had almost forgotten those trying days and the black dwarf’s cruelty, -but the Earth Queen had not. - -Her Majesty summoned the dwarf and all his wicked followers to court for -trial, and he did not dare to disobey her summons. Ethelda and the Sun -Prince were invited to hear his sentence; and an awful punishment it was -that was put upon him. He was condemned to live always in the dark cave -where he had kept Ethelda prisoner. With his followers he would never -again be allowed to see the Sun or the Moon; never again could he behold -the face of the Earth. - -The Moon Princess shuddered as she heard the dreadful sentence, for to -her darkness was the worst of punishments. She turned to the Earth Queen -and said impulsively: “Oh, your Majesty, be not so cruel! Sentence them -to anything rather than eternal darkness.” - -So the Earth Queen, listening to the tender pleadings of the gentle Moon -maiden, relented; but still the dwarf’s crime must not be dealt with -lightly. She consented, however, to allow the culprits to see the Sun -and the Moon, but they were destined to become the slaves of the -mermaids, and live always in the water. Then, fearing they might forget -they were put into the water to expiate their crime (for the mermaids -were kind-hearted and good), she changed them into fishes, and marked -every one with the shining colors of the Sun and Moon. Even now, if you -notice carefully the pretty fish swimming in the sparkling water, you -will see the fiery red color of the sun blending with the delicate -silver tints of the moon. These markings of gold and silver they must -carry for ever as evidence of their slavery, and in punishment of their -wicked deed. In other respects they are not unhappy. - -Ethelda and the Sun Prince dwelt always after upon the Earth, but they -loved it, as you know. The Moon Mother, looking down and seeing their -joy, and how contented they were, gradually became reconciled to their -remaining. As a proof of her forgiveness and friendliness to them and -their descendants, she has left the Moon ladder down. She has never -taken it away since the night the bridal party walked down its -shimmering silver stairs. Every night, between the mystic hours of dusk -and the rosy dawn, somewhere in the heavens, that splendid white palace -is shining, and its bright ladder is stretching down in a flood of -glory. - -Since then, maybe (who knows?) other Moon maidens have walked down those -jewelled steps to a honeymoon on the Earth. - - - THE END. - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - - - - - _Mrs. Harrison’s Previous Successful Fairy Books_ - - Prince Silverwings, and Other Fairy Tales. _Fourth Edition._ - The Star Fairies, and Other Tales. _Second Edition._ - Both volumes illustrated in color by Lucy Fitch Perkins. Small 4to, - $1.25 _net_. - - A. C. McClurg & Co., Publishers, Chicago. - - - - - _By Edith Ogden Harrison, Author of - “The Moon Princess”_ - - - Prince Silverwings - _and Other Fairy Tales_ - - THIRD EDITION - -Mrs. Harrison made her literary _debut_ in this very attractive volume, -which is of the kind that is sure to be always popular. There are seven -stories in the book, and they are all told in a singularly direct and -unaffected manner, with the engaging simplicity that is so appreciated -by young readers. The pictures by Mrs. Perkins are in delicate tints, -and show a charming fancy and imagination. - -“The stories are set forth in simple and serene English. They have a -great deal of prettiness, and a delicate fancy wavers over them as the -sun glints on a wall. The book is in pictorial ways extraordinary ... -delicately colored, exquisitely executed fancies that make palpable the -illusive dreams of fairy land.”—_Chicago Tribune._ - - _Illustrations in Color by Lucy Fitch Perkins_ - $1.25 Net - A. C. McClurg & Co., Publishers - - - - - _By Edith Ogden Harrison, Author of - “The Moon Princess”_ - - - The Star Fairies - _and Other Tales_ - -Mrs. Harrison’s first book, “Prince Silverwings,” captured the public -completely because it was, in a way, a revival of the old-fashioned -fairy book, the simple little tales that young children really enjoy. -This second collection of stories is written with the same idea of -pleasing the smallest of readers,—direct, simple language and always, of -course, the “happy ending.” The book is dedicated to “the little readers -of ‘Prince Silverwings,’” and they are sure to find it quite as -delightful as that charming collection. Mrs. Perkins’ pictures are -original and artistic in coloring, and go admirably with the text. - -“The child who has not known the delight of an acquaintance with the -bright little twinkling sky fairies may be introduced by these dainty -little tales unearthed by Mrs. Harrison. The illustrations are exquisite -little mural plates by Lucy Fitch Perkins, and the cover design and its -treatment are very attractive.”—_Chicago Evening Post._ - - _Illustrations in Color by Lucy Fitch Perkins_ - $1.25 Net - A. C. McClurg & Co., Publishers - - - - - Transcriber’s Notes - - ---Copyright notice provided as in the original—this e-text is public - domain in the country of publication. - ---Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard (or amusing) - spellings and dialect unchanged. - ---In the text versions, delimited italics text in _underscores_ (the - HTML version reproduces the font form of the printed book.) - - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Moon Princess, by Edith Ogden Harrison - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOON PRINCESS *** - -***** This file should be named 60042-0.txt or 60042-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/0/4/60042/ - -Produced by Mary Glenn Krause, Stephen Hutcheson, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Moon Princess - A Fairy Tale - -Author: Edith Ogden Harrison - -Illustrator: Lucy Fitch Perkins - -Release Date: August 2, 2019 [EBook #60042] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOON PRINCESS *** - - - - -Produced by Mary Glenn Krause, Stephen Hutcheson, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - - - - [Illustration: "_I will return soon, sweet mother._" - (Page 18)] - - [Illustration: Title Page] - - - - - The Moon Princess - A FAIRY TALE - - - BY - EDITH OGDEN HARRISON - - Author of - _PRINCE SILVERWINGS & - THE STAR FAIRIES_ - - _With Illustrations in - Color & Other Drawings - by - Lucy Fitch Perkins_ - - CHICAGO - A. C. M^cClurg & Co. - 1905 - - Copyright - A. C. McCLURG & CO. - 1905 - Published October 7, 1905 - - The Lakeside Press - R. R. DONNELLEY & SONS COMPANY - CHICAGO - - [Illustration: Fairy] - - _TO C. H. H._ - MY MOST APPRECIATIVE READER - - - - - CONTENTS - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - - - PAGE - - - CHAPTER I - How the Moon Princess Came to the Earth 13 - - - CHAPTER II - How the Wedding Guests Visited the Caves of Ocean 23 - - - CHAPTER III - How the Fairies Were Changed into Mocking-birds 30 - - - CHAPTER IV - The Little Dwellers in the Marsh 45 - - - CHAPTER V - The Rainbow Sisters 51 - - - CHAPTER VI - How the Sun Princess Came to the Earth 74 - - - CHAPTER VII - The Story of the Jewelled Beach 91 - - - CHAPTER VIII - The Lost Ocean 112 - - - CHAPTER IX - The Story of Princess Sunset 128 - - - CHAPTER X - How the Moon Princess was Taken Captive by the Black Dwarf 147 - - - CHAPTER XI - How the Sun Prince Rescued the Moon Princess 154 - - - - - LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - - - PAGE - "I will return soon, sweet mother" _Frontispiece_ - The Ocean Queen came forth, with her younger children, to greet - them 25 - "They threw themselves at her feet, begging for pardon" 41 - "They circled together, dressed in the vivid colors of the - rainbow" 57 - "A glimmering figure sitting on a high cliff" 106 - "Turning around, he saw a radiantly beautiful woman near him" 130 - - - _Also eleven drawings in black and white introducing the chapters._ - - - - - THE MOON PRINCESS - - - - - CHAPTER I - HOW THE MOON PRINCESS CAME TO THE EARTH - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -The heavens were a stainless blue, and the Moon shone out of them -arrayed in silvery garments. One by one the sky's matchless jewels, the -stars, peeped out, studding that great ceiling with flashing -diamond-points, until the whole dome was a glittering mass of blue and -silver. The Ocean below seemed a big mirror, made to catch and reflect -the bewildering beauty above, for, shimmering softly, he carried in his -shining depths all those myriad lights. - -Calm and majestic the Moon glided over her star-studded pathway; but, in -spite of her glorious beauty and brilliancy, she was really sad and sick -at heart. Ethelda, her best beloved, the youngest and dearest of her -children, had just made a request the granting of which caused her that -night bitterest sorrow. - -There was an old custom among the Moon maidens that on her marriage each -one of them might ask whatever she most desired, and the thing which she -asked could not be denied her. Now, Ethelda of the starry eyes and the -shining spun-gold hair had asked a fearful gift at her mother's hands. -She was betrothed to the Sun Prince Dorion, a handsome youth, strong of -limb, and a goodly sight to look upon, and he had long loved her. He had -seen this dainty maiden in all her varying moods, so he knew her well. -Sometimes, with her Moon maidens merrily engaged at play, she romped -happy as a child; or later, with the stately tread of a young princess, -she came and went in her big white palace. She often wore a pale blue -gown with silver trimmings, and a crown of flashing stars upon her head, -and then it was the brilliantly beautiful girl looked the daughter of -the skies. - -Prince Dorion had watched the slender maiden until every strand of her -glittering hair was dear to his heart. Later his father's golden chariot -brought him daily to her palace. - -How Ethelda loved to watch him as he drove the fiery steeds with a -master's hands, guiding them surely and steadily to her palace gates! He -was the finest of the Sun God's sons, and Ethelda's heart beat proudly -as she looked upon her chosen one. The Moon Mother was happy too, in her -daughter's choice, and all would have been well in the wedding -festivities save for Ethelda's unheard-of request. How the Moon hated to -grant it! But she had reasoned with Ethelda long and patiently without -effect. For the wilful little Princess was bent upon this mad whim. -"Alas! no good can come of it," sighed the Moon heavily, and she gazed -down sadly upon the Earth as she spoke. "No good can come of it," she -repeated. "What could have possessed the child to want it?" - -For Ethelda had asked no less than this: to visit the Earth and spend -her honeymoon there! - -The young Sun Prince, though at first reluctant to take his beautiful -bride upon such a wild trip, had finally yielded to her persuasions, and -now, being won by her tender pleadings, was as anxious to go as she. - -But the Moon Mother had no such faith in the foolish journey. Her mind -misgave her, and as she swung around the great circle in celestial -glory, her heart grew tremulous with fear for her daughter's safety. The -request must be granted: that she knew; but she was devoutly thankful -for a wise law requiring a Moon maiden to revisit her own home yearly. -At most, then, they could stay but a twelvemonth upon the Earth. Reason -as she would, however, the Queen Mother's heart was heavy, for with the -daughter upon the Earth the mother's happiness would be gone. But the -maiden's joy at the consent consoled her somewhat, and with an unselfish -mother's love the Queen determined to hide her own grief and make the -wedding trip a brilliant and a joyous one. - -Prince Dorion came with a great retinue of knights, all dressed in -shining gold wrought in the Sun's fiery furnace, and bringing wonderful -jewels to his bride. The Moon Queen, not to be outdone in magnificence, -showered silver in plenty upon them both, and bade one hundred of her -loveliest maidens accompany the bridal pair upon their journey. - -The wedding was so brilliant that the skies grew bright as day, and the -splendor was reflected for many miles across the heavens. When the -ceremony was over, the bride, in shining white and silver garments, came -forth from the circle of her bridesmaids to bid her mother farewell. - -Long-limbed and graceful was this daughter of the skies. Her finely cut -features showed her high-bred race. Her blond hair hung in yellow masses -to her knees, while her tender blue eyes, looking smilingly upon her -mother's face, were radiant with happiness. Gliding swiftly forward she -reached the throne, and there, sinking on her knees, she begged her -mother's blessing. - -Very tenderly the Queen watched her graceful child approach and kneel, -and then leaning forward she raised her to her breast and showered -caresses upon her. - -"Ethelda, best beloved," she began, "stay not beyond your allotted time -upon the Earth. My heart misgives me when I think of your departure, and -will be heavy until you return. But see, my daughter, I have provided -for your safety as best I can, and you may come back to me whenever you -choose." So saying, she drew the bride gently toward the window of her -white palace, and there, looking down, Ethelda saw a wonderful sight -indeed. A beautiful shimmering ladder of moonlight stretched in infinite -splendor down to the Earth. Whichever way she looked, the majestic sweep -of that brilliant ladder was before her. It reached the Ocean, whose -gigantic waves of foaming white rose to meet it, and it quivered in -dazzling glory upon the green-clad forests of the land. - -Ethelda was amazed and delighted at the wonderful sight, and throwing -her arms around her mother's neck, she poured forth her gratitude in -loving words. "We will return soon, sweet mother," she whispered -tenderly; "those shining steps will lead us safely back to you." Then, -as her husband joined them, she stepped forward smilingly to greet him, -saying she was ready. - -One hundred of the Sun Prince's knights, in trappings of gold made by -the Sun himself, and with bright shades of crimson trimmings, joined -them as she spoke. Ethelda's maidens, in their glittering dresses of -whitest silver, followed; and joining hands with the knights, began -their magnificent wedding march to the Earth. - -Never was there a more kingly sight. Preceding the bride and bridegroom, -the gay cavalcade descended the glorious ladder of silver beams. Step by -step they wandered down the moonglade toward the Earth, and the Moon, -smiling lovingly at them, sighed again heavily as she spread her bright -pathway of silver before them. - -Now, the Earth knew of their coming, and she determined to give them a -welcome befitting their high and mighty rank. She already owed a great -debt to the Sun King, for it was his shining rays that warmed and -nourished her and made her fruitful. Most of her splendid fertility was -due to the warmth of the Sun. So she invited the whole world to meet the -bridal party, giving a grand ball in their honor. - -Her invitations were taken by the winds and swiftly carried to the four -corners of the globe. Hundreds of noble personages were asked to meet -the distinguished strangers, and all came to do them honor, bringing -cordial greetings and invitations to visit the different parts of the -world. - -The night of the ball had come. The Earth, resplendent in jewels, -awaited the arrival of her guests. The forest back of them was aglitter -with lights, for all the glow-worms and fireflies had been summoned for -the occasion, and for days they had been decorating the trees. An -orchestra of birds sang delicious music, and overhead the sky was -spangled with twinkling stars gazing in silent wonderment upon the -Earth's splendor. - -By the side of the Earth Queen stood Prince Dorion. His suit of pure -gold shone like the Sun himself, and next to him was his beautiful -bride, the Moon Princess. She was dressed in white garments embroidered -in silver, and she was certainly a charming vision. Her gleaming yellow -hair was caught back from her forehead with a crown of flashing stars. -Her clear blue eyes, with their deep sky tints, were dancing in lights -as brilliant as her star crown itself. - -First came the Earth's eldest son, the Ocean King, to greet them. The -Sea was a mass of fire with gleaming phosphorus, and King Ocean and his -mermaid daughters seemed to be floating in red flames as they -approached. The maidens' long and wonderfully beautiful hair floated -behind them as they swam, and they sang the most entrancing songs. They -bore an invitation to Prince Dorion and his bride to visit them in their -marine home. And this invitation was at once accepted by the strangers. -Another invitation, accepted at once, came from Prince Dorion's only -sister, Princess Kuldah, who lived upon the Earth with her husband. Many -more charming invitations were given them, but of course it was -impossible to accept them all. - -At last one distinguished-looking person strode forward, small of -stature and ugly to look upon. His body was dwarfed, and he had a big -hump on his back. His face was dark and glowering, and he wore a suit of -yellow leaves. All the guests moved aside to let him pass, as though -they feared him. He lived in the vast depths of the forest, amidst huge -mountains; his daily work, with his thousands of imps, was to build -those mountains big and high. Stone by stone he raised them, bleak and -barren, to the clouds. He limped as he walked, and he glared angrily at -the shrinking faces avoiding him; but he gave his invitation to the fair -guests, as the others had done, and bowed low before them as he gave it. - -An involuntary shudder ran through the lovely Princess as she heard his -words, and she clung suddenly to her husband in terror, as the black -dwarf's eyes dwelt admiringly upon her. She felt a cold thrill of fear -at his bold glance. - -But Prince Dorion, reassuring her with a tender smile, turned to the -ugly creature, and to the astonishment of the Earth Queen and her court, -replied: "Sir Dwarf, we accept your invitation, and will gladly ride -forth with you whenever our hostess wills. The Sun King, my father, and -her Majesty the Queen of the Moon, have each sent the Earth a gift as a -glad token of our visit here, and we must place our precious gold and -silver deep within the bosom of your great mountains. There will it best -thrive and grow, increasing and benefiting the world." - -The Moon Princess turned very pale when she heard her husband's reply, -but the black dwarf limped away with a gratified smile upon his ugly -face. - - - - - CHAPTER II - HOW THE WEDDING GUESTS VISITED THE CAVES OF OCEAN - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -The Ocean King and his daughters came early for their guests. They had -driven fast, and their sea-horses were covered with a lather of white -foam. As they came shoreward the rising Sun dyed the sky a brilliant -pink, and for a moment the water caught its color. And then it was -delightful to watch the great rolling waves of the Sea blushing a -delicate rosy shade. Ethelda with Prince Dorion and their friends stood -on the creamy sands awaiting them. The Moon Princess wore a gown to -match her blue eyes, and its exquisite train, embroidered in silver -crescents, hung in heavy folds behind her. - -Stepping lightly into the Ocean King's chariot, Ethelda sat beside him. -Prince Dorion followed, and very soon the whole party were comfortably -seated among the mermaids. Away they started. Some snowy birds, watching -them off, rose suddenly, and outstretching their long white wings, -floated lazily away. - -Billions of sapphire waves rolled in to meet them, but the horses sped -easily through, leaving only a broad roadway of foam behind. The shining -sun spread now over the wide expanse, and they seemed to be flying -through golden mists, while their great frothy path glittered in as many -colors as the rainbow. Farther and farther they went, deeper and deeper -grew the rich color of the great deep, until it seemed impossible it -could become bluer. Then slowly that brilliant blue changed, becoming a -clear cool green, the shade of the coldest waters. Not until then did -the Ocean King draw rein, and slowly descending, they finally stopped at -the gates of his palace. - -The palace was a wonder to behold. Its walls were built of richest -mother-of-pearl, and shaded from purest white to the most delicate rose. -Its broad staircases and wide halls were all of the same costly -material, while its trimmings and ornamentations were pearls and -diamonds of priceless worth. - - [Illustration: _The Ocean Queen came forth, with her younger children, - to greet them._ - (Page 25)] - -To keep the white light from dazzling with its splendor, the tall green -seaweeds waved about, lending a delicious, cool shade, like the green -trees on the dry land, so that everything was agreeable to the eye. - -The Ocean Queen came forth, with her younger children, to greet them, -and Ethelda thought she had never seen anything so delicately beautiful -as the Queen. Her eyes were clear as crystal pools, and her hair--a -bewildering mass of gold--floated about her, covering her almost -completely. She wore a pale green dress trimmed with magnificent pearls, -and on her head a crown of diamonds. She glided up to the strangers, and -in the softest voice bade them welcome. - -A magnificent banquet was served immediately, and then they were shown -the wonders of the sea palace. Rooms filled with costly treasures were -opened; chests of brilliant jewels were examined. - -But while the guests were enchanted with so much splendor, the King -explained that to the mermaid kingdom these heaps of diamonds and -emeralds and rubies were really not worth a single piece of coral; for -at these huge coral beds in the bottom of the sea the baby mermaids -received their education. They were taught to swim and play games and -amuse themselves, and later they lent their deft fingers to build and -carve those exquisite mountains of the sea. When the Moon maidens saw -the coral beds, they too shared the mermaids' belief. - -The party were walking through the clear smooth waters, when presently, -ahead, they noticed a slight ruffle, and almost immediately they saw a -long pink line. It was the coral reef. As they approached they saw great -sheets of roaring foam sweep over the slippery coral, and as they passed -by the hissing white wall of foam they saw that the tiny builders had -raised their rose-colored mountains to a great height. The delicate work -was a marvel to see; it was like the weaving of finest lace-work, and -only the smartest of the mermaids were employed to carve the coral beds. - -"Can the Earth exhibit greater wonders?" exclaimed Prince Dorion. - -"We think not," answered the Ocean King; "but perhaps it is because we -love our home so much. We have many more wonderful things we could show -you, but our time is limited, and we can only briefly display our -favorites." - -Turning, he took from the hand of one of his daughters a beautiful -shell. Creamy and shining like satin was the outside of the curving -piece of mother-of-pearl, but its lovely lining was as pink as a -rose-leaf. Presenting it to Ethelda, the King bade her keep it to remind -her of her visit to his dwelling. "This beautiful shell, fair Princess," -continued the King, "shares with the mermaid kingdom its great love of -home, and it carries deep in its heart the sound of the waves. It will -never lose it. No matter where it goes or how long it stays, if you but -hold it to your ear it will speak to you of us. For the deep musical -sound of the waves will always be heard singing within its depths." - -Ethelda, delighted, thanked him for the charming gift, which she -gratefully accepted. Then continuing their walk, they arrived at the -door of a handsome palace, where the Ocean King's only sister lived. She -was called the Princess Sea Foam, and her palace was built entirely of -pearls. Great oysters were constantly employed making these pearls for -her, and day after day they opened their wide mouths and deposited fresh -beauties at her doors. Her apartments were very elegant and all in -white, and the Ocean King's guests were especially astonished at the -magnificence of the Princess's clothes. She was very beautiful, for her -skin was clear and white and her features delicate and pretty. She was -small of stature, and looked more like a fairy than a mermaid, but her -dress amazed them by its beauty. It was snow-white, and was studded with -the largest and purest diamonds they had ever seen. Even her hair was -covered with precious stones, and wherever she moved, sparkles of light -burst forth. When she approached closer they discovered that the shining -jewels were not really diamonds at all, but clear and brilliant -raindrops! - -The Princess Sea Foam was in reality also the Rain Princess. Her duty -was to lie frequently upon the top of the waves and travel about, -watching the dry land and the sky. Often one sees the broad blue waters -flecked with white specks; then one knows that Sea Foam and her -companions, in their white dresses, are watching the world, to determine -when rain is needed. It is a great responsibility for such a tiny -Princess, but she has guided her millions of followers wisely, and the -Earth is well pleased with her lovely daughter's work. - -They make the precious raindrops and then store them away in a big room -in the pearl palace. When rain is needed the doors are opened and the -skies absorb the moisture. The heavens fill with clouds,--at first -glorious, shining masses, lying against the blue sky as white and foamy -as the Princess herself on the blue waves, but later, gathering force, -they darken to a gray or black, and fall upon the Earth in a shower of -glittering drops. Over and over again must Sea Foam do this wonderful -work, but it is a work of joy, because she loves those glittering drops -of shining water. - -The Sun warms the world and gives it heat, but the Ocean must cool and -freshen it with raindrops; for all the rain that falls from the skies -must first be gathered on the Earth, and this responsibility rests on -the Ocean King's sister, dainty little Sea Foam. - - - - - CHAPTER III - HOW THE FAIRIES WERE CHANGED INTO MOCKING-BIRDS - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -They were most reluctant to leave the beautiful world under the water, -but the Sun Prince and the Moon Princess must keep their engagements, -and there were many journeyings for them yet. The Ocean King had kept -them as long as possible in his dominions, but now he felt obliged to -let them go, and so regretfully bade them adieu. - -He had arranged in their travels about his strange and wonderful -possessions to land them in a beautiful southern country. From this spot -they would travel north toward the Valley of Enchantment, to visit the -Sun Princess, that lovely sister of Prince Dorion who was making her -home in this world. They all looked forward with much pleasure to this -visit; it seemed, in fact, to be one of their chief topics of -conversation, for they naturally desired to see the only sister of -Prince Dorion, who was famous for her great beauty. Now and then, -however, in the midst of their joyous travels, a black shadow seemed to -cross the pretty Moon Princess's face: it was when she remembered the -promised visit to the black dwarf. Somehow she could not overcome her -horror of him, and was never reconciled to making him a visit. - -Reluctantly the company bade adieu to the Ocean King and his charming -family, and rose through the clear, limpid waters of a big Gulf. It was -a beautiful sight that met their eyes as they came to the surface in the -open sunlight. A wonderful land lay before them. Its shores were shaded -with spreading branches of magnificent live-oak trees which grew down to -the water's edge, planting their splendid trunks in the very midst of -the curving line of yellow sand. Farther back pink crpe-myrtles, yellow -acacias, and white Spanish daggers were scattered, and a long row of -pecan-trees kept dozens of chattering squirrels busy. Cherokee roses -bloomed in thousands, their yellow hearts showing in brilliant contrast -to their dazzling white petals. "How beautiful this country is!" said -the Princess, and every one echoed her words. - -As they landed they were greeted by the Sun Princess's messenger, who -would guide them northward to the Valley of Enchantment. This guide -belonged to the company of Sun people who had accompanied the Sun -Princess to her new home. He proved a charming companion indeed, for he -knew everything about the countries through which they passed, and in -their travels told them many interesting facts. They learned that they -were in a southern land, on the borders of a great Gulf. They could see, -beside the live-oaks, some superb trees growing to great heights,--trees -with great long green leaves, holding big creamy blossoms that opened -like white chalices to catch the sun. One tree especially stood out in -magnificent strength. Its rough old trunk was enormous and knotted with -age, and its broad branches spread out protectingly covered with big -waxen leaves. The great tree had a dignity about it that fascinated the -Princess. As the little company walked nearer to examine it, they -noticed how the grass--soft as velvet--stretched away like a green -carpet toward the yellow marsh beyond. The nearer they came to the tree -the bigger the tree looked, and they found a round hollow in one side -the trunk, where a squirrel had hidden his nuts. "It is a -magnolia-tree," the guide replied, in answer to their questions, "and -there are many thousands like it scattered through this southern -country." - -At that moment a sound rose upon the air, so soft and exquisite in its -melody that they held their breath to listen. It came from the branches -of the tree, and was a song of welcome from the mocking-birds. In a -moment a thousand of these little feathered songsters had joined the -chorus. Their notes rang out joyously, for they warbled and trilled in -an ecstasy of delight until the strangers thought they had never heard a -more beautiful concert. Then suddenly, while the Moon Princess listened -entranced, the music ceased as abruptly as it had begun. They heard a -flutter of soft wings, and saw above their heads a flock of tiny birds. -The birds were lovely,--a soft gray in color, with a splash of white on -the wings and tail, and as they flew away and disappeared in the -distance all became silent again. - -What a silence it was! Not a sound broke the stillness. The brilliant -sunshine danced along the ground like little sparks of fire, but not a -leaf stirred. It grew warm. The blue gulf lay like a sheet of glass in a -sort of golden mist. The heat was intense; it seemed to shimmer in a -yellow haze over everything; and then suddenly a little movement broke -the profound stillness. It came from the green-eyed, red-throated -lizards as they ran through the grass. They stopped to watch the -strangers wonderingly, but as the Moon Princess moved slightly, the -timid little creatures, affrighted, took the color of the leaf on which -they were, and lay as motionless as death! - -Then the Princess spoke softly: "This world is very wonderful; I have -never seen so many bewildering things before." - -As they resumed their journey the guide told them the history of the -bird. - -"The mocking-bird is really the southern fairy, you know," he began, -"and the entrancing song it sings is only the story of its life. It -tells the tale over and over again, in a delicious burst of song; as the -little children alone understand the fairies' speech, I cannot tell all -it says, but I will repeat exactly what I have heard. Once upon a time -there dwelt in the midst of that great magnolia grove we have just left -a band of fairies. They were the lightest-hearted and happiest little -band in the world, and they had just celebrated a splendid marriage. One -of their most beautiful Princesses had married a nephew of the Queen. He -was as handsome as his bride was beautiful, and everything went merry as -a marriage bell. Now, Prince Adelstan, in spite of his high rank and -station, was always playing some prank upon some one, but his tricks -were generally good-natured, and the fairies seemed to love him the -better for his fun; he was, indeed, a great favorite with them all. Now, -when he married the dignified and beautiful Princess Verdande, every one -predicted that he would become more sober, and, as a married man, put -aside his boyish manners. - -"It really seemed just about as they prophesied. Of course, a fairy's -life is a brilliant round of pleasure, but Prince Adelstan seemed -contented to travel the world over with his lovely wife and act just as -all well-behaved fairies should. The little people were all delighted, -of course, with the change in their favorite, and said among themselves -he was even more attractive than ever. In reality Prince Adelstan was so -absorbed in a plan he was forming for himself and bride that he had no -time to think of playing foolish pranks on others. Fairies, as you know, -are free to do exactly as they please, except for one rule, and that -rule can never be broken. Their life must be lived at night, amid -moonshine and starlight, and then they pass many gladsome hours -together; from dusk until dawn they are the merriest little people in -the world. But at the first streak of light every fairy must -vanish,--under a leaf, in the heart of a rose, behind a dewdrop, the -fairy may hide; but hide he must, and there remain sleeping until -darkness again falls upon the world. This rule in Fairyland has been -enforced for centuries, and no one, however brave, has had the hardihood -to break it. Sometimes (but very rarely), on a day when the Sun does not -shine and the Earth is covered with a white veil of mist, a fairy can -peep out, but he must be extremely careful that he is only in the mist, -for he must never see a ray of sunshine for a moment. - -"Well, can you imagine what Prince Adelstan decided to do? He determined -upon a terribly rash thing, and planned it for months. He lay awake -thinking of it, for in his excitement he could not sleep. He whispered -it at last to his beautiful bride, who trembled in his arms as she -listened. She was horrified at first, and pleaded with him to give up -his rash plan; but he was bent upon it, and after weeks of pleading from -him, she finally yielded and consented to help him. Together they -decided to elude the fairies and break the law; for their rash -determination was no less than this--to see the Sun rise. - -"Night after night they discussed it, and one beautiful moonlight one, -when they had danced until dawn, and the other fairies, exhausted, had -slipped into the hearts of the magnolia blossoms to sleep, Prince -Adelstan and Princess Verdande stole carefully down to the waters of the -Gulf, and, breathless with curiosity, awaited the coming of the Sun. - -"Never shall they forget that morning. The waters of the Gulf looked -steely gray in the first faint light of dawn. A pearly white mist was -lifting slowly from them, and melting as it lifted. The little bride -caught her breath with admiration as the cold steel-gray of the water -slowly changed into a delicate, warm pink, for the Gulf, like a great -mirror, was reflecting all the lights in the sky. The sea-shell pink of -the faint dawn heralded the approach of the Sun. Gradually the delicate -coloring grew a deeper rose, until the white clouds overhead seemed dyed -in crimson. The waters lay still and silent; hardly a ripple disturbed -their serenity. Presently long, piercing rays crept across the sky, -while all the colors of the rainbow seemed to blend and mix together. -Gradually the world grew brighter and brighter. Then suddenly out of the -shining water rose a great red ball of fire! The Princess clung to her -husband, for, beautiful as it was, she was surprised and frightened. The -Sun mounted slowly into the sky, casting his brilliant rays across the -heavens, and at the same time great slanting streaks of yellow beams -danced before their bewildered eyes. The waters of the Gulf were -marvellous to see, for they glistened like millions of flashing -diamonds. The two fairies stood amazed at the magnificent sight before -them, for even Fairyland has nothing more beautiful than the sunrise. - -"Presently a flock of white sea-gulls rose shrieking from the sands, and -Prince Adelstan and his wife (startled by the sudden noise, and abashed -by their terrible disobedience) tried to hide behind a blade of grass. -Alas! what was their horror to discover that they could not. They had -grown much larger, and they realized in despair that they could no -longer hide under the flowers; their wings, too, had disappeared, and -they knew they were banished from Fairyland. Then their sorrow began, -for, try as they did, they could find no trace of their brother and -sister fairies. - -"There was a dreamy stillness everywhere, and the flowers were very -tempting in the early morning dew; but alas! those flowers no longer -formed a home for the disobedient fairies. Hand in hand they wandered, -and for miles they stumbled sadly along, until at last they reached the -edge of a great marsh. The green and yellow grasses there were scarcely -moving, and lovely tints were shimmering in a hazy amber splendor. The -unruffled waters of the bayou, as it ran curling around the rushes, -gleamed in spots of silver. The world took on new beauties beneath the -Sun, but the unhappy Princess and her husband could not enjoy them. They -journeyed about in misery until they found the gnarled old -magnolia-tree. They hid themselves in its hollow trunk. - -"The fairies, of course, had missed them, and knew perfectly well of -their misfortunes, but the Queen's heart was hardened against them -because of their dreadful disobedience. However, the band of little -fairies, in spite of all, united in deep sympathy for their erring -brother and sister, and they prayed the Queen to grant them pardon. The -Queen's heart softened a little at last, for after all the Prince was a -beloved nephew; but even she had not full power to restore them to -Fairyland. The law once broken, full penance must be done; for -disobedience is a dreadful crime in Fairyland. - -[Illustration: "_They threw themselves at her feet, begging for pardon_." - (Page 41)] - -"Late one night, when the Moon was high in the blue sky, and the world -was flooded with silver, when the bright stars flashed out like millions -of dancing points of fire, the two unhappy culprits crept out from the -hollow of the magnolia-tree. The fairies were holding high festival, -feasting on rose-leaves and drinking the dew from tiny acorn cups. -Thousands of them were dancing in and out of the moonlight, and their -bright wings flashed gold and silver lights wherever they moved. Their -wands, too, sparkled and glittered as if they were on fire. The exiled -Prince and Princess gazed sadly upon it all, seeing now fully what they -had lost; but alas! it was too late. They knew quite well their bulky -forms without wings could never again become as light and airy as before -their disobedience. Swiftly, however, they ran forward, and before the -astonished Queen had time to escape, they threw themselves at her feet, -begging for pardon. The Queen frowned as she listened to the story of -their disobedience, and the other fairies shuddered when they heard of -the great crime. Still, her Majesty loved her nephew and his bride, and -her heart was heavy as she heard the sad tale. The Queen was unusually -handsome that night, and seated on a throne of moss-rose buds, she -seemed very far above the culprits at her feet. Her white-and-silver -dress sparkled brilliantly against the bright pink of the rosebuds, and -the green leaves about them were so covered with dew that they seemed to -be made of frosted silver. - -"'Alas! my dear children,' she began sadly, 'I have not the power to -make you fairies again. You have lost Fairyland forever by your act of -disobedience. Once banished, you cannot be recalled; beside, were it -possible for me to admit you again to Fairyland, you would never be -happy with us again. You have seen the glorious sunrise once, and -nothing in Fairyland is so beautiful. You would constantly long for that -magnificent sight again. But,' she added thoughtfully, 'perhaps I can -render you perfectly happy in some other form upon the Earth, and in -this way restore your contentment.' - -"Tremblingly Prince Adelstan and his bride bade her change them, for, -miserable as they were, they knew she spoke the truth. They would never -be happy in Fairyland again; they would always long to see the sunrise. -Then silence fell upon them all, as the Queen slowly raised her -glittering wand. - -"Presently there arose upon the stillness of the night a most glorious -sound. It was the mocking-bird raising its voice in thanksgiving and -praise for happiness found again. Again and again those delicious sounds -floated out on the air, filling the night with sweetness, until the very -fairies stood breathless to listen. It seemed marvellous that so much -sweetness of sound could be contained in such a tiny body; but the -little songsters trilled and sang in glorious delight. - -"Only in this land of sunshine and magnolias will you find this -wonderful bird. It never wanders far from the Gulf. It flourishes best -amid the magnolias, and it fills the southern woods with music. It sings -at all hours; at night, when the Moon is looking kindly down upon the -Earth, and the Earth is serenely smiling to the Moon, its clear notes -ring out joyously, until even the stars from their glittering palaces -lean down to listen. But it is at the witching hour of dawn that the -most wonderful of its melodies is heard. Then it awakens to watch again -that miracle of the world, the mystery of the rising Sun, and as the -golden spears of light streak the heavens, cutting away the white veil -of mist and coloring the skies with rainbow hues, its glorious voice -rings out and floods the world with music; for at that hour the -mocking-bird is telling over and over again the story of that -magnificent sight--the sunrise." - - - - - CHAPTER IV - THE LITTLE DWELLERS IN THE MARSH - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -As the guide finished his charming description of the southern -nightingale, he pointed out to them the marsh. It was a strange-looking -place, and Ethelda asked many questions concerning it. Why was it -dangerous to cross? Why must they skirt the marsh and go around it, as -they were doing? It was much the shorter way to cut right across it, but -instead, they walked miles out of their way to reach the other side. -Their guide assured them that the marsh was not so charming as it -looked. Down amid its dark cypresses, where the jagged palmetto fans and -latanier grew, and where the tall rushes and reeds were so fine that, -swaying softly under the breeze, they looked like moving water, but -water dyed in emerald and topaz tints--lurked many dangers. Rattlesnakes -and toads and deadly insects made it their home, and the ground was all -a quagmire, so that stepping on it they would sink deep in mud and -slime, and perhaps die there. - -"Oh," said the Princess, "how awful! Does nothing nice live there? Those -beautiful tiger-lilies and big purple passion-flowers bloom so -charmingly, surely there must be something there to enjoy them." - -"Well," answered the guide, "the birds frequently nest there, and the -great pelicans and cranes hide in it; but beside them there are only -three respectable families that I know of who ever enter it." - -"Who are they?" asked Ethelda, deeply interested at once. - -"Why, the first family I mean," replied the Sun messenger, "is the -Crayfish family. Deep down in the black slime live this family, who -delight in digging and burrowing in the mud. They live in very black -dirt, but a happier family it would be hard to find. They are splendid -little housekeepers, too, and spend most of their mornings in their own -homes, trying to build up and beautify their houses, and they never -meddle with any one else. Any time of day you can see their bright eyes -peering out of their mud windows wonderingly. The Crayfish babies are -very tiny, and are carefully and tenderly watched. They never are -allowed to play with others, and cannot leave their mother's side a -single minute until they are five years old. Indeed, they hold on to her -sides until that age. By that time they are considered grown, and can -care for themselves and choose their own friends. On this account, -perhaps, the Crayfishes don't visit much, because with a dozen children -clinging to her the mother is hardly a welcome guest anywhere; the -Crayfishes have few friends in consequence. The Mud-Turtles, I believe, -are about their only callers, and only through them do they occasionally -hear of the outside world." - -"How comical!" laughed a pretty Moon maiden. "Now tell us about the -other families." - -"The head of the other family," said the guide, "is very interesting -indeed. He is a queer little animal called Opossum; he looks like a rat, -but is larger than a cat. He spends the day lazily, sleeping among the -foliage of trees, or in hollows of their trunks or boughs. His fur is -nearly black, but little white patches about his face give him a most -wise appearance. He brought his family, consisting of a wife and sixteen -small babies, and started housekeeping on the edge of the swamp. The -babies are not as big as mice, but they are the sweetest little furry -things you ever saw. They cuddle up so nicely together, and just wait to -be fed. Of course Mother 'Possum has her hands pretty full watching and -caring for sixteen small children, so it devolves on the father to -provide food for them; and every night he runs around the country -looking for something to eat. He is really a devoted father, but he is -not fond of work; and how to feed a wife and sixteen babies without work -is a very hard problem to solve. So I am sorry to tell you Mr. 