r was killed! He may have been the child of good people. Was that
person his mother who, he says, prayed for him? If so, her prayers are
now answered, for her boy will be delivered,--poor Wolf! Wolf, my boy,"
said Darkeye, "come and bid farewell to your friend." Wolf started as
from a dream, and came to Eric. "Farewell, my kind Wolf, and I hope to
see you some day in my father's house." The herd spoke not a word, but
wiped his eyes with the back of his rough hand. "Cheer up, Wolf, for you
will be good and happy here." "Wolf is happy already, and he will take
care of the pigs, or do anything for you all." He then held out his
stick to Eric, and said, "Take it; keep it for my sake; it is all Wolf
has to give; Ralph has the gold coin." "Thank you, good Wolf; but you
will require it, and I need nothing to remember you." "Don't be angry,
Eric, for what I did to you in the forest when we first met. My heart is
sorry." "We did not know one another then, Wolf, and I shall never
forget that it is to you I owe my escape." "Wolf loves you, and every
one here." "I am sure you do, Wolf, and I love you. God bless you, Wolf,
I must go; farewell!" And thus they parted. But all gathered round Eric,
and accompanied him to the boat, blessing the little prince, and wishing
him a peaceful and happy journey. Eric thanked them with many smiles and
tender words. Darkeye alone went with him into the boat, wondering
greatly at the thread, and most of all at the prince, who shone with a
beauty that seemed not of this world. The prince landed, but Darkeye
knew, for many reasons, that he could not accompany him in his journey,
which he must take alone. Eric embraced Darkeye, and waving his hand to
all on the island, he was soon lost to their sight in the great forest.

[Illustration]

A winding pathway, over the ridge of hills, led down to a broad and
rapid but smooth river, and on its banks was a royal boat, splendid and
rich to look upon. She was white as snow, with a purple seat at the end
covered by a canopy, that gleamed with golden tassels and many gems.
The thread led into the boat, and though no one was there, Eric entered,
and sat on a purple cushion, on which the Gold Thread also laid itself
down. No sooner had he gone on board of the boat, than--as if his little
foot, when it touched her, had sent her from the shore--she slowly moved
into the centre of the channel, and was carried downwards by the
current. On she swept on the bosom of th