DAVID and Ruth journeyed onward hand in hand. The Burning Mountain was now almost invisibly remote, and they knew that they must be near the Garden for which they sought. Soon they met a company of young people, who immediately recognized the two as strangers.
One, who seemed to be the leader, spoke to them, saying: “You are welcome, strangers. Will you not join us? for we are on our way to the Temple of Wisdom, and shall be glad to have you accompany us.”
“That is indeed kind,” said David, and they joined the little company and became one with them.
“How came you here?” asked their new-found friend.
“I will tell you gladly,” said David, “if you will tell me first where we are.”
“Where?” repeated the other. “Why, you are on the borders of the Garden.”
“The Garden in the midst of the Forest?” said David questioningly.
“Yes,” replied the other.
“There is a tree in its midst, is there not?” asked David.
“A more beautiful Tree than the mind of man can imagine,” answered their guide.