'Possum -often steals his food, that being the easiest way to get it, and nothing -appeals to him so strongly as a tender young chicken. - -"Now, the third family dwelling in the marsh are the Raccoons. Mrs. -'Possum has a great contempt for this same neighbor of hers, and they -are not on very friendly terms. Mrs. 'Possum is a splendid housekeeper, -but Mrs. Raccoon cares nothing at all about her home. True, she builds -her house carefully in the topmost branches of a tree, but having done -that, she considers her duty ended, and seldom occupies it. 'Any old -place is good enough to sleep in,' she says; and just so she can find a -spot with water enough to moisten her food before eating it, she is -content. Therefore she wanders around, with the little Raccoons, -anywhere and everywhere, and when they get tired they just creep under -some old log and go to sleep. Of course Mother 'Possum, with her strict -ideas of housekeeping, thinks this careless habit no way to live or to -bring up children; but whenever Mrs. 'Possum reproaches Mrs. Raccoon -with being a slipshod housekeeper and a gadabout, Mrs. Raccoon -invariably replies, 'Have you ever noticed how soft and fine my fur is, -and how many beautiful rings I wear on my tail?'--for she is awfully -vain. Then she flourishes her tail around, and whisking about, shows off -the pretty black and white rings she carries, to the best possible -advantage, until Mrs. 'Possum in disgust sends all the little 'Possums -scurrying away, fearing lest they become vain and worldly like the -Raccoons. But with the exception of the Raccoons and the Crayfishes, the -Opossum family own the big yellow and green marsh." - - - - - CHAPTER V - THE RAINBOW SISTERS - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -As the guide messenger told all these tales of the marsh, the Moon -Princess and her companions noticed they were gradually leaving the -southern land; for of course such wonderful beings as Moon Princesses -and messengers of Sun Princesses travel much faster than mortals, and -they were travelling rapidly. They seemed to be in the midst of a -charming forest of long, cool shadows and crystal springs. - -"What place is this?" asked Prince Dorion, stopping to admire the long, -cool vista of trees ahead. - -"O, this," replied the guide carelessly,--"this forest was once the -abode of the Rainbow Sisters." - -"Who were they?" innocently inquired a dainty Moon maiden, tripping -lightly along. - -"Would you like to hear about them?" asked the guide. - -"O, yes," replied all the Moon maidens in chorus, "do tell us all about -them." - - -"Once upon a time, in a charming country, a delightful people lived. The -skies were clear as crystal, and the Sun shone brightly out of them. -Great palm groves grew green and beautiful, and curious flowers sprang -up in marvellous bits of color. There was a strange and fascinating -beauty about this land. Even the rocky hills edging the big broad desert -that stretched for miles away, barren of the smallest green blade of -grass to make them pretty, were not ugly. Yellow as gold they sparkled -in the bright sunshine, rich and mellow against the paler sand beyond. -The country lay near a large blue sea, and through its many cities ran a -splendid shining river. Now, every one of the clear, cool drops of this -smiling stream was precious as diamonds to the people, for, beautiful as -their land was (and it was superb with its splendid mosques and temples -and rich with jewels and carvings), it lacked one thing that the rest of -the world enjoyed,--never a drop of rain fell there. - -"For more years than you could count, the trees and the flowers had -never tasted a cool sweet drink from the skies. The heavens were always -blue and clear, for the Sun shone brilliantly out of them every day. -Sometimes a cloud might form, but if it did, it floated by white as the -foam on the sea, never dark or black. - -"Now, you may think that golden sunshine and blue skies are very lovely -things to possess, but the people tired of having them all the time. -They felt that a nice shower of rain occasionally, even if it came out -of an ugly black cloud, would be better than all the pink and violet and -green shades of their clear heavens. The only thing that saved their -trees and their gardens from burning up as in the dry heat of the -desert, and that gave them water, was the glorious big river flowing by. -No wonder, then, they loved and prized its drops. Broad and long, it ran -through the country, and curled in silver splashes about the banks. -Twice every year it overflowed, and then, with feasting and joy, they -caught it in pools and canals dug to hold and preserve the precious -liquid. In this way they kept the gardens green and lovely, but oh, the -work was so hard! Thousand of poor slaves labored day and night to -accomplish it. The kind-hearted king offered a big reward to any one who -would devise some way to make rain fall in his country, and many wise -men spent days and nights studying over the great question. Big trees -were planted to catch and draw the moisture, and many other means were -tried, but in spite of all these doings the clouds sailed by, as fleecy -and white as snow. - -"So things went on for many years, and still no rain ever came. Now, the -king had an only son, to whom he was perfectly devoted. The child was -very beautiful, and was also wise, as a prince should be. It was a -common thing to see the handsome little fellow standing in the midst of -a grave council of men, listening to their words of wisdom. He never -seemed to tire of their long discussions, and would remain, solemn and -silent, among them, instead of playing with the children about him. Thus -he grew in wisdom and strength to manhood, but he was seldom seen at the -court balls and festivals, preferring to wander about among the -beautiful mosques of his father's city, or to stand on one of their -daintily carved minarets and gaze across the yellow sands of the desert. -Often he would remain thus for hours, and though his eyes were looking -far out over the appalling yet wonderful beauty of the desert, his -thoughts were always only of how he might solve the riddle of his -country, and bring it the cool drops of rain it so earnestly wanted. -This one idea absorbed him utterly, he could think literally of nothing -else, for he noticed with sorrow how terribly hard his father's slaves -toiled to carry the precious water from the river when they tilled the -ground. - -"One day, shortly after he was grown, he was sitting beneath the shadow -of a great pyramid, and was planning and musing on the one question -always uppermost in his mind. The day was warm; the desert around him -shimmered in a golden haze. The yellow hills were so bright beneath the -noonday sun that his eyes fairly ached as he watched them, and it was a -relief to turn from their glittering lights toward the cool, flowing -river, and watch a fringe of feathery, waving palms. 'Oh, for the dark -shadow of a cloud,' he murmured, 'to soften all this glare!' - - [Illustration: "_They circled together, dressed in the vivid colors of - the rainbow._" - (Page 57)] - -"He had not spoken aloud, and yet he heard a musical sound as though in -answer to his wish. He turned quickly, and saw a wonderful sight. The -desert had disappeared, and he was looking into a shadowy green forest, -with crystal springs. Clear, limpid streams of water ran through the -woods, and beautiful flowers were blooming. Farther along in the -distance he saw a big mountain, dark and gray, and yet all about its -sides grew pretty green ferns. Looking closely, he observed that there -was an opening in its side, and through this opening came the music of a -flute. As he watched more closely he saw a lovely maiden come slowly -forth. She was dressed in a brilliant gown of orange color, and her -flowing robes floated softly about her. Her hair hung in waves of gold, -and on her forehead flashed a beautiful star. In her hand she carried a -wand, but the wand was so curious that he forgot the beauty of the -maiden in noticing it. It was long and slender, and seemed to be made of -pure gold and laden with jewels; but it was not this wealth of -glistening gold that attracted him, it was a curious cloud of white mist -that curled and floated away from it each time that she waved it aloft. -He had never seen anything so peculiar before. Each white cloud that -floated away nestled among the hollow places in the hills like a thin -veil, or hovered over the babbling streams in the forest. While he was -watching the mysterious cloudlets from the magical wand, a second -maiden, more beautiful than the first, followed, dressed in a pale blue -gown, and having, like the first, a brilliant star on her forehead. She -also carried a jewel-laden wand, and it sent forth similar mysterious -white clouds. Then came a third, dressed in a brilliant red; and -another, in soft green; and still another, in charming violet; and so -on, until seven beautiful creatures stood together, dressed in the seven -vivid colors of the rainbow. They formed a ring, and slowly moved -together in a circle about an open space before the mountain. Lightly -stepping, thus they danced, always in a circle, and always gazing -intently toward the opening in the mountain through which they had come. - -"Presently, as they gazed expectantly, Prince Asgard saw coming toward -them the most exquisite creature he had ever beheld. She was tall and -slender, and her graceful form seemed to dance along rather than walk. -She was dressed in some soft, clinging material of pure white, shading -to a glittering silver, and the girdle confining her waist looked like a -bit of the blue sky itself, it was so dainty. Her hair was like that of -the other maidens, and looked like spun gold, and it was so fine that it -glistened wonderfully as she moved. Her slippers were pale blue, and -embroidered with silver threads. A brilliant star on each slipper -flashed like a big diamond as she danced along. A tiny golden crown held -her hair in place, and seven glittering stars encircled her head. Her -wand was of frosted silver, and as she waved it, the soft vapor rolled -away in white clouds, as it did before the wands of the other maidens. -As she appeared, the seven other maidens broke into a song of gladness, -singing in a clear, high tone these words:-- - - Little Sister, fair and dear, - Born of seven colors clear, - Welcome! In our round of pleasure - You're to us the dearest treasure; - Out into the world we'll send - Mist and clouds of white that blend. - -The silver maid replied, singing:-- - - Dearest sisters of my race, - I come forth to your embrace; - Faithful, tender, always true, - Shall my love be unto you. - -Then they all danced a wonderful dance while singing together:-- - - Let the foaming clouds on high - Fall in raindrops from the sky; - Let the lightning's fire flash, - Come, with thunder's awful crash! - Let the cooling rains thus sink, - Giving earth her crystal drink! - -"As they moved together in graceful steps and in perfect rhythm to the -music of the song, Prince Asgard saw a wonderful arch or bow form across -the cloudlets that had arisen from their wands. It was a magnificent -rainbow, and each of the seven distinct colors was matched in shade by a -dress worn by one of the maidens. Their flowing draperies blended -bewitchingly and mixed together in pretty confusion as they danced, -making thus a complete circle of rainbow colors. It was an exquisite -sight, and the Prince marvelled at it, and wondered what it all meant. -Presently the maiden who had first appeared, and who seemed to be the -eldest and the leader of the sisters, waved her wand aloft and -approached the silver maid, and taking her hand, led her into the middle -of the circle. The circle then formed again, and continued dancing -around the little white Princess. For several minutes they danced; then -each in turn, beginning with the eldest, tenderly clasped the silver -maiden in her arms and kissed her on the brow, and then ran lightly into -the opening in the side of the mountain. - -"The silver maid stood one moment longer, smiling and lovingly watching -her sisters, then she, too, tripped lightly toward the mountain, as -though to follow them. But, as if a sudden thought had come to her, she -turned abruptly and glided toward Prince Asgard. His heart was beating -with excitement as he watched her, and he held his breath with -admiration, for he had never seen any one before so wondrously -beautiful. - -"In a moment she was beside him, and he noticed her eyes were sparkling -and blue as the girdle she wore. - -"'O, Prince of the Southern Lands,' she began, in musical tones, 'you -have witnessed the dance of the Rainbow Sisters--a sight forbidden to -mortals. We live in an enchanted mountain in the heart of a great -forest. Our mother is the beautiful Sea Foam, whom you have often -watched in her white dress upon the ocean. We help our mother with her -work, but our home is in the deep recesses of these lovely woods. Never -before has a mortal eye seen these woods nor witnessed our sacred dance -in them. From our magical wands float out the mists to form the -cloud-world. Upward they travel, gathering moisture as they go, and -floating across the blue heavens, they fall again in refreshing rain -upon the earth. But our precious mist-clouds never fall in your country. -We will never send them there again unless, unless--' and she hesitated -in the most charming and provoking manner in the world. - -"'Unless what, O beautiful Princess of the Silver Gown?' eagerly asked -the Prince. - -"'Alas, that I may not tell you,' replied the little Princess, growing -grave. 'This only may I add: Once, in the long ago, your people did a -great wrong, and were very rude to my sisters. It was their custom then -to dance publicly, once a year. Always, your people gathered to watch -them, and with pleasure my sisters danced before them, and with their -magical wands they sent out the mist-clouds far and wide. Refreshing -rain fell in your midst then as elsewhere, and everything was joyous and -charming. But your people were rude and offended my sisters sorely, and -never again will they visit you or dance before mortals. All your -methods to bring rain into your country will fail, your schemes will -come to naught, and until my sisters relent and forgive, the clouds will -continue to sail across your blue skies as white as the flecks of foam -on the sea.' - -"'Never shall the rain fall in my country?' echoed the young man sadly. -'Never? Then, O beautiful Princess,' he added despondently, 'shall I -never see you again?' For at that moment the Prince forgot his great -problem, how to bring rain to his country, and thought only (with a -heavy heart) that he would lose sight of the little Princess of the -Silver Dress. - -"'Never, O Prince,' replied the Princess gravely, 'unless--' then she -smiled suddenly, showing her teeth like gleaming pearls between her red -lips,--'never unless you find us again, and--' - -"'And what?' the Prince demanded earnestly. - -"'Alas,' replied the silver maid, again grave, 'I cannot tell you. There -is one thing alone that might cause them to return to your country, but -it seems so impossible, that it will never happen, I am sure; and -beside, I cannot tell you what it is.' - -"'O,' replied the Prince earnestly, 'I will find it out. No obstacle on -earth will prove too hard, and you may be sure nothing will prevent my -finding you, beautiful Princess.' - -"'I wish you success,' sweetly replied the Silver Princess, and then, as -she spoke these words, she blushed a vivid crimson. - -"She was so beautiful as she stood thus before him, blushing and smiling -at the same time, that the Prince, falling on his knees, begged her to -give him a sign by which he might hope to see her again and win her -love. - -"She tore off a piece of her blue girdle, and dropping it on the earth, -put her foot lightly upon it. 'I leave you a flower,' she said, 'may it -comfort you. Forget me not'; and saying this, she disappeared. - -"The Prince rubbed his eyes, for as she vanished he found himself again -gazing at the feathery green palms across the big river, and looking -around, found the yellow desert stretching in boundless sands to meet -the horizon. The forest, the mountain, all had gone. But as he turned -away from the great tawny hills in despair, he saw at his feet a tiny -bit of blue. Stooping, he picked up the prettiest flower he had ever -seen. It was as blue as the silver maid's eyes, and as he held it to his -lips he repeated her words, 'Forget me not'; and since that day the -little flower has always been called the forget-me-not. - -"Now, as Prince Asgard went home he pondered deeply on what he had seen, -and gaining the consent of his father and the wise men of the country, -he gathered together a great army and started out into the world in -quest of the unknown princesses. No person believed he would succeed in -finding the Rainbow Sisters or in bringing rain into the country. The -story of the Rainbow Maidens was well known to the wise men, but they -counted it a myth, a fairy tale, and they smiled among themselves when -they heard that Prince Asgard believed it firmly. But they did not -object to his trying: it would do no harm; and in the meanwhile they -would still study and devise other methods. - -"Prince Asgard said good-bye to his father and the people, and at the -head of a great army sparkling in gold and silver helmets and shields, -he started on his journey. He was going to look for the Rainbow Sisters -because his country needed rain, yet in his heart he knew it was because -of love for the youngest and prettiest of those sisters that he was so -eagerly searching. - -"The army travelled everywhere throughout the world. By sea and by land -they went, and they had many wonderful adventures. Tigers and wolves, -bears and panthers, attacked them, and strange people told them they -were on a foolish quest, but they did not heed such remarks, and -continued on their way. But after several years had passed, and they -seemed no nearer the Rainbow Mountain, the soldiers became discontented, -and said it was a foolish trip after all, and begged to be allowed to -return to their own homes. The strange countries through which they -passed taught them much, and they often saw rain and splendid storms; -yet when some of their fine ships were wrecked and lost at sea, many of -them felt that perhaps it was pleasanter after all to be in a country -where only sand-storms of the desert were known. One by one the soldiers -were released by Prince Asgard from their promises; they returned to -their homes, and at last the Prince was entirely alone. But he was not -discouraged. Determined and brave, he vowed he would never give up the -search, and he started out again with renewed courage to find the -beautiful Princess of the Silver Dress. - -"He wandered many months, but without success. At last one night he -stood, almost despairing, on the edge of a dark forest. He had just made -up his mind that he would live and die in a foreign country, because he -would never go back to his own home until he found the Silver Princess. -'O beautiful Princess,' he said aloud, 'some way I shall find you and -prevail upon you to marry me, for I can never be happy without you'; and -yet as he said it, it seemed to him almost an impossibility. - -"He entered the forest and sat down within its gloomy depths to rest a -while. The Moon was just rising, and in a little while her bright rays -penetrated the black density of the trees. Little patches of silver lay -along the ground, and a light wind stirring the trees made the silver -rays dance along, until the earth seemed sprinkled with millions of -shining jewels. He was watching the pretty sight intently, for it made -him think of the dress of silver that the little Princess wore. He was -so absorbed that he was considerably startled when he heard a musical -sound such as he had heard on the edge of the desert. - -"Looking up quickly, he beheld, to his amazement and joy, the same big -mountain, and heard the rippling waters of the crystal streams flowing -over the rocks. He could hardly breathe, he was so excited, and so -fearful lest it should prove a dream. - -"But again the beautiful sister emerged as before. Her magical wand sent -forth its cloud-vapors as she danced forward; again the other lovely -maidens followed, and again they formed a ring of rainbow brilliancy. -The Prince sat expectant and trembling. Would the Silver Princess -appear? A moment more and the little Princess tripped out, more -beautiful than ever. Her silver dress gleamed and sparkled in shining -light as she floated forward. Her eyes were tender and blue, and her -dainty girdle, with its touch of color, bound her slender waist. Her -lovely arms shone white and firm through the thin gauze of her dress. -Butterflies floated about her, airy, exquisite things, marvellous in -color, and lighting on her hair and shoulders, gave a curiously -beautiful touch to the picture. - -"Her sisters greeted her lovingly and tenderly, as before, and they then -began their graceful and mysterious dance. Clouds of vapor rolled about -them as they moved, until the forest was enveloped in a misty veil; but -through it all the dazzling dresses and graceful forms could be plainly -seen. Then, as the dancing drew to a close, the rainbow circle shining -lovely through the mist, the seven dancers, each in turn, stooped, and -clasping the Silver Princess in their arms, kissed her caressingly. - -"Prince Asgard remembered with an aching heart that this parting kiss -was a signal for their disappearance, and fearing he might lose the -beauteous maid again, he darted forward impulsively. He hardly knew what -he intended to do; he had formed no idea beyond the fact that he would -speak to her, appeal to her to remain by his side. At the moment he -sprang forward there was a fearful cry from the seven sisters, and -turning, they fled to the mountain side, urging the Silver Princess to -follow. She stood dismayed, and trembling in every limb, and then, with -a little low cry of terror, she followed swiftly. But whether she was -confused or frightened, she stumbled as she ran, and fell upon the -earth. - -"At that moment Prince Asgard reached her side and lifted her gently to -her feet. She turned so pale as he assisted her that he held her for a -moment in his arms to support her, fearing she would faint, and -anxiously asked if she were ill. - -"'Alas, no,' she replied, as she drew away from him, 'but you have done -a very terrible thing.' - -"At that moment a sad and mournful cry arose from the heart of the -mountain, and the seven sisters floated out slowly and surrounded the -Silver Princess. She threw herself on her knees before them, but they -did not touch her. It seemed as though they feared to do so. She -implored them to touch her with their hands, to kiss her, but they only -sang a sad refrain in answer to her prayers. - - Little sister, mortal now, - Alas, we cannot kiss your brow. - Still for ever shall abide - In your sky a rainbow guide; - And the love we have for you - Now and always shall be true. - -Then, tenderly kissing their hands to her, they floated off and -disappeared in the mist. - -"'What does it mean?' said Asgard tenderly, lifting the Silver Princess -from her knees. 'Why are you so unhappy? I love you with all my heart, -little Princess. Will you not consent to marry me? Ask your sisters to -spare you, for I cannot live without you.' - -"'Alas,' she replied, 'my sisters have gone for ever from my sight. When -you first touched me I became a mortal like you, and I cannot now return -to them.' - -"'O, little Princess, do not be sad,' replied the Prince, 'for you have -made me so happy by remaining. Surely you will not refuse now to marry -me?' - -"'No,' replied the Silver Princess, smiling through her tears. 'I am an -earth maiden now, and I love you. But though I am happy to be with you, -I am sorry to lose them. Our dear mother warned them that some day I -would love a mortal, and they have feared you since the night I spoke to -you in the desert. That was the condition I could not tell you,' she -added shyly. 'Your touch would make me mortal, and as you lifted me in -your arms when I fell, I became an earth maiden and lost my fairy -nature. But you have solved the riddle of your country, for when we -enter it together, you will find that rain will follow. My sisters love -me dearly, and for my sake will forgive your people. They will follow me -to my new home, and though we shall never see them again, the reflection -from their brilliant dresses will glow in the sky. As the rainbow, they -will arch the heavens when we arrive, to show me they are near to -welcome us.' And sure enough, when Prince Asgard and the beautiful -maiden of the silver dress (who was called Hyndla) entered the land of -lotus flowers and acacias, they saw, arching the heavens, a magnificent -rainbow. - -"The people greeted them with cries of joy, and gave them a magnificent -wedding, for they were grateful to Princess Hyndla and her seven -sisters, and they had learned all about her in messages from Prince -Asgard. On the day he and the Princess Hyndla appeared, a great white -cloud hovering over the city suddenly turned black, and fell in millions -of sparkling drops upon their fields, and the splendid rainbow soon -afterward arched the skies. - -"The Princess Hyndla grew more beautiful each day, and as she was wise -as she was charming, you may be sure her husband loved her dearly. -Together they planted row after row of handsome trees to remind them of -Hyndla's forest home; those green trees brought cool shadows, and when -the clouds floated low to kiss them, the broad branches caught and held -the moisture. Ever after, rain frequently fell in the land. - -"Years later, when the children of Hyndla and Asgard were old enough, -they played in the palace gardens, and romped merrily beneath those same -shade trees, and sometimes they whispered lovingly to each other the -romantic story of their beautiful mother and her rainbow sisters." - - - - - CHAPTER VI - HOW THE SUN PRINCESS CAME TO THE EARTH - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -"Oh, how charming the Rainbow Sisters must be!" said Ethelda, "and how I -love to hear you tell these wonderful stories of the Earth! Do you know -any more?" - -"Yes," replied the guide, smiling, "a good many more, but what would you -like to hear about?" - -"Won't you tell us of how the Sun Princess happened to come to this -world?" interrupted a dainty little Moon maiden; "I really have never -heard it exactly, and as we are going to visit her, perhaps Princess -Ethelda will let us all hear about it?" - -"Most willingly," replied Ethelda; "I know the wonderful story almost by -heart, of course, but I never tire of it," she added, looking tenderly -at Prince Dorion the while. - -So the guide, with this permission, began:-- - -"In the Land of the Sun there was once a Palace of Wisdom, where all the -science in the universe could be studied. Of course this Palace of -Wisdom became very famous. Far and wide it was heard of, so that from -all parts came representative young men to study and become wise. Now, -the ruler of the Sun lands was a powerful king, possessing many sons, -but only one daughter, the Princess Kuldah. She was a maiden of -wonderful beauty. Her countenance was so exquisitely lovely, that all -who looked upon her immediately fell in love with her. This caused the -young Princess, as well as her father, great annoyance, because her -suitors became legion. One day, however, with the help of her maidens -she wove a veil of delicate texture, which completely concealed her -features. In this way, she was enabled to go and come throughout her -father's vast possessions in comparative ease. - -"Notwithstanding her great indifference toward her lovers, kings and -princes sought her hand in marriage, but her father (who adored her and -could deny her nothing) was secretly well content that she chose none of -them, but remained always in his dominions with him. - -"Tall and of majestic appearance, the Princess Kuldah looked the -daughter of the Sun King. Her eyes were brown and large, with brilliant -lights within, and her curling brown hair, falling below her waist, had -caught a little of the golden fire of the Sun. Her gleaming white teeth -looked like pretty little pearls when she smiled. Indeed, she was a -queenly sight as she drove in her handsome chariot toward the Fire -Mountains. - -"These mountains were a great range of gorgeous-hued stones, piled very -high. Rising in blazing splendor, they perpetually sent forth their red -beams in dazzling streams of light across the Sun country. But the heat -and glare of her home--which would have burned and killed an earth -maiden--were but life-giving elements to the Sun Princess. She loved the -glitter of her country, and no glare seemed too great for her. The -palace where she dwelt was built of the brightest, yellowest gold to be -found, and she moved through it a splendid vision of beauty. - -"Her favorite ride was toward the Fire Mountains. One morning as she -drove the fiery steeds toward their flaming heights her horses became -unmanageable. Pull as she would, she could not control them; they went -like the wind at his greatest fury. She had outrun all her companions in -her mad race, and she was in the most imminent danger of being killed. -At this critical moment there arose in her path a tall and handsome -young man. The horses were as startled as the young Princess at this -sudden appearance, and for a moment, in alarm, slackened their speed. It -was in this second of hesitation that the young man leaped into the -chariot beside Kuldah, and snatched the reins from her hands. It took -but a few moments of his great strength to subdue the enraged animals -completely, and in a little while they were trotting along quietly, as -if nothing had happened. - -"Then of course the grateful Princess turned to thank her preserver. In -her excitement (when she had lost control of the horses), she had thrown -back her veil, and the young man found himself steadily gazing into her -beautiful countenance. Strive as he would, he could not resist the love -that surged in his heart as he looked upon her. But although he was -falling in love rapidly, he had heard too much of the haughty Princess's -coldness and indifference to feel sure of winning her. He guessed at -once it was she, because he had heard she was the loveliest being in the -Sun world, but he determined he would not yield to her influence and -become one of her suitors. The Princess's own feelings, when she looked -at the young man, surprised her very much. He was so modest and -dignified, and withal so handsome and charming, that she could not help -wondering who he was. He was certainly not one of her suitors, for she -had never seen him before. This young man, too, seemed quite indifferent -to her attractions, and talked to her very seriously about driving her -horses, and showed her how to manage the reins in case they tried to run -away again. She might have been just a plain girl for all the admiration -he showed. At first this indifference pleased her; later she rebelled a -little against it. - -"She learned he was a young Prince who had been studying in the Palace -of Wisdom. This astonished her still more, for although he had been in -her country some time he had never sought her out at all. He had come to -the land of the Sun to study its fire and flame, and he was evidently -absorbed only in that study. The Princess was so astonished to learn all -these facts, and to observe his indifference to her famous beauty (which -was proved by his not seeking her hand in marriage), that she forgot to -lower her veil, and sat talking to him much longer than she otherwise -would have done. Finally remembering, she covered her face, but not -before she had asked him to call at the palace and let her father thank -him properly for having saved her life. - -"The young man secretly determined he would not accept her invitation, -for he had already learned to love her, and feared the usual fate of her -suitors. However, when the hour approached the next day he could not -resist the temptation to see once more the lovely Princess; after that -he found many excuses to call, and managed each day to see her. - -"But the wonderful part of it all was, that Kuldah took as much pleasure -in his company as he did in hers. So later, when he asked her to marry -him she said yes, right on the spot, fearing to delay, lest he might go -off and become as indifferent as he was at first, and never come back -again. - -"He was very happy when she said yes, and thus far everything had gone -very smoothly for them both; but when they went in to see the old King -their troubles began. Kuldah was wreathed in smiles, and Prince Minio -looked very happy and proud. The old King, who had never supposed for -one minute that his daughter would accept any man,--having refused so -many,--had one day rashly promised all the suitors that, if she ever -made a choice, they should each have a fair chance to win her. This, of -course, was the cause of the lovers' trouble now. The Princess was -indignant that her father should have made such a promise about her. She -considered herself free to choose for herself. So she stormed and wept -about it as only a Sun Princess could do, and declared she would never, -never marry any man but the man she loved. - -"But her old father, who was so indulgent and yielding with her usually, -remained firm in his decision, and said he could not break a promise -once made, for that would not be honorable. Therefore, the very next day -he announced to everybody that a contest in skill and science should -take place between the suitors for her hand. The Princess was very -unhappy, of course, during the days that followed, but Prince Minio -cheered her by saying he felt equal to winning her in a fair contest. -His love was far greater than that of the others, and therefore he felt -assured he would learn a way to win her for his bride in spite of them -all. - -"When the great day for the contest came, a large gathering of the -suitors was held in an open field at the foot of the Fire Mountains. -They were a fine and noble company of young men who contended for -Kuldah's hand, and her father said she should have felt proud and glad -at such a sight. But she was too sad to feel proud. She had dressed as -became a Sun Princess, and her gown was of finely spun gold, embroidered -in diamonds. Her white arms and throat gleamed through the thin gauze -dress, and a girdle of diamonds encircled her slender waist. From her -shoulders fell a train, which swept for yards behind her, and a narrow -gold band held her beautiful hair in place. For her hair hung about her -in loose masses, falling far below her waist, and mingling its -burnt-gold color with that of her brilliant dress, so that one could -hardly tell where one ended and the other began. As she stood she looked -like a golden Princess, except that her face was as pale as the fleecy -clouds overhead. - -"In her majestic beauty she let them kneel and kiss her hand. Each one, -as he touched her hand, swore in turn to be faithful and true to the -knight who should win her, but each one believed secretly he himself -would be the winner. Then began the tournament of skill. One showed how -he could ride; another how he could mount and dismount, or how he could -unhorse an enemy; a third used the gloves or the sword with wonderful -dexterity; another engaged in a trial of strength, or swiftness in -running; and so on until the long list was completed. - -"It seemed to the Princess, as she watched in despair their wonderful -deeds, that there was nothing left for her beloved even to attempt. The -suitors had all done such marvellous things; and her heart ached within -her when she learned from one of her handmaidens that her lover was the -last to appear on the lists. Yet, when he did step forth, calm and -serene, her heart leaped again to her throat, her confidence returned; -for he looked strong and handsome, and it was only with pride and -pleasure she gazed upon him. She leaned forward with a smiling face to -listen to his words, for he was speaking. - -"'O mighty King of the Sun,' he was saying. 