"In a few moments the girl stumbled and fell; and her mother, full of tenderest pity, raised her, comforted her, and did what she could for her. But I noticed that somehow the burden always seemed in the way, and when the lady would have drawn the girl to rest on her bosom, the burden got between them, and the girl hastily pushed herself away. Then the mother went to the stream and fetched some clear water, and bathed her child's bruised foot, and by-and-by was so successful that the girl fell asleep with her head resting on a grassy mound. Then I ventured to speak.
"'You have no burden,' I said softly; 'how is it that all I see here have them?'
"She sighed deeply, and glanced at her child. 'They need not,' she said.
"'Is there a way to get rid of them, then?' I asked.
"'Certainly; did you not know?'
"'I am a stranger here.'
"'Yes, they can get rid of them,' she resumed, 'there is one way to do it.'
"'How is that?' I asked; 'and why do not all?'
"'It is very strange they do not. There is a stream not far from here; they have only to plunge in it, and the burden falls off, melts away. Only the way to it is narrow, and does not look inviting; but, oh, it is very different when you get to it!'
"'Really? And did you plunge in it?'