So Fiona stooped down and stroked the little dog, who looked at her with wistful eyes, and took her farewell of the King; and the King raised his hand, and the mist rose again and enwrapped the fairy ring and those in it . . . and Fiona walked out through the archway into the cave, and there sat the Student on the rock barrier, just as she had left him, knocking the ashes out of his pipe. And even as she came to him there was a noise behind her, and when she looked round it was to see the archway blocked by a great fall of rock.
"You will not use that way again, little daughter," said the Student.
"I shall not use any way again now, daddy," she said. "I am too old. But oh, daddy, it has been worth it."
Then they launched their boat and paddled slowly out of the cave, out of the dark into daylight; and before them lay the quiet sea bathed in the winter sun, and the Isle of Mist dreaming under its mantle of white.
THE END.
A Selection from the
Catalogue of
G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS
Complete Catalogues sent
on application
THE MOON POOL