Some one must have heard the sound of his voice, for when he looked up he saw a young man approaching.
“How did you get in?” asked the stranger.
“Through the little door in the Tree,” answered David.
“How did you find the door?”
“I was seeking for the Blue Bird that I have followed a long, long way, and he flew into a hole in the tree, and I lost him. After I had awakened from a sleep—for I was very tired and so fell fast asleep—I tried to find the Bird again, and in my searching I found the little door.”
“Oh!” said the stranger, “you followed the Blue Bird here, did you? Then you are welcome; you may stay here as long as you wish.”
“That is very nice,” said David. “But do you mind telling me where I am?”
“No,” said the stranger, smiling. “You are on the edge of the Forest.”
“What Forest?” asked David.
“The Forest beyond the Woodlands,” answered the stranger.