'I have one request to make -of you before beginning my experiment. If successful in what I -undertake, I want your consent to take the Princess away with me from -the Sun lands. What I shall try to accomplish to-day is but the -beginning of a great problem I wish to work out. It may take thousands -of years to complete, and I wish to live in a land of my own choosing, -that I may be able to accomplish it.' - -"The Sun King, astonished at these words, hesitated to grant such a -remarkable request, but the Princess threw herself at her father's feet, -and added her pleadings to the Prince's. Finally the Sun King -reluctantly consented; but the other suitors smiled broadly among -themselves, as they heard the words, for no matter what the Prince might -do they believed he never could show more skill or wisdom than they had -already displayed. - -"Having bowed smilingly to the King and kissed Kuldah's hand, Prince -Minio turned to his competitors and said: 'I have made a close study of -the Sun's fire, and I am convinced that, no matter where this fire is -sent, it will continue to burn and hold its remarkable glint and its -quickening power. It will never be extinguished, but glow brilliantly -for ever. Therefore, my experiment in skill to-day shall be made from it -alone; it will serve my purpose better than anything else.' So saying, -he picked up a huge bowlder from the Fire Mountain nearest him. The -stone was so big that it seemed impossible for any one to lift it. But -the Prince gathered it up in his arms with a terrific effort, and -balancing it perfectly threw it far out into the heavens. It bounded -away and rolled into space with tremendous force, making a whirring -noise as it dashed along. Again and again he lifted out the big rocks -and tossed them off in the distance. It seemed as if he would never tire -of this remarkable exhibition of strength. Hundreds and thousands of the -brilliantly burning stones went whizzing through space, before the eyes -of the astonished spectators. Yet he continued, calmly throwing more and -more stones, until the heavens fairly gleamed with millions of burning -lights. Thus were the star fires first kindled, and they were truly a -magnificent sight, even to the Sun people, accustomed as they were to -splendid spectacles. - -"As the Prince predicted, the stars have never lost their brilliancy, -the Sun's power to warm and enliven all creatures has proved very strong -and lasting, and those splendid, flaming signals light the -turquoise-blue skies every night, even to this day. - -"Finally, Prince Minio selected with great care seven superb stones, -even brighter than the rest, and threw them not quite so far from the -Sun. In this way they felt the Sun's influence more strongly; though -they flew to a good distance they always revolved about their old home. -Whizzing and whirling continually, yet never flying away from the Sun, -they appeared to the spectators to be the prettiest of all the stars in -the sky. Then the Prince, turning to the Princess, who was bewildered -with the joy of his brilliant success, bade her choose from the seven -stars the one that should be their home. She chose what she thought the -loveliest of all the seven, and they named it the Earth! - -"The old King unhesitatingly pronounced Prince Minio the victor. For he -acknowledged that, beside the great strength the Prince had displayed in -lifting the stones from Fire Mountain, the Sun people had never before -witnessed such a glorious sight as the star-studded heavens; and even -the suitors, though much disappointed, consented in a manly way that he -should take Princess Kuldah as his bride, saying he had fairly won her. - -"Shortly afterward a marriage of magnificence and splendor followed, and -Prince Minio and his charming wife came to the Earth to spend many -years. The Earth, owing allegiance to the Sun, never loses sight of him, -and though she continues to rush through space at a terrible rate, yet -the Sun King always sees her. - -"Out of the white mist on the Earth came trooping a wonderful band of -little creatures to greet the Sun people. They were very tiny; their -skirts of silver glistened like the moonlight, and their jewelled wands -sparkled like the dew. These little creatures were fairies, and ever -after dwelt among the Earth children, helping to beautify the world. -They wander about us in the moonshine and are sometimes caught in the -mist, but they can never come out in the sunlight. One of the laws in -Fairyland is to be in bed before the dawn. From dusk until dawn the -fairies lead a gay life. They hold their revels, they dance, and they -travel the world over, frolicking like mad sometimes, but only the -Moon's white light shines on their silver dresses. - -"Many other charming people adopted the Earth as their home, for it was -beautiful to live upon. The Sun Princess and her husband did not object -to others coming to their home at all, only, as the strangers came in -great numbers, they finally decided to set apart a great space for -themselves alone. They reserved, therefore, a charming bit of country -for the Prince's workshop, otherwise there would have been so many -interruptions Prince Minio could never hope to accomplish his scientific -work. Charming as the Earth people were, they interfered with the -Prince's heart's desire. Therefore, he and his friends from the Sun -chose a wonderful valley which lay in the heart of a great range of -mountains. The valley covered many miles of ground, and it had the most -sublime scenery in the world. Rivers ran through it, and big mountains -rose suddenly in its midst. Small silver lakes also shone like crystal -mirrors. Wonderful springs abounded there; boiling water came out of -one, while from the next shot up cool and deliciously sparkling drops. -They called the bubbling, spouting springs geysers, and people come from -all over the world to see and study them. - -"After the Sun people had reserved the country, the Earth people never -remained long on that spot; they recognized the law and accepted it, -only making short visits to the marvellous place. Sometimes, if one -mortal, more daring than the rest, determined to live there, and built -him a house, he was promptly punished, for the fairies at once opened a -geyser directly under the carefully chosen home and destroyed it -entirely. So this beautiful valley of yellow stones and brilliant lights -and rushing waters is left to the Sun Princess and her people. It is -certainly a valley of enchantment, for it is never very cold and never -very hot there, but is an ideal workshop for a Prince. The geysers and -boiling pools are just the escaping gas and steam of his big furnaces; -for the fires in his furnaces under the earth are kept burning day and -night. It is all very mysterious. In one part he has a big hot lake, and -in another an ice-cold one. The cold lake is shaped like a human hand, -and near it is a big fountain that dashes up clouds of white spray, -hundreds of feet high, flecking the green surface of the water with -foam. - -"Nothing can be more beautiful than this enchanted valley. The fairies -are busy beautifying it all the time. They have painted the colors of -the rainbow in the rocks, and the great canyon looks now as if millions -of jewels were piled up there. For it is a bewildering mass of color. -Amethyst, topaz, and emerald tints sparkle everywhere, and when the -sunshine pours down on it you feel as if all the wealth of the world -must be hidden in the rocks, for they sparkle like diamonds and rubies. -As the years go on the valley grows more beautiful, for the Sun Prince -and his bride watch it by day,--and of course as the fairies have charge -at night it is never neglected. - -"When the Sun Prince has finished his great labors and solved his -problem, of course, he will close his workshop, and with his lovely -bride go back to their home in the Golden Palace of the Sun. But until -then his workshop fires will burn. The geysers and fountains will spout -up great volumes of water and steam, making the valley one of the -wonders of the world. And all the Earth mortals who go there will be -made welcome by the fairies." - - - - - CHAPTER VII - THE STORY OF THE JEWELLED BEACH - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -"Do you wonder that I love the story?" said Princess Ethelda, as the -guide finished. - -"Oh," replied the Moon maidens, almost in one voice, "it is an -enchanting history, indeed." - -"See," replied the guide messenger, pointing in the distance to a high -mountain, "beyond that mountain lies the Beautiful Valley of which I -have just told you." - -In a little while the merry party had reached the mountain top, and -stood gazing in a bewilderment of pleasure at the wonderful valley -below. Exquisite lakes and shining silver rivers lay beneath; beautiful -hills stretched away in the distance; and the glorious colors in the -rocks, which the fairies had painted so vividly, reflected the pinks and -yellows in a growing radiance that lighted up the whole valley in -splendor. Innumerable rays flashed out in little threadlike flames, -flooding the world below in a blaze of color. - -"How magnificent it is!" exclaimed the visitors; and the guide was well -pleased with their admiration. - -I could never describe to you properly the entertainments that followed -their arrival, nor the joy of Dorion and Ethelda in meeting the -beautiful Sun Princess. Princess Kuldah was as beautiful as ever, and -spared no pains to make her brother and his bride and their companions -welcome. The Prince, her husband, showed them his wonderful workshop, -and they marvelled over the geysers, and listened with awe to the -description of his great problem. - -The days seemed all too short, and the guests were surprised when the -time for their departure arrived. The feasting and dancing and -sight-seeing were at last ended in the valley of enchantment; one -glorious morning they rose with the Sun, and bidding good-bye to -Princess Kuldah and her people, started to meet the black dwarf of the -mountains. The same guide would accompany them to the place where they -were to meet him. The Princess saw none of them felt much desire to go; -Ethelda was particularly downcast, still she bore up bravely, and with a -smiling face she began the journey. - -Although Ethelda and her companions were charmed with the splendors of -the deep, they were still more impressed with delight over the new -beauties they discovered upon the land. They had seen the glittering -mountains of the Moon and the fiery craters of the Sun, and had wondered -at such magnificence, but the Earth's fresh coloring was a revelation. -And the Earth had decked herself right royally to receive them. The -month was April, and the world, rioting in flowers, was aflame with -color. The poppies, yellow and scarlet, burst forth from the meadows' -tenderest green. The white petalled, yellow centred daisies came out in -thousands to greet them, while the roses, pink and white and red, -flashed everywhere. The trees, too, dressed in the earliest Spring -green, nodded and waved their long branches in a glad welcome, and the -tiny wood violet, modest and sweet, sent forth its perfumed breath in -waves of delight, filling the air with sweetness. - -"Wonderful--wonderful!" cried Ethelda, throwing herself in an ecstasy of -pleasure upon the soft greensward, and gathering handfuls of the flowers -to weave into garlands. "I should like to live here always," she said. -The Sun Prince shared his bride's delight, but he whispered cautiously: -"Take care, sweetheart. Remember a Moon maiden and a Sun Prince can only -visit for a twelvemonth. A longer stay would be dangerous; it would keep -us here for ever." - -"O, yes," answered Ethelda; "I was hardly in earnest when I spoke, for I -could not leave my beloved mother sorrowing. Yet I am very happy here." - -Days of pleasure passed, on the journey. Days of wonderment too. When -the strangers saw how the small seed planted in the ground--warmed by -the sun and watered by the rain--throve and became a tiny blade of -grass, a delicate flower, or a magnificent tree, this seemed a miracle -to them, for nothing ever grows out of the soil of the Moon or the Sun. - -One day as they stood on the top of a high mountain they saw a very -strange sight. A great sea lay shining in the distance, sparkling and -glittering in gold and blue. It washed the shores of magnificent valleys -and rich gardens. Fruits and flowers grew in abundance, but the strange -sight lay in the fact that the valleys and fruit gardens stretching out -so broadly suddenly stopped at a line of yellow sand,--stopped so -abruptly that it seemed almost a straight line, it was so clean -cut,--and the sand covered hundreds and hundreds of miles of the Earth. - -"How queer it looks!" they said among themselves; "not a blade of grass, -not a tree, on the barren waste! We have never seen anything like it -before. What is it?" - -"It will take two stories to explain that wonderful view lying before -us," replied the guide. - -"Oh, do tell them!" cried the Moon people in chorus; "we love stories"; -and they settled themselves to listen. - -"Well," began the guide, "the first relates to the Princess Ethelda." - -"To me?" asked the Princess in astonishment. - -"Yes," answered the messenger; "look closely at the sea beach and tell -me what you see." - -"Why, great shining jewels seem strewn over the yellow sands," said the -Princess, perfectly amazed; and in turn each of the Moon people saw the -same. - -"Well," continued the messenger, turning to the Princess, "when her -Imperial Majesty of the Moon consented to your coming to visit the Earth -on your bridal trip, she ordered many wedding presents for you, and in -finishing the loveliest that she gave you, it came about that that beach -was formed. But I will begin the story of the Jewelled Beach. - -"The Moon was shining through a turquoise-blue sky. Now and then a baby -cloud passed before her face, but it was so white and airy that it did -not even hide the dazzling lights of her silver palace. One could see -them perfectly well, shining through the handsome windows. - -"Serenely beautiful the Moon Queen moved through her star-studded -pathway. She was calm and majestic. As she swung around the celestial -circle that night she leaned down lower to watch the golden gleam of a -small star shining far in the distance. For many reasons that particular -star had occupied her mind of late, and that evening she seemed even -more intent upon it than ever. How beautiful it was! Of all the millions -of glittering points embroidered on the sky, that small one stood out -the brightest. In bold relief its dancing lights sped out over the -heavens in friendly twinkle toward the Moon. - -"The Moon Queen smiled to herself as she watched, and then out from the -jewelled windows of her home suddenly leaped a brilliant crystal light -to meet the star rays. From that moment her Imperial Majesty made up her -mind on a subject she had long thought of. Turning to one of her -handmaidens who stood near, she bade her summon the master mechanic of -her empire; when this had been done, and the man stood before her, she -asked, in liquid tones, 'How many workmen do I employ in the silver -mountains?' - -"'Ah, your Majesty,' was the reply, 'you have so many thousands employed -there, that it is almost impossible to say.' - -"'Good,' replied the Queen thoughtfully, 'I have sore need of thousands -now. Bid them all meet me to-morrow. Call them together at the -foot-hills of the mountains. Let no man be missing; from the greatest -artist in your shops to the humblest workman, let not a sprite dare to -forget my command!' - -"The master mechanic promised obedience, and bowing low left her -presence. - -"When the hour arrived that the Queen had named, there gathered at the -foot-hills of the mountains all her little workmen. Thousands and -thousands of tiny sprites were there, and they glittered from head to -toe in shining silver garments; silver dust powdered them until their -clothes looked white as frost, and when they moved their sheen was like -costly jewels. Talking together, they were wondering why the Queen -should have commanded them to meet her at their busiest hour. Except -that she was not fond of idlers, and required prompt and vigorous work -from her people, she was a gentle mistress; but now, when they were -rushing with the wedding presents for the marriage of her favorite -daughter (which was soon to occur), she had called them from their -shops. It surely seemed unwise. All work had ceased, for not a sprite in -all Moonland was missing. What could it mean? - -"At last her Majesty appeared. Her great retinue of nobles and -gorgeously dressed maidens accompanied her, and with music and gay -laughter they came nearer. Presently the sprites saw the Queen bid her -attendants stop where they stood, and unaccompanied she approached the -gallant army of her little workmen. She was well worthy the cheers of -admiration that broke from their lips as she neared them. Tall and -magnificent in form, she looked every inch a Queen, yet her bright blue -eyes glowed with a tender light of love, showing a gentle nature, as she -bowed her thanks for their affectionate greetings. Her long, fair hair -floated softly about her, sometimes clinging to her white dress like -threads of gold, and at her slender waist was gathered a graceful silver -girdle, caught with a diamond crescent. At last, in all her splendor, -she stood among them, and as she raised her hand asking for silence, -absolute silence fell upon them. - -"'My good and loyal subjects,' she began, 'I have come to-day to intrust -you with an important but secret work. No one in all the kingdom save -yourselves must know of it. When all is completed, I myself will divulge -the secret to my people, and I believe it will gladden them. But until -then will you faithfully promise to help me and to keep my counsel?' - -"'Beloved Queen,' they answered in one loud voice, 'your will is ours; -we will obey you gladly.' - -"'Then listen, friends and subjects,' the Queen continued with smiling -face, 'for this is my command: That you make me a splendid silver -ladder! Step by step must it be wrought, and with greatest care, for it -must stretch out miles and miles in length. Strong as bands of steel -each round must be, but finer in its texture than the gossamer web of -the spider. Weave it with the fairies' touch, making it exquisitely -light, yet so bright withal that it can easily be seen for thousands of -miles. Spare neither care nor labor, beloved subjects, for the ladder -must be mine within the week.' - -"Days and nights the hammers of the little workmen rang out clearly, -like notes of merry music, and the Moon people said among themselves, -'What gorgeous wedding presents our little Princess will receive!' But -they never dreamed of the mysterious ladder of glistening silver steps. -And the Queen Mother kept her counsel. Only, each night as she sailed -across the jewel-laden heavens, she leaned closer to the Earth Star and -studied it. - -"She saw great valleys and snow-clad mountains, barren deserts and -limpid blue seas. She saw, too, great forests and boundless plains; but -though her searching eye looked upon every inch of that beautiful bright -ball whirling through space, she thought the loveliest spot on the whole -globe was on the borders of the largest ocean. That ocean was so big -that it measured just one half the star itself. All the other oceans and -the land together could be taken up and put upon its broad blue surface. - -"This splendid body of water washed the foot of a glorious country. Big -mountains, raising their purple heads among the clouds, crept down to -feel its cooling depths. Or, higher still, they reared their lofty peaks -and held them scornfully aloft; and thus, capped with perpetual snow, -they stood beautiful and glorified. Great plains stretched back from its -curving yellow beach, and all the fruit one could name grew in the rich -valleys. It was the garden spot of the world. Amid its groves of yellow -oranges and lemons birds sang deliciously; flowers bloomed throughout -the year, and the skies were nearly always sunny. In this earthly -paradise palms lazily waved their feathery green arms, and trees grew so -big that houses could be cut out of a single trunk. Here it was that the -Moon Queen's eye lingered longest, and it was almost with a child's -delight she saw the big blue waves roll in and break upon the sand in a -fringe of soft white foam. - -"The week had passed, and the Queen's ladder was ready. One by one its -silver steps were tested; ring by ring its loops were firmly fastened -and bound together; for, dainty as it looked, the ladder must be strong -for constant use. - -"When all was ready the sprites were cautiously sent with it on a secret -mission to the Earth. None but the Moon Queen knew their errand; but she -smiled to herself, for after all, when completed, it was to be a wedding -present and surprise to her favorite daughter. - -"Down from the palace crept the little people, carrying their silver -treasure. The night being dark, they reached the Earth without being -discovered. In a little while they found the ocean beach the Queen so -loved,--for it was here the first jewelled rounds of that sparkling -ladder should be laid. By the soft light of the stars, the sprites saw -that the Earth was very beautiful; but what were those queer, sad sounds -they heard, mingling with the breaking of the waves upon the beach? The -workmen stopped to listen, and caught the strains of music; then, -looking closely at the water, they saw a line of lovely maidens, with -flowing golden hair, which they continually combed as they sang. The -Moon sprites were quite astonished at the sight. The maidens were -surpassingly beautiful, but their song was very sad. - -"'Who are you, and why do you sing so sadly?' they called. - -"'Alas!' replied the charming creatures, 'we are mermaids. Our father is -the Sea King. We have always been as happy as the day is long, until a -few years ago, when a terrible misfortune came upon us. One of the -prettiest of our sisters was about to be married. We were busy with the -preparations for her wedding, gathering the seaweed and the pretty -mother-of-pearl shells that float up on the land, to decorate her -palace. We had searched carefully our large and magnificent sea-gardens -for the finest specimens of weed and shells. But a beautiful shell, -brilliantly tinted in every shade of rose and green and blue combined, -had been thrown high upon the sandy beach, out of our reach. Our dear -sister became too venturesome, and floating on a big wave she grasped -the shell she coveted. - -"'At that moment, the hideous Gnome King sprang suddenly from behind a -rock, and snatching her in his arms ran off. In vain we pleaded with him -to restore our lost darling. The cruel monster only laughed, and swore -she should become his wife. Her bridegroom of the Sea was almost beside -himself with grief when he learned the awful news. He offered his life -in exchange for hers, and we gathered together all our jewels for her -ransom. But nothing would move the hard heart of the wicked Gnome King, -and he still keeps our beloved sister in his power. That is why we sing -so mournfully. The monster, finding she would not marry him, carried her -to the top of a high mountain, where she could see her beloved home, but -never reach it. - -"'She is helpless upon the land, and though she can look down at the -foot of the mountains and see the curling waters of her home, she cannot -reach it. Her lover sits below, encouraging her with words of love, but -he is helpless to reach her. Miserable and longing for home, she watches -all the ships that pass, and with her lute sings the most wonderful -songs, begging the sailors to rescue her. Many have tried, and the -mountain-side is white with the bones of those who have perished in the -attempt. For the Gnome King makes mad those who try to save her; they -lose their way and die. - -"'Alas, kind friends, unless you will help us, we fear she is lost to us -for ever.' - -"The kind-hearted Moon sprites were certainly touched by this pathetic -tale, and they determined among themselves that they would form a plan -to outwit the cruel Gnome King, and rescue the sea maid. Of course to do -this they would have to delay a little the planting of the Moon ladder, -but they felt that her Imperial Majesty would certainly have consented -to delay in such a case. So, gathering up their precious burden, they -climbed the mountain to seek the sea maid. - -"Knowing that she could never reach her sisters alone, and enchanting -all the mortals who tried to rescue her, the Gnome King had no guard to -watch the maiden. She was left entirely alone upon a big rock -overlooking the ocean. The wicked king came at rare intervals to see if -she would consent to marry him, but otherwise she was left undisturbed. - - [Illustration: "_A glimmering figure sitting on a high cliff._" - (Page 106)] - -"The Moon sprites, however, were not affected by the King's -enchantments, so they had no difficulty in reaching her. Suddenly the -mermaid saw a gleam of brilliant silver flooding the darkness behind -her, and in a moment she was surrounded by a thousand little -silver-dressed creatures. At the same moment the Moon sprites caught -sight of a glimmering figure of matchless beauty sitting on a high -cliff. The maiden was a vision of loveliness. Long, waving, golden hair -floated about her, and her eyes were the color of the sea. She held a -lute in her hand; as her fingers moved softly across it, it gave forth a -weird but beautiful sound, and to this accompaniment she sang -charmingly. Quickly the Moon sprites told her of the plan for rescuing -her, and joyfully she listened. - -"They carefully suspended the silver ladder from her mountain cliff. -Holding it tight between them to steady it, they flung it swiftly down -until its brilliant steps touched the trembling water. At this moment -they heard a faint noise like rumbling thunder, and the affrighted -maiden bade them hurry with their work, as it was the signal that the -Gnome King would soon visit her. In a twinkling they seized the maiden -in their arms, and carried her down the brilliant steps. They were not a -moment too soon, for hardly had they placed the maiden in her -bridegroom's arms and picked up their ladder, when the Gnome King and -his legion of wicked gnomes were swarming on the mountain-top. - -"The rage of the wicked King was fearful to see, but it was useless. He -could not regain the mermaid and he could not harm a Moon sprite; but in -his anger he pelted the beach with stones, venting his fury in -destroying its beauty. Small but ugly, they fell in thousands, covering -the golden yellow of the sand, and hiding its glistening splendor. Thus -he showered his spite upon the beautiful playground of the mermaids. - -"But the Sea King's daughters were too happy over the return of their -beloved sister to fret very much. True, their charmingly beautiful beach -seemed ruined, but their beloved sister was home again. Thousands, -indeed millions, of little stones were piled about in ugly confusion, -and marred the soft, bright sand the sea people so loved, but they were -powerless to prevent it. The Moon sprites went back to their work of -fastening the moon-ladder to the Earth, and the Sea King invited them to -remain for his daughter's wedding the next night. - -"The wedding spectacle was certainly a grand one, for the Ocean Monarch -had ordered the greatest fireworks in his kingdom in honor of the event. -The sea blazed up as though it were burning. Flames seemed to leap and -flare up everywhere, and thousands of brilliant colors mixed and -trembled in its depths. The phosphorescence was wonderful, and wherever -the eye could reach, the brilliant lights shone and sparkled. The Moon -sprites were amazed at such magnificence. The night was as brilliant and -beautiful as day; and they felt that the wonders of the Earth world were -great indeed. - -"Just then a messenger arrived from her Imperial Majesty of the Moon, -saying that she had watched her workmen rescuing the maiden, and had -seen the wedding festival and the splendid illumination, and before -recalling her little people to the Moon, she wished to give the bride a -present. The wicked Gnome King had tried to ruin the playground of the -mermaids, but she would restore it, making it more interesting and -fascinating than ever. - -"It was a royal gift the Moon Queen gave. She said that henceforth the -beach should be enchanted. The hideous stones the gnomes had thrown -should not ruin it after all, but should make it more precious to the -world, for they should all turn to shining jewels. She chose to make the -white pebbles the loveliest of them all, and so change them that the sea -people could never forget her. These stones shone as clear as crystal, -and in the pure depths of each one there trembled a moon-ray, a memento -of her crystal kingdom. This brilliant ray glistened like a diamond, -caught and held a prisoner, and was from that day called the moonstone. -But it was hard indeed to choose the prettiest of the beach jewels. For -opals clear as water, and with fire from the sea, sparkled beside the -moonstones; sardonyx, chrysoprase, and emerald, jasper, aquamarine, and -topaz, were piled so high that the beach was soon most widely known. - -"The Earth people come in hundreds to seek these treasures, making them -into precious necklaces and charms. But though they carry thousands and -thousands away with them each day, the mermaids smile and do not mind at -all, because the Moon-ladder, uncoiling every night in sparkling -brilliancy, reaches down from the silver palace and touches the beach -like a magician's wand, and the mermaids know that so long as the -shining steps of brilliant silver shall rest upon these sands, just so -long will the beach continue enchanted, and splendid jewels be formed in -such glittering quantities that they will last for ever." - - - - - CHAPTER VIII - THE LOST OCEAN - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -The little company seemed well pleased with the explanation of the -jewelled beach, but as soon as the messenger ceased, they asked for the -explanation of the trackless sands. - -"That is a longer story; shall I tell it now?" was the reply. - -"O yes, do," said the Princess Ethelda. "We are not a bit tired, and it -is so pleasant to look down on the very spot while you tell us." - -Thus encouraged, the guide messenger began:-- - -"Ages ago, when the world was young, three great Kings ruled in the -universe, the Sun King, the Ocean King, and the Earth King. The Earth -King owned all the land of the world, and often travelled over it, -watching it and caring for it. He was frequently accompanied by his -favorite daughter, the beautiful Princess Selene. She was a graceful -maiden of about eighteen. Her lovely brown eyes and long, wavy, -golden-brown hair, and her white skin and pink cheeks, made her a very -charming picture indeed. Being a fun-loving, merry little maiden, her -cheerful disposition made her a delightful companion, so her father was -always pleased to have her travel with him. - -"On one of these journeys the young Princess seemed more serious than -usual, and one morning she came to her father with a request which -greatly surprised him. However, when he found her heart quite set upon -it, he made up his mind to grant it. She said she had long contemplated -doing her share of work in the world, and that she did not think she -wished always to remain just a fun-loving and pleasure-seeking young -woman. She asked her father to give her a portion of his vast kingdom to -cultivate as a garden, declaring she would make it the most beautiful -garden in the world, a sort of earthly paradise. - -"As soon as her father consented to her wish, she chose a charming spot. -It was on the borders of a great sea, and back of it were magnificent -mountains. A large gulf, too, stood near, whose waters flowed into a -shimmering sea beyond. Here Princess Selene, having chosen hundreds of -companions, took up her abode. She planted trees for shade and sowed -grass for a quiet, restful color, and then she laid out her garden -according to a well-thought-out plan. - -"I could never begin to tell you in a short story how wonderfully -beautiful she made it. Fruit trees of all descriptions grew there; -lemons and oranges, citrons and bananas, peaches and apricots, -flourished--everything nice you can think of. She did not forget the -flowers, either. Magnolias and acacias, poinsettias and jasmines, and -every Southern flower you could name, bloomed beautifully. Lovely birds -flocked there, and rested in the cool trees, singing to the flowers and -filling the garden with delicious music. The Princess and her companions -worked hard and faithfully, and the garden became the most charming spot -imaginable. All the world talked about it and came to visit it. - -"The country about was very attractive. Great snow-capped mountains rose -abruptly from the sea, and white clouds, nestling down to touch them, -hovered like angels' wings above the rich valleys as though in -protection. The clouds were seldom dark, for it rarely rained there, and -the sunny blue skies seemed to smile perpetually. - -"Now, the powerful Sun King had many sons, but one of them was -especially handsome, and, better than that, he was the soul of honor and -truth. He was called Prince Corus. He often came to Earth to visit the -Ocean King's family, for one of the sons was his favorite companion. The -two young men were inseparable; they were devoted to each other, and -fond of the same sports. - -"When the Ocean King's son, Prince Fronto, grew to manhood, his father -gave him control of a smaller kingdom, a beautiful sea that washed the -shores of Princess Selene's famous gardens. This sea was reached by -sailing through the blue waters of the gulf; shining and beautiful, it -stretched for miles and miles through a magnificent country. It was on -the shores of this sea that the two Princes spent most of their time, -and it was here one day that they came across the lovely Selene and her -maidens. Both the young men felt at once that they had never before seen -anything so perfectly charming as the Princess, and they lost no time in -learning to know her. - -"She treated them with the greatest courtesy; and in a little while the -three had become firm friends, and spent many happy hours together. The -young men did not attempt to disguise from themselves the fact that they -both loved this royal maiden; but the Sun Prince, in a spirit of -nobleness, offered to leave his friend Fronto alone to win her hand, -though in losing her he would become the most miserable man in the -world. Up to this point, however, Fronto apparently showed a similar -generosity of spirit, and putting his arm about his friend, urged him to -remain, saying: 'We will abide by the decision of the Princess. Let her -choose between us, and whoever wins her love shall marry her, letting -the other suitor swear friendship to them both.' - -"'So be it,' replied the generous Prince Corus, for it seemed a fair -proposition. 'Much as I care for her, I will promise to give her to you -gladly if she loves you; for, after her, I love you best in the world.' - -"They clasped hands, and swore a solemn oath to abide by this agreement. - -"Selene was in no hurry to choose, and seemed equally fond of them both. -Never by word or sign did she show which she preferred. Always together, -the three wandered through her gardens, plucking the fruit or listening -to the songs of the birds. The two young men came every day to see her, -and strove to invent plans for her amusement. Corus brought his father's -golden chariot, and often the three took a mad race across the sky. But -the maiden was never afraid. She loved the spirited, prancing steeds, -and their flashing golden harness; and the wild ride brought a glorious -color to her cheeks. She thrilled with pleasure when the rushing wind -blew back her flowing hair, and her eyes caught a deeper blue from the -heavens, and sparkled and danced with delight, so that Corus and Fronto -thought her more bewitching than ever. - -"Again, Fronto would invite them to see his father's famous sea-gardens, -and they would ride across the sapphire-blue waves until they reached a -rocky island. Here they would rest, to watch the seals climbing over the -rocks. They amused themselves long, laughing at the awkward antics of -the fat baby seals, who would tumble with loud splashes into the water, -and then frolic about noisily. The Princess loved these famous -sea-gardens; they were very different from her own, but wonderfully -interesting, nevertheless. Every sea-plant grew there. Huge trees of -seaweed were plainly seen, and curious water-flowers in abundance. -Magnificent shells bordered the walks, shells dyed with the mystic -colors of the sea,--blue and green and opalescent,--others pink-lined, -like the sky at sunset, or brilliant red, like the coral reef. Charming -gold-fishes swam about these water-gardens, and their scales, glowing -like fire, sent out great sparks of light. Mermaids floated through, -with long golden hair and starry blue eyes, singing low to the music of -their lutes. Thus many days and weeks were passed, and each hour the -young Princes grew more madly in love with the charming Princess Selene. - -"At last a day came when they could no longer resist asking her to -choose between them. But when they stood before her, and waited for her -answer in silence, the fun-loving little Princess suddenly became grave, -and said most seriously: 'Why make me choose at all? Your friendship may -be broken if I do, and I could not bear that.' - -"'You need not fear for us, sweet Princess,' said Fronto, 'for we have -sworn an oath, and will not break it.' - -"Selene gazed earnestly at them, not understanding this reply. Then -Corus, pale as death, nodded assent, saying: 'It is even true, fair -Selene; as you cannot choose but one, we both have promised allegiance -to the one you favor. We love you too sincerely to do otherwise.' - -"A brilliant color dyed Selene's cheek as she heard these words, and -turning to Prince Fronto she began softly: 'So be it. We have passed -many happy hours together, and in my heart, Prince Fronto, I have a deep -affection for you.' - -"Hearing her speak thus, Prince Corus grew very white, and turned away -to hide his pain, whispering to himself: 'They shall not see how I -suffer. I have sworn an oath, and I will keep it.' - -"But whatever the Princess continued to say to the Ocean Prince, it -seemed not to please him. Finally she said to him, while she turned and -beckoned to his friend: 'Therefore, kind brother of the shimmering sea, -you must forgive me; for, though I love you as a friend, my heart -belongs to Corus, and him I choose to be my husband.' - -"The Sun Prince could hardly believe he heard aright; but as the -beautiful girl turned shyly toward him, he caught her hand, and -kneeling, kissed it, thanking her for his great happiness. - -"The Ocean Prince showed great surprise at Selene's words, because he -had always thought she preferred him to Corus; indeed, it was because of -this he had made the compact so readily. Swiftly now his thoughts grew -black with anger, but the two lovers were talking together and did not -notice it. Soon he grew calmer; outwardly he seemed to be peaceful, and -stooping, he too kissed Selene's hand, and swore friendship to the two. - -"Preparations began for the wedding, and each day, as the ceremony drew -nearer, Fronto seemed happier. He really acted as though he had -forgotten his wish to marry Selene. This, of course, made Corus and his -bride more contented; they could not bear to be merry, and feel that -Fronto was suffering. But the Ocean Prince was only pretending. -Instantly, on leaving the lovers on the day of their betrothal, he had -gathered together all the little demons and wicked imps he knew, and -employed them to build big mountains on the shores of his sea. Soon -precipitous mountains gathered in clusters about the water's edge. They -seemed only barren rock, as they loomed up from the flat sand, like -watch-towers guarding a prison. Selene and Corus teased the Ocean Prince -for building such ugly peaks, but he did not mind their jests. Finally -he had his dominions hedged in with a dark-hued rocky range. - -"Then, one day when the Sun Prince was absent, he deliberately carried -out the plan he had so carefully concealed: he stole the Princess and -hid her in the caverns of his great mountains. When Corus returned, -broken-hearted and distressed over the loss of his bride and the -treachery of his friend, and demanded her release, the Sea Prince -absolutely refused to give her up--laughing to scorn his friend's -demand. - -"War, of course, immediately followed. The Sun Prince was no slight -enemy, for all his father's powerful forces were at his command. The -heavy bowlders piled up by the wretched little fiends the Ocean Prince -had employed were not easily surmounted, however, for they were -splendidly built. It would take years to pull them down. So Corus -determined he would not even try. He would rescue his beloved bride in a -simpler but more powerful manner, and in less time. - -"A great river ran through the country, from the inland sea down to the -blue waters of the ocean. Now, the Sun Prince closed up that river, -shutting off all communication between the ocean and the inland sea. The -Sea Prince laughed at first when he saw this. He had so much water in -his own sea he never dreamed it could be exhausted. - -"But now the Sun Prince tried new measures. As the tides could not bring -the water to the foot of the big mountains to replenish them, he sent -down burning rays upon the sea to dry it up. Evaporation began. Day by -day the water decreased, and shrunk away slowly from the white face of -the sand and the red sides of the mountains. - -"A hundred feet of the water fell quickly, and then Fronto saw that the -Sun Prince, in drying up the water, could doom him and his followers to -death. Panic-stricken, he restored the Princess, and begged for mercy. - -"Corus, though happy to have his beloved bride again, felt that the -awful crime Fronto had committed should not be treated lightly. His -punishment must serve as a warning to the world. Still, at the request -of his gentle-hearted bride, he forgave his false friend, and sent him -back safe with his companions to the Ocean King. However, he forced -Fronto to remain in his father's dominions for ever, saying that he had -proven, by his treachery, he was unfit to govern a kingdom of his own. -Moreover, that kingdom should exist no longer. He would dry it up and -make it a huge desert, to mark the spot of a false friend's perfidy. - -"So the Sun never relaxed his fierce gaze, nor the wind its hot breath. -Together they scorched the seabed until the water disappeared, and the -bottom looked like a huge white bowl. Then slowly the desert formed. The -fierce heat became so intense that even the rains refused to fall there, -and the earth was too salty to allow anything to grow. Every living -creature shunned it. Neither bird nor beast would visit it, and thus it -remained for thousands of years. - -"When you are in the bottom of this bowl, you are nearly three hundred -feet below the ocean. Upon all sides are great mountains, some over ten -thousand feet high; and this spot is the hottest place in the world. The -desert looks like a great plain leading out to the horizon. The soil is -almost as fine as white flour. - -"But, silent and deserted as it is, the Sun Prince declared that, -because his beloved bride had been kept there, it should still be sacred -in his eyes--still retain a certain fascination. So, in all its -desolation, it does possess a weird beauty of its own. The sand dunes -reflect the light of the sky. They are sometimes deep blue, sometimes -topaz yellow, and again, at sunset, a brilliant rose. - -"The quiet of the desert is profound, save when some whirling sand-storm -blows. Then all living creatures caught there are lost unless they lie -flat and cover heads and mouths. Except for this, the air is always -magnificent. At times, it is all covered with a pink mist; at other -times, it is a pure golden haze. The mountains, too, are in changing -shades of purple and lilac and blue, with golden and blood-red colors -mingled. - -"All these years the place has remained a desert,--a monument to the -treachery of Prince Fronto. Yet the bitterness of the Sun Prince seems -to be lessening. Perhaps the sweet pleading of the beautiful Selene has -won forgiveness, for of late that awful waste shows signs of life. True, -its great mesas, in gray and gold, bordering its lonely hundreds of -miles, are rocky and barren still; but now and then a green bush of -elder arises on the sands, and the cacti and greasewood are beginning to -flourish well. This is the first sign of life, but it means surely that -Prince Corus has relented, and will remove the curse that 'nothing shall -ever live there.' - -"Occasionally, too, an animal has been seen running across the dry, -parched sands, and birds that once flew hundreds of miles to avoid the -hot plains now skim lightly across them. Then, at times, trees and green -grass and cool fresh lakes of water are visible. These last disappear -quickly when one approaches and tries to drink from their curling waves. -Wise people call these sights mirages, but perhaps, after all, they are -real, and foreshadow what the desert will become. - -"The Sun Prince is wise and merciful, and though justice must be done, -when justice is appeased he can restore the cooling streams and -vegetation to the parched sands. Some day, perhaps, the magic spell will -be withdrawn from the mysterious desert, and its shining seas again -smile beneath sunny skies. Even now, Prince Corus occasionally sends a -great cloudburst to drench the scorching plains. At first, we know, he -did not love the barren waste. It brought back too keenly the sorrow of -his stolen bride; but time has softened that feeling, and with his -beloved Princess by his side, he looks down and smiles upon its glare -and glitter. He shows this in the wonderful sky effects above it. They -are things of beauty. If clouds gather, he tips them with rainbow -colors,--brilliant reds and oranges, purples and greens, melting into -delicious pinks, soft lilacs, and grays. The sunset there is a glorious -sight never to be forgotten. - -"Its mountains, too, are beautiful. Often the ridges are clear-cut and -sharp. Again, when the Sun pours his heat upon them, they seem as flat -as the palm of your hand. They change color frequently, for at times -startling reds and yellows and pinks are painted in stripes all over -them. Later the canyons are flashing in brilliant needle-like points of -superb color, but again they are a dull blue or gray, and lose their -splendor. - -"But most sublime of all the sights is still the mirage. Trembling and -glowing in the sea, lie trees and mountain peaks, reflected clear and -beautiful. Maybe it is only the reflection of the golden haze that lies -in the canyons at sunset; but whatever it is, it is one of the desert's -splendors. And though the lilac mist and the purple shadows that creep -between the valleys and climb the mountains seem more natural to its -desolation and its silence, yet the glory of that mirage--glittering -with its dazzling hue, and flashing its strange lights like the rays -from a fire-opal--will cling the longest in one's memory." - - - - - CHAPTER IX - THE STORY OF PRINCESS SUNSET - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -When the story of the great desert or the lost ocean had been told, the -little company of Moon people thanked the guide for his tales, and again -started on their journey. Soon they approached the borders of a -beautiful wood. The guide told them that he would turn back when they -had travelled through the forest, for on the other side of the forest -the black dwarf awaited them. - -Princess Ethelda shuddered as she heard, but being a brave little -Princess, she turned laughingly to the guide and said, "Well, Sir Guide, -cannot you tell us another pretty story before you go?" - -"Willingly," replied the guide, and he at once began the story of -Princess Sunset. - -"Once upon a time there lived in the heart of a great forest, something -like this we are passing through, a young Prince with his two elder -brothers. They lived in a splendid palace, and were fond of hunting and -shooting; but they were also frequently at war with their neighbors, so -that fighting of some sort always seemed to be going on. This youngest -was named Oswald; though he always accompanied his brothers to war, and -was the very bravest of all the knights, he thought it was useless to -fight about everything. Life would be much happier if people were kind -and peace-loving; and unless there were a serious question to fight -about, he did not believe in fighting at all. He much preferred to roam -the forest, studying the sky and the trees, or the lovely waters of the -clear blue lakes. He would spend hours thus, musing on the wonderful -works of Nature, and wondering where she kept her marvellous paint-box. - -"Now, Prince Oswald was very good-looking. He was tall and slender as -the young saplings about him, but he was powerful and strong of limb, -too; and when his brothers told him to choose a wife among the pretty -maidens of the land, almost any of the princesses would have been glad -to be chosen. But Prince Oswald was in no hurry to choose; he did not -fall in love very easily, and he thought he would just wait until the -right princess came along. - -"One day, when lying on the shore of a beautiful body of water, he -noticed that the sky was suddenly tinged with red. He rubbed his eyes -with amazement, but the red hue tinged every object that he looked upon; -the treetops, the lake, and the deer that glided along the edge of the -forest had a delicate crimson splendor. In the midst of this fairy -spectacle he heard a musical voice sigh, and turning around saw a -radiantly beautiful woman standing near him. Her countenance was lovely, -and her glorious brown eyes were sparkling with light. She smiled as she -looked upon him, and for a minute her teeth gleamed white as little -pearls between her red lips. Her splendid golden hair hung in soft -masses below her waist, and the wind was blowing it softly about. Her -garments were loose and flowing, and variegated in color, shading from -the tenderest pink to the deepest crimson. The wonderful dyes of her -dress seemed to float away from her in rosy clouds, and blend in the air -until the rich rose-color around glowed and deepened to a magnificent -red. - -[Illustration: "_Turning around he saw a radiantly beautiful woman near - him._" - (Page 130)] - -"As Oswald stood gazing upon this gorgeous maiden, she addressed him in -a low and charming voice: 'O, dreamer of the woods, am I not worth -seeking? Why do you waste your life in idleness here? Look for me in the -land that lies westward, beyond the setting of the sun. There may be -many obstacles in your path, but, overcoming them, you will find your -bride awaiting you. Am I not worth the winning?' - -"For answer, Oswald sprang forward to clasp her in his arms, but at that -instant the red light glowed more brightly about her, flaring to a -brilliant flame; and thus standing in its midst, she disappeared in a -sea of fire, leaving the sky and water a dull, heavy gray. - -"Prince Oswald returned to the palace deeply wrapped in thought, and -indeed he could think of nothing but the beautiful maiden he had seen. -The next morning he determined he would seek and find her, because until -he did he felt he could never be happy again. After making preparations -to go, and bidding his brothers good-bye, he started alone to seek the -Land of the Setting Sun. First he found the spot by the lake where, the -evening before, he had watched the glorious beauty of the strange -maiden, and he sat down in silence. Again the sky took on its delicate -rose, deepening until the ruby splendor of the clouds piled themselves -into gold and crimson palaces. From one of these palaces Oswald felt -confident his beautiful lady would emerge, and tremblingly he sat -expectant. Suddenly the same peculiar sigh met his ears, and turning to -greet the lovely stranger, he saw to his disappointment only a -glittering sword. The blade was, of course, of shining steel, but the -handle was formed of one magnificent ruby. The radiance from this superb -jewelled handle was magnificent. It gleamed and sparkled in flaming red, -until the whole western world glowed with the bright reflection. - -"Oswald realized with a beating heart that it was a message from the -mysterious lady, and he lifted the sword to his side. Then feeling brave -enough to meet any dangers because she had sent him the sword, he -started on his travels to the Land of the Setting Sun. Over hills and -prairies, but always toward the west, Prince Oswald travelled. He rested -by night only, and at early dawn was off again. On the third night he -saw a bright light ahead, and on approaching it found it to be a -beautiful princess. She was dressed in a gown of spun silver, and on her -forehead there shone one magnificent star. She greeted him kindly, and -told him she was the Evening Star, and would light him through the dark -forest. He thanked her gratefully, and accompanied her in among the dark -and gloomy trees. She glided ahead, and the light from the beautiful -star crown showed him the way, even in the darkest places. Evening Star -told him she recognized him in the distance by the ruby-hilted sword he -wore. 