“The silvery light of the moon shed its glow upon the mountain, and as they looked, suddenly the portal opened wide, disclosing an inside gate of golden fretwork.
“Silently and slowly the portal swung back, and they whispered to one another, ‘Was that the great door that shut the children in?’
“With bated breath they waited, and suddenly sweet strains of music filled the air.
“‘The Pied Piper!’ cried the Mayor, with upraised hand.
“Never had they heard such notes, as clear and silvery as the moonbeams themselves. Then came the sound of children’s voices, singing as never children sang, and though it was sweet it was so sad they could scarcely bear to listen, but it seemed to beckon them on.
“They hurried up the path taken by the children, and as they neared the door the words of the song amazed them, and drew forth exclamations.
“‘Keep your promise and we can come back!’ was the burden of the song, and the Mayor cried:
“‘Come! The Piper must be told we are ready and eager to give him what we owe.’
“He led the way, but alas! they found the inside gate so small, only a child could enter. They called many times, but the only response was the sad little song of the children.