an myself, and my life grows
ever more lonely." "I must not make any promises," said the dwarf, "and
it is about time for your father to fulfil his office. Hark, he is just
driving off in his golden sledge with the grey horse, to warn mortals
against treading incautiously on our delicate silver roof. But as you
have once before been our guest, and have ventured to come again, I will
show you the house and grounds of the water-world. None of our people
are at home to-day, neither the gentry nor the household, so that we can
go through the rooms without interference." As he spoke he touched the
door, and the old man and his guide entered a vast and splendid palace
of crystal. There they saw a great crowd of men, women, and children
walking about, or sitting talking, or amusing themselves; but none of
them noticed or addressed the newcomers. Presently the dwarf led the old
man farther into the hall. All the fittings were of bright gold and
silver, and the floor was of copper, and the farther they advanced the
brighter everything shone, without any apparent end. At last the old man
asked to turn back, and the dwarf said, "It is well that you mentioned
it, for a little farther on the gold shines so brilliantly that the eyes
of mortal men cannot endure it. And there dwells our good and mighty
king, with his noble consort, surrounded by the bold heroes and lovely
dames of our realm." "You told me the gentry and dependants were not at
home," said the old man, "but who were all the people who were talking
and laughing near the door, and the children who were playing with all
manner of costly toys of gold and silver? Don't they belong to your
people?" "Half-way indeed, but not quite," said the dwarf. "They are, if
I may be permitted to tell you, people from your world, who all sank
into our kingdom, sooner or later. But they live a very pleasant life
here, and have no wish to return to your world, even if they were
permitted. For whoever comes to our kingdom must stay with us." "Must I
stay here too?" asked the old man startled, not knowing what
preparations he had to make for the life below. "Do you find our home so
bad?" asked the dwarf. "But fear nothing, and don't alarm yourself. This
day you can go or stay, as you please. I led you in freely, and will
lead you out freely. But this is the first time that a mortal man has
been permitted to leave our abode." Then the old man asked, "Shall I
never see my father again?" and tears s