'You seek the Princess Sunset,' she continued, 'do you not?' - -"'Yes,' replied Oswald, 'and I shall never rest until I find her.' - -"'Alas!' said Evening Star, 'though I sincerely wish you success, I must -tell you that many difficulties will beset you, for of all the young men -who have passed this way in quest of the golden-haired Princess not one -has ever returned. The obstacles that have beset them have proven too -great, and they have never yet been able to rescue her. - -"'She is wonderfully beautiful, though, and I am not surprised that you -seek her. Once I met her face to face, and I could never forget what a -vision of beauty she was. It was a charming evening, and I had risen -over the purple hills a little earlier than usual. Tall and majestic the -Princess stood upon the hilltop, clothed in her marvellous dress of -crimson. Her great brown eyes looked questioningly into mine, and her -splendid hair floated back from her lovely face in a sort of golden -mist, while the breeze blew her long, trailing robes across the sky. Her -exquisite form stood plainly outlined thus for several minutes, and the -crimson colors from her garments tinged the heavens from a delicate pink -to a brilliant ruby-red. Then suddenly stretching forth her arms toward -me, she greeted me with a tender smile of welcome, and vanished. Never -shall I forget her charm. She was the daughter of a great king and lived -in a splendid palace, but she was as gentle and tender-hearted as a -child. Her great delight was to roam the woods, gathering flowers and -weaving them into a gorgeously colored robe. The brighter the flower the -better she loved it. Red, yellow, blue, all were gathered and woven -together, until the dress was a miracle of beauty and brightness. Her -gown was so brilliant, that when she wore it the very skies reflected -the colors, and she would stand upon the hilltop and let the flowing -skirts trail out in long, loose lines across the heavens. This was her -delight. - -"'People came from far and wide to see the Sunset Princess in her flower -dress, for when she wore it she was marvellously beautiful. Among them -once came a wicked magician, and the moment his eyes fell upon her he -determined to marry her. So, to gain his end, he killed her father and -her brothers, and destroyed all her people. Then he stole her, and hid -her in his western palace; and there he has kept her a prisoner ever -since. But she declares she will never, never marry such a cruel -monster, even if she should never escape, and he cannot marry her -without her consent. - -"'Now, the poor Princess has the power to appear in a dream to any one -she wishes to come and deliver her from the wicked old magician's power. -But this is her only privilege. She can never stir from his palace -(except in dreams) unless by his especial invitation. Once every day he -invites her to come forth. At the sunset hour he calls her, and with her -maidens she walks out upon a spacious balcony. But she is a brave -princess, and she courageously wears her crimson flower dress, and gives -him only scornful looks. - -"'The magician occasionally invites her out on the balcony for a cruel -purpose--to show her the fate of each brave knight who tries to rescue -her. Sometimes the gallant youth is already dead. Sometimes the wicked -magician changes him into some four-footed creature before her eyes, -making him wander upon the earth afterward as an animal. Alas! dear -Prince,' continued Evening Star, sadly, 'I dread to see you go upon this -dangerous expedition.' - -"'Do not fear for me,' answered Oswald, bravely. 'At last, I have -learned where the beautiful Princess of my dreams is imprisoned. No -matter what the dangers are, I will find her and rescue her.' - -"Indeed, he was so rejoiced at the news brought by Evening Star that he -slept with a light heart that night, and at early dawn started again -toward the Setting Sun. Every evening the sky was tinged with the lovely -red, but he had no other sign from the Princess. - -"One night he stopped at a castle where he met the beautiful daughter of -a wealthy and powerful duke. After a handsome banquet and ball given in -his honor, where the young countess paid him the highest honors, the -duke approached him, and offered to give him her hand in marriage if he -would remain and help to govern the people. - -"Now, Oswald was very grateful for all this kindness, but his heart was -too full of the Sunset Princess to think of any other maiden. So, after -thanking the duke courteously, he declined the honor. The young countess -tossed her pretty head in disdain when she heard he loved another, and -told him he was a fool for his pains, and that he would never rescue the -Sunset Princess. - -"But Oswald was not discouraged by her words, and continued his journey. - -"That night he approached another forest, so dark and gloomy that he -could not see his hand before him. But he remembered the red light that -shone from his ruby-handled sword, and when he held it up he saw the -path quite plainly before him. He heard dreadful squeaking noises all -about him; groans and sudden cries and many dangers beset him. - -"Presently a hideous giant arose. He was tall, and had green eyes, which -he rolled awfully, and he gnashed his long white teeth as Oswald came -along. - -"'You cannot enter my country,' he growled loudly, and for a moment -Oswald felt he didn't want to enter it, because he saw (by the red light -of his sword) a man being bitten to death by two horrid snakes. One -snake was blue and one was white. - -"But Prince Oswald was brave as could be, and he could not see the man -being killed, without helping him; so he dashed forward, and in one -instant had killed both snakes with his shining blade, and rescued the -man. - -"But just as he thought he had won a victory, a great swirling current -of water appeared at his feet, and he leaped back only in time to escape -a blow from the tail of a great black dragon. Now he knew the forest was -bewitched; but he continued his journey, and all day long he fought for -his life. Sometimes it was with wild beasts, and sometimes with the -magician in person; but Oswald never let go his sword for one minute, -and the great magic of its blade protected him. At last the cool shadows -of evening began to fall, and the goblins became less and less -troublesome. - -"Then suddenly he perceived in his path a beautiful maiden. She seemed -almost a phantom, for floating around and about her was a ghostly mist. -But for all that, she was wondrously fair, with an unearthly sort of -beauty. Her eyes shone like stars out of her snowy draperies, and her -voice had a far-away sound, like the tinkle of silver bells. - -"'O Prince of the Wonderful Sword,' she said, 'you have done me a great -favor. I am the White Lady of the Mist, and my golden shuttle was stolen -by the wicked old magician who stole the Sunset Princess. I could do -nothing without it, for all my power lies in its magic. In fighting and -overcoming the magician's imps in the forest to-day you have restored it -to me; his snares can never more affect me. So, now, I will prove that -my power is restored, and that I am free again, by serving you. I will -blind these wicked enemies of yours, so that they will seek you in vain, -and I will conduct you safe this night through the Forest of Terrors.' - -"So saying, she began weaving with the shuttle, and a wondrous weaving -it was, for long streamers of mist floated like a white veil over the -forest. Little by little the ghostly vapor covered everything. Faster -and faster she wove, singing softly as she did so a curious kind of -rhyme:-- - - "'Wonderful Shuttle, weaving for me, - Cover each shrub and cover each tree; - Then, while my fairies dance and sing, - Straight through the forest this brave knight bring!' - -"Gradually great clouds of white formed everywhere. Their gauzy vapor -thickened as they rolled away and enclosed the whole forest. Nothing -could be seen but the wonderful little Lady of the Mist, and she stood -shining and gleaming like silver in the centre of the ghostly shroud. At -last, when all was snowy white, she stopped singing, and bade the knight -follow her. Always through the thick veil he could see her shining -bright and clear, and thus she conducted him through the dark forest. -But the magician's imps could not see a thing, and though Oswald heard -them fighting and snarling, they did not trouble him again. - -"At break of day, on the edge of a beautiful lake, she left him; but he -was in full view of the magician's elegant palace. The Lady of the Mist -bade him remain in hiding until the sunset hour, and when the Princess -came out to view his dead body (or the wicked magician's skill in -changing him into some animal), he must hold his gleaming sword in front -of him, and boldly advance to her side. The White Lady of the Mist -promised to aid him at the critical moment, and she would give him a -sign to advance and rescue the Princess: it would be a veil of mist -descending the mountain. He must not rush forward until the mist -appeared, however, as she could not help him while the sun shone. - -"The Prince promised faithfully to follow her instructions, though it -was hard to wait all day. He walked around the lake, keeping well in the -bushes, and finally hiding himself beneath the Princess's balcony. - -"The magician's palace was truly magnificent, for it was built all of -solid black ebony. It was very gloomy and terrible to look upon, but -also very costly, Oswald could see. The great arches of ebony that -upheld the balcony were inlaid with glittering gold and diamonds, so -that the palace sparkled brilliantly in the sunlight. But a black palace -was an unusual sight, and one felt at a glance that it was the abode of -a magician. The floor of the balcony was inlaid with a border of -splendid white pearls, and precious rugs lay on the floor. Costly jewels -were scattered carelessly about in quantities, for the magician felt if -he lost anything his magic could easily restore it. Enticing fruit -gardens grew down to the borders of the lake, and handsome trees spread -out their cool green branches. The place was so lovely it seemed a shame -that such a wicked old magician should own it. - -"Toward evening, when the sun was low, the magician came out and angrily -called for the Princess. It was plain to see he was in a very bad humor. -He had heard of the golden shuttle being restored to the White Lady of -the Mist, and he was fearful of her power against him. He did not know, -however, that Oswald was the knight who had been successful in restoring -it, for he had given such strict instructions to his imps of the forest, -that he felt sure Oswald had not escaped death. - -"Prince Oswald's heart beat very fast as he saw the palace door open. -When the lovely Princess, pale but proud and noble in her bearing, -stepped forth, he could hardly restrain himself from falling at her -feet. He was bewitched by her beauty, for she was far lovelier than he -had supposed. But he dared not venture forth without the signal from the -White Lady of the Mist. Presently, as he waited impatiently, he saw -creeping down the mountain-side the thin white veil. It rolled out in -clouds, for the White Lady realized she had a great work to do. The old -magician, however, did not see the mist, because his face was turned the -other way. He could not understand why his imps did not hurry across the -lake with Prince Oswald, as they had done with the other knights. They -should suffer for this delay on the morrow, he growled. - -"But Prince Oswald understood the delay. The little imps had not caught -him; and he also knew by the thickly forming mist it was time to act. -Grasping his shining sword firmly in his right hand, in one swift bound -he reached the Princess's side. He caught her hand in his, and she clung -to him in pure joy and delight. At that moment the magician turned and -saw them standing together. With a loud cry of rage he sprang toward -them, but it was too late. - -"At this minute great clouds of mist rolled over them and completely -covered their forms. Everything was shrouded in ghostly white, and -volumes of vapor continued to roll down the mountain-sides. Faster and -faster came the heavy veil, completely blinding the magician. But Oswald -picked the Princess lightly up in his arms, and holding his gleaming -ruby sword before him as a lantern, ran easily through the fog. He -reached the lake and found it as clear as crystal, and saw no sign of -the mist except behind them. Evening Star shone brightly in the heavens -to light them across the dimpling waters, and she had placed a lovely -canoe in the green bushes for them. All this time the White Lady of the -Mist was hanging her curtains behind the lovers, while her golden -shuttle was weaving them so thick, that even the magician's sharp eyes -could not penetrate their folds. - -"Prince Oswald and his Princess now saw clearly, and Evening Star -directed their footsteps. When far from the wicked magician, and safe, -they sat down to rest. Oswald told the Princess how much he loved her, -and begged her to marry him; she in gentle tones thanked him for what he -had done, and gladly consented. - -"Just then Evening Star approached, and begged them to rest in her -beautiful country. Gorgeous palaces awaited them, and a splendid people -wanted to be governed, she said. 'And,' she added, 'if you consent, each -night I will come and visit you, for I love the Sunset Princess as a -sister, and my greatest happiness will be to watch yours.' - -"Then the Sunset Princess, who also loved Evening Star, begged Oswald to -consent. They lived ever afterward in that charming country on the banks -of a great and lovely lake. The waters of the lake were so clear that -the pebbles many feet below glistened like fire-opals. There they lived -in great happiness; and as the years went by Oswald loved his beautiful -wife more, for she was charming to see. - -"Each evening, as the sun went down, Oswald and his lovely family (for -there were many little children) met on the shores of the lake, and the -Princess always wore her bright flower dress. Even now, if you will but -watch for their coming, you will see them yourself. First comes the -Princess, proud and graceful as on that first evening when Oswald -discovered her. Prince Oswald is close beside, and the children troop -down in brilliant flower dresses like their mother's. The red sandstone -cliffs on the high banks of the lake are the first to catch the glow of -the children's garments. Suddenly the dull sandstone reflects a -brilliant light, gleaming out like burning fire. The glowing cliffs -tinge with magic colors the soft fleecy clouds above, and one by one -these colors deepen. Purple, gray, pink, gold, and crimson lights blend -together, in glorious confusion. The calm surface of the water reflects -the brightly colored heavens, and gradually the whole western world is -aflame. - -"Thus each evening, in this glorious field of color, Oswald and his -family watch the sky, and await the nightly visit of the splendid -Evening Star." - - - - - CHAPTER X - HOW THE MOON PRINCESS WAS TAKEN CAPTIVE BY THE BLACK DWARF - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -As the guide finished his story of the Sunset Princess, Ethelda noticed -they had passed through the forest, and it was with a little thrill of -terror she saw the black dwarf and his companions a short distance -ahead. - -After thanking their kind messenger for his guidance and the delightful -stories he had told them, Prince Dorion and his party joined the dwarf. -He seemed more hideous than ever, but his manner was perfectly -respectful as he greeted his guests, and he hardly looked at the -Princess. Two days of travel followed,--days during which new beauties -of the earth were revealed; and because of her interest in these -beauties the lovely Moon Princess almost forgot her sad forebodings. She -did not see the black dwarf during that time, and the horror of his -presence almost passed. He kept out of her sight, and remaining in front -with his imps, led the way. - -Gold and silver had been scattered as they travelled, and for each piece -that fell there formed later a splendid mine. The precious metal, -melting and filtering through the earth in slender veins, reached -finally the heart of the deepest mountains. There it spread and grew, -until to-day the earth is full of its treasures in gold and silver -mines. - -One day, Ethelda, light-hearted and happy, had loitered behind for a -moment, to gather some tiny green ferns creeping between the rocks. She -was stooping to pluck one, when suddenly she felt herself rudely seized. -Looking up, she saw it was the black dwarf who had her within his grasp. -She tried to get away, but his grip was like iron on her delicate arm. -She could not move, and realizing her utter helplessness, she screamed -aloud. Her agonizing call reached her husband, but too late for him to -aid her. For the black dwarf stamped violently upon the ground, which -opened wide, and with her in his arms he sank into the opening, which -immediately closed over them. Then Ethelda fainted. - -When she recovered, she found she was in a large vaulted chamber, in a -big cave. The light was very poor, but she could see the ugly black -dwarf watching her steadily. For a moment she thought she would die of -fright, and then she remembered that, as a Moon maiden, she had the -power to protect herself from harm. In that instant her courage returned -and strengthened her. Softly she repeated the words of the charm she had -learned in the nursery of the Moon palace, and had sung at her mother's -knee. In a low, musical voice she chanted:-- - - Rays of the Moon, brilliant and bright, - Protect me by day, protect me by night. - Naught can harm me when in your embrace, - Protect me you must, as child of your race. - Send but the halo seen often about you, - And I promise, sweet mother, I never shall doubt you. - -As she sang, a beautiful halo formed gradually about her, such as you -sometimes see about the moon, and in the centre of this great shining -space Ethelda stood alone. - -When she moved, her white and silver dress flashed in long sparkling -rays, like the moonlight on the water. The black man covered his eyes to -shield them at first from the blinding light, for it was like the sudden -flashing of midday into the darkest night, and the cave became very -bright. He looked on surprised, not understanding Ethelda's words, and -on finding what she had done he was completely astounded. He stepped -forward quickly to snatch her from the glowing circle, but found he -could not reach her side. Then he became furious and called his imps, -who swarmed to his assistance; but when they approached the maiden, a -barrier of iron seemed to stand before them. They could not break it -down at all, nor could they penetrate the beaming circle. Ethelda was -safe from any harm except imprisonment. - -The dwarf soon abandoned all thought of reaching her, and in truth he -never really meant to harm her, but had stolen her to marry her. So he -determined to try kindness to win her love, and though he kept her a -prisoner, he was not otherwise unkind. In many ways he tried to please -her. - -For years he had been fitting up a wonderful cave, hoping some day to -induce a lovely maiden to accept and marry him. But he was so ugly and -repulsive that all the Earth maidens shunned him. Still he had gone on -decorating the cave, determined to steal a wife if necessary. - -He had gone to the Earth festival with the intention of finding a wife -there, but when his eyes fell on the Princess Ethelda he forgot all the -other maidens. He thought her gloriously beautiful, and determined to -steal her, although she was already married. Therefore, he made up his -mind that the Moon Princess should love him and forget her husband. On -that account he tried to be kind. Every morning he sent her a beautiful -gift, and then soon after paid her a visit and asked her to marry him. -Each day her reply was the same,--that she loved her husband and hated -him, but if he would restore her to her husband, and show her her home -in the starry skies, she would forgive his stealing her. At these words -the dwarf would go into a great rage and leave the room, but every day -he would return, hoping she had changed her mind. - -At last he conceived a great idea by which he thought he could win her. -Day and night he worked over it, and one morning, when it was completed, -he invited her in to see a room he had fitted especially for her to -occupy. He thought she would be so pleased at what he had done for her -that she could no longer refuse him. - -When he opened the door and bade her enter, she was amazed and delighted -in spite of herself. Round and beautiful in shape was the room. Great -stalactites and stalagmites hung from the ceiling and grew from the -floors,--all a mass of shining light, for they were of purest white -crystal, and shone like the sun. The room was richly furnished, and -every comfort seemed there; but all of this was not what she saw to -admire. It was a darker room beyond that absorbed and enchanted her. Her -eyes beheld what she thought at first was her own beautiful home again. -Quickly she passed into it. Blue as the heavens she had left was the -lofty ceiling she gazed into. She stared with fresh wonder at the -bejewelled stars, and with beating heart watched their brilliant rays. -She expected every moment to see the Moon sail past in silver glory. But -the radiant splendor of her mother's Moon palace was absent, and then -Ethelda recognized with a great pang that it was not really the sky she -saw at all. - -The countless clusters of stars overheard had been gathered only with -untold labor. The dwarf had stationed his numerous slaves to watch the -heavens all the night, and when a shooting star fell they seized and -brought it straight to him. Gradually, therefore, toiling and working in -this way, they built the famous Star Chamber in the great black cave for -the Moon Princess. - -Ethelda's disappointment was very keen when she learned the truth. Still -she loved the Star Chamber better than any other spot in her prison, and -she visited it often. - - - - - CHAPTER XI - HOW THE SUN PRINCE RESCUED THE MOON PRINCESS - - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - -In the meanwhile Prince Dorion, distracted with grief, was trying in -every way to dig down deep enough to rescue his beloved bride. But the -stones would not yield. He had seen his darling disappear in the hands -of the hideous black dwarf, and he often came to that place to mourn. -Night after night he visited it, hoping a miracle would restore Ethelda -to him there. But all day he searched the world for her. - -The Earth, mortified by this outrage to her hospitality, tried to help -him. Her granddaughters, the mermaids, had sought information from every -part of the globe, but as yet without success. The Moon Princess had -disappeared from the face of the Earth completely. The year passed, and -sorrowful and sick at heart the Sun Prince bade his companions adieu. He -determined to abide upon the Earth until he found Ethelda. What was his -amazement, therefore, when the knights and maidens refused to leave him. -They would wait with him, they said. The loss of his bride had bound -them more closely together. The Sun's rays looked down appealingly and -the Moon ladder glittered temptingly, but they bravely turned their eyes -away. They built a beautiful city near the Ocean, where they could see -the Moon ladder more plainly, but they had lost the right to climb its -shining steps, for the twelve months had expired. - -Prince Dorion searched every day for his bride. He consulted a wise -witch living alone in a deep forest, but she shook her head sadly, and -always replied in these curious words:-- - - "Search as you please, - But not among trees - Shall the fair Princess be found. - Go from the water - To the Moon's daughter; - There lies she in prison bound!" - -Never a word more would she utter, and the poor Prince would puzzle -himself about how he could reach the Princess. But he continued his -search. He would often go to the spot where his beloved had disappeared. -A stately tree, as slender as the Princess, had sprung up there. Its -waving green branches swayed gently, and stretched out with delicate, -tender leaves. Its trunk wore the white and silver dress of the Moon -maiden, and stood like a ghost to mark the place. - -The Earth people ever after called it the Silver Birch. At its foot a -beautiful little spring had bubbled up, and its crystal-clear waters had -formed a tiny stream that gurgled over the rocks, seeking to reach the -sea. In its shining depths he sometimes saw the Moon's ladder, and he -fancied the clear blue eyes of Ethelda looked out wistfully at him. But -it was only the blue patches of sky overhead. - -One night, sad and depressed, he sat beside the Ocean. The great -throbbing sea seemed to soothe him a little. While he sat there thinking -of Ethelda, and almost despairing, a mermaid floated shoreward. Resting -her beautiful arms on the white gleaming sand, she spoke to him. - -"O, Prince of the Sun," she began, "I have news for you--news of your -lost bride." - -"News of my beloved Ethelda?" cried the Prince, joyously. - -"Yes," answered the mermaid, "your Ethelda is safe and unharmed. I have -seen her." - -"You have seen her?" cried the Prince. "O favored mermaid, take me to -her at once." - -"Mighty Prince," replied she, "I have come to show you the way. Do you -remember the bubbling stream you have often sat beside? It was formed -from Ethelda's tears. Those crystal drops arose even through the rocks -to comfort you; but deeper down ran the stream, cutting into the Earth -until it formed a dark and gloomy river to lead you back to her. I found -this stream and followed it--straight from the crystal spring into a -dark and gloomy cave. There Ethelda lives and waits for you." - -A moment more and Prince Dorion was swimming beside the little mermaid. -They swam along the coast until a dark line showed them where the river -joined the ocean. And after many a turn and twist in the black river, -they reached Ethelda's cave. - -The Moon Princess sat within the vaulted Star Chamber alone. What a -radiant creature she was! Her silver halo surrounded her, and she was -chanting in a musical voice the pretty words which had caused it to -form. The Sun Prince's eyes dwelt lovingly upon her, but he was amazed -to see overhead the stars shining in the clear blue vault of heaven. - -"Ethelda," he cried softly; and his heart leaped with love at the sight -of his bride, and bounding forward he reached her side. In another -moment she lay in his arms, sobbing and laughing for joy. - -"Beloved, you are unhurt?" he questioned anxiously. - -"Yes," she answered, growing calmer. "I am unharmed; and in a way he was -not unkind. But he wished me to marry him, and so kept me in this gloomy -cave, hoping I would consent. - -"See, beloved, even the stars above us he stole to comfort me and win my -love. Every shooting star that fell from the heavens was brought here -and placed in that high ceiling. They shine so brightly there that the -blackness of the ceiling seems almost blue, and sometimes I almost -believe I am gazing into the skies. But, beloved, nothing comforted me -in your absence. I have sat weeping here, forming this river of tears to -bring you to me." - -Prince Dorion pressed her tenderly to his breast at these words, and -whispered: "Dry your tears now, sweetheart, you will not need them -longer, for I shall take you for ever away from this hideous prison." - -Silently he carried her to the mermaid's side, and softly they slipped -away. - -But before Ethelda left, feeling herself safe again within her husband's -arms, she slipped out of the Moon's halo and left it in the famous Star -Chamber of the black cave. There it stays for every one to see, lighting -the room with its silver rays in company with the glorious stars which -the black dwarf stole and placed there. - -Back again into the golden sunshine Ethelda came, and once more the -beautiful Moon shone down caressingly upon her. Freed from the black -dwarf's spell, and with her loved companions, she soon recovered from -her long imprisonment, and was lovelier and more joyous than ever. She -had almost forgotten those trying days and the black dwarf's cruelty, -but the Earth Queen had not. - -Her Majesty summoned the dwarf and all his wicked followers to court for -trial, and he did not dare to disobey her summons. Ethelda and the Sun -Prince were invited to hear his sentence; and an awful punishment it was -that was put upon him. He was condemned to live always in the dark cave -where he had kept Ethelda prisoner. With his followers he would never -again be allowed to see the Sun or the Moon; never again could he behold -the face of the Earth. - -The Moon Princess shuddered as she heard the dreadful sentence, for to -her darkness was the worst of punishments. She turned to the Earth Queen -and said impulsively: "Oh, your Majesty, be not so cruel! Sentence them -to anything rather than eternal darkness." - -So the Earth Queen, listening to the tender pleadings of the gentle Moon -maiden, relented; but still the dwarf's crime must not be dealt with -lightly. She consented, however, to allow the culprits to see the Sun -and the Moon, but they were destined to become the slaves of the -mermaids, and live always in the water. Then, fearing they might forget -they were put into the water to expiate their crime (for the mermaids -were kind-hearted and good), she changed them into fishes, and marked -every one with the shining colors of the Sun and Moon. Even now, if you -notice carefully the pretty fish swimming in the sparkling water, you -will see the fiery red color of the sun blending with the delicate -silver tints of the moon. These markings of gold and silver they must -carry for ever as evidence of their slavery, and in punishment of their -wicked deed. In other respects they are not unhappy. - -Ethelda and the Sun Prince dwelt always after upon the Earth, but they -loved it, as you know. The Moon Mother, looking down and seeing their -joy, and how contented they were, gradually became reconciled to their -remaining. As a proof of her forgiveness and friendliness to them and -their descendants, she has left the Moon ladder down. She has never -taken it away since the night the bridal party walked down its -shimmering silver stairs. Every night, between the mystic hours of dusk -and the rosy dawn, somewhere in the heavens, that splendid white palace -is shining, and its bright ladder is stretching down in a flood of -glory. - -Since then, maybe (who knows?) other Moon maidens have walked down those -jewelled steps to a honeymoon on the Earth. - - - THE END. - - [Illustration: (unlabelled)] - - - - - _Mrs. Harrison's Previous Successful Fairy Books_ - - Prince Silverwings, and Other Fairy Tales. _Fourth Edition._ - The Star Fairies, and Other Tales. _Second Edition._ - Both volumes illustrated in color by Lucy Fitch Perkins. Small 4to, - $1.25 _net_. - - A. C. McClurg & Co., Publishers, Chicago. - - - - - _By Edith Ogden Harrison, Author of - "The Moon Princess"_ - - - Prince Silverwings - _and Other Fairy Tales_ - - THIRD EDITION - -Mrs. Harrison made her literary _debut_ in this very attractive volume, -which is of the kind that is sure to be always popular. There are seven -stories in the book, and they are all told in a singularly direct and -unaffected manner, with the engaging simplicity that is so appreciated -by young readers. The pictures by Mrs. Perkins are in delicate tints, -and show a charming fancy and imagination. - -"The stories are set forth in simple and serene English. They have a -great deal of prettiness, and a delicate fancy wavers over them as the -sun glints on a wall. The book is in pictorial ways extraordinary ... -delicately colored, exquisitely executed fancies that make palpable the -illusive dreams of fairy land."--_Chicago Tribune._ - - _Illustrations in Color by Lucy Fitch Perkins_ - $1.25 Net - A. C. McClurg & Co., Publishers - - - - - _By Edith Ogden Harrison, Author of - "The Moon Princess"_ - - - The Star Fairies - _and Other Tales_ - -Mrs. Harrison's first book, "Prince Silverwings," captured the public -completely because it was, in a way, a revival of the old-fashioned -fairy book, the simple little tales that young children really enjoy. -This second collection of stories is written with the same idea of -pleasing the smallest of readers,--direct, simple language and always, -of course, the "happy ending." The book is dedicated to "the little -readers of 'Prince Silverwings,'" and they are sure to find it quite as -delightful as that charming collection. Mrs. Perkins' pictures are -original and artistic in coloring, and go admirably with the text. - -"The child who has not known the delight of an acquaintance with the -bright little twinkling sky fairies may be introduced by these dainty -little tales unearthed by Mrs. Harrison. The illustrations are exquisite -little mural plates by Lucy Fitch Perkins, and the cover design and its -treatment are very attractive."--_Chicago Evening Post._ - - _Illustrations in Color by Lucy Fitch Perkins_ - $1.25 Net - A. C. McClurg & Co., Publishers - - - - - Transcriber's Notes - - ---Copyright notice provided as in the original--this e-text is public - domain in the country of publication. - ---Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard (or amusing) - spellings and dialect unchanged. - ---In the text versions, delimited italics text in _underscores_ (the - HTML version reproduces the font form of the printed book.) - - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Moon Princess, by Edith Ogden Harrison - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOON PRINCESS *** - -***** This file should be named 60042-8.txt or 60042-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/0/4/60042/ - -Produced by Mary Glenn Krause, Stephen Hutcheson, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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margin-right:auto; max-width:25em; } - - dl.int { margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; max-width:25em; } - dl.int dt {margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; } - dl.int dd {margin-left:2em; } -</style> -</head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Moon Princess, by Edith Ogden Harrison - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Moon Princess - A Fairy Tale - -Author: Edith Ogden Harrison - -Illustrator: Lucy Fitch Perkins - -Release Date: August 2, 2019 [EBook #60042] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOON PRINCESS *** - - - - -Produced by Mary Glenn Krause, Stephen Hutcheson, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - -</pre> - -<div class="img"> -<img class="cover" id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="The Moon Princess: A Fairy Tale" width="600" height="800" /> -</div> -<div class="img" id="pic1"> -<img src="images/p_004.jpg" alt="" width="529" height="800" /> -<p class="caption">“<i>I will return soon, sweet mother.</i>” -<span class="jr1">(<a class="pgref" href="#Page_18">Page 18</a>)</span></p> -</div> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/p_005.png" alt="Title Page" width="500" height="739" /> -</div> -<div class="box"> -<h1><span class="large"><span class="sc">The Moon Princess</span></span> -<br /><span class="small">A FAIRY TALE</span></h1> -<p class="center"><span class="smaller">BY</span> -<br />EDITH OGDEN HARRISON</p> -<p class="center">Author of -<br /><i><span class="small">PRINCE SILVERWINGS & -<br />THE STAR FAIRIES</span></i></p> -<p class="center"><i>With Illustrations in -<br />Color & Other Drawings -<br /><span class="smaller">by</span> -<br />Lucy Fitch Perkins</i></p> -<p class="center smaller">CHICAGO -<br />A. C. M<sup>c</sup>Clurg & Co. -<br />1905</p> -</div> -<p class="center smaller">Copyright -<br />A. C. McCLURG & CO. -<br />1905 -<br />Published October 7, 1905</p> -<p class="center small">The Lakeside Press -<br /><span class="small">R. R. DONNELLEY & SONS COMPANY -<br />CHICAGO</span></p> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/p_007.png" alt="Fairy" width="368" height="600" /> -</div> -<p class="center"><i>TO C. H. H.</i> -<br /><span class="small">MY MOST APPRECIATIVE READER</span></p> -<h2>CONTENTS</h2> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/p_009.png" alt="(unlabelled)" width="274" height="600" /> -</div> -<dl class="toc"> -<dt class="jr"><b>PAGE</b></dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER I</dt> -<dt><a href="#c1"><span class="sc">How the Moon Princess Came to the Earth</span></a> 13</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER II</dt> -<dt><a href="#c2"><span class="sc">How the Wedding Guests Visited the Caves of Ocean</span></a> 23</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER III</dt> -<dt><a href="#c3"><span class="sc">How the Fairies Were Changed into Mocking-birds</span></a> 30</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER IV</dt> -<dt><a href="#c4"><span class="sc">The Little Dwellers in the Marsh</span></a> 45</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER V</dt> -<dt><a href="#c5"><span class="sc">The Rainbow Sisters</span></a> 51</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER VI</dt> -<dt><a href="#c6"><span class="sc">How the Sun Princess Came to the Earth</span></a> 74</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER VII</dt> -<dt><a href="#c7"><span class="sc">The Story of the Jewelled Beach</span></a> 91</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER VIII</dt> -<dt><a href="#c8"><span class="sc">The Lost Ocean</span></a> 112</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER IX</dt> -<dt><a href="#c9"><span class="sc">The Story of Princess Sunset</span></a> 128</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER X</dt> -<dt><a href="#c10"><span class="sc">How the Moon Princess was Taken Captive by the Black Dwarf</span></a> 147</dt> -<dt class="center">CHAPTER XI</dt> -<dt><a href="#c11"><span class="sc">How the Sun Prince Rescued the Moon Princess</span></a> 154</dt> -</dl> -<h2><span class="h2line1">LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</span></h2> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/p_011.png" alt="(unlabelled)" width="500" height="658" /> -</div> -<dl class="toc"> -<dt class="jr"><b>PAGE</b></dt> -<dt><a href="#pic1">“I will return soon, sweet mother”</a><i>Frontispiece</i></dt> -<dt><a href="#pic2">The Ocean Queen came forth, with her younger children, to greet them</a>25</dt> -<dt><a href="#pic3">“They threw themselves at her feet, begging for pardon”</a>41</dt> -<dt><a href="#pic4">“They circled together, dressed in the vivid colors of the rainbow”</a>57</dt> -<dt><a href="#pic5">“A glimmering figure sitting on a high cliff”</a>106</dt> -<dt><a href="#pic6">“Turning around, he saw a radiantly beautiful woman near him”</a>130</dt> -</dl> -<hr /> -<p class="center"><i>Also eleven drawings in black and white introducing the chapters.</i></p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_13">13</div> -<h1 title="">THE MOON PRINCESS</h1> -<h2 id="c1"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER I</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">HOW THE MOON PRINCESS CAME TO THE EARTH</span></h2> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/p_015.png" alt="(unlabelled)" width="600" height="193" /> -</div> -<p>The heavens were a stainless blue, and the -Moon shone out of them arrayed in silvery -garments. One by one the sky’s matchless -jewels, the stars, peeped out, studding that great -ceiling with flashing diamond-points, until the whole -dome was a glittering mass of blue and silver. The -Ocean below seemed a big mirror, made to catch -and reflect the bewildering beauty above, for, shimmering -softly, he carried in his shining depths all -those myriad lights.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_14">14</div> -<p>Calm and majestic the Moon glided over her star-studded -pathway; but, in spite of her glorious beauty -and brilliancy, she was really sad and sick at heart. -Ethelda, her best beloved, the youngest and dearest -of her children, had just made a request the granting -of which caused her that night bitterest sorrow.