"'Do you see the star straight before us in the heavens?' she asked. 'Keep your eyes fixed upon it, and think of her who is now dreaming of you; then if you obey me, all will be well.'
"She led him to the edge of the cliff, below him was the rushing stream; 'Look at the star and go on,' she cried.
"For one instant he hesitated. Go on? Where would the next step take him? Beneath were the rocks and the foaming torrent, but above him was the glowing star. He stepped bravely out. Louder and louder roared the torrent, brighter and brighter burned the star, firm and solid was the mysterious path. Confidence grew as he went on, his heart full of a great joy, and presently he felt the turf under his feet; the stream was crossed!
"As he paused to look back the truth flashed upon him: the bridge was where it had always been, but some strange spell had made it invisible!
"He went on his way, and all around him he seemed to hear fairy voices singing:—
| "'The ducks and the geese they all swim over, |
| Fol de rol de ri do, fol de ri do—' |
"He stopped and, lifting his hat, said softly, 'Thank you, Sadonia!' and hoped she heard.
"On the next day the maiden and her lover had a joyous wedding, and the evil-minded magician slunk away in a rage to his castle, having discovered that love is stronger than magic; for no evil power can destroy the bridge between true and loving hearts, and faith and courage can always find the way."
"Well!" exclaimed Mr. Clark, as Miss Sherwin paused, with a very becoming color in her cheeks, "who would have thought there was such a story hidden away in my old song."