In a short time I came to a stop, as the path had done the same. I could not determine where it continued, for there was a very respectable waterfall into which it led, and over which, or rather up which, it undoubtedly went. No man could swim or climb that torrent of water; but mount it I must, for there was no path leading in any other direction.
I sat for a long time with my feet in the water, having removed my boots for the purpose, as my feet were hot from the long walk; but I could not concoct any scheme for scaling the water fence.
I was just dropping into a doze, when I heard a splashing below me and saw some great sturgeon preparing to shoot the falls. It took me no time at all to wade into the water, and as a big one shot by, grasp him by his caudal fin, and I was up the chute before I had time to breathe. In fact, the transit was so sudden it was quite a spell before I got my breath back again; but I did it just in time to save myself from being swept back, for the great fish had shaken me loose when we had barely passed the verge.
But I had left my boots below, and I could never enter the presence of the Princess barefoot. So I secured them in this manner:
Disengaging one of the rope-walks of the giant spider I fastened one end to a long stone of such size and shape as when I threw it into the leg of the boot it stuck tight, and I was enabled to draw it up. I got the first one easily enough, but was less fortunate with the second, for as I was pulling it over the fall, a fish swallowed it, thinking it was some bait intended for him, and I had a very severe struggle with him. Had it not been for the strength of my rope I should have lost my boot; but the fish, evidently becoming convinced he would be delayed too long if he remained until he had his meal, peacefully coughed up the boot and went on.
XXIII
I offer a few suggestions and relate other experiences which happened after I had reached the palace for which I had so long been striving, where I meet the “sweetest woman ever born,” whose husband I have the honor of becoming.
I HAVE but a few more incidents to relate, and I beg the pardon of the reader for offering here a suggestion or two as to his course on finishing the book. I trust he will not shy it into a corner of the room, or cast it forth through the window. It would give me less pain if he will lay it down softly. I say this as its contents are part of myself—they came from my brain, and any undue shaking up he may thus give me would be shocking to my atoms and therefore repugnant to my “piece” of mind.