</p> -<p>There was an old custom among the Moon maidens -that on her marriage each one of them might ask -whatever she most desired, and the thing which she -asked could not be denied her. Now, Ethelda of the -starry eyes and the shining spun-gold hair had asked a -fearful gift at her mother’s hands. She was betrothed -to the Sun Prince Dorion, a handsome youth, strong -of limb, and a goodly sight to look upon, and he had -long loved her. He had seen this dainty maiden in -all her varying moods, so he knew her well. Sometimes, -with her Moon maidens merrily engaged at -play, she romped happy as a child; or later, with the -stately tread of a young princess, she came and went -in her big white palace. She often wore a pale blue -gown with silver trimmings, and a crown of flashing -stars upon her head, and then it was the brilliantly -beautiful girl looked the daughter of the skies.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_15">15</div> -<p>Prince Dorion had watched the slender maiden -until every strand of her glittering hair was dear to -his heart. Later his father’s golden chariot brought -him daily to her palace.</p> -<p>How Ethelda loved to watch him as he drove -the fiery steeds with a master’s hands, guiding them -surely and steadily to her palace gates! He was the -finest of the Sun God’s sons, and Ethelda’s heart beat -proudly as she looked upon her chosen one. The -Moon Mother was happy too, in her daughter’s choice, -and all would have been well in the wedding festivities -save for Ethelda’s unheard-of request. How the -Moon hated to grant it! But she had reasoned with -Ethelda long and patiently without effect. For the -wilful little Princess was bent upon this mad whim. -“Alas! no good can come of it,” sighed the Moon -heavily, and she gazed down sadly upon the Earth -as she spoke. “No good can come of it,” she repeated. -“What could have possessed the child to -want it?”</p> -<p>For Ethelda had asked no less than this: to visit -the Earth and spend her honeymoon there!</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_16">16</div> -<p>The young Sun Prince, though at first reluctant -to take his beautiful bride upon such a wild trip, -had finally yielded to her persuasions, and now, -being won by her tender pleadings, was as anxious -to go as she.</p> -<p>But the Moon Mother had no such faith in the -foolish journey. Her mind misgave her, and as she -swung around the great circle in celestial glory, her -heart grew tremulous with fear for her daughter’s -safety. The request must be granted: that she knew; -but she was devoutly thankful for a wise law requiring -a Moon maiden to revisit her own home yearly. At -most, then, they could stay but a twelvemonth upon -the Earth. Reason as she would, however, the Queen -Mother’s heart was heavy, for with the daughter upon -the Earth the mother’s happiness would be gone. But -the maiden’s joy at the consent consoled her somewhat, -and with an unselfish mother’s love the Queen -determined to hide her own grief and make the wedding -trip a brilliant and a joyous one.</p> -<p>Prince Dorion came with a great retinue of -knights, all dressed in shining gold wrought in the -Sun’s fiery furnace, and bringing wonderful jewels to -his bride. The Moon Queen, not to be outdone in -magnificence, showered silver in plenty upon them -both, and bade one hundred of her loveliest maidens -accompany the bridal pair upon their journey.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_17">17</div> -<p>The wedding was so brilliant that the skies grew -bright as day, and the splendor was reflected for -many miles across the heavens. When the ceremony -was over, the bride, in shining white and silver garments, -came forth from the circle of her bridesmaids -to bid her mother farewell.</p> -<p>Long-limbed and graceful was this daughter of the -skies. Her finely cut features showed her high-bred -race. Her blond hair hung in yellow masses to her -knees, while her tender blue eyes, looking smilingly -upon her mother’s face, were radiant with happiness. -Gliding swiftly forward she reached the throne, and -there, sinking on her knees, she begged her mother’s -blessing.</p> -<p>Very tenderly the Queen watched her graceful -child approach and kneel, and then leaning forward -she raised her to her breast and showered caresses -upon her.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_18">18</div> -<p>“Ethelda, best beloved,” she began, “stay not beyond -your allotted time upon the Earth. My heart -misgives me when I think of your departure, and will -be heavy until you return. But see, my daughter, I -have provided for your safety as best I can, and you -may come back to me whenever you choose.” So -saying, she drew the bride gently toward the window -of her white palace, and there, looking down, Ethelda -saw a wonderful sight indeed. A beautiful shimmering -ladder of moonlight stretched in infinite splendor -down to the Earth. Whichever way she looked, the -majestic sweep of that brilliant ladder was before -her. It reached the Ocean, whose gigantic waves of -foaming white rose to meet it, and it quivered in dazzling -glory upon the green-clad forests of the land.</p> -<p>Ethelda was amazed and delighted at the wonderful -sight, and throwing her arms around her mother’s -neck, she poured forth her gratitude in loving words. -“We will return soon, sweet mother,” she whispered -tenderly; “those shining steps will lead us safely -back to you.” Then, as her husband joined them, -she stepped forward smilingly to greet him, saying -she was ready.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_19">19</div> -<p>One hundred of the Sun Prince’s knights, in trappings -of gold made by the Sun himself, and with -bright shades of crimson trimmings, joined them as -she spoke. Ethelda’s maidens, in their glittering -dresses of whitest silver, followed; and joining hands -with the knights, began their magnificent wedding -march to the Earth.</p> -<p>Never was there a more kingly sight. Preceding -the bride and bridegroom, the gay cavalcade descended -the glorious ladder of silver beams. Step by -step they wandered down the moonglade toward the -Earth, and the Moon, smiling lovingly at them, -sighed again heavily as she spread her bright pathway -of silver before them.</p> -<p>Now, the Earth knew of their coming, and she determined -to give them a welcome befitting their high -and mighty rank. She already owed a great debt to -the Sun King, for it was his shining rays that warmed -and nourished her and made her fruitful. Most of her -splendid fertility was due to the warmth of the Sun. -So she invited the whole world to meet the bridal -party, giving a grand ball in their honor.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_20">20</div> -<p>Her invitations were taken by the winds and -swiftly carried to the four corners of the globe. Hundreds -of noble personages were asked to meet the -distinguished strangers, and all came to do them -honor, bringing cordial greetings and invitations to -visit the different parts of the world.</p> -<p>The night of the ball had come. The Earth, resplendent -in jewels, awaited the arrival of her guests. -The forest back of them was aglitter with lights, for -all the glow-worms and fireflies had been summoned -for the occasion, and for days they had been decorating -the trees. An orchestra of birds sang delicious -music, and overhead the sky was spangled with -twinkling stars gazing in silent wonderment upon the -Earth’s splendor.</p> -<p>By the side of the Earth Queen stood Prince -Dorion. His suit of pure gold shone like the Sun -himself, and next to him was his beautiful bride, -the Moon Princess. She was dressed in white garments -embroidered in silver, and she was certainly -a charming vision. Her gleaming yellow hair was -caught back from her forehead with a crown of flashing -stars. Her clear blue eyes, with their deep sky -tints, were dancing in lights as brilliant as her star -crown itself.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_21">21</div> -<p>First came the Earth’s eldest son, the Ocean King, -to greet them. The Sea was a mass of fire with -gleaming phosphorus, and King Ocean and his mermaid -daughters seemed to be floating in red flames as -they approached. The maidens’ long and wonderfully -beautiful hair floated behind them as they swam, and -they sang the most entrancing songs. They bore an -invitation to Prince Dorion and his bride to visit -them in their marine home. And this invitation was -at once accepted by the strangers. Another invitation, -accepted at once, came from Prince Dorion’s -only sister, Princess Kuldah, who lived upon the -Earth with her husband. Many more charming invitations -were given them, but of course it was impossible -to accept them all.</p> -<p>At last one distinguished-looking person strode -forward, small of stature and ugly to look upon. His -body was dwarfed, and he had a big hump on his -back. His face was dark and glowering, and he wore -a suit of yellow leaves. All the guests moved aside -to let him pass, as though they feared him. He -lived in the vast depths of the forest, amidst huge -mountains; his daily work, with his thousands of -imps, was to build those mountains big and high. -Stone by stone he raised them, bleak and barren, to -the clouds. He limped as he walked, and he glared -angrily at the shrinking faces avoiding him; but he -gave his invitation to the fair guests, as the others -had done, and bowed low before them as he gave it.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_22">22</div> -<p>An involuntary shudder ran through the lovely -Princess as she heard his words, and she clung suddenly -to her husband in terror, as the black dwarf’s -eyes dwelt admiringly upon her. She felt a cold thrill -of fear at his bold glance.</p> -<p>But Prince Dorion, reassuring her with a tender -smile, turned to the ugly creature, and to the astonishment -of the Earth Queen and her court, replied: “Sir -Dwarf, we accept your invitation, and will gladly ride -forth with you whenever our hostess wills. The Sun -King, my father, and her Majesty the Queen of the -Moon, have each sent the Earth a gift as a glad token -of our visit here, and we must place our precious gold -and silver deep within the bosom of your great mountains. -There will it best thrive and grow, increasing -and benefiting the world.”</p> -<p>The Moon Princess turned very pale when she -heard her husband’s reply, but the black dwarf limped -away with a gratified smile upon his ugly face.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_23">23</div> -<h2 id="c2"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER II</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">HOW THE WEDDING GUESTS VISITED THE CAVES OF OCEAN</span></h2> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/p_025.png" alt="(unlabelled)" width="600" height="188" /> -</div> -<p>The Ocean King and his daughters came early -for their guests. They had driven fast, and -their sea-horses were covered with a lather of -white foam. As they came shoreward the rising Sun -dyed the sky a brilliant pink, and for a moment the -water caught its color. And then it was delightful to -watch the great rolling waves of the Sea blushing a -delicate rosy shade. Ethelda with Prince Dorion and -their friends stood on the creamy sands awaiting them. -The Moon Princess wore a gown to match her blue -eyes, and its exquisite train, embroidered in silver -crescents, hung in heavy folds behind her.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_24">24</div> -<p>Stepping lightly into the Ocean King’s chariot, -Ethelda sat beside him. Prince Dorion followed, and -very soon the whole party were comfortably seated -among the mermaids. Away they started. Some -snowy birds, watching them off, rose suddenly, and -outstretching their long white wings, floated lazily -away.</p> -<p>Billions of sapphire waves rolled in to meet them, -but the horses sped easily through, leaving only a -broad roadway of foam behind. The shining sun -spread now over the wide expanse, and they seemed -to be flying through golden mists, while their great -frothy path glittered in as many colors as the rainbow. -Farther and farther they went, deeper and deeper grew -the rich color of the great deep, until it seemed impossible -it could become bluer. Then slowly that -brilliant blue changed, becoming a clear cool green, -the shade of the coldest waters. Not until then did -the Ocean King draw rein, and slowly descending, -they finally stopped at the gates of his palace.</p> -<p>The palace was a wonder to behold. Its walls -were built of richest mother-of-pearl, and shaded from -purest white to the most delicate rose. Its broad -staircases and wide halls were all of the same costly -material, while its trimmings and ornamentations were -pearls and diamonds of priceless worth.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic2"> -<img src="images/p_028.jpg" alt="" width="533" height="800" /> -<p class="caption"><i>The Ocean Queen came forth, with her younger children, to greet them.</i> -<span class="jr1">(<a class="pgref" href="#Page_25">Page 25</a>)</span></p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_25">25</div> -<p>To keep the white light from dazzling with its -splendor, the tall green seaweeds waved about, lending -a delicious, cool shade, like the green trees on -the dry land, so that everything was agreeable to -the eye.</p> -<p>The Ocean Queen came forth, with her younger -children, to greet them, and Ethelda thought she had -never seen anything so delicately beautiful as the -Queen. Her eyes were clear as crystal pools, and her -hair—a bewildering mass of gold—floated about her, -covering her almost completely. She wore a pale -green dress trimmed with magnificent pearls, and on -her head a crown of diamonds. She glided up to the -strangers, and in the softest voice bade them welcome.</p> -<p>A magnificent banquet was served immediately, -and then they were shown the wonders of the sea -palace. Rooms filled with costly treasures were -opened; chests of brilliant jewels were examined.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_26">26</div> -<p>But while the guests were enchanted with so much -splendor, the King explained that to the mermaid -kingdom these heaps of diamonds and emeralds and -rubies were really not worth a single piece of coral; -for at these huge coral beds in the bottom of the sea -the baby mermaids received their education. They -were taught to swim and play games and amuse -themselves, and later they lent their deft fingers to -build and carve those exquisite mountains of the sea. -When the Moon maidens saw the coral beds, they -too shared the mermaids’ belief.</p> -<p>The party were walking through the clear smooth -waters, when presently, ahead, they noticed a slight -ruffle, and almost immediately they saw a long pink -line. It was the coral reef. As they approached they -saw great sheets of roaring foam sweep over the slippery -coral, and as they passed by the hissing white -wall of foam they saw that the tiny builders had -raised their rose-colored mountains to a great height. -The delicate work was a marvel to see; it was like -the weaving of finest lace-work, and only the smartest -of the mermaids were employed to carve the coral -beds.</p> -<p>“Can the Earth exhibit greater wonders?” exclaimed -Prince Dorion.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_27">27</div> -<p>“We think not,” answered the Ocean King; “but -perhaps it is because we love our home so much. We -have many more wonderful things we could show you, -but our time is limited, and we can only briefly display -our favorites.”</p> -<p>Turning, he took from the hand of one of his -daughters a beautiful shell. Creamy and shining like -satin was the outside of the curving piece of mother-of-pearl, -but its lovely lining was as pink as a rose-leaf. -Presenting it to Ethelda, the King bade her -keep it to remind her of her visit to his dwelling. -“This beautiful shell, fair Princess,” continued the -King, “shares with the mermaid kingdom its great -love of home, and it carries deep in its heart the sound -of the waves. It will never lose it. No matter -where it goes or how long it stays, if you but hold -it to your ear it will speak to you of us. For the -deep musical sound of the waves will always be heard -singing within its depths.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_28">28</div> -<p>Ethelda, delighted, thanked him for the charming -gift, which she gratefully accepted. Then continuing -their walk, they arrived at the door of a handsome -palace, where the Ocean King’s only sister lived. She -was called the Princess Sea Foam, and her palace was -built entirely of pearls. Great oysters were constantly -employed making these pearls for her, and day after -day they opened their wide mouths and deposited -fresh beauties at her doors. Her apartments were -very elegant and all in white, and the Ocean King’s -guests were especially astonished at the magnificence -of the Princess’s clothes. She was very beautiful, for -her skin was clear and white and her features delicate -and pretty. She was small of stature, and looked -more like a fairy than a mermaid, but her dress -amazed them by its beauty. It was snow-white, and -was studded with the largest and purest diamonds -they had ever seen. Even her hair was covered with -precious stones, and wherever she moved, sparkles of -light burst forth. When she approached closer they -discovered that the shining jewels were not really -diamonds at all, but clear and brilliant raindrops!</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_29">29</div> -<p>The Princess Sea Foam was in reality also the -Rain Princess. Her duty was to lie frequently upon -the top of the waves and travel about, watching the -dry land and the sky. Often one sees the broad blue -waters flecked with white specks; then one knows -that Sea Foam and her companions, in their white -dresses, are watching the world, to determine when -rain is needed. It is a great responsibility for such -a tiny Princess, but she has guided her millions of -followers wisely, and the Earth is well pleased with -her lovely daughter’s work.</p> -<p>They make the precious raindrops and then store -them away in a big room in the pearl palace. When -rain is needed the doors are opened and the skies -absorb the moisture. The heavens fill with clouds,—at -first glorious, shining masses, lying against the -blue sky as white and foamy as the Princess herself -on the blue waves, but later, gathering force, they -darken to a gray or black, and fall upon the Earth -in a shower of glittering drops. Over and over again -must Sea Foam do this wonderful work, but it is a -work of joy, because she loves those glittering drops -of shining water.</p> -<p>The Sun warms the world and gives it heat, but -the Ocean must cool and freshen it with raindrops; -for all the rain that falls from the skies must first -be gathered on the Earth, and this responsibility -rests on the Ocean King’s sister, dainty little Sea -Foam.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_30">30</div> -<h2 id="c3"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER III</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">HOW THE FAIRIES WERE CHANGED INTO MOCKING-BIRDS</span></h2> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/p_034.png" alt="(unlabelled)" width="600" height="239" /> -</div> -<p>They were most reluctant to leave the beautiful -world under the water, but the Sun -Prince and the Moon Princess must keep -their engagements, and there were many journeyings -for them yet. The Ocean King had kept them as long -as possible in his dominions, but now he felt obliged -to let them go, and so regretfully bade them adieu.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_31">31</div> -<p>He had arranged in their travels about his strange -and wonderful possessions to land them in a beautiful -southern country. From this spot they would travel -north toward the Valley of Enchantment, to visit the -Sun Princess, that lovely sister of Prince Dorion who -was making her home in this world. They all looked -forward with much pleasure to this visit; it seemed, -in fact, to be one of their chief topics of conversation, -for they naturally desired to see the only sister of -Prince Dorion, who was famous for her great beauty. -Now and then, however, in the midst of their joyous -travels, a black shadow seemed to cross the pretty -Moon Princess’s face: it was when she remembered -the promised visit to the black dwarf. Somehow she -could not overcome her horror of him, and was never -reconciled to making him a visit.</p> -<p>Reluctantly the company bade adieu to the Ocean -King and his charming family, and rose through the -clear, limpid waters of a big Gulf. It was a beautiful -sight that met their eyes as they came to the surface -in the open sunlight. A wonderful land lay before -them. Its shores were shaded with spreading branches -of magnificent live-oak trees which grew down to the -water’s edge, planting their splendid trunks in the -very midst of the curving line of yellow sand. Farther -back pink crêpe-myrtles, yellow acacias, and white -Spanish daggers were scattered, and a long row of -pecan-trees kept dozens of chattering squirrels busy. -Cherokee roses bloomed in thousands, their yellow -hearts showing in brilliant contrast to their dazzling -white petals. “How beautiful this country is!” said -the Princess, and every one echoed her words.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_32">32</div> -<p>As they landed they were greeted by the Sun -Princess’s messenger, who would guide them northward -to the Valley of Enchantment. This guide -belonged to the company of Sun people who had -accompanied the Sun Princess to her new home. He -proved a charming companion indeed, for he knew -everything about the countries through which they -passed, and in their travels told them many interesting -facts. They learned that they were in a southern -land, on the borders of a great Gulf. They could -see, beside the live-oaks, some superb trees growing -to great heights,—trees with great long green leaves, -holding big creamy blossoms that opened like white -chalices to catch the sun. One tree especially stood -out in magnificent strength. Its rough old trunk -was enormous and knotted with age, and its broad -branches spread out protectingly covered with big -waxen leaves. The great tree had a dignity about it -that fascinated the Princess. As the little company -walked nearer to examine it, they noticed how the -grass—soft as velvet—stretched away like a green -carpet toward the yellow marsh beyond. The nearer -they came to the tree the bigger the tree looked, and -they found a round hollow in one side the trunk, -where a squirrel had hidden his nuts. “It is a -magnolia-tree,” the guide replied, in answer to their -questions, “and there are many thousands like it -scattered through this southern country.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_33">33</div> -<p>At that moment a sound rose upon the air, so -soft and exquisite in its melody that they held their -breath to listen. It came from the branches of the -tree, and was a song of welcome from the mocking-birds. -In a moment a thousand of these little -feathered songsters had joined the chorus. Their -notes rang out joyously, for they warbled and -trilled in an ecstasy of delight until the strangers -thought they had never heard a more beautiful -concert. Then suddenly, while the Moon Princess -listened entranced, the music ceased as abruptly as -it had begun. They heard a flutter of soft wings, -and saw above their heads a flock of tiny birds. -The birds were lovely,—a soft gray in color, with -a splash of white on the wings and tail, and as -they flew away and disappeared in the distance all -became silent again.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_34">34</div> -<p>What a silence it was! Not a sound broke the -stillness. The brilliant sunshine danced along the -ground like little sparks of fire, but not a leaf -stirred. It grew warm. The blue gulf lay like a -sheet of glass in a sort of golden mist. The heat -was intense; it seemed to shimmer in a yellow haze -over everything; and then suddenly a little movement -broke the profound stillness. It came from the -green-eyed, red-throated lizards as they ran through -the grass. They stopped to watch the strangers wonderingly, -but as the Moon Princess moved slightly, -the timid little creatures, affrighted, took the color -of the leaf on which they were, and lay as motionless -as death!</p> -<p>Then the Princess spoke softly: “This world is -very wonderful; I have never seen so many bewildering -things before.”</p> -<p>As they resumed their journey the guide told -them the history of the bird.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_35">35</div> -<p>“The mocking-bird is really the southern fairy, -you know,” he began, “and the entrancing song it -sings is only the story of its life. It tells the tale over -and over again, in a delicious burst of song; as the -little children alone understand the fairies’ speech, I -cannot tell all it says, but I will repeat exactly what -I have heard. Once upon a time there dwelt in the -midst of that great magnolia grove we have just left -a band of fairies. They were the lightest-hearted and -happiest little band in the world, and they had just -celebrated a splendid marriage. One of their most -beautiful Princesses had married a nephew of the -Queen. He was as handsome as his bride was beautiful, -and everything went merry as a marriage bell. -Now, Prince Adelstan, in spite of his high rank and -station, was always playing some prank upon some -one, but his tricks were generally good-natured, and -the fairies seemed to love him the better for his fun; -he was, indeed, a great favorite with them all. Now, -when he married the dignified and beautiful Princess -Verdande, every one predicted that he would become -more sober, and, as a married man, put aside his -boyish manners.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_36">36</div> -<p>“It really seemed just about as they prophesied. -Of course, a fairy’s life is a brilliant round of pleasure, -but Prince Adelstan seemed contented to travel the -world over with his lovely wife and act just as all -well-behaved fairies should. The little people were all -delighted, of course, with the change in their favorite, -and said among themselves he was even more attractive -than ever. In reality Prince Adelstan was so -absorbed in a plan he was forming for himself and -bride that he had no time to think of playing foolish -pranks on others. Fairies, as you know, are free to -do exactly as they please, except for one rule, and that -rule can never be broken. Their life must be lived at -night, amid moonshine and starlight, and then they -pass many gladsome hours together; from dusk until -dawn they are the merriest little people in the world. -But at the first streak of light every fairy must -vanish,—under a leaf, in the heart of a rose, behind -a dewdrop, the fairy may hide; but hide he must, and -there remain sleeping until darkness again falls upon -the world. This rule in Fairyland has been enforced -for centuries, and no one, however brave, has had -the hardihood to break it. Sometimes (but very -rarely), on a day when the Sun does not shine and -the Earth is covered with a white veil of mist, a fairy -can peep out, but he must be extremely careful that -he is only in the mist, for he must never see a ray -of sunshine for a moment.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_37">37</div> -<p>“Well, can you imagine what Prince Adelstan -decided to do? He determined upon a terribly rash -thing, and planned it for months. He lay awake -thinking of it, for in his excitement he could not -sleep. He whispered it at last to his beautiful bride, -who trembled in his arms as she listened. She was -horrified at first, and pleaded with him to give up his -rash plan; but he was bent upon it, and after weeks -of pleading from him, she finally yielded and consented -to help him. Together they decided to elude the -fairies and break the law; for their rash determination -was no less than this—to see the Sun rise.</p> -<p>“Night after night they discussed it, and one -beautiful moonlight one, when they had danced until -dawn, and the other fairies, exhausted, had slipped -into the hearts of the magnolia blossoms to sleep, -Prince Adelstan and Princess Verdande stole carefully -down to the waters of the Gulf, and, breathless -with curiosity, awaited the coming of the Sun.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_38">38</div> -<p>“Never shall they forget that morning. The -waters of the Gulf looked steely gray in the first faint -light of dawn. A pearly white mist was lifting slowly -from them, and melting as it lifted. The little bride -caught her breath with admiration as the cold steel-gray -of the water slowly changed into a delicate, -warm pink, for the Gulf, like a great mirror, was -reflecting all the lights in the sky. The sea-shell -pink of the faint dawn heralded the approach of the -Sun. Gradually the delicate coloring grew a deeper -rose, until the white clouds overhead seemed dyed -in crimson. The waters lay still and silent; hardly -a ripple disturbed their serenity. Presently long, -piercing rays crept across the sky, while all the -colors of the rainbow seemed to blend and mix -together. Gradually the world grew brighter and -brighter. Then suddenly out of the shining water -rose a great red ball of fire! The Princess clung -to her husband, for, beautiful as it was, she was -surprised and frightened. The Sun mounted slowly -into the sky, casting his brilliant rays across the -heavens, and at the same time great slanting streaks -of yellow beams danced before their bewildered eyes. -The waters of the Gulf were marvellous to see, for -they glistened like millions of flashing diamonds. -The two fairies stood amazed at the magnificent -sight before them, for even Fairyland has nothing -more beautiful than the sunrise.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_39">39</div> -<p>“Presently a flock of white sea-gulls rose shrieking -from the sands, and Prince Adelstan and his -wife (startled by the sudden noise, and abashed by -their terrible disobedience) tried to hide behind a -blade of grass. Alas! what was their horror to -discover that they could not. They had grown -much larger, and they realized in despair that they -could no longer hide under the flowers; their wings, -too, had disappeared, and they knew they were banished -from Fairyland. Then their sorrow began, for, -try as they did, they could find no trace of their -brother and sister fairies.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_40">40</div> -<p>“There was a dreamy stillness everywhere, and -the flowers were very tempting in the early morning -dew; but alas! those flowers no longer formed a -home for the disobedient fairies. Hand in hand -they wandered, and for miles they stumbled sadly -along, until at last they reached the edge of a great -marsh. The green and yellow grasses there were -scarcely moving, and lovely tints were shimmering -in a hazy amber splendor. The unruffled waters of -the bayou, as it ran curling around the rushes, -gleamed in spots of silver. The world took on new -beauties beneath the Sun, but the unhappy Princess -and her husband could not enjoy them. They -journeyed about in misery until they found the -gnarled old magnolia-tree. They hid themselves in -its hollow trunk.</p> -<p>“The fairies, of course, had missed them, and -knew perfectly well of their misfortunes, but the -Queen’s heart was hardened against them because -of their dreadful disobedience. However, the band -of little fairies, in spite of all, united in deep -sympathy for their erring brother and sister, and -they prayed the Queen to grant them pardon. The -Queen’s heart softened a little at last, for after all -the Prince was a beloved nephew; but even she had -not full power to restore them to Fairyland. The -law once broken, full penance must be done; for -disobedience is a dreadful crime in Fairyland.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic3"> -<img src="images/p_046.jpg" alt="" width="529" height="800" /> -<p class="caption">“<i>They threw themselves at her feet, begging for pardon</i>.” -<span class="jr1">(<a class="pgref" href="#Page_41">Page 41</a>)</span></p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_41">41</div> -<p>“Late one night, when the Moon was high in -the blue sky, and the world was flooded with silver, -when the bright stars flashed out like millions of -dancing points of fire, the two unhappy culprits -crept out from the hollow of the magnolia-tree. -The fairies were holding high festival, feasting on -rose-leaves and drinking the dew from tiny acorn -cups. Thousands of them were dancing in and out -of the moonlight, and their bright wings flashed -gold and silver lights wherever they moved. Their -wands, too, sparkled and glittered as if they were -on fire. The exiled Prince and Princess gazed sadly -upon it all, seeing now fully what they had lost; -but alas! it was too late. They knew quite well -their bulky forms without wings could never again -become as light and airy as before their disobedience. -Swiftly, however, they ran forward, and -before the astonished Queen had time to escape, -they threw themselves at her feet, begging for -pardon. The Queen frowned as she listened to the -story of their disobedience, and the other fairies -shuddered when they heard of the great crime. -Still, her Majesty loved her nephew and his bride, -and her heart was heavy as she heard the sad tale. -The Queen was unusually handsome that night, and -seated on a throne of moss-rose buds, she seemed -very far above the culprits at her feet. Her white-and-silver -dress sparkled brilliantly against the bright -pink of the rosebuds, and the green leaves about -them were so covered with dew that they seemed to -be made of frosted silver.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_42">42</div> -<p>“‘Alas! my dear children,’ she began sadly, ‘I -have not the power to make you fairies again. You -have lost Fairyland forever by your act of disobedience. -Once banished, you cannot be recalled; beside, -were it possible for me to admit you again -to Fairyland, you would never be happy with us -again. You have seen the glorious sunrise once, -and nothing in Fairyland is so beautiful. You -would constantly long for that magnificent sight -again. But,’ she added thoughtfully, ‘perhaps I -can render you perfectly happy in some other form -upon the Earth, and in this way restore your contentment.’</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_43">43</div> -<p>“Tremblingly Prince Adelstan and his bride bade -her change them, for, miserable as they were, they -knew she spoke the truth. They would never be -happy in Fairyland again; they would always long -to see the sunrise. Then silence fell upon them all, -as the Queen slowly raised her glittering wand.</p> -<p>“Presently there arose upon the stillness of the -night a most glorious sound. It was the mocking-bird -raising its voice in thanksgiving and praise for -happiness found again. Again and again those delicious -sounds floated out on the air, filling the night -with sweetness, until the very fairies stood breathless -to listen. It seemed marvellous that so much -sweetness of sound could be contained in such a -tiny body; but the little songsters trilled and sang -in glorious delight.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_44">44</div> -<p>“Only in this land of sunshine and magnolias -will you find this wonderful bird. It never wanders -far from the Gulf. It flourishes best amid the magnolias, -and it fills the southern woods with music. -It sings at all hours; at night, when the Moon is -looking kindly down upon the Earth, and the Earth -is serenely smiling to the Moon, its clear notes ring -out joyously, until even the stars from their glittering -palaces lean down to listen. But it is at the -witching hour of dawn that the most wonderful of -its melodies is heard. Then it awakens to watch -again that miracle of the world, the mystery of the -rising Sun, and as the golden spears of light streak -the heavens, cutting away the white veil of mist -and coloring the skies with rainbow hues, its glorious -voice rings out and floods the world with music; -for at that hour the mocking-bird is telling over and -over again the story of that magnificent sight—the -sunrise.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_45">45</div> -<h2 id="c4"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER IV</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE LITTLE DWELLERS IN THE MARSH</span></h2> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/p_051.png" alt="(unlabelled)" width="600" height="191" /> -</div> -<p>As the guide finished his charming description -of the southern nightingale, he pointed out -to them the marsh. It was a strange-looking -place, and Ethelda asked many questions -concerning it. Why was it dangerous to cross? -Why must they skirt the marsh and go around it, -as they were doing? It was much the shorter way to -cut right across it, but instead, they walked miles out -of their way to reach the other side. Their guide -assured them that the marsh was not so charming as -it looked. Down amid its dark cypresses, where the -jagged palmetto fans and latanier grew, and where -the tall rushes and reeds were so fine that, swaying -softly under the breeze, they looked like moving -water, but water dyed in emerald and topaz tints—lurked -many dangers. Rattlesnakes and toads and -deadly insects made it their home, and the ground -was all a quagmire, so that stepping on it they would -sink deep in mud and slime, and perhaps die there.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_46">46</div> -<p>“Oh,” said the Princess, “how awful! Does -nothing nice live there? Those beautiful tiger-lilies -and big purple passion-flowers bloom so -charmingly, surely there must be something there -to enjoy them.”</p> -<p>“Well,” answered the guide, “the birds frequently -nest there, and the great pelicans and cranes -hide in it; but beside them there are only three respectable -families that I know of who ever enter it.”</p> -<p>“Who are they?” asked Ethelda, deeply interested -at once.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_47">47</div> -<p>“Why, the first family I mean,” replied the Sun -messenger, “is the Crayfish family. Deep down -in the black slime live this family, who delight in -digging and burrowing in the mud. They live in -very black dirt, but a happier family it would be -hard to find. They are splendid little housekeepers, -too, and spend most of their mornings in their own -homes, trying to build up and beautify their houses, -and they never meddle with any one else. Any time -of day you can see their bright eyes peering out -of their mud windows wonderingly. The Crayfish -babies are very tiny, and are carefully and tenderly -watched. They never are allowed to play with -others, and cannot leave their mother’s side a single -minute until they are five years old. Indeed, they -hold on to her sides until that age. By that time -they are considered grown, and can care for themselves -and choose their own friends. On this -account, perhaps, the Crayfishes don’t visit much, -because with a dozen children clinging to her the -mother is hardly a welcome guest anywhere; the -Crayfishes have few friends in consequence. The -Mud-Turtles, I believe, are about their only callers, -and only through them do they occasionally hear -of the outside world.”</p> -<p>“How comical!” laughed a pretty Moon maiden. -“Now tell us about the other families.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_48">48</div> -<p>“The head of the other family,” said the guide, -“is very interesting indeed. He is a queer little -animal called Opossum; he looks like a rat, but is -larger than a cat. He spends the day lazily, sleeping -among the foliage of trees, or in hollows of their -trunks or boughs. His fur is nearly black, but little -white patches about his face give him a most wise -appearance. He brought his family, consisting of a -wife and sixteen small babies, and started housekeeping -on the edge of the swamp. The babies -are not as big as mice, but they are the sweetest -little furry things you ever saw. They cuddle up so -nicely together, and just wait to be fed. Of course -Mother ’Possum has her hands pretty full watching -and caring for sixteen small children, so it devolves -on the father to provide food for them; and every -night he runs around the country looking for something -to eat. He is really a devoted father, but he is -not fond of work; and how to feed a wife and sixteen -babies without work is a very hard problem to -solve. So I am sorry to tell you Mr. ’Possum often -steals his food, that being the easiest way to get it, -and nothing appeals to him so strongly as a tender -young chicken.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_49">49</div> -<p>“Now, the third family dwelling in the marsh are -the Raccoons. Mrs. ’Possum has a great contempt -for this same neighbor of hers, and they are not on -very friendly terms. Mrs. ’Possum is a splendid housekeeper, -but Mrs. Raccoon cares nothing at all about -her home. True, she builds her house carefully in -the topmost branches of a tree, but having done that, -she considers her duty ended, and seldom occupies it. -‘Any old place is good enough to sleep in,’ she says; -and just so she can find a spot with water enough -to moisten her food before eating it, she is content. -Therefore she wanders around, with the little Raccoons, -anywhere and everywhere, and when they get -tired they just creep under some old log and go to -sleep. Of course Mother ’Possum, with her strict -ideas of housekeeping, thinks this careless habit no -way to live or to bring up children; but whenever -Mrs. ’Possum reproaches Mrs. Raccoon with being a -slipshod housekeeper and a gadabout, Mrs. Raccoon -invariably replies, ‘Have you ever noticed how soft -and fine my fur is, and how many beautiful rings I -wear on my tail?’—for she is awfully vain. Then -she flourishes her tail around, and whisking about, -shows off the pretty black and white rings she carries, -to the best possible advantage, until Mrs. ’Possum -in disgust sends all the little ’Possums scurrying -away, fearing lest they become vain and worldly like -the Raccoons. But with the exception of the Raccoons -and the Crayfishes, the Opossum family own -the big yellow and green marsh.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_51">51</div> -<h2 id="c5"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER V</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE RAINBOW SISTERS</span></h2> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/p_057.png" alt="(unlabelled)" width="600" height="191" /> -</div> -<p>As the guide messenger told all these tales of -the marsh, the Moon Princess and her companions -noticed they were gradually leaving -the southern land; for of course such wonderful -beings as Moon Princesses and messengers of Sun -Princesses travel much faster than mortals, and they -were travelling rapidly. They seemed to be in the -midst of a charming forest of long, cool shadows -and crystal springs.</p> -<p>“What place is this?” asked Prince Dorion, -stopping to admire the long, cool vista of trees -ahead.</p> -<p>“O, this,” replied the guide carelessly,—“this -forest was once the abode of the Rainbow Sisters.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_52">52</div> -<p>“Who were they?” innocently inquired a dainty -Moon maiden, tripping lightly along.</p> -<p>“Would you like to hear about them?” asked -the guide.</p> -<p>“O, yes,” replied all the Moon maidens in chorus, -“do tell us all about them.”</p> -<p class="tb">“Once upon a time, in a charming country, a -delightful people lived. The skies were clear as crystal, -and the Sun shone brightly out of them. Great -palm groves grew green and beautiful, and curious -flowers sprang up in marvellous bits of color. There -was a strange and fascinating beauty about this land. -Even the rocky hills edging the big broad desert -that stretched for miles away, barren of the smallest -green blade of grass to make them pretty, were not -ugly. Yellow as gold they sparkled in the bright -sunshine, rich and mellow against the paler sand -beyond. The country lay near a large blue sea, -and through its many cities ran a splendid shining -river. Now, every one of the clear, cool drops of -this smiling stream was precious as diamonds to the -people, for, beautiful as their land was (and it was -superb with its splendid mosques and temples and -rich with jewels and carvings), it lacked one thing -that the rest of the world enjoyed,—never a drop -of rain fell there.