“‘But where shall I seek for the boy?’ asked Valentine.
“‘Come to me,’ said the River. ‘I will be here. I am always going, and yet I am always coming.’
“By this time they had come to the city. ‘Row for the landing,’ said the River; ‘your fortune is there.’
“Valentine dipped his oar in the water and rowed to the landing. He leaped from his boat, threw the chain around a stake, and looked around. Sure enough, an old gentleman, richly dressed, was walking up and down, his hands crossed behind him. When he saw Valentine he paused and looked at him. Valentine bowed politely as he had been taught to do.
“‘You are a comely lad,’ said the old gentleman. ‘Did you come down the River, or from below?’
“‘I came down the River,’ replied Valentine, touching his hat again.
“‘I have lost my youngest son,’ said the old gentleman. ‘He is a little boy about six years old. He wandered from home two days ago, came to the River landing, and was last seen playing in a boat. I have been trying to find him. My boats have been searching in all directions, but the child cannot be found.’
“‘I think I can find him,’ said Valentine, ‘but first I must rest and refresh myself. I have come a long journey, and I am tired.’
“The old gentleman seized him by the hand. ‘Come with me!’ he exclaimed. ‘You shall go to my house. Your every want shall be supplied. If you succeed in finding my lost boy you shall have whatever you ask for.’
“‘I shall ask for nothing,’ replied Valentine. ‘The pleasure I shall have in restoring your son to your arms will be sufficient reward for me.’