“‘Oh! I wish I had a friend as strong and as powerful as the River!’ he cried.
“‘And why not?’ he heard a voice say. The water at his feet splashed a little louder. He looked around, but saw no one; he listened, but heard nothing.
“‘I wonder who could have spoken?’ he said aloud.
“‘Who but your friend, the River?’ a Voice replied.
“‘Please don’t mock me, whoever you are. There is no fun in misfortune,’ said Valentine.
“‘None at all’ responded the Voice. ‘I am your friend the River. I will give you all the aid in my power.’
“‘How am I to know the River is talking?’ Valentine asked.
“‘By this,’ replied the River. At the word, a wave larger than all the rest sprang up the bank, and threw its spray in Valentine’s hair and face. ‘That is my salute,’ said the River. ‘It is a rough way, but I know no other. Now, how can I aid you?’
“‘That is what troubles me,’ responded Valentine. ‘You are always going; you never stay.’
“‘True,’ said the River; ‘but I am always coming. Therefore I must be always returning.’