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_53">53</div> -<p>“For more years than you could count, the trees -and the flowers had never tasted a cool sweet drink -from the skies. The heavens were always blue and -clear, for the Sun shone brilliantly out of them every -day. Sometimes a cloud might form, but if it did, -it floated by white as the foam on the sea, never -dark or black.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_54">54</div> -<p>“Now, you may think that golden sunshine and -blue skies are very lovely things to possess, but the -people tired of having them all the time. They felt -that a nice shower of rain occasionally, even if it -came out of an ugly black cloud, would be better -than all the pink and violet and green shades of -their clear heavens. The only thing that saved their -trees and their gardens from burning up as in the -dry heat of the desert, and that gave them water, -was the glorious big river flowing by. No wonder, -then, they loved and prized its drops. Broad and -long, it ran through the country, and curled in silver -splashes about the banks. Twice every year it -overflowed, and then, with feasting and joy, they -caught it in pools and canals dug to hold and preserve -the precious liquid. In this way they kept -the gardens green and lovely, but oh, the work was -so hard! Thousand of poor slaves labored day and -night to accomplish it. The kind-hearted king -offered a big reward to any one who would devise -some way to make rain fall in his country, and -many wise men spent days and nights studying over -the great question. Big trees were planted to catch -and draw the moisture, and many other means were -tried, but in spite of all these doings the clouds -sailed by, as fleecy and white as snow.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_55">55</div> -<p>“So things went on for many years, and still no -rain ever came. Now, the king had an only son, to -whom he was perfectly devoted. The child was -very beautiful, and was also wise, as a prince should -be. It was a common thing to see the handsome -little fellow standing in the midst of a grave council -of men, listening to their words of wisdom. He -never seemed to tire of their long discussions, and -would remain, solemn and silent, among them, instead -of playing with the children about him. Thus he -grew in wisdom and strength to manhood, but he was -seldom seen at the court balls and festivals, preferring -to wander about among the beautiful mosques -of his father’s city, or to stand on one of their daintily -carved minarets and gaze across the yellow -sands of the desert. Often he would remain thus -for hours, and though his eyes were looking far out -over the appalling yet wonderful beauty of the desert, -his thoughts were always only of how he might -solve the riddle of his country, and bring it the cool -drops of rain it so earnestly wanted. This one idea -absorbed him utterly, he could think literally of -nothing else, for he noticed with sorrow how terribly -hard his father’s slaves toiled to carry the precious -water from the river when they tilled the ground.</p> -<p>“One day, shortly after he was grown, he was -sitting beneath the shadow of a great pyramid, and -was planning and musing on the one question always -uppermost in his mind. The day was warm; -the desert around him shimmered in a golden haze. -The yellow hills were so bright beneath the noonday -sun that his eyes fairly ached as he watched -them, and it was a relief to turn from their glittering -lights toward the cool, flowing river, and watch a -fringe of feathery, waving palms. ‘Oh, for the dark -shadow of a cloud,’ he murmured, ‘to soften all -this glare!’</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_56">56</div> -<div class="img" id="pic4"> -<img src="images/p_064.jpg" alt="" width="534" height="800" /> -<p class="caption">“<i>They circled together, dressed in the vivid colors of the rainbow.</i>” -<span class="jr1">(<a class="pgref" href="#Page_57">Page 57</a>)</span></p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_57">57</div> -<p>“He had not spoken aloud, and yet he heard a -musical sound as though in answer to his wish. He -turned quickly, and saw a wonderful sight. The -desert had disappeared, and he was looking into a -shadowy green forest, with crystal springs. Clear, -limpid streams of water ran through the woods, and -beautiful flowers were blooming. Farther along in -the distance he saw a big mountain, dark and gray, -and yet all about its sides grew pretty green ferns. -Looking closely, he observed that there was an opening -in its side, and through this opening came the -music of a flute. As he watched more closely he saw -a lovely maiden come slowly forth. She was dressed -in a brilliant gown of orange color, and her flowing -robes floated softly about her. Her hair hung in -waves of gold, and on her forehead flashed a beautiful -star. In her hand she carried a wand, but the -wand was so curious that he forgot the beauty of the -maiden in noticing it. It was long and slender, and -seemed to be made of pure gold and laden with jewels; -but it was not this wealth of glistening gold -that attracted him, it was a curious cloud of white -mist that curled and floated away from it each time -that she waved it aloft. He had never seen anything -so peculiar before. Each white cloud that floated -away nestled among the hollow places in the hills -like a thin veil, or hovered over the babbling streams -in the forest. While he was watching the mysterious -cloudlets from the magical wand, a second maiden, -more beautiful than the first, followed, dressed in a -pale blue gown, and having, like the first, a brilliant -star on her forehead. She also carried a jewel-laden -wand, and it sent forth similar mysterious white -clouds. Then came a third, dressed in a brilliant -red; and another, in soft green; and still another, in -charming violet; and so on, until seven beautiful -creatures stood together, dressed in the seven vivid -colors of the rainbow. They formed a ring, and -slowly moved together in a circle about an open -space before the mountain. Lightly stepping, thus -they danced, always in a circle, and always gazing -intently toward the opening in the mountain through -which they had come.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_58">58</div> -<p>“Presently, as they gazed expectantly, Prince -Asgard saw coming toward them the most exquisite -creature he had ever beheld. She was tall and -slender, and her graceful form seemed to dance along -rather than walk. She was dressed in some soft, -clinging material of pure white, shading to a glittering -silver, and the girdle confining her waist looked -like a bit of the blue sky itself, it was so dainty. -Her hair was like that of the other maidens, and -looked like spun gold, and it was so fine that it -glistened wonderfully as she moved. Her slippers -were pale blue, and embroidered with silver threads. -A brilliant star on each slipper flashed like a big diamond -as she danced along. A tiny golden crown -held her hair in place, and seven glittering stars -encircled her head. Her wand was of frosted silver, -and as she waved it, the soft vapor rolled away in -white clouds, as it did before the wands of the other -maidens. As she appeared, the seven other maidens -broke into a song of gladness, singing in a clear, -high tone these words:—</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_59">59</div> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">Little Sister, fair and dear,</p> -<p class="t0">Born of seven colors clear,</p> -<p class="t0">Welcome! In our round of pleasure</p> -<p class="t0">You’re to us the dearest treasure;</p> -<p class="t0">Out into the world we’ll send</p> -<p class="t0">Mist and clouds of white that blend.</p> -</div> -<p>The silver maid replied, singing:—</p> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">Dearest sisters of my race,</p> -<p class="t0">I come forth to your embrace;</p> -<p class="t0">Faithful, tender, always true,</p> -<p class="t0">Shall my love be unto you.</p> -</div> -<p>Then they all danced a wonderful dance while singing -together:—</p> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">Let the foaming clouds on high</p> -<p class="t0">Fall in raindrops from the sky;</p> -<p class="t0">Let the lightning’s fire flash,</p> -<p class="t0">Come, with thunder’s awful crash!</p> -<p class="t0">Let the cooling rains thus sink,</p> -<p class="t0">Giving earth her crystal drink!</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_60">60</div> -<p>“As they moved together in graceful steps and -in perfect rhythm to the music of the song, Prince -Asgard saw a wonderful arch or bow form across the -cloudlets that had arisen from their wands. It was -a magnificent rainbow, and each of the seven distinct -colors was matched in shade by a dress worn by -one of the maidens. Their flowing draperies blended -bewitchingly and mixed together in pretty confusion -as they danced, making thus a complete circle of -rainbow colors. It was an exquisite sight, and the -Prince marvelled at it, and wondered what it all -meant. Presently the maiden who had first appeared, -and who seemed to be the eldest and the leader of -the sisters, waved her wand aloft and approached the -silver maid, and taking her hand, led her into the -middle of the circle. The circle then formed again, -and continued dancing around the little white Princess. -For several minutes they danced; then each -in turn, beginning with the eldest, tenderly clasped -the silver maiden in her arms and kissed her on the -brow, and then ran lightly into the opening in the -side of the mountain.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_61">61</div> -<p>“The silver maid stood one moment longer, smiling -and lovingly watching her sisters, then she, too, -tripped lightly toward the mountain, as though to -follow them. But, as if a sudden thought had come -to her, she turned abruptly and glided toward Prince -Asgard. His heart was beating with excitement as -he watched her, and he held his breath with admiration, -for he had never seen any one before so wondrously -beautiful.</p> -<p>“In a moment she was beside him, and he noticed -her eyes were sparkling and blue as the girdle she -wore.</p> -<p>“‘O, Prince of the Southern Lands,’ she began, in -musical tones, ‘you have witnessed the dance of the -Rainbow Sisters—a sight forbidden to mortals. We -live in an enchanted mountain in the heart of a great -forest. Our mother is the beautiful Sea Foam, whom -you have often watched in her white dress upon the -ocean. We help our mother with her work, but our -home is in the deep recesses of these lovely woods. -Never before has a mortal eye seen these woods nor -witnessed our sacred dance in them. From our magical -wands float out the mists to form the cloud-world. -Upward they travel, gathering moisture as -they go, and floating across the blue heavens, they -fall again in refreshing rain upon the earth. But -our precious mist-clouds never fall in your country. -We will never send them there again unless, unless—’ -and she hesitated in the most charming and -provoking manner in the world.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_62">62</div> -<p>“‘Unless what, O beautiful Princess of the Silver -Gown?’ eagerly asked the Prince.</p> -<p>“‘Alas, that I may not tell you,’ replied the little -Princess, growing grave. ‘This only may I add: -Once, in the long ago, your people did a great wrong, -and were very rude to my sisters. It was their -custom then to dance publicly, once a year. Always, -your people gathered to watch them, and with pleasure -my sisters danced before them, and with their -magical wands they sent out the mist-clouds far and -wide. Refreshing rain fell in your midst then as -elsewhere, and everything was joyous and charming. -But your people were rude and offended my sisters -sorely, and never again will they visit you or dance -before mortals. All your methods to bring rain into -your country will fail, your schemes will come to -naught, and until my sisters relent and forgive, the -clouds will continue to sail across your blue skies as -white as the flecks of foam on the sea.’</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_63">63</div> -<p>“‘Never shall the rain fall in my country?’ -echoed the young man sadly. ‘Never? Then, O -beautiful Princess,’ he added despondently, ‘shall I -never see you again?’ For at that moment the -Prince forgot his great problem, how to bring rain -to his country, and thought only (with a heavy heart) -that he would lose sight of the little Princess of the -Silver Dress.</p> -<p>“‘Never, O Prince,’ replied the Princess gravely, -‘unless—’ then she smiled suddenly, showing her -teeth like gleaming pearls between her red lips,—‘never -unless you find us again, and—’</p> -<p>“‘And what?’ the Prince demanded earnestly.</p> -<p>“‘Alas,’ replied the silver maid, again grave, ‘I -cannot tell you. There is one thing alone that might -cause them to return to your country, but it seems -so impossible, that it will never happen, I am sure; -and beside, I cannot tell you what it is.’</p> -<p>“‘O,’ replied the Prince earnestly, ‘I will find it -out. No obstacle on earth will prove too hard, and -you may be sure nothing will prevent my finding -you, beautiful Princess.’</p> -<p>“‘I wish you success,’ sweetly replied the Silver -Princess, and then, as she spoke these words, she -blushed a vivid crimson.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_64">64</div> -<p>“She was so beautiful as she stood thus before -him, blushing and smiling at the same time, that the -Prince, falling on his knees, begged her to give him -a sign by which he might hope to see her again and -win her love.</p> -<p>“She tore off a piece of her blue girdle, and -dropping it on the earth, put her foot lightly upon -it. ‘I leave you a flower,’ she said, ‘may it comfort -you. Forget me not’; and saying this, she disappeared.</p> -<p>“The Prince rubbed his eyes, for as she vanished -he found himself again gazing at the feathery green -palms across the big river, and looking around, found -the yellow desert stretching in boundless sands to -meet the horizon. The forest, the mountain, all had -gone. But as he turned away from the great tawny -hills in despair, he saw at his feet a tiny bit of blue. -Stooping, he picked up the prettiest flower he had -ever seen. It was as blue as the silver maid’s eyes, -and as he held it to his lips he repeated her words, -‘Forget me not’; and since that day the little flower -has always been called the forget-me-not.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_65">65</div> -<p>“Now, as Prince Asgard went home he pondered -deeply on what he had seen, and gaining the consent -of his father and the wise men of the country, he -gathered together a great army and started out into -the world in quest of the unknown princesses. No -person believed he would succeed in finding the Rainbow -Sisters or in bringing rain into the country. -The story of the Rainbow Maidens was well known -to the wise men, but they counted it a myth, a fairy -tale, and they smiled among themselves when they -heard that Prince Asgard believed it firmly. But -they did not object to his trying: it would do no -harm; and in the meanwhile they would still study -and devise other methods.</p> -<p>“Prince Asgard said good-bye to his father and -the people, and at the head of a great army sparkling -in gold and silver helmets and shields, he -started on his journey. He was going to look for -the Rainbow Sisters because his country needed rain, -yet in his heart he knew it was because of love for -the youngest and prettiest of those sisters that he -was so eagerly searching.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_66">66</div> -<p>“The army travelled everywhere throughout the -world. By sea and by land they went, and they -had many wonderful adventures. Tigers and wolves, -bears and panthers, attacked them, and strange people -told them they were on a foolish quest, but they -did not heed such remarks, and continued on their -way. But after several years had passed, and they -seemed no nearer the Rainbow Mountain, the soldiers -became discontented, and said it was a foolish trip -after all, and begged to be allowed to return to -their own homes. The strange countries through -which they passed taught them much, and they often -saw rain and splendid storms; yet when some of -their fine ships were wrecked and lost at sea, many -of them felt that perhaps it was pleasanter after all -to be in a country where only sand-storms of the -desert were known. One by one the soldiers were -released by Prince Asgard from their promises; they -returned to their homes, and at last the Prince was -entirely alone. But he was not discouraged. Determined -and brave, he vowed he would never give up -the search, and he started out again with renewed -courage to find the beautiful Princess of the Silver -Dress.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_67">67</div> -<p>“He wandered many months, but without success. -At last one night he stood, almost despairing, on -the edge of a dark forest. He had just made up his -mind that he would live and die in a foreign country, -because he would never go back to his own -home until he found the Silver Princess. ‘O beautiful -Princess,’ he said aloud, ‘some way I shall find -you and prevail upon you to marry me, for I can -never be happy without you’; and yet as he said it, -it seemed to him almost an impossibility.</p> -<p>“He entered the forest and sat down within its -gloomy depths to rest a while. The Moon was just -rising, and in a little while her bright rays penetrated -the black density of the trees. Little patches of silver -lay along the ground, and a light wind stirring -the trees made the silver rays dance along, until -the earth seemed sprinkled with millions of shining -jewels. He was watching the pretty sight intently, -for it made him think of the dress of silver that the -little Princess wore. He was so absorbed that he -was considerably startled when he heard a musical -sound such as he had heard on the edge of the -desert.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_68">68</div> -<p>“Looking up quickly, he beheld, to his amazement -and joy, the same big mountain, and heard the -rippling waters of the crystal streams flowing over -the rocks. He could hardly breathe, he was so excited, -and so fearful lest it should prove a dream.</p> -<p>“But again the beautiful sister emerged as before. -Her magical wand sent forth its cloud-vapors -as she danced forward; again the other lovely maidens -followed, and again they formed a ring of rainbow -brilliancy. The Prince sat expectant and trembling. -Would the Silver Princess appear? A moment -more and the little Princess tripped out, more -beautiful than ever. Her silver dress gleamed and -sparkled in shining light as she floated forward. -Her eyes were tender and blue, and her dainty -girdle, with its touch of color, bound her slender -waist. Her lovely arms shone white and firm through -the thin gauze of her dress. Butterflies floated about -her, airy, exquisite things, marvellous in color, and -lighting on her hair and shoulders, gave a curiously -beautiful touch to the picture.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_69">69</div> -<p>“Her sisters greeted her lovingly and tenderly, -as before, and they then began their graceful and -mysterious dance. Clouds of vapor rolled about -them as they moved, until the forest was enveloped -in a misty veil; but through it all the dazzling -dresses and graceful forms could be plainly seen. -Then, as the dancing drew to a close, the rainbow -circle shining lovely through the mist, the seven -dancers, each in turn, stooped, and clasping the Silver -Princess in their arms, kissed her caressingly.</p> -<p>“Prince Asgard remembered with an aching heart -that this parting kiss was a signal for their disappearance, -and fearing he might lose the beauteous -maid again, he darted forward impulsively. He -hardly knew what he intended to do; he had formed -no idea beyond the fact that he would speak to her, -appeal to her to remain by his side. At the moment -he sprang forward there was a fearful cry from the -seven sisters, and turning, they fled to the mountain -side, urging the Silver Princess to follow. She stood -dismayed, and trembling in every limb, and then, -with a little low cry of terror, she followed swiftly. -But whether she was confused or frightened, she -stumbled as she ran, and fell upon the earth.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_70">70</div> -<p>“At that moment Prince Asgard reached her side -and lifted her gently to her feet. She turned so -pale as he assisted her that he held her for a moment -in his arms to support her, fearing she would -faint, and anxiously asked if she were ill.</p> -<p>“‘Alas, no,’ she replied, as she drew away from -him, ‘but you have done a very terrible thing.’</p> -<p>“At that moment a sad and mournful cry arose -from the heart of the mountain, and the seven sisters -floated out slowly and surrounded the Silver Princess. -She threw herself on her knees before them, but -they did not touch her. It seemed as though they -feared to do so. She implored them to touch her -with their hands, to kiss her, but they only sang a -sad refrain in answer to her prayers.</p> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">Little sister, mortal now,</p> -<p class="t0">Alas, we cannot kiss your brow.</p> -<p class="t0">Still for ever shall abide</p> -<p class="t0">In your sky a rainbow guide;</p> -<p class="t0">And the love we have for you</p> -<p class="t0">Now and always shall be true.</p> -</div> -<p>Then, tenderly kissing their hands to her, they -floated off and disappeared in the mist.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_71">71</div> -<p>“‘What does it mean?’ said Asgard tenderly, -lifting the Silver Princess from her knees. ‘Why -are you so unhappy? I love you with all my heart, -little Princess. Will you not consent to marry me? -Ask your sisters to spare you, for I cannot live -without you.’</p> -<p>“‘Alas,’ she replied, ‘my sisters have gone for -ever from my sight. When you first touched me I -became a mortal like you, and I cannot now return -to them.’</p> -<p>“‘O, little Princess, do not be sad,’ replied the -Prince, ‘for you have made me so happy by remaining. -Surely you will not refuse now to marry me?’</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_72">72</div> -<p>“‘No,’ replied the Silver Princess, smiling through -her tears. ‘I am an earth maiden now, and I love -you. But though I am happy to be with you, I am -sorry to lose them. Our dear mother warned them -that some day I would love a mortal, and they have -feared you since the night I spoke to you in the -desert. That was the condition I could not tell -you,’ she added shyly. ‘Your touch would make me -mortal, and as you lifted me in your arms when I -fell, I became an earth maiden and lost my fairy -nature. But you have solved the riddle of your -country, for when we enter it together, you will find -that rain will follow. My sisters love me dearly, -and for my sake will forgive your people. They -will follow me to my new home, and though we -shall never see them again, the reflection from their -brilliant dresses will glow in the sky. As the rainbow, -they will arch the heavens when we arrive, to -show me they are near to welcome us.’ And sure -enough, when Prince Asgard and the beautiful -maiden of the silver dress (who was called Hyndla) -entered the land of lotus flowers and acacias, they -saw, arching the heavens, a magnificent rainbow.</p> -<p>“The people greeted them with cries of joy, and -gave them a magnificent wedding, for they were -grateful to Princess Hyndla and her seven sisters, -and they had learned all about her in messages from -Prince Asgard. On the day he and the Princess -Hyndla appeared, a great white cloud hovering over -the city suddenly turned black, and fell in millions -of sparkling drops upon their fields, and the splendid -rainbow soon afterward arched the skies.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_73">73</div> -<p>“The Princess Hyndla grew more beautiful each -day, and as she was wise as she was charming, you -may be sure her husband loved her dearly. Together -they planted row after row of handsome trees -to remind them of Hyndla’s forest home; those green -trees brought cool shadows, and when the clouds -floated low to kiss them, the broad branches caught -and held the moisture. Ever after, rain frequently -fell in the land.</p> -<p>“Years later, when the children of Hyndla and -Asgard were old enough, they played in the palace -gardens, and romped merrily beneath those same -shade trees, and sometimes they whispered lovingly -to each other the romantic story of their beautiful -mother and her rainbow sisters.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_74">74</div> -<h2 id="c6"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER VI</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">HOW THE SUN PRINCESS CAME TO THE EARTH</span></h2> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/p_082.png" alt="(unlabelled)" width="600" height="196" /> -</div> -<p>“Oh, how charming the Rainbow Sisters must -be!” said Ethelda, “and how I love to -hear you tell these wonderful stories of -the Earth! Do you know any more?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” replied the guide, smiling, “a good many -more, but what would you like to hear about?”</p> -<p>“Won’t you tell us of how the Sun Princess happened -to come to this world?” interrupted a dainty -little Moon maiden; “I really have never heard it -exactly, and as we are going to visit her, perhaps -Princess Ethelda will let us all hear about it?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_75">75</div> -<p>“Most willingly,” replied Ethelda; “I know the -wonderful story almost by heart, of course, but I -never tire of it,” she added, looking tenderly at -Prince Dorion the while.</p> -<p>So the guide, with this permission, began:—</p> -<p>“In the Land of the Sun there was once a -Palace of Wisdom, where all the science in the universe -could be studied. Of course this Palace of -Wisdom became very famous. Far and wide it was -heard of, so that from all parts came representative -young men to study and become wise. Now, the -ruler of the Sun lands was a powerful king, possessing -many sons, but only one daughter, the Princess -Kuldah. She was a maiden of wonderful beauty. -Her countenance was so exquisitely lovely, that all -who looked upon her immediately fell in love with -her. This caused the young Princess, as well as her -father, great annoyance, because her suitors became -legion. One day, however, with the help of her -maidens she wove a veil of delicate texture, which -completely concealed her features. In this way, she -was enabled to go and come throughout her father’s -vast possessions in comparative ease.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_76">76</div> -<p>“Notwithstanding her great indifference toward -her lovers, kings and princes sought her hand in -marriage, but her father (who adored her and could -deny her nothing) was secretly well content that -she chose none of them, but remained always in his -dominions with him.</p> -<p>“Tall and of majestic appearance, the Princess -Kuldah looked the daughter of the Sun King. Her -eyes were brown and large, with brilliant lights -within, and her curling brown hair, falling below her -waist, had caught a little of the golden fire of the -Sun. Her gleaming white teeth looked like pretty -little pearls when she smiled. Indeed, she was a -queenly sight as she drove in her handsome chariot -toward the Fire Mountains.</p> -<p>“These mountains were a great range of gorgeous-hued -stones, piled very high. Rising in blazing -splendor, they perpetually sent forth their red -beams in dazzling streams of light across the Sun -country. But the heat and glare of her home—which -would have burned and killed an earth maiden—were -but life-giving elements to the Sun Princess. -She loved the glitter of her country, and no glare -seemed too great for her. The palace where she -dwelt was built of the brightest, yellowest gold to -be found, and she moved through it a splendid vision -of beauty.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_77">77</div> -<p>“Her favorite ride was toward the Fire Mountains. -One morning as she drove the fiery steeds -toward their flaming heights her horses became unmanageable. -Pull as she would, she could not control -them; they went like the wind at his greatest -fury. She had outrun all her companions in her -mad race, and she was in the most imminent danger -of being killed. At this critical moment there arose -in her path a tall and handsome young man. The -horses were as startled as the young Princess at this -sudden appearance, and for a moment, in alarm, -slackened their speed. It was in this second of hesitation -that the young man leaped into the chariot -beside Kuldah, and snatched the reins from her -hands. It took but a few moments of his great -strength to subdue the enraged animals completely, -and in a little while they were trotting along quietly, -as if nothing had happened.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_78">78</div> -<p>“Then of course the grateful Princess turned to -thank her preserver. In her excitement (when she -had lost control of the horses), she had thrown back -her veil, and the young man found himself steadily -gazing into her beautiful countenance. Strive as he -would, he could not resist the love that surged in -his heart as he looked upon her. But although he -was falling in love rapidly, he had heard too much -of the haughty Princess’s coldness and indifference -to feel sure of winning her. He guessed at once it -was she, because he had heard she was the loveliest -being in the Sun world, but he determined he would -not yield to her influence and become one of her -suitors. The Princess’s own feelings, when she looked -at the young man, surprised her very much. He -was so modest and dignified, and withal so handsome -and charming, that she could not help wondering -who he was. He was certainly not one of her -suitors, for she had never seen him before. This -young man, too, seemed quite indifferent to her attractions, -and talked to her very seriously about driving -her horses, and showed her how to manage the -reins in case they tried to run away again. She -might have been just a plain girl for all the admiration -he showed. At first this indifference pleased -her; later she rebelled a little against it.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_79">79</div> -<p>“She learned he was a young Prince who had -been studying in the Palace of Wisdom. This -astonished her still more, for although he had been -in her country some time he had never sought her -out at all. He had come to the land of the Sun to -study its fire and flame, and he was evidently absorbed -only in that study. The Princess was so -astonished to learn all these facts, and to observe -his indifference to her famous beauty (which was -proved by his not seeking her hand in marriage), -that she forgot to lower her veil, and sat talking -to him much longer than she otherwise would have -done. Finally remembering, she covered her face, -but not before she had asked him to call at the -palace and let her father thank him properly for -having saved her life.</p> -<p>“The young man secretly determined he would -not accept her invitation, for he had already learned -to love her, and feared the usual fate of her suitors. -However, when the hour approached the next day -he could not resist the temptation to see once more -the lovely Princess; after that he found many excuses -to call, and managed each day to see her.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_80">80</div> -<p>“But the wonderful part of it all was, that -Kuldah took as much pleasure in his company as -he did in hers. So later, when he asked her to -marry him she said yes, right on the spot, fearing -to delay, lest he might go off and become as indifferent -as he was at first, and never come back again.</p> -<p>“He was very happy when she said yes, and -thus far everything had gone very smoothly for -them both; but when they went in to see the old -King their troubles began. Kuldah was wreathed -in smiles, and Prince Minio looked very happy and -proud. The old King, who had never supposed for -one minute that his daughter would accept any man,—having -refused so many,—had one day rashly -promised all the suitors that, if she ever made a -choice, they should each have a fair chance to win -her. This, of course, was the cause of the lovers’ -trouble now. The Princess was indignant that her -father should have made such a promise about her. -She considered herself free to choose for herself. -So she stormed and wept about it as only a Sun -Princess could do, and declared she would never, -never marry any man but the man she loved.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_81">81</div> -<p>“But her old father, who was so indulgent and -yielding with her usually, remained firm in his decision, -and said he could not break a promise once -made, for that would not be honorable. Therefore, -the very next day he announced to everybody that -a contest in skill and science should take place between -the suitors for her hand. The Princess was -very unhappy, of course, during the days that followed, -but Prince Minio cheered her by saying he -felt equal to winning her in a fair contest. His -love was far greater than that of the others, and -therefore he felt assured he would learn a way to -win her for his bride in spite of them all.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_82">82</div> -<p>“When the great day for the contest came, a -large gathering of the suitors was held in an open -field at the foot of the Fire Mountains. They were -a fine and noble company of young men who contended -for Kuldah’s hand, and her father said she -should have felt proud and glad at such a sight. -But she was too sad to feel proud. She had dressed -as became a Sun Princess, and her gown was of -finely spun gold, embroidered in diamonds. Her -white arms and throat gleamed through the thin -gauze dress, and a girdle of diamonds encircled her -slender waist. From her shoulders fell a train, which -swept for yards behind her, and a narrow gold band -held her beautiful hair in place. For her hair hung -about her in loose masses, falling far below her -waist, and mingling its burnt-gold color with that -of her brilliant dress, so that one could hardly tell -where one ended and the other began. As she -stood she looked like a golden Princess, except that -her face was as pale as the fleecy clouds overhead.</p> -<p>“In her majestic beauty she let them kneel and -kiss her hand. Each one, as he touched her hand, -swore in turn to be faithful and true to the knight -who should win her, but each one believed secretly -he himself would be the winner. Then began the -tournament of skill. One showed how he could -ride; another how he could mount and dismount, -or how he could unhorse an enemy; a third used -the gloves or the sword with wonderful dexterity; -another engaged in a trial of strength, or swiftness -in running; and so on until the long list was completed.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_83">83</div> -<p>“It seemed to the Princess, as she watched in -despair their wonderful deeds, that there was nothing -left for her beloved even to attempt. The suitors -had all done such marvellous things; and her heart -ached within her when she learned from one of her -handmaidens that her lover was the last to appear -on the lists. Yet, when he did step forth, calm and -serene, her heart leaped again to her throat, her -confidence returned; for he looked strong and handsome, -and it was only with pride and pleasure she -gazed upon him. She leaned forward with a smiling -face to listen to his words, for he was speaking.</p> -<p>“‘O mighty King of the Sun,’ he was saying. -‘I have one request to make of you before beginning -my experiment. If successful in what I undertake, -I want your consent to take the Princess away -with me from the Sun lands. What I shall try to -accomplish to-day is but the beginning of a great problem -I wish to work out. It may take thousands of -years to complete, and I wish to live in a land of my -own choosing, that I may be able to accomplish it.’</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_84">84</div> -<p>“The Sun King, astonished at these words, hesitated -to grant such a remarkable request, but the -Princess threw herself at her father’s feet, and added -her pleadings to the Prince’s. Finally the Sun -King reluctantly consented; but the other suitors -smiled broadly among themselves, as they heard the -words, for no matter what the Prince might do they -believed he never could show more skill or wisdom -than they had already displayed.</p> -<p>“Having bowed smilingly to the King and kissed -Kuldah’s hand, Prince Minio turned to his competitors -and said: ‘I have made a close study of the -Sun’s fire, and I am convinced that, no matter -where this fire is sent, it will continue to burn and -hold its remarkable glint and its quickening power. -It will never be extinguished, but glow brilliantly -for ever. Therefore, my experiment in skill to-day -shall be made from it alone; it will serve my purpose -better than anything else.’ So saying, he picked -up a huge bowlder from the Fire Mountain nearest -him. The stone was so big that it seemed impossible -for any one to lift it. But the Prince gathered -it up in his arms with a terrific effort, and balancing -it perfectly threw it far out into the heavens. -It bounded away and rolled into space with tremendous -force, making a whirring noise as it dashed -along. Again and again he lifted out the big rocks -and tossed them off in the distance. It seemed as -if he would never tire of this remarkable exhibition -of strength. Hundreds and thousands of the brilliantly -burning stones went whizzing through space, -before the eyes of the astonished spectators. Yet he -continued, calmly throwing more and more stones, -until the heavens fairly gleamed with millions of -burning lights. Thus were the star fires first kindled, -and they were truly a magnificent sight, even to the -Sun people, accustomed as they were to splendid -spectacles.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_85">85</div> -<p>“As the Prince predicted, the stars have never -lost their brilliancy, the Sun’s power to warm and -enliven all creatures has proved very strong and -lasting, and those splendid, flaming signals light the -turquoise-blue skies every night, even to this day.</p> -<p>“Finally, Prince Minio selected with great care -seven superb stones, even brighter than the rest, and -threw them not quite so far from the Sun. In this -way they felt the Sun’s influence more strongly; -though they flew to a good distance they always -revolved about their old home. Whizzing and whirling -continually, yet never flying away from the Sun, -they appeared to the spectators to be the prettiest -of all the stars in the sky. Then the Prince, turning -to the Princess, who was bewildered with the -joy of his brilliant success, bade her choose from -the seven stars the one that should be their home. -She chose what she thought the loveliest of all the -seven, and they named it the Earth!</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_86">86</div> -<p>“The old King unhesitatingly pronounced Prince -Minio the victor. For he acknowledged that, beside -the great strength the Prince had displayed in -lifting the stones from Fire Mountain, the Sun people -had never before witnessed such a glorious sight -as the star-studded heavens; and even the suitors, -though much disappointed, consented in a manly -way that he should take Princess Kuldah as his -bride, saying he had fairly won her.</p> -<p>“Shortly afterward a marriage of magnificence -and splendor followed, and Prince Minio and his -charming wife came to the Earth to spend many -years. The Earth, owing allegiance to the Sun, never -loses sight of him, and though she continues to rush -through space at a terrible rate, yet the Sun King -always sees her.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_87">87</div> -<p>“Out of the white mist on the Earth came trooping -a wonderful band of little creatures to greet the -Sun people. They were very tiny; their skirts of -silver glistened like the moonlight, and their jewelled -wands sparkled like the dew. These little creatures -were fairies, and ever after dwelt among the Earth -children, helping to beautify the world. They wander -about us in the moonshine and are sometimes caught -in the mist, but they can never come out in the -sunlight. One of the laws in Fairyland is to be in -bed before the dawn. From dusk until dawn the -fairies lead a gay life. They hold their revels, they -dance, and they travel the world over, frolicking like -mad sometimes, but only the Moon’s white light -shines on their silver dresses.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_88">88</div> -<p>“Many other charming people adopted the Earth -as their home, for it was beautiful to live upon. -The Sun Princess and her husband did not object -to others coming to their home at all, only, as the -strangers came in great numbers, they finally decided -to set apart a great space for themselves alone. -They reserved, therefore, a charming bit of country -for the Prince’s workshop, otherwise there would -have been so many interruptions Prince Minio could -never hope to accomplish his scientific work. Charming -as the Earth people were, they interfered with -the Prince’s heart’s desire. Therefore, he and his -friends from the Sun chose a wonderful valley which -lay in the heart of a great range of mountains. The -valley covered many miles of ground, and it had the -most sublime scenery in the world. Rivers ran -through it, and big mountains rose suddenly in its -midst. Small silver lakes also shone like crystal -mirrors. Wonderful springs abounded there; boiling -water came out of one, while from the next shot up -cool and deliciously sparkling drops. They called -the bubbling, spouting springs geysers, and people -come from all over the world to see and study them.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_89">89</div> -<p>“After the Sun people had reserved the country, -the Earth people never remained long on that spot; -they recognized the law and accepted it, only making -short visits to the marvellous place. Sometimes, -if one mortal, more daring than the rest, determined -to live there, and built him a house, he was promptly -punished, for the fairies at once opened a geyser directly -under the carefully chosen home and destroyed -it entirely. So this beautiful valley of yellow stones -and brilliant lights and rushing waters is left to the -Sun Princess and her people. It is certainly a valley -of enchantment, for it is never very cold and never -very hot there, but is an ideal workshop for a Prince. -The geysers and boiling pools are just the escaping -gas and steam of his big furnaces; for the fires in -his furnaces under the earth are kept burning day -and night. It is all very mysterious. In one part -he has a big hot lake, and in another an ice-cold -one. The cold lake is shaped like a human hand, -and near it is a big fountain that dashes up clouds -of white spray, hundreds of feet high, flecking the -green surface of the water with foam.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_90">90</div> -<p>“Nothing can be more beautiful than this enchanted -valley. The fairies are busy beautifying it -all the time. They have painted the colors of the -rainbow in the rocks, and the great canyon looks -now as if millions of jewels were piled up there. -For it is a bewildering mass of color. Amethyst, -topaz, and emerald tints sparkle everywhere, and -when the sunshine pours down on it you feel as if -all the wealth of the world must be hidden in the -rocks, for they sparkle like diamonds and rubies. As -the years go on the valley grows more beautiful, for -the Sun Prince and his bride watch it by day,—and -of course as the fairies have charge at night it is -never neglected.