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19 EL BG A SE OBA LIFE Fountain of Immortality. If you can accomplish each of these four days’ journey without turning aside from the road, and, on reaching the castle, can answer three questions that will be put to you by an invisible voice, you will obtain what you desire. But, my child, reflect well before undertaking this adventure, for you will meet more than one danger on the way; and if you fail a single time to reach the end of your day’s journey you will not only miss the object of your pursuit, but you will never quit the country, from which none has ever returned." "1 will go, madam,” returned Graceful. " But you are very young, my child,” said the Fairy of the Woods, "and you do not even know the way." " No matter,” replied Graceful. “I am sure, beautiful ladies, that you will not forsake me, and to save my grandmother I would go to the end of the world." “Wait,” said the Fairy of the Woods. Then separating the lead from a broken window-pane, she placed it in the hollow of her hand. And behold! the lead began to melt and bubble without seeming to burn the fairy, who threw the metal on the hearth, where it cooled in a thousand different forms. ‘What do you see in all that?" said the fairy to Graceful. " It seems to me, madam," said he, after looking attentively, "that I see a spaniel with a long tail and large ears." “Call him,” said the fairy. 9 53
