“Because first you were only brought into Shadow-Land; this time you came into it. Such as he can only control those who allow him. He could only have power over you by your own act and deed.”
And once more the boat went on. But after awhile she was hailed again,—and Eva bade her stop.
This time Eva was surprised to see that the call came from a little old woman crouched upon a stone which rose above the water. A very ugly old woman she was, too; for she had a very wide mouth and a pair of prominent, staring black eyes, and she was wrapped in a green shawl, and talked in an odd little croaking voice.
“Where are you going?” she asked Eva. Eva only smiled, for she could not tell the old woman what she did not know herself.
“I know,” the old woman said, nodding her head, and without waiting for a reply, “you are looking for Aster and his coat.”
“How do you know?” Eva began; but the old woman interrupted her:
“Never you mind how I know it; it is enough for you that I do know it. And if you really want to find Aster, I can tell you where he is, and put you in the way of finding him.”
“If you only would,” Eva said, eagerly.
“You must first take me into the boat, and then give me one of your curls.”
“No,” Eva said, remembering what the trout had told her; “that I cannot do.”