</p> -<p>“When the Sun Prince has finished his great -labors and solved his problem, of course, he will -close his workshop, and with his lovely bride go -back to their home in the Golden Palace of the Sun. -But until then his workshop fires will burn. The -geysers and fountains will spout up great volumes -of water and steam, making the valley one of the -wonders of the world. And all the Earth mortals -who go there will be made welcome by the fairies.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_91">91</div> -<h2 id="c7"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER VII</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE STORY OF THE JEWELLED BEACH</span></h2> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/p_099.png" alt="(unlabelled)" width="600" height="188" /> -</div> -<p>“Do you wonder that I love the story?” said -Princess Ethelda, as the guide finished.</p> -<p>“Oh,” replied the Moon maidens, almost -in one voice, “it is an enchanting history, indeed.”</p> -<p>“See,” replied the guide messenger, pointing in -the distance to a high mountain, “beyond that -mountain lies the Beautiful Valley of which I have -just told you.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_92">92</div> -<p>In a little while the merry party had reached -the mountain top, and stood gazing in a bewilderment -of pleasure at the wonderful valley below. -Exquisite lakes and shining silver rivers lay beneath; -beautiful hills stretched away in the distance; and -the glorious colors in the rocks, which the fairies -had painted so vividly, reflected the pinks and yellows -in a growing radiance that lighted up the whole -valley in splendor. Innumerable rays flashed out in -little threadlike flames, flooding the world below in -a blaze of color.</p> -<p>“How magnificent it is!” exclaimed the visitors; -and the guide was well pleased with their admiration.</p> -<p>I could never describe to you properly the entertainments -that followed their arrival, nor the joy of -Dorion and Ethelda in meeting the beautiful Sun -Princess. Princess Kuldah was as beautiful as -ever, and spared no pains to make her brother and -his bride and their companions welcome. The -Prince, her husband, showed them his wonderful -workshop, and they marvelled over the geysers, and -listened with awe to the description of his great -problem.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_93">93</div> -<p>The days seemed all too short, and the guests -were surprised when the time for their departure -arrived. The feasting and dancing and sight-seeing -were at last ended in the valley of enchantment; one -glorious morning they rose with the Sun, and bidding -good-bye to Princess Kuldah and her people, started -to meet the black dwarf of the mountains. The -same guide would accompany them to the place -where they were to meet him. The Princess saw -none of them felt much desire to go; Ethelda was -particularly downcast, still she bore up bravely, and -with a smiling face she began the journey.</p> -<p>Although Ethelda and her companions were -charmed with the splendors of the deep, they were -still more impressed with delight over the new -beauties they discovered upon the land. They had -seen the glittering mountains of the Moon and the -fiery craters of the Sun, and had wondered at such -magnificence, but the Earth’s fresh coloring was a -revelation. And the Earth had decked herself right -royally to receive them. The month was April, -and the world, rioting in flowers, was aflame with -color. The poppies, yellow and scarlet, burst forth -from the meadows’ tenderest green. The white petalled, -yellow centred daisies came out in thousands -to greet them, while the roses, pink and white and -red, flashed everywhere. The trees, too, dressed in -the earliest Spring green, nodded and waved their -long branches in a glad welcome, and the tiny -wood violet, modest and sweet, sent forth its perfumed -breath in waves of delight, filling the air -with sweetness.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_94">94</div> -<p>“Wonderful—wonderful!” cried Ethelda, throwing -herself in an ecstasy of pleasure upon the soft -greensward, and gathering handfuls of the flowers to -weave into garlands. “I should like to live here -always,” she said. The Sun Prince shared his -bride’s delight, but he whispered cautiously: “Take -care, sweetheart. Remember a Moon maiden and a -Sun Prince can only visit for a twelvemonth. A -longer stay would be dangerous; it would keep us -here for ever.”</p> -<p>“O, yes,” answered Ethelda; “I was hardly in -earnest when I spoke, for I could not leave my -beloved mother sorrowing. Yet I am very happy -here.”</p> -<p>Days of pleasure passed, on the journey. Days -of wonderment too. When the strangers saw how -the small seed planted in the ground—warmed by -the sun and watered by the rain—throve and became -a tiny blade of grass, a delicate flower, or a magnificent -tree, this seemed a miracle to them, for -nothing ever grows out of the soil of the Moon or -the Sun.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_95">95</div> -<p>One day as they stood on the top of a high -mountain they saw a very strange sight. A great -sea lay shining in the distance, sparkling and glittering -in gold and blue. It washed the shores of -magnificent valleys and rich gardens. Fruits and -flowers grew in abundance, but the strange sight lay -in the fact that the valleys and fruit gardens stretching -out so broadly suddenly stopped at a line of -yellow sand,—stopped so abruptly that it seemed -almost a straight line, it was so clean cut,—and the -sand covered hundreds and hundreds of miles of the -Earth.</p> -<p>“How queer it looks!” they said among themselves; -“not a blade of grass, not a tree, on the barren waste! -We have never seen anything like it -before. What is it?”</p> -<p>“It will take two stories to explain that wonderful -view lying before us,” replied the guide.</p> -<p>“Oh, do tell them!” cried the Moon people in -chorus; “we love stories”; and they settled themselves -to listen.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_96">96</div> -<p>“Well,” began the guide, “the first relates to -the Princess Ethelda.”</p> -<p>“To me?” asked the Princess in astonishment.</p> -<p>“Yes,” answered the messenger; “look closely at -the sea beach and tell me what you see.”</p> -<p>“Why, great shining jewels seem strewn over the -yellow sands,” said the Princess, perfectly amazed; -and in turn each of the Moon people saw the same.</p> -<p>“Well,” continued the messenger, turning to the -Princess, “when her Imperial Majesty of the Moon -consented to your coming to visit the Earth on your -bridal trip, she ordered many wedding presents for -you, and in finishing the loveliest that she gave you, -it came about that that beach was formed. But I -will begin the story of the Jewelled Beach.</p> -<p>“The Moon was shining through a turquoise-blue -sky. Now and then a baby cloud passed before her -face, but it was so white and airy that it did not -even hide the dazzling lights of her silver palace. -One could see them perfectly well, shining through -the handsome windows.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_97">97</div> -<p>“Serenely beautiful the Moon Queen moved -through her star-studded pathway. She was calm -and majestic. As she swung around the celestial -circle that night she leaned down lower to watch -the golden gleam of a small star shining far in the -distance. For many reasons that particular star had -occupied her mind of late, and that evening she -seemed even more intent upon it than ever. How -beautiful it was! Of all the millions of glittering -points embroidered on the sky, that small one stood -out the brightest. In bold relief its dancing lights -sped out over the heavens in friendly twinkle toward -the Moon.</p> -<p>“The Moon Queen smiled to herself as she -watched, and then out from the jewelled windows of -her home suddenly leaped a brilliant crystal light to -meet the star rays. From that moment her Imperial -Majesty made up her mind on a subject she had -long thought of. Turning to one of her handmaidens -who stood near, she bade her summon the -master mechanic of her empire; when this had been -done, and the man stood before her, she asked, in -liquid tones, ‘How many workmen do I employ in -the silver mountains?’</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_98">98</div> -<p>“‘Ah, your Majesty,’ was the reply, ‘you have -so many thousands employed there, that it is almost -impossible to say.’</p> -<p>“‘Good,’ replied the Queen thoughtfully, ‘I have -sore need of thousands now. Bid them all meet me -to-morrow. Call them together at the foot-hills of -the mountains. Let no man be missing; from the -greatest artist in your shops to the humblest workman, -let not a sprite dare to forget my command!’</p> -<p>“The master mechanic promised obedience, and -bowing low left her presence.</p> -<p>“When the hour arrived that the Queen had -named, there gathered at the foot-hills of the mountains -all her little workmen. Thousands and thousands -of tiny sprites were there, and they glittered -from head to toe in shining silver garments; silver -dust powdered them until their clothes looked white -as frost, and when they moved their sheen was like -costly jewels. Talking together, they were wondering -why the Queen should have commanded them to -meet her at their busiest hour. Except that she was -not fond of idlers, and required prompt and vigorous -work from her people, she was a gentle mistress; -but now, when they were rushing with the wedding -presents for the marriage of her favorite daughter -(which was soon to occur), she had called them -from their shops. It surely seemed unwise. All -work had ceased, for not a sprite in all Moonland -was missing. What could it mean?</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_99">99</div> -<p>“At last her Majesty appeared. Her great retinue -of nobles and gorgeously dressed maidens -accompanied her, and with music and gay laughter -they came nearer. Presently the sprites saw the -Queen bid her attendants stop where they stood, -and unaccompanied she approached the gallant army -of her little workmen. She was well worthy the -cheers of admiration that broke from their lips as -she neared them. Tall and magnificent in form, she -looked every inch a Queen, yet her bright blue eyes -glowed with a tender light of love, showing a gentle -nature, as she bowed her thanks for their affectionate -greetings. Her long, fair hair floated softly -about her, sometimes clinging to her white dress like -threads of gold, and at her slender waist was gathered -a graceful silver girdle, caught with a diamond -crescent. At last, in all her splendor, she stood -among them, and as she raised her hand asking for -silence, absolute silence fell upon them.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_100">100</div> -<p>“‘My good and loyal subjects,’ she began, ‘I -have come to-day to intrust you with an important -but secret work. No one in all the kingdom save -yourselves must know of it. When all is completed, -I myself will divulge the secret to my people, and I -believe it will gladden them. But until then will you -faithfully promise to help me and to keep my counsel?’</p> -<p>“‘Beloved Queen,’ they answered in one loud -voice, ‘your will is ours; we will obey you gladly.’</p> -<p>“‘Then listen, friends and subjects,’ the Queen -continued with smiling face, ‘for this is my command: -That you make me a splendid silver ladder! -Step by step must it be wrought, and with greatest -care, for it must stretch out miles and miles in -length. Strong as bands of steel each round must -be, but finer in its texture than the gossamer web -of the spider. Weave it with the fairies’ touch, -making it exquisitely light, yet so bright withal -that it can easily be seen for thousands of miles. -Spare neither care nor labor, beloved subjects, for -the ladder must be mine within the week.’</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_101">101</div> -<p>“Days and nights the hammers of the little -workmen rang out clearly, like notes of merry music, -and the Moon people said among themselves, ‘What -gorgeous wedding presents our little Princess will -receive!’ But they never dreamed of the mysterious -ladder of glistening silver steps. And the Queen -Mother kept her counsel. Only, each night as she -sailed across the jewel-laden heavens, she leaned -closer to the Earth Star and studied it.</p> -<p>“She saw great valleys and snow-clad mountains, -barren deserts and limpid blue seas. She saw, -too, great forests and boundless plains; but though -her searching eye looked upon every inch of that -beautiful bright ball whirling through space, she -thought the loveliest spot on the whole globe was -on the borders of the largest ocean. That ocean -was so big that it measured just one half the star -itself. All the other oceans and the land together -could be taken up and put upon its broad blue -surface.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_102">102</div> -<p>“This splendid body of water washed the foot -of a glorious country. Big mountains, raising their -purple heads among the clouds, crept down to feel -its cooling depths. Or, higher still, they reared their -lofty peaks and held them scornfully aloft; and -thus, capped with perpetual snow, they stood beautiful -and glorified. Great plains stretched back from -its curving yellow beach, and all the fruit one could -name grew in the rich valleys. It was the garden -spot of the world. Amid its groves of yellow -oranges and lemons birds sang deliciously; flowers -bloomed throughout the year, and the skies were -nearly always sunny. In this earthly paradise palms -lazily waved their feathery green arms, and trees -grew so big that houses could be cut out of a single -trunk. Here it was that the Moon Queen’s eye -lingered longest, and it was almost with a child’s -delight she saw the big blue waves roll in and -break upon the sand in a fringe of soft white foam.</p> -<p>“The week had passed, and the Queen’s ladder -was ready. One by one its silver steps were tested; -ring by ring its loops were firmly fastened and bound -together; for, dainty as it looked, the ladder must -be strong for constant use.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_103">103</div> -<p>“When all was ready the sprites were cautiously -sent with it on a secret mission to the Earth. None -but the Moon Queen knew their errand; but she -smiled to herself, for after all, when completed, it -was to be a wedding present and surprise to her -favorite daughter.</p> -<p>“Down from the palace crept the little people, -carrying their silver treasure. The night being dark, -they reached the Earth without being discovered. -In a little while they found the ocean beach the -Queen so loved,—for it was here the first jewelled -rounds of that sparkling ladder should be laid. By -the soft light of the stars, the sprites saw that the -Earth was very beautiful; but what were those queer, -sad sounds they heard, mingling with the breaking -of the waves upon the beach? The workmen -stopped to listen, and caught the strains of music; -then, looking closely at the water, they saw a line of -lovely maidens, with flowing golden hair, which they -continually combed as they sang. The Moon sprites -were quite astonished at the sight. The maidens -were surpassingly beautiful, but their song was very -sad.</p> -<p>“‘Who are you, and why do you sing so sadly?’ -they called.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_104">104</div> -<p>“‘Alas!’ replied the charming creatures, ‘we are -mermaids. Our father is the Sea King. We have -always been as happy as the day is long, until a few -years ago, when a terrible misfortune came upon us. -One of the prettiest of our sisters was about to be -married. We were busy with the preparations for -her wedding, gathering the seaweed and the pretty -mother-of-pearl shells that float up on the land, to -decorate her palace. We had searched carefully our -large and magnificent sea-gardens for the finest specimens -of weed and shells. But a beautiful shell, -brilliantly tinted in every shade of rose and green -and blue combined, had been thrown high upon the -sandy beach, out of our reach. Our dear sister became -too venturesome, and floating on a big wave -she grasped the shell she coveted.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_105">105</div> -<p>“‘At that moment, the hideous Gnome King -sprang suddenly from behind a rock, and snatching -her in his arms ran off. In vain we pleaded with -him to restore our lost darling. The cruel monster -only laughed, and swore she should become his wife. -Her bridegroom of the Sea was almost beside himself -with grief when he learned the awful news. He -offered his life in exchange for hers, and we gathered -together all our jewels for her ransom. But nothing -would move the hard heart of the wicked Gnome -King, and he still keeps our beloved sister in his -power. That is why we sing so mournfully. The -monster, finding she would not marry him, carried -her to the top of a high mountain, where she could -see her beloved home, but never reach it.</p> -<p>“‘She is helpless upon the land, and though she -can look down at the foot of the mountains and see -the curling waters of her home, she cannot reach it. -Her lover sits below, encouraging her with words of -love, but he is helpless to reach her. Miserable and -longing for home, she watches all the ships that -pass, and with her lute sings the most wonderful -songs, begging the sailors to rescue her. Many have -tried, and the mountain-side is white with the bones -of those who have perished in the attempt. For the -Gnome King makes mad those who try to save her; -they lose their way and die.</p> -<p>“‘Alas, kind friends, unless you will help us, we -fear she is lost to us for ever.’</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_106">106</div> -<p>“The kind-hearted Moon sprites were certainly -touched by this pathetic tale, and they determined -among themselves that they would form a plan to -outwit the cruel Gnome King, and rescue the sea -maid. Of course to do this they would have to -delay a little the planting of the Moon ladder, but -they felt that her Imperial Majesty would certainly -have consented to delay in such a case. So, gathering -up their precious burden, they climbed the mountain -to seek the sea maid.</p> -<p>“Knowing that she could never reach her sisters -alone, and enchanting all the mortals who tried to -rescue her, the Gnome King had no guard to watch -the maiden. She was left entirely alone upon a big -rock overlooking the ocean. The wicked king came -at rare intervals to see if she would consent to -marry him, but otherwise she was left undisturbed.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic5"> -<img src="images/p_115.jpg" alt="" width="532" height="800" /> -<p class="caption">“<i>A glimmering figure sitting on a high cliff.</i>” -<span class="jr1">(<a class="pgref" href="#Page_106">Page 106</a>)</span></p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_107">107</div> -<p>“The Moon sprites, however, were not affected -by the King’s enchantments, so they had no difficulty -in reaching her. Suddenly the mermaid saw a gleam -of brilliant silver flooding the darkness behind her, -and in a moment she was surrounded by a thousand -little silver-dressed creatures. At the same moment -the Moon sprites caught sight of a glimmering -figure of matchless beauty sitting on a high cliff. -The maiden was a vision of loveliness. Long, waving, -golden hair floated about her, and her eyes -were the color of the sea. She held a lute in her -hand; as her fingers moved softly across it, it gave -forth a weird but beautiful sound, and to this accompaniment -she sang charmingly. Quickly the Moon -sprites told her of the plan for rescuing her, and -joyfully she listened.</p> -<p>“They carefully suspended the silver ladder from -her mountain cliff. Holding it tight between them -to steady it, they flung it swiftly down until its brilliant -steps touched the trembling water. At this -moment they heard a faint noise like rumbling thunder, -and the affrighted maiden bade them hurry -with their work, as it was the signal that the -Gnome King would soon visit her. In a twinkling -they seized the maiden in their arms, and carried -her down the brilliant steps. They were not a -moment too soon, for hardly had they placed the -maiden in her bridegroom’s arms and picked up their -ladder, when the Gnome King and his legion of -wicked gnomes were swarming on the mountain-top.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_108">108</div> -<p>“The rage of the wicked King was fearful to -see, but it was useless. He could not regain the -mermaid and he could not harm a Moon sprite; but -in his anger he pelted the beach with stones, venting -his fury in destroying its beauty. Small but -ugly, they fell in thousands, covering the golden yellow -of the sand, and hiding its glistening splendor. -Thus he showered his spite upon the beautiful playground -of the mermaids.</p> -<p>“But the Sea King’s daughters were too happy -over the return of their beloved sister to fret very -much. True, their charmingly beautiful beach seemed -ruined, but their beloved sister was home again. -Thousands, indeed millions, of little stones were piled -about in ugly confusion, and marred the soft, bright -sand the sea people so loved, but they were powerless -to prevent it. The Moon sprites went back to -their work of fastening the moon-ladder to the -Earth, and the Sea King invited them to remain for -his daughter’s wedding the next night.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_109">109</div> -<p>“The wedding spectacle was certainly a grand -one, for the Ocean Monarch had ordered the greatest -fireworks in his kingdom in honor of the event. -The sea blazed up as though it were burning. -Flames seemed to leap and flare up everywhere, and -thousands of brilliant colors mixed and trembled in -its depths. The phosphorescence was wonderful, and -wherever the eye could reach, the brilliant lights -shone and sparkled. The Moon sprites were amazed -at such magnificence. The night was as brilliant -and beautiful as day; and they felt that the wonders -of the Earth world were great indeed.</p> -<p>“Just then a messenger arrived from her Imperial -Majesty of the Moon, saying that she had watched -her workmen rescuing the maiden, and had seen the -wedding festival and the splendid illumination, and -before recalling her little people to the Moon, she -wished to give the bride a present. The wicked -Gnome King had tried to ruin the playground of the -mermaids, but she would restore it, making it more -interesting and fascinating than ever.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_110">110</div> -<p>“It was a royal gift the Moon Queen gave. She -said that henceforth the beach should be enchanted. -The hideous stones the gnomes had thrown should -not ruin it after all, but should make it more precious -to the world, for they should all turn to shining -jewels. She chose to make the white pebbles the -loveliest of them all, and so change them that the -sea people could never forget her. These stones -shone as clear as crystal, and in the pure depths of -each one there trembled a moon-ray, a memento -of her crystal kingdom. This brilliant ray glistened -like a diamond, caught and held a prisoner, and -was from that day called the moonstone. But it was -hard indeed to choose the prettiest of the beach -jewels. For opals clear as water, and with fire from -the sea, sparkled beside the moonstones; sardonyx, -chrysoprase, and emerald, jasper, aquamarine, and -topaz, were piled so high that the beach was soon -most widely known.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_111">111</div> -<p>“The Earth people come in hundreds to seek -these treasures, making them into precious necklaces -and charms. But though they carry thousands -and thousands away with them each day, the mermaids -smile and do not mind at all, because the -Moon-ladder, uncoiling every night in sparkling brilliancy, -reaches down from the silver palace and -touches the beach like a magician’s wand, and the -mermaids know that so long as the shining steps -of brilliant silver shall rest upon these sands, just -so long will the beach continue enchanted, and -splendid jewels be formed in such glittering quantities -that they will last for ever.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_112">112</div> -<h2 id="c8"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER VIII</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE LOST OCEAN</span></h2> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/p_122.png" alt="(unlabelled)" width="600" height="194" /> -</div> -<p>The little company seemed well pleased with -the explanation of the jewelled beach, but -as soon as the messenger ceased, they asked -for the explanation of the trackless sands.</p> -<p>“That is a longer story; shall I tell it now?” -was the reply.</p> -<p>“O yes, do,” said the Princess Ethelda. “We -are not a bit tired, and it is so pleasant to look -down on the very spot while you tell us.”</p> -<p>Thus encouraged, the guide messenger began:—</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_113">113</div> -<p>“Ages ago, when the world was young, three -great Kings ruled in the universe, the Sun King, the -Ocean King, and the Earth King. The Earth King -owned all the land of the world, and often travelled -over it, watching it and caring for it. He was frequently -accompanied by his favorite daughter, the -beautiful Princess Selene. She was a graceful -maiden of about eighteen. Her lovely brown eyes -and long, wavy, golden-brown hair, and her white -skin and pink cheeks, made her a very charming -picture indeed. Being a fun-loving, merry little -maiden, her cheerful disposition made her a delightful -companion, so her father was always pleased to -have her travel with him.</p> -<p>“On one of these journeys the young Princess -seemed more serious than usual, and one morning -she came to her father with a request which greatly -surprised him. However, when he found her heart -quite set upon it, he made up his mind to grant it. -She said she had long contemplated doing her share -of work in the world, and that she did not think -she wished always to remain just a fun-loving and -pleasure-seeking young woman. She asked her father -to give her a portion of his vast kingdom to cultivate -as a garden, declaring she would make it the -most beautiful garden in the world, a sort of earthly -paradise.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_114">114</div> -<p>“As soon as her father consented to her wish, she -chose a charming spot. It was on the borders of a -great sea, and back of it were magnificent mountains. -A large gulf, too, stood near, whose waters flowed -into a shimmering sea beyond. Here Princess Selene, -having chosen hundreds of companions, took up her -abode. She planted trees for shade and sowed grass -for a quiet, restful color, and then she laid out her -garden according to a well-thought-out plan.</p> -<p>“I could never begin to tell you in a short story -how wonderfully beautiful she made it. Fruit trees -of all descriptions grew there; lemons and oranges, -citrons and bananas, peaches and apricots, flourished—everything -nice you can think of. She did not -forget the flowers, either. Magnolias and acacias, -poinsettias and jasmines, and every Southern flower -you could name, bloomed beautifully. Lovely birds -flocked there, and rested in the cool trees, singing -to the flowers and filling the garden with delicious -music. The Princess and her companions worked -hard and faithfully, and the garden became the most -charming spot imaginable. All the world talked -about it and came to visit it.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_115">115</div> -<p>“The country about was very attractive. Great -snow-capped mountains rose abruptly from the sea, -and white clouds, nestling down to touch them, -hovered like angels’ wings above the rich valleys as -though in protection. The clouds were seldom dark, -for it rarely rained there, and the sunny blue skies -seemed to smile perpetually.</p> -<p>“Now, the powerful Sun King had many sons, -but one of them was especially handsome, and, -better than that, he was the soul of honor and -truth. He was called Prince Corus. He often came -to Earth to visit the Ocean King’s family, for one -of the sons was his favorite companion. The two -young men were inseparable; they were devoted to -each other, and fond of the same sports.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_116">116</div> -<p>“When the Ocean King’s son, Prince Fronto, -grew to manhood, his father gave him control of a -smaller kingdom, a beautiful sea that washed the -shores of Princess Selene’s famous gardens. This -sea was reached by sailing through the blue waters -of the gulf; shining and beautiful, it stretched for -miles and miles through a magnificent country. It -was on the shores of this sea that the two Princes -spent most of their time, and it was here one day -that they came across the lovely Selene and her -maidens. Both the young men felt at once that -they had never before seen anything so perfectly -charming as the Princess, and they lost no time in -learning to know her.</p> -<p>“She treated them with the greatest courtesy; -and in a little while the three had become firm -friends, and spent many happy hours together. The -young men did not attempt to disguise from themselves -the fact that they both loved this royal -maiden; but the Sun Prince, in a spirit of nobleness, -offered to leave his friend Fronto alone to win her -hand, though in losing her he would become the -most miserable man in the world. Up to this point, -however, Fronto apparently showed a similar generosity -of spirit, and putting his arm about his friend, -urged him to remain, saying: ‘We will abide by the -decision of the Princess. Let her choose between -us, and whoever wins her love shall marry her, letting -the other suitor swear friendship to them both.’</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_117">117</div> -<p>“‘So be it,’ replied the generous Prince Corus, -for it seemed a fair proposition. ‘Much as I care -for her, I will promise to give her to you gladly if -she loves you; for, after her, I love you best in -the world.’</p> -<p>“They clasped hands, and swore a solemn oath -to abide by this agreement.</p> -<p>“Selene was in no hurry to choose, and seemed -equally fond of them both. Never by word or sign -did she show which she preferred. Always together, -the three wandered through her gardens, plucking -the fruit or listening to the songs of the birds. The -two young men came every day to see her, and strove -to invent plans for her amusement. Corus brought -his father’s golden chariot, and often the three took a -mad race across the sky. But the maiden was never -afraid. She loved the spirited, prancing steeds, and -their flashing golden harness; and the wild ride -brought a glorious color to her cheeks. She thrilled -with pleasure when the rushing wind blew back her -flowing hair, and her eyes caught a deeper blue from -the heavens, and sparkled and danced with delight, so -that Corus and Fronto thought her more bewitching -than ever.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_118">118</div> -<p>“Again, Fronto would invite them to see his -father’s famous sea-gardens, and they would ride -across the sapphire-blue waves until they reached a -rocky island. Here they would rest, to watch the -seals climbing over the rocks. They amused themselves -long, laughing at the awkward antics of the -fat baby seals, who would tumble with loud splashes -into the water, and then frolic about noisily. The -Princess loved these famous sea-gardens; they were -very different from her own, but wonderfully interesting, -nevertheless. Every sea-plant grew there. -Huge trees of seaweed were plainly seen, and curious -water-flowers in abundance. Magnificent shells bordered -the walks, shells dyed with the mystic colors -of the sea,—blue and green and opalescent,—others -pink-lined, like the sky at sunset, or brilliant red, -like the coral reef. Charming gold-fishes swam about -these water-gardens, and their scales, glowing like -fire, sent out great sparks of light. Mermaids floated -through, with long golden hair and starry blue eyes, -singing low to the music of their lutes. Thus many -days and weeks were passed, and each hour the young -Princes grew more madly in love with the charming -Princess Selene.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_119">119</div> -<p>“At last a day came when they could no longer -resist asking her to choose between them. But when -they stood before her, and waited for her answer in -silence, the fun-loving little Princess suddenly became -grave, and said most seriously: ‘Why make me -choose at all? Your friendship may be broken if I -do, and I could not bear that.’</p> -<p>“‘You need not fear for us, sweet Princess,’ said -Fronto, ‘for we have sworn an oath, and will not -break it.’</p> -<p>“Selene gazed earnestly at them, not understanding -this reply. Then Corus, pale as death, nodded -assent, saying: ‘It is even true, fair Selene; as you -cannot choose but one, we both have promised allegiance -to the one you favor. We love you too -sincerely to do otherwise.’</p> -<p>“A brilliant color dyed Selene’s cheek as she -heard these words, and turning to Prince Fronto she -began softly: ‘So be it. We have passed many -happy hours together, and in my heart, Prince Fronto, -I have a deep affection for you.’</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_120">120</div> -<p>“Hearing her speak thus, Prince Corus grew very -white, and turned away to hide his pain, whispering -to himself: ‘They shall not see how I suffer. I have -sworn an oath, and I will keep it.’</p> -<p>“But whatever the Princess continued to say to -the Ocean Prince, it seemed not to please him. -Finally she said to him, while she turned and beckoned -to his friend: ‘Therefore, kind brother of the -shimmering sea, you must forgive me; for, though I -love you as a friend, my heart belongs to Corus, -and him I choose to be my husband.’</p> -<p>“The Sun Prince could hardly believe he heard -aright; but as the beautiful girl turned shyly toward -him, he caught her hand, and kneeling, kissed it, -thanking her for his great happiness.</p> -<p>“The Ocean Prince showed great surprise at -Selene’s words, because he had always thought she -preferred him to Corus; indeed, it was because of this -he had made the compact so readily. Swiftly now -his thoughts grew black with anger, but the two -lovers were talking together and did not notice it. -Soon he grew calmer; outwardly he seemed to be -peaceful, and stooping, he too kissed Selene’s hand, -and swore friendship to the two.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_121">121</div> -<p>“Preparations began for the wedding, and each -day, as the ceremony drew nearer, Fronto seemed -happier. He really acted as though he had forgotten -his wish to marry Selene. This, of course, made -Corus and his bride more contented; they could not -bear to be merry, and feel that Fronto was suffering. -But the Ocean Prince was only pretending. Instantly, -on leaving the lovers on the day of their betrothal, -he had gathered together all the little demons and -wicked imps he knew, and employed them to build -big mountains on the shores of his sea. Soon precipitous -mountains gathered in clusters about the -water’s edge. They seemed only barren rock, as they -loomed up from the flat sand, like watch-towers -guarding a prison. Selene and Corus teased the Ocean -Prince for building such ugly peaks, but he did not -mind their jests. Finally he had his dominions hedged -in with a dark-hued rocky range.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_122">122</div> -<p>“Then, one day when the Sun Prince was absent, -he deliberately carried out the plan he had so carefully -concealed: he stole the Princess and hid her in -the caverns of his great mountains. When Corus -returned, broken-hearted and distressed over the loss -of his bride and the treachery of his friend, and -demanded her release, the Sea Prince absolutely -refused to give her up—laughing to scorn his -friend’s demand.</p> -<p>“War, of course, immediately followed. The Sun -Prince was no slight enemy, for all his father’s powerful -forces were at his command. The heavy bowlders -piled up by the wretched little fiends the Ocean Prince -had employed were not easily surmounted, however, -for they were splendidly built. It would take years -to pull them down. So Corus determined he would -not even try. He would rescue his beloved bride in -a simpler but more powerful manner, and in less time.</p> -<p>“A great river ran through the country, from the -inland sea down to the blue waters of the ocean. -Now, the Sun Prince closed up that river, shutting off -all communication between the ocean and the inland -sea. The Sea Prince laughed at first when he saw -this. He had so much water in his own sea he never -dreamed it could be exhausted.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_123">123</div> -<p>“But now the Sun Prince tried new measures. -As the tides could not bring the water to the foot -of the big mountains to replenish them, he sent down -burning rays upon the sea to dry it up. Evaporation -began. Day by day the water decreased, and shrunk -away slowly from the white face of the sand and the -red sides of the mountains.</p> -<p>“A hundred feet of the water fell quickly, and -then Fronto saw that the Sun Prince, in drying up -the water, could doom him and his followers to death. -Panic-stricken, he restored the Princess, and begged -for mercy.</p> -<p>“Corus, though happy to have his beloved bride -again, felt that the awful crime Fronto had committed -should not be treated lightly. His punishment must -serve as a warning to the world. Still, at the request -of his gentle-hearted bride, he forgave his false friend, -and sent him back safe with his companions to the -Ocean King. However, he forced Fronto to remain -in his father’s dominions for ever, saying that he had -proven, by his treachery, he was unfit to govern a -kingdom of his own. Moreover, that kingdom should -exist no longer. He would dry it up and make it a -huge desert, to mark the spot of a false friend’s -perfidy.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_124">124</div> -<p>“So the Sun never relaxed his fierce gaze, nor -the wind its hot breath. Together they scorched the -seabed until the water disappeared, and the bottom -looked like a huge white bowl. Then slowly the -desert formed. The fierce heat became so intense -that even the rains refused to fall there, and the earth -was too salty to allow anything to grow. Every living -creature shunned it. Neither bird nor beast would -visit it, and thus it remained for thousands of years.</p> -<p>“When you are in the bottom of this bowl, you -are nearly three hundred feet below the ocean. Upon -all sides are great mountains, some over ten thousand -feet high; and this spot is the hottest place in the -world. The desert looks like a great plain leading out -to the horizon. The soil is almost as fine as white -flour.</p> -<p>“But, silent and deserted as it is, the Sun Prince -declared that, because his beloved bride had been kept -there, it should still be sacred in his eyes—still retain -a certain fascination. So, in all its desolation, it -does possess a weird beauty of its own. The sand -dunes reflect the light of the sky. They are sometimes -deep blue, sometimes topaz yellow, and again, -at sunset, a brilliant rose.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_125">125</div> -<p>“The quiet of the desert is profound, save when -some whirling sand-storm blows. Then all living -creatures caught there are lost unless they lie flat -and cover heads and mouths. Except for this, the -air is always magnificent. At times, it is all covered -with a pink mist; at other times, it is a pure golden -haze. The mountains, too, are in changing shades of -purple and lilac and blue, with golden and blood-red -colors mingled.</p> -<p>“All these years the place has remained a desert,—a -monument to the treachery of Prince Fronto. -Yet the bitterness of the Sun Prince seems to be -lessening. Perhaps the sweet pleading of the beautiful -Selene has won forgiveness, for of late that awful -waste shows signs of life. True, its great mesas, in -gray and gold, bordering its lonely hundreds of miles, -are rocky and barren still; but now and then a green -bush of elder arises on the sands, and the cacti and -greasewood are beginning to flourish well. This is -the first sign of life, but it means surely that Prince -Corus has relented, and will remove the curse that -‘nothing shall ever live there.’</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_126">126</div> -<p>“Occasionally, too, an animal has been seen running -across the dry, parched sands, and birds that -once flew hundreds of miles to avoid the hot plains -now skim lightly across them. Then, at times, trees -and green grass and cool fresh lakes of water are -visible. These last disappear quickly when one approaches -and tries to drink from their curling waves. -Wise people call these sights mirages, but perhaps, -after all, they are real, and foreshadow what the desert -will become.</p> -<p>“The Sun Prince is wise and merciful, and though -justice must be done, when justice is appeased he can -restore the cooling streams and vegetation to the -parched sands. Some day, perhaps, the magic spell -will be withdrawn from the mysterious desert, and its -shining seas again smile beneath sunny skies. Even -now, Prince Corus occasionally sends a great cloudburst -to drench the scorching plains. At first, we -know, he did not love the barren waste. It brought -back too keenly the sorrow of his stolen bride; but time -has softened that feeling, and with his beloved Princess -by his side, he looks down and smiles upon its glare -and glitter. He shows this in the wonderful sky effects -above it. They are things of beauty. If clouds gather, -he tips them with rainbow colors,—brilliant reds and -oranges, purples and greens, melting into delicious -pinks, soft lilacs, and grays. The sunset there is a -glorious sight never to be forgotten.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_127">127</div> -<p>“Its mountains, too, are beautiful. Often the ridges -are clear-cut and sharp. Again, when the Sun pours -his heat upon them, they seem as flat as the palm of -your hand. They change color frequently, for at times -startling reds and yellows and pinks are painted in -stripes all over them. Later the canyons are flashing -in brilliant needle-like points of superb color, but again -they are a dull blue or gray, and lose their splendor.</p> -<p>“But most sublime of all the sights is still the -mirage. Trembling and glowing in the sea, lie trees and -mountain peaks, reflected clear and beautiful. Maybe -it is only the reflection of the golden haze that lies in -the canyons at sunset; but whatever it is, it is one of -the desert’s splendors. And though the lilac mist and -the purple shadows that creep between the valleys and -climb the mountains seem more natural to its desolation -and its silence, yet the glory of that mirage—glittering -with its dazzling hue, and flashing its strange lights like -the rays from a fire-opal—will cling the longest in -one’s memory.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_128">128</div> -<h2 id="c9"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER IX</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE STORY OF PRINCESS SUNSET</span></h2> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/p_138.png" alt="(unlabelled)" width="600" height="192" /> -</div> -<p>When the story of the great desert or the -lost ocean had been told, the little company -of Moon people thanked the guide -for his tales, and again started on their journey. Soon -they approached the borders of a beautiful wood. The -guide told them that he would turn back when they -had travelled through the forest, for on the other side -of the forest the black dwarf awaited them.