he form of a handsome young man--that was the best
way--and he fell in love with the girl then and there. The fair maiden
was the daughter of the king of the country, and she often wandered in
the forest with her play fellows gathering the wild flowers and
fruits, till the midday heat drove the merry band to the shady lawn by
the brook to rest, or to bathe in the cool waters. On this particular
morning the fancy took them to wander off again into the wood. This
was Master Ruebezahl's opportunity. Stepping out of his hiding-place he
stood in the midst of the little lawn, weaving his magic spells, till
slowly all about him changed, and when the maidens returned at noon to
their favourite resting-place they stood lost in amazement, and almost
fancied that they must be dreaming. The red rocks had become white
marble and alabaster; the stream that murmured and struggled before in
its rocky bed, flowed in silence now in its smooth channel, from which
a clear fountain leapt, to fall again in showers of diamond drops, now
on this side now on that, as the wandering breeze scattered it.

Daisies and forget-me-nots fringed its brink, while tall hedges of
roses and jasmine ringed it round, making the sweetest and daintiest
bower imaginable. To the right and left of the waterfall opened out a
wonderful grotto, its walls and arches glittering with many-coloured
rock-crystals, while in every niche were spread out strange fruits and
sweetmeats, the very sight of which made the princess long to taste
them. She hesitated a while, however, scarcely able to believe her
eyes, and not knowing if she should enter the enchanted spot or fly
from it. But at length curiosity prevailed, and she and her companions
explored to their heart's content, and tasted and examined everything,
running hither and thither in high glee, and calling merrily to each
other.

At last, when they were quite weary, the princess cried out suddenly
that nothing would content her but to bathe in the marble pool, which
certainly did look very inviting; and they all went gaily to this new
amusement. The princess was ready first, but scarcely had she slipped
over the rim of the pool when down--down--down she sank, and vanished
in its depths before her frightened playmates could seize her by so
much as a lock of her floating golden hair!

Loudly did they weep and wail, running about the brink of the pool,
which looked so shallow and so clear, but which had swallowed up the