“You are going on a journey. You are all going home!”
“Home! home!” cried Kitty, and all the children skipped with joy.
“Your guardian child goes with you; but remember that other attendant,” Love said, and her voice was anxious. “Take care! It will always be on the side of temptation and against your guardian child. If you mind this sprite, which is your naughty self, it will grow stronger and stronger, and will drive away your guardian child.”
“We will not mind it,” cried all the children in a chorus.
“Your homeward journey will be difficult,” resumed Love. “It lies through a wood.”
“A wood!” echoed Kitty and all the children in tones of dismay. “How shall we find our way?”
“A star will guide you,” said Love.
She raised her fair hand, and Kitty and the children looked whither she pointed. A star shone through the mist. It was as bright as a diamond.
“Keep your eyes upon the star,” said Love. “Never lose sight of it, and you will reach home by Christmas morning. It will guide you aright through the perils of the wood. It is a difficult wood to go through; and it is easy when you are in it to fall back into Punishment Land.”
“Punishment Land!” moaned the children.