</p> -<p>Princess Ethelda shuddered as she heard, but being -a brave little Princess, she turned laughingly to the -guide and said, “Well, Sir Guide, cannot you tell us -another pretty story before you go?”</p> -<p>“Willingly,” replied the guide, and he at once -began the story of Princess Sunset.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_129">129</div> -<p>“Once upon a time there lived in the heart of a -great forest, something like this we are passing through, -a young Prince with his two elder brothers. They -lived in a splendid palace, and were fond of hunting -and shooting; but they were also frequently at war -with their neighbors, so that fighting of some sort -always seemed to be going on. This youngest was -named Oswald; though he always accompanied his -brothers to war, and was the very bravest of all the -knights, he thought it was useless to fight about everything. -Life would be much happier if people were -kind and peace-loving; and unless there were a serious -question to fight about, he did not believe in fighting -at all. He much preferred to roam the forest, studying -the sky and the trees, or the lovely waters of the clear -blue lakes. He would spend hours thus, musing on -the wonderful works of Nature, and wondering where -she kept her marvellous paint-box.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_130">130</div> -<p>“Now, Prince Oswald was very good-looking. He -was tall and slender as the young saplings about him, -but he was powerful and strong of limb, too; and when -his brothers told him to choose a wife among the -pretty maidens of the land, almost any of the princesses -would have been glad to be chosen. But Prince -Oswald was in no hurry to choose; he did not fall in -love very easily, and he thought he would just wait -until the right princess came along.</p> -<p>“One day, when lying on the shore of a beautiful -body of water, he noticed that the sky was suddenly -tinged with red. He rubbed his eyes with amazement, -but the red hue tinged every object that he looked -upon; the treetops, the lake, and the deer that glided -along the edge of the forest had a delicate crimson -splendor. In the midst of this fairy spectacle he heard -a musical voice sigh, and turning around saw a -radiantly beautiful woman standing near him. Her -countenance was lovely, and her glorious brown eyes -were sparkling with light. She smiled as she looked -upon him, and for a minute her teeth gleamed white -as little pearls between her red lips. Her splendid -golden hair hung in soft masses below her waist, and -the wind was blowing it softly about. Her garments -were loose and flowing, and variegated in color, shading -from the tenderest pink to the deepest crimson. The -wonderful dyes of her dress seemed to float away from -her in rosy clouds, and blend in the air until the rich -rose-color around glowed and deepened to a magnificent -red.</p> -<div class="img" id="pic6"> -<img src="images/p_141.jpg" alt="" width="531" height="800" /> -<p class="caption">“<i>Turning around he saw a radiantly beautiful woman near him.</i>” -<span class="jr1">(<a class="pgref" href="#Page_130">Page 130</a>)</span></p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_131">131</div> -<p>“As Oswald stood gazing upon this gorgeous -maiden, she addressed him in a low and charming -voice: ‘O, dreamer of the woods, am I not worth -seeking? Why do you waste your life in idleness here? -Look for me in the land that lies westward, beyond the -setting of the sun. There may be many obstacles in -your path, but, overcoming them, you will find your -bride awaiting you. Am I not worth the winning?’</p> -<p>“For answer, Oswald sprang forward to clasp her -in his arms, but at that instant the red light glowed -more brightly about her, flaring to a brilliant flame; -and thus standing in its midst, she disappeared in a sea -of fire, leaving the sky and water a dull, heavy gray.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_132">132</div> -<p>“Prince Oswald returned to the palace deeply -wrapped in thought, and indeed he could think of -nothing but the beautiful maiden he had seen. The -next morning he determined he would seek and find -her, because until he did he felt he could never be -happy again. After making preparations to go, and -bidding his brothers good-bye, he started alone to seek -the Land of the Setting Sun. First he found the spot -by the lake where, the evening before, he had watched -the glorious beauty of the strange maiden, and he sat -down in silence. Again the sky took on its delicate rose, -deepening until the ruby splendor of the clouds piled -themselves into gold and crimson palaces. From one -of these palaces Oswald felt confident his beautiful lady -would emerge, and tremblingly he sat expectant. Suddenly -the same peculiar sigh met his ears, and turning -to greet the lovely stranger, he saw to his disappointment -only a glittering sword. The blade was, of -course, of shining steel, but the handle was formed -of one magnificent ruby. The radiance from this -superb jewelled handle was magnificent. It gleamed -and sparkled in flaming red, until the whole western -world glowed with the bright reflection.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_133">133</div> -<p>“Oswald realized with a beating heart that it was -a message from the mysterious lady, and he lifted the -sword to his side. Then feeling brave enough to meet -any dangers because she had sent him the sword, he -started on his travels to the Land of the Setting Sun. -Over hills and prairies, but always toward the west, -Prince Oswald travelled. He rested by night only, -and at early dawn was off again. On the third night -he saw a bright light ahead, and on approaching it -found it to be a beautiful princess. She was dressed -in a gown of spun silver, and on her forehead there -shone one magnificent star. She greeted him kindly, -and told him she was the Evening Star, and would -light him through the dark forest. He thanked her -gratefully, and accompanied her in among the dark -and gloomy trees. She glided ahead, and the light -from the beautiful star crown showed him the way, -even in the darkest places. Evening Star told him -she recognized him in the distance by the ruby-hilted -sword he wore. ‘You seek the Princess Sunset,’ she -continued, ‘do you not?’</p> -<p>“‘Yes,’ replied Oswald, ‘and I shall never rest -until I find her.’</p> -<p>“‘Alas!’ said Evening Star, ‘though I sincerely -wish you success, I must tell you that many difficulties -will beset you, for of all the young men who have -passed this way in quest of the golden-haired Princess -not one has ever returned. The obstacles that have -beset them have proven too great, and they have -never yet been able to rescue her.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_134">134</div> -<p>“‘She is wonderfully beautiful, though, and I am -not surprised that you seek her. Once I met her face -to face, and I could never forget what a vision of -beauty she was. It was a charming evening, and I -had risen over the purple hills a little earlier than -usual. Tall and majestic the Princess stood upon the -hilltop, clothed in her marvellous dress of crimson. -Her great brown eyes looked questioningly into mine, -and her splendid hair floated back from her lovely face -in a sort of golden mist, while the breeze blew her -long, trailing robes across the sky. Her exquisite form -stood plainly outlined thus for several minutes, and -the crimson colors from her garments tinged the -heavens from a delicate pink to a brilliant ruby-red. -Then suddenly stretching forth her arms toward me, -she greeted me with a tender smile of welcome, and -vanished. Never shall I forget her charm. She was -the daughter of a great king and lived in a splendid -palace, but she was as gentle and tender-hearted as a -child. Her great delight was to roam the woods, -gathering flowers and weaving them into a gorgeously -colored robe. The brighter the flower the better she -loved it. Red, yellow, blue, all were gathered and -woven together, until the dress was a miracle of beauty -and brightness. Her gown was so brilliant, that when -she wore it the very skies reflected the colors, and she -would stand upon the hilltop and let the flowing -skirts trail out in long, loose lines across the heavens. -This was her delight.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_135">135</div> -<p>“‘People came from far and wide to see the Sunset -Princess in her flower dress, for when she wore it she -was marvellously beautiful. Among them once came -a wicked magician, and the moment his eyes fell upon -her he determined to marry her. So, to gain his end, -he killed her father and her brothers, and destroyed -all her people. Then he stole her, and hid her in his -western palace; and there he has kept her a prisoner -ever since. But she declares she will never, never -marry such a cruel monster, even if she should never -escape, and he cannot marry her without her consent.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_136">136</div> -<p>“‘Now, the poor Princess has the power to appear -in a dream to any one she wishes to come and deliver -her from the wicked old magician’s power. But this -is her only privilege. She can never stir from his -palace (except in dreams) unless by his especial invitation. -Once every day he invites her to come forth. -At the sunset hour he calls her, and with her maidens -she walks out upon a spacious balcony. But she is a -brave princess, and she courageously wears her crimson -flower dress, and gives him only scornful looks.</p> -<p>“‘The magician occasionally invites her out on the -balcony for a cruel purpose—to show her the fate of -each brave knight who tries to rescue her. Sometimes -the gallant youth is already dead. Sometimes the -wicked magician changes him into some four-footed -creature before her eyes, making him wander upon the -earth afterward as an animal. Alas! dear Prince,’ continued -Evening Star, sadly, ‘I dread to see you go -upon this dangerous expedition.’</p> -<p>“‘Do not fear for me,’ answered Oswald, bravely. -‘At last, I have learned where the beautiful Princess -of my dreams is imprisoned. No matter what the -dangers are, I will find her and rescue her.’</p> -<p>“Indeed, he was so rejoiced at the news brought -by Evening Star that he slept with a light heart that -night, and at early dawn started again toward the -Setting Sun. Every evening the sky was tinged with -the lovely red, but he had no other sign from the -Princess.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_137">137</div> -<p>“One night he stopped at a castle where he met -the beautiful daughter of a wealthy and powerful duke. -After a handsome banquet and ball given in his honor, -where the young countess paid him the highest honors, -the duke approached him, and offered to give him her -hand in marriage if he would remain and help to -govern the people.</p> -<p>“Now, Oswald was very grateful for all this kindness, -but his heart was too full of the Sunset Princess -to think of any other maiden. So, after thanking the -duke courteously, he declined the honor. The young -countess tossed her pretty head in disdain when she -heard he loved another, and told him he was a fool for -his pains, and that he would never rescue the Sunset -Princess.</p> -<p>“But Oswald was not discouraged by her words, -and continued his journey.</p> -<p>“That night he approached another forest, so dark -and gloomy that he could not see his hand before him. -But he remembered the red light that shone from his -ruby-handled sword, and when he held it up he saw -the path quite plainly before him. He heard dreadful -squeaking noises all about him; groans and sudden -cries and many dangers beset him.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_138">138</div> -<p>“Presently a hideous giant arose. He was tall, -and had green eyes, which he rolled awfully, and -he gnashed his long white teeth as Oswald came -along.</p> -<p>“‘You cannot enter my country,’ he growled -loudly, and for a moment Oswald felt he didn’t want -to enter it, because he saw (by the red light of his -sword) a man being bitten to death by two horrid -snakes. One snake was blue and one was white.</p> -<p>“But Prince Oswald was brave as could be, and he -could not see the man being killed, without helping -him; so he dashed forward, and in one instant had -killed both snakes with his shining blade, and rescued -the man.</p> -<p>“But just as he thought he had won a victory, -a great swirling current of water appeared at his feet, -and he leaped back only in time to escape a blow from -the tail of a great black dragon. Now he knew the -forest was bewitched; but he continued his journey, -and all day long he fought for his life. Sometimes it -was with wild beasts, and sometimes with the magician -in person; but Oswald never let go his sword for one -minute, and the great magic of its blade protected him. -At last the cool shadows of evening began to fall, and -the goblins became less and less troublesome.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_139">139</div> -<p>“Then suddenly he perceived in his path a beautiful -maiden. She seemed almost a phantom, for floating -around and about her was a ghostly mist. But for all -that, she was wondrously fair, with an unearthly sort -of beauty. Her eyes shone like stars out of her snowy -draperies, and her voice had a far-away sound, like the -tinkle of silver bells.</p> -<p>“‘O Prince of the Wonderful Sword,’ she said, ‘you -have done me a great favor. I am the White Lady of -the Mist, and my golden shuttle was stolen by the -wicked old magician who stole the Sunset Princess. I -could do nothing without it, for all my power lies in -its magic. In fighting and overcoming the magician’s -imps in the forest to-day you have restored it to me; -his snares can never more affect me. So, now, I will -prove that my power is restored, and that I am free -again, by serving you. I will blind these wicked enemies -of yours, so that they will seek you in vain, and -I will conduct you safe this night through the Forest -of Terrors.’</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_140">140</div> -<p>“So saying, she began weaving with the shuttle, -and a wondrous weaving it was, for long streamers of -mist floated like a white veil over the forest. Little -by little the ghostly vapor covered everything. Faster -and faster she wove, singing softly as she did so a -curious kind of rhyme:—</p> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">“‘Wonderful Shuttle, weaving for me,</p> -<p class="t0">Cover each shrub and cover each tree;</p> -<p class="t0">Then, while my fairies dance and sing,</p> -<p class="t0">Straight through the forest this brave knight bring!’</p> -</div> -<p>“Gradually great clouds of white formed everywhere. -Their gauzy vapor thickened as they rolled -away and enclosed the whole forest. Nothing could be -seen but the wonderful little Lady of the Mist, and she -stood shining and gleaming like silver in the centre -of the ghostly shroud. At last, when all was snowy -white, she stopped singing, and bade the knight follow -her. Always through the thick veil he could see her -shining bright and clear, and thus she conducted him -through the dark forest. But the magician’s imps could -not see a thing, and though Oswald heard them fighting -and snarling, they did not trouble him again.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_141">141</div> -<p>“At break of day, on the edge of a beautiful lake, -she left him; but he was in full view of the magician’s -elegant palace. The Lady of the Mist bade him remain -in hiding until the sunset hour, and when the -Princess came out to view his dead body (or the -wicked magician’s skill in changing him into some -animal), he must hold his gleaming sword in front of -him, and boldly advance to her side. The White Lady -of the Mist promised to aid him at the critical moment, -and she would give him a sign to advance and rescue -the Princess: it would be a veil of mist descending the -mountain. He must not rush forward until the mist -appeared, however, as she could not help him while -the sun shone.</p> -<p>“The Prince promised faithfully to follow her -instructions, though it was hard to wait all day. He -walked around the lake, keeping well in the bushes, and -finally hiding himself beneath the Princess’s balcony.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_142">142</div> -<p>“The magician’s palace was truly magnificent, for -it was built all of solid black ebony. It was very -gloomy and terrible to look upon, but also very -costly, Oswald could see. The great arches of ebony -that upheld the balcony were inlaid with glittering -gold and diamonds, so that the palace sparkled brilliantly -in the sunlight. But a black palace was an -unusual sight, and one felt at a glance that it was the -abode of a magician. The floor of the balcony was -inlaid with a border of splendid white pearls, and -precious rugs lay on the floor. Costly jewels were -scattered carelessly about in quantities, for the magician -felt if he lost anything his magic could easily restore -it. Enticing fruit gardens grew down to the borders -of the lake, and handsome trees spread out their cool -green branches. The place was so lovely it seemed a -shame that such a wicked old magician should own it.</p> -<p>“Toward evening, when the sun was low, the -magician came out and angrily called for the Princess. -It was plain to see he was in a very bad humor. He -had heard of the golden shuttle being restored to the -White Lady of the Mist, and he was fearful of her -power against him. He did not know, however, that -Oswald was the knight who had been successful in -restoring it, for he had given such strict instructions -to his imps of the forest, that he felt sure Oswald had -not escaped death.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_143">143</div> -<p>“Prince Oswald’s heart beat very fast as he saw the -palace door open. When the lovely Princess, pale but -proud and noble in her bearing, stepped forth, he could -hardly restrain himself from falling at her feet. He -was bewitched by her beauty, for she was far lovelier -than he had supposed. But he dared not venture -forth without the signal from the White Lady of the -Mist. Presently, as he waited impatiently, he saw -creeping down the mountain-side the thin white veil. -It rolled out in clouds, for the White Lady realized -she had a great work to do. The old magician, however, -did not see the mist, because his face was turned -the other way. He could not understand why his imps -did not hurry across the lake with Prince Oswald, as -they had done with the other knights. They should -suffer for this delay on the morrow, he growled.</p> -<p>“But Prince Oswald understood the delay. The -little imps had not caught him; and he also knew by -the thickly forming mist it was time to act. Grasping -his shining sword firmly in his right hand, in one swift -bound he reached the Princess’s side. He caught her -hand in his, and she clung to him in pure joy and -delight. At that moment the magician turned and saw -them standing together. With a loud cry of rage he -sprang toward them, but it was too late.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_144">144</div> -<p>“At this minute great clouds of mist rolled over -them and completely covered their forms. Everything -was shrouded in ghostly white, and volumes of vapor -continued to roll down the mountain-sides. Faster and -faster came the heavy veil, completely blinding the -magician. But Oswald picked the Princess lightly up -in his arms, and holding his gleaming ruby sword before -him as a lantern, ran easily through the fog. He -reached the lake and found it as clear as crystal, and -saw no sign of the mist except behind them. Evening -Star shone brightly in the heavens to light them across -the dimpling waters, and she had placed a lovely canoe -in the green bushes for them. All this time the White -Lady of the Mist was hanging her curtains behind the -lovers, while her golden shuttle was weaving them so -thick, that even the magician’s sharp eyes could not -penetrate their folds.</p> -<p>“Prince Oswald and his Princess now saw clearly, -and Evening Star directed their footsteps. When far -from the wicked magician, and safe, they sat down to -rest. Oswald told the Princess how much he loved -her, and begged her to marry him; she in gentle tones -thanked him for what he had done, and gladly consented.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_145">145</div> -<p>“Just then Evening Star approached, and begged -them to rest in her beautiful country. Gorgeous palaces -awaited them, and a splendid people wanted to be governed, -she said. ‘And,’ she added, ‘if you consent, -each night I will come and visit you, for I love the -Sunset Princess as a sister, and my greatest happiness -will be to watch yours.’</p> -<p>“Then the Sunset Princess, who also loved Evening -Star, begged Oswald to consent. They lived ever afterward -in that charming country on the banks of a great -and lovely lake. The waters of the lake were so clear -that the pebbles many feet below glistened like fire-opals. -There they lived in great happiness; and as the -years went by Oswald loved his beautiful wife more, -for she was charming to see.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_146">146</div> -<p>“Each evening, as the sun went down, Oswald and -his lovely family (for there were many little children) -met on the shores of the lake, and the Princess always -wore her bright flower dress. Even now, if you will -but watch for their coming, you will see them yourself. -First comes the Princess, proud and graceful as on that -first evening when Oswald discovered her. Prince -Oswald is close beside, and the children troop down -in brilliant flower dresses like their mother’s. The red -sandstone cliffs on the high banks of the lake are the -first to catch the glow of the children’s garments. -Suddenly the dull sandstone reflects a brilliant light, -gleaming out like burning fire. The glowing cliffs -tinge with magic colors the soft fleecy clouds above, -and one by one these colors deepen. Purple, gray, -pink, gold, and crimson lights blend together, in -glorious confusion. The calm surface of the water -reflects the brightly colored heavens, and gradually -the whole western world is aflame.</p> -<p>“Thus each evening, in this glorious field of color, -Oswald and his family watch the sky, and await the -nightly visit of the splendid Evening Star.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_147">147</div> -<h2 id="c10"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER X</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">HOW THE MOON PRINCESS WAS TAKEN CAPTIVE BY THE BLACK DWARF</span></h2> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/p_159.png" alt="(unlabelled)" width="600" height="189" /> -</div> -<p>As the guide finished his story of the Sunset -Princess, Ethelda noticed they had passed -through the forest, and it was with a little -thrill of terror she saw the black dwarf and his -companions a short distance ahead.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_148">148</div> -<p>After thanking their kind messenger for his guidance -and the delightful stories he had told them, -Prince Dorion and his party joined the dwarf. He -seemed more hideous than ever, but his manner was -perfectly respectful as he greeted his guests, and he -hardly looked at the Princess. Two days of travel -followed,—days during which new beauties of the -earth were revealed; and because of her interest in -these beauties the lovely Moon Princess almost forgot -her sad forebodings. She did not see the black -dwarf during that time, and the horror of his presence -almost passed. He kept out of her sight, and -remaining in front with his imps, led the way.</p> -<p>Gold and silver had been scattered as they travelled, -and for each piece that fell there formed -later a splendid mine. The precious metal, melting -and filtering through the earth in slender veins, reached -finally the heart of the deepest mountains. There it -spread and grew, until to-day the earth is full of its -treasures in gold and silver mines.</p> -<p>One day, Ethelda, light-hearted and happy, had -loitered behind for a moment, to gather some tiny -green ferns creeping between the rocks. She was -stooping to pluck one, when suddenly she felt herself -rudely seized. Looking up, she saw it was the black -dwarf who had her within his grasp. She tried to -get away, but his grip was like iron on her delicate -arm. She could not move, and realizing her utter -helplessness, she screamed aloud. Her agonizing call -reached her husband, but too late for him to aid her. -For the black dwarf stamped violently upon the -ground, which opened wide, and with her in his arms -he sank into the opening, which immediately closed -over them. Then Ethelda fainted.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_149">149</div> -<p>When she recovered, she found she was in a large -vaulted chamber, in a big cave. The light was very -poor, but she could see the ugly black dwarf watching -her steadily. For a moment she thought she -would die of fright, and then she remembered that, -as a Moon maiden, she had the power to protect -herself from harm. In that instant her courage returned -and strengthened her. Softly she repeated the -words of the charm she had learned in the nursery -of the Moon palace, and had sung at her mother’s -knee. In a low, musical voice she chanted:—</p> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0">Rays of the Moon, brilliant and bright,</p> -<p class="t0">Protect me by day, protect me by night.</p> -<p class="t0">Naught can harm me when in your embrace,</p> -<p class="t0">Protect me you must, as child of your race.</p> -<p class="t0">Send but the halo seen often about you,</p> -<p class="t0">And I promise, sweet mother, I never shall doubt you.</p> -</div> -<p>As she sang, a beautiful halo formed gradually -about her, such as you sometimes see about the moon, -and in the centre of this great shining space Ethelda -stood alone.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_150">150</div> -<p>When she moved, her white and silver dress flashed -in long sparkling rays, like the moonlight on the -water. The black man covered his eyes to shield -them at first from the blinding light, for it was like -the sudden flashing of midday into the darkest night, -and the cave became very bright. He looked on -surprised, not understanding Ethelda’s words, and -on finding what she had done he was completely -astounded. He stepped forward quickly to snatch her -from the glowing circle, but found he could not reach -her side. Then he became furious and called his imps, -who swarmed to his assistance; but when they approached -the maiden, a barrier of iron seemed to stand -before them. They could not break it down at all, -nor could they penetrate the beaming circle. Ethelda -was safe from any harm except imprisonment.</p> -<p>The dwarf soon abandoned all thought of reaching her, -and in truth he never really meant to harm -her, but had stolen her to marry her. So he determined -to try kindness to win her love, and though -he kept her a prisoner, he was not otherwise unkind. -In many ways he tried to please her.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_151">151</div> -<p>For years he had been fitting up a wonderful cave, -hoping some day to induce a lovely maiden to accept -and marry him. But he was so ugly and repulsive -that all the Earth maidens shunned him. Still he -had gone on decorating the cave, determined to steal -a wife if necessary.</p> -<p>He had gone to the Earth festival with the intention -of finding a wife there, but when his eyes fell on the -Princess Ethelda he forgot all the other maidens. He -thought her gloriously beautiful, and determined to steal -her, although she was already married. Therefore, he -made up his mind that the Moon Princess should love -him and forget her husband. On that account he tried -to be kind. Every morning he sent her a beautiful -gift, and then soon after paid her a visit and asked -her to marry him. Each day her reply was the same,—that -she loved her husband and hated him, but if he -would restore her to her husband, and show her her -home in the starry skies, she would forgive his stealing -her. At these words the dwarf would go into a great -rage and leave the room, but every day he would return, -hoping she had changed her mind.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_152">152</div> -<p>At last he conceived a great idea by which he -thought he could win her. Day and night he worked -over it, and one morning, when it was completed, he -invited her in to see a room he had fitted especially for -her to occupy. He thought she would be so pleased -at what he had done for her that she could no longer -refuse him.</p> -<p>When he opened the door and bade her enter, -she was amazed and delighted in spite of herself. -Round and beautiful in shape was the room. Great -stalactites and stalagmites hung from the ceiling and -grew from the floors,—all a mass of shining light, for -they were of purest white crystal, and shone like the -sun. The room was richly furnished, and every comfort -seemed there; but all of this was not what -she saw to admire. It was a darker room beyond -that absorbed and enchanted her. Her eyes beheld -what she thought at first was her own beautiful -home again. Quickly she passed into it. Blue as the -heavens she had left was the lofty ceiling she gazed -into. She stared with fresh wonder at the bejewelled -stars, and with beating heart watched their brilliant -rays. She expected every moment to see the Moon -sail past in silver glory. But the radiant splendor -of her mother’s Moon palace was absent, and then -Ethelda recognized with a great pang that it was not -really the sky she saw at all.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_153">153</div> -<p>The countless clusters of stars overheard had been -gathered only with untold labor. The dwarf had -stationed his numerous slaves to watch the heavens all -the night, and when a shooting star fell they seized -and brought it straight to him. Gradually, therefore, -toiling and working in this way, they built the famous -Star Chamber in the great black cave for the Moon -Princess.</p> -<p>Ethelda’s disappointment was very keen when she -learned the truth. Still she loved the Star Chamber -better than any other spot in her prison, and she visited -it often.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_154">154</div> -<h2 id="c11"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XI</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">HOW THE SUN PRINCE RESCUED THE MOON PRINCESS</span></h2> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/p_166.png" alt="(unlabelled)" width="600" height="192" /> -</div> -<p>In the meanwhile Prince Dorion, distracted with -grief, was trying in every way to dig down deep -enough to rescue his beloved bride. But the -stones would not yield. He had seen his darling -disappear in the hands of the hideous black dwarf, -and he often came to that place to mourn. Night -after night he visited it, hoping a miracle would restore -Ethelda to him there. But all day he searched the -world for her.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_155">155</div> -<p>The Earth, mortified by this outrage to her hospitality, -tried to help him. Her granddaughters, the -mermaids, had sought information from every part of -the globe, but as yet without success. The Moon -Princess had disappeared from the face of the Earth -completely. The year passed, and sorrowful and sick -at heart the Sun Prince bade his companions adieu. -He determined to abide upon the Earth until he found -Ethelda. What was his amazement, therefore, when -the knights and maidens refused to leave him. They -would wait with him, they said. The loss of his bride -had bound them more closely together. The Sun’s -rays looked down appealingly and the Moon ladder -glittered temptingly, but they bravely turned their eyes -away. They built a beautiful city near the Ocean, -where they could see the Moon ladder more plainly, -but they had lost the right to climb its shining steps, -for the twelve months had expired.</p> -<p>Prince Dorion searched every day for his bride. -He consulted a wise witch living alone in a deep forest, -but she shook her head sadly, and always replied in -these curious words:—</p> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t">“Search as you please,</p> -<p class="t">But not among trees</p> -<p class="t0">Shall the fair Princess be found.</p> -<p class="t">Go from the water</p> -<p class="t">To the Moon’s daughter;</p> -<p class="t0">There lies she in prison bound!”</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_156">156</div> -<p>Never a word more would she utter, and the poor -Prince would puzzle himself about how he could reach -the Princess. But he continued his search. He would -often go to the spot where his beloved had disappeared. -A stately tree, as slender as the Princess, had sprung -up there. Its waving green branches swayed gently, -and stretched out with delicate, tender leaves. Its -trunk wore the white and silver dress of the Moon -maiden, and stood like a ghost to mark the place.</p> -<p>The Earth people ever after called it the Silver -Birch. At its foot a beautiful little spring had bubbled -up, and its crystal-clear waters had formed a tiny -stream that gurgled over the rocks, seeking to reach -the sea. In its shining depths he sometimes saw the -Moon’s ladder, and he fancied the clear blue eyes of -Ethelda looked out wistfully at him. But it was only -the blue patches of sky overhead.</p> -<p>One night, sad and depressed, he sat beside the -Ocean. The great throbbing sea seemed to soothe -him a little. While he sat there thinking of Ethelda, -and almost despairing, a mermaid floated shoreward. -Resting her beautiful arms on the white gleaming sand, -she spoke to him.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_157">157</div> -<p>“O, Prince of the Sun,” she began, “I have news -for you—news of your lost bride.”</p> -<p>“News of my beloved Ethelda?” cried the Prince, -joyously.</p> -<p>“Yes,” answered the mermaid, “your Ethelda is -safe and unharmed. I have seen her.”</p> -<p>“You have seen her?” cried the Prince. “O favored -mermaid, take me to her at once.”</p> -<p>“Mighty Prince,” replied she, “I have come to -show you the way. Do you remember the bubbling -stream you have often sat beside? It was formed -from Ethelda’s tears. Those crystal drops arose even -through the rocks to comfort you; but deeper down -ran the stream, cutting into the Earth until it formed a -dark and gloomy river to lead you back to her. I -found this stream and followed it—straight from the -crystal spring into a dark and gloomy cave. There -Ethelda lives and waits for you.”</p> -<p>A moment more and Prince Dorion was swimming -beside the little mermaid. They swam along the coast -until a dark line showed them where the river joined -the ocean. And after many a turn and twist in the -black river, they reached Ethelda’s cave.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_158">158</div> -<p>The Moon Princess sat within the vaulted Star -Chamber alone. What a radiant creature she was! -Her silver halo surrounded her, and she was chanting -in a musical voice the pretty words which had caused -it to form. The Sun Prince’s eyes dwelt lovingly upon -her, but he was amazed to see overhead the stars -shining in the clear blue vault of heaven.</p> -<p>“Ethelda,” he cried softly; and his heart leaped -with love at the sight of his bride, and bounding -forward he reached her side. In another moment she -lay in his arms, sobbing and laughing for joy.</p> -<p>“Beloved, you are unhurt?” he questioned -anxiously.</p> -<p>“Yes,” she answered, growing calmer. “I am unharmed; -and in a way he was not unkind. But he -wished me to marry him, and so kept me in this -gloomy cave, hoping I would consent.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_159">159</div> -<p>“See, beloved, even the stars above us he stole to -comfort me and win my love. Every shooting star -that fell from the heavens was brought here and placed -in that high ceiling. They shine so brightly there -that the blackness of the ceiling seems almost blue, -and sometimes I almost believe I am gazing into the -skies. But, beloved, nothing comforted me in your -absence. I have sat weeping here, forming this river -of tears to bring you to me.”</p> -<p>Prince Dorion pressed her tenderly to his breast -at these words, and whispered: “Dry your tears -now, sweetheart, you will not need them longer, for -I shall take you for ever away from this hideous -prison.”</p> -<p>Silently he carried her to the mermaid’s side, and -softly they slipped away.</p> -<p>But before Ethelda left, feeling herself safe again -within her husband’s arms, she slipped out of the -Moon’s halo and left it in the famous Star Chamber -of the black cave. There it stays for every one to -see, lighting the room with its silver rays in company -with the glorious stars which the black dwarf -stole and placed there.</p> -<p>Back again into the golden sunshine Ethelda came, -and once more the beautiful Moon shone down caressingly -upon her. Freed from the black dwarf’s spell, -and with her loved companions, she soon recovered -from her long imprisonment, and was lovelier and -more joyous than ever. She had almost forgotten -those trying days and the black dwarf’s cruelty, -but the Earth Queen had not.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_160">160</div> -<p>Her Majesty summoned the dwarf and all his -wicked followers to court for trial, and he did not dare -to disobey her summons. Ethelda and the Sun Prince -were invited to hear his sentence; and an awful -punishment it was that was put upon him. He was -condemned to live always in the dark cave where -he had kept Ethelda prisoner. With his followers -he would never again be allowed to see the Sun or -the Moon; never again could he behold the face -of the Earth.</p> -<p>The Moon Princess shuddered as she heard the -dreadful sentence, for to her darkness was the worst -of punishments. She turned to the Earth Queen and -said impulsively: “Oh, your Majesty, be not so cruel! -Sentence them to anything rather than eternal darkness.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_161">161</div> -<p>So the Earth Queen, listening to the tender pleadings -of the gentle Moon maiden, relented; but still the -dwarf’s crime must not be dealt with lightly. She -consented, however, to allow the culprits to see the Sun -and the Moon, but they were destined to become the -slaves of the mermaids, and live always in the water. -Then, fearing they might forget they were put into the -water to expiate their crime (for the mermaids were -kind-hearted and good), she changed them into fishes, -and marked every one with the shining colors of the -Sun and Moon. Even now, if you notice carefully the -pretty fish swimming in the sparkling water, you will -see the fiery red color of the sun blending with the -delicate silver tints of the moon. These markings of -gold and silver they must carry for ever as evidence -of their slavery, and in punishment of their wicked -deed. In other respects they are not unhappy.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_162">162</div> -<p>Ethelda and the Sun Prince dwelt always after upon -the Earth, but they loved it, as you know. The Moon -Mother, looking down and seeing their joy, and how -contented they were, gradually became reconciled to -their remaining. As a proof of her forgiveness and -friendliness to them and their descendants, she has -left the Moon ladder down. She has never taken it -away since the night the bridal party walked down -its shimmering silver stairs. Every night, between -the mystic hours of dusk and the rosy dawn, somewhere -in the heavens, that splendid white palace is -shining, and its bright ladder is stretching down in -a flood of glory.</p> -<p>Since then, maybe (who knows?) other Moon -maidens have walked down those jewelled steps to a -honeymoon on the Earth.</p> -<p class="tbcenter"><span class="small">THE END.</span></p> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/p_174.png" alt="(unlabelled)" width="500" height="508" /> -</div> -<hr class="dwide" /> -<div class="box"> -<p class="center"><i>Mrs. Harrison’s Previous Successful Fairy Books</i></p> -<dl class="undent"><dt><span class="sc">Prince Silverwings</span>, and Other Fairy Tales. <i>Fourth Edition.</i></dt> -<dt><span class="sc">The Star Fairies</span>, and Other Tales. <i>Second Edition.</i></dt> -<dt>Both volumes illustrated in color by Lucy Fitch Perkins. Small 4to, $1.25 <i>net</i>.</dt></dl> -<p class="center"><span class="sc">A. C. McClurg & Co.</span>, Publishers, Chicago.</p> -</div> -<div class="box"> -<p class="center"><i>By Edith Ogden Harrison, Author of -<br />“The Moon Princess”</i></p> -<p class="tbcenter"><span class="large">Prince Silverwings</span> -<br /><i>and Other Fairy Tales</i></p> -<p class="center"><span class="small">THIRD EDITION</span></p> -<p>Mrs. Harrison made her literary -<i>debut</i> in this very attractive -volume, which is of the kind that -is sure to be always popular. There are -seven stories in the book, and they are -all told in a singularly direct and unaffected -manner, with the engaging -simplicity that is so appreciated by -young readers. The pictures by Mrs. -Perkins are in delicate tints, and show -a charming fancy and imagination.</p> -<p>“The stories are set forth in simple and -serene English. They have a great deal of -prettiness, and a delicate fancy wavers over -them as the sun glints on a wall. The book -is in pictorial ways extraordinary ... delicately -colored, exquisitely executed fancies that -make palpable the illusive dreams of fairy -land.”—<i>Chicago Tribune.</i></p> -<p class="center"><i>Illustrations in Color by Lucy Fitch Perkins</i> -<br />$1.25 Net -<br />A. C. McClurg & Co., Publishers</p> -</div> -<div class="box"> -<p class="center"><i>By Edith Ogden Harrison, Author of -<br />“The Moon Princess”</i></p> -<p class="tbcenter"><span class="large">The Star Fairies</span> -<br /><i>and Other Tales</i></p> -<p>Mrs. Harrison’s first book, -“Prince Silverwings,” captured the -public completely because it was, in a -way, a revival of the old-fashioned fairy -book, the simple little tales that young -children really enjoy. This second collection -of stories is written with the same -idea of pleasing the smallest of readers,—direct, -simple language and always, of -course, the “happy ending.” The book -is dedicated to “the little readers of -‘Prince Silverwings,’” and they are -sure to find it quite as delightful as that -charming collection. Mrs. Perkins’ -pictures are original and artistic in coloring, -and go admirably with the text.</p> -<p>“The child who has not known the delight -of an acquaintance with the bright little -twinkling sky fairies may be introduced by -these dainty little tales unearthed by Mrs. -Harrison. The illustrations are exquisite -little mural plates by Lucy Fitch Perkins, and -the cover design and its treatment are very -attractive.”—<i>Chicago Evening Post.</i></p> -<p class="center"><i>Illustrations in Color by Lucy Fitch Perkins</i> -<br />$1.25 Net -<br />A. C. McClurg & Co., Publishers</p> -</div> -<h2>Transcriber’s Notes</h2> -<ul> -<li>Copyright notice provided as in the original—this e-text is public domain in the country of publication.</li> -<li>Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard (or amusing) spellings and dialect unchanged.</li> -<li>In the text versions, delimited italics text in _underscores_ (the HTML version reproduces the font form of the printed book.)</li> -</ul> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Moon Princess, by Edith Ogden Harrison - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOON PRINCESS *** - -***** This file should be named 60042-h.htm or 60042-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/0/4/60042/ - -Produced by Mary Glenn Krause, Stephen Hutcheson, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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