He came upon beds which had been spread for himself and his companions. "We could not sleep in these," was his conclusion, "because they are too hard."
And as he continued his examination he became aware that he was standing close to Will o'Dreams; and something in his friend's manner caused him to pause and observe him more closely.
Because of the fulness of his heart he put forth a hand and touched his friend's arm. The arm trembled. And then the sad truth became known. The scenes he had been called upon to witness here in the cavern had been too much for Will o'Dreams. He had been stricken with blindness!
It did not seem strange to Everychild that he should wish to run immediately and tell the Masked Lady of what had befallen the giant. Surely he must have felt a certain confidence in her, after all!
But when she had been informed of the giant's plight she only said, "Let us be patient."
And then she began to speak to all the children, calling their attention to this matter or that. "Do not be afraid to drink of the water," she said. "It seems black. That is only because it is deep."
And drinking of the water, they found it to be sweet and refreshing.
"Do not hold back from wandering in the paths," she added. "Your feet will take them easily."
And wandering in the paths they found that they were not so rough as they had imagined them.
"Do not falter if you wish to climb the stairways," she continued. "Only try them."