an approach their cottage,
holding Thoril's hand--the ancient Moengal had rushed at him with a
spear--were at once gentle and won, when he begged, with the old smile
of Oski--"Let me be healed at Thoril's golden eyes."

But on the thirtieth day--the time when the Singing Swan should come
for him was long passed, but Halfred thought not of that--the two went
out with hooks and lines to catch fish. For Moengal's provisions were
exhausted.

In the midst of the island lay a dark lake, surrounded by steep high
cliffs. But from the lake a streamlet flowed to the open sea. In a
small boat they could row upon this lake, and down the streamlet to the
sea. And there were many splendid fish called silver salmon in the
lake, and in the stream, and even down in the salt sea.

And Halfred and Thoril rowed over the lake the whole morning, and laid
ground hooks and nets.

And when, towards mid-day, the heat burned more and more fiercely down
upon them, Halfred said--

"Come away from this shadeless depth. There above, on the cliff, I see
falling the glittering spray of a silver rill--amidst alders, amidst
wild roses it springs. There above, it is cool and shady. Easily shall
we find a grotto in the rock. I long for that fresh spring water. And
there above, to the left, nod dark sweet berries--they quench the
thirst, and young boys love them. Let us climb up. I will gladly aid
thee."

And slowly they climbed the steep face of the cliff. Thoril now aided,
now followed by Halfred.

Then there floated to them, half-way up to the fountain, a strong
perfume from a hollow linden tree, like wine, but it was wild honey
which the wood-bees had gathered there.

And Thoril dipped his forefinger deep in the bright thick mixture, and
laid it upon Halfred's lips, and smiled at him, and said--

"Take it. It is very sweet."

And most enchanting he looked.

Then Halfred exclaimed--

"Such honey, so say the people, the Gods have laid upon my lips. Try if
it is true."

And he suddenly clapped Thoril's head, which was bent down towards him,
with both hands, and kissed him on his full lips.

Then both started asunder. A burning glow shot through Halfred's frame.
But Thoril turned away his face, quivering slightly, and rapidly
climbed up the cliff.

Halfred paused, and drew a deep breath--

Then he followed.

"See, Thoril," cried Halfred halting, "this cavern, hollowed by the
elves in the rock. The thick thorn bushes, with the perfume