"No," said the Lion.
"Then good-by until next year," said the Wolf, "when we will meet at the same time and place."
The Wolf and the Lion parted, each going his way through the forest.
"So, then," exclaimed Lovallec, the blind man, who had been sitting in the tree, "I have not been deserted by Providence after all. These beasts have told me secrets that will surely be useful to me hereafter."
The sun had arisen, and the birds began to sing. Lovallec came down from the tree and took a piece of the inner bark thereof and rubbed it on his eyes. Suddenly he found that his eyesight had been restored to him, and the happy man danced around in a transport of joy. He saw the skies, the birds, the flowers, and, above all, the sun. He was happy once more. He placed the bark in his bosom and pressed it there, after securing a quantity of the precious medicine. He did not forget, also, to procure a piece of the root of the tree, in order that he might be able to give water to the unfortunate inhabitants of Offemborough.
After making these preparations the young man started on his journey. He travelled for many days and crossed many rivers. He was nearly at the end of his journey, but he was as poor now as when he started, and his clothes were in tatters. He had no money, but his riches were all in his heart. He met a priest.
"Good-morning, parson," said he; "can I enjoy your hospitality?"
"No," said the priest, "my house is too small and I have no place for you."
He met the mayor.