were you, I would not travel to the north. It is cold and
dreary there, and your Princess would not dwell in such a region. A
little above us, on the other side of this river, there is a stream
which runs sometimes to the east and sometimes to the south, and
which leads to the Land of the Lovely Lakes. This is the most
beautiful country in the world, and you will be much more likely to
find your Princess there than among the desolate mountains of the
north."

"I dare say you are right," said the Prince; "and I will go there, if
you will show me the way."

"The road runs along the bank of the river," said the Water Sprite;
"and we shall soon reach the Land of the Lovely Lakes."

The Prince then mounted his horse, forded the river, and was soon
riding along the bank of the stream, while the Water Sprite gayly
floated upon its dancing ripples.

* * * * *

When the Gryphoness started southward, in pursuit of the Princess,
she kept out of sight among the bushes by the roadside; but sped
swiftly along. The Absolute Fool, however, mounted upon a fine horse,
rode boldly along upon the open road. He was a good-looking youth,
with rosy cheeks, bright eyes, and a handsome figure. As he cantered
gayly along, he felt himself capable of every noble action which the
human mind has ever conceived. The Gryphoness kept near him, and in
the course of the morning they overtook the Princess, who was
allowing her horse to walk in the shade by the roadside. The Absolute
Fool dashed up to her, and, taking off his hat, asked her why she had
left her city, where she was going, and what she intended to do when
she got there.

The Princess looked at him in surprise. "I left my city because I
wanted to," she said. "I am going about my business, and when I get
to the proper place, I shall attend to it."

"Oh," said the Absolute Fool, "you refuse me your confidence, do you?
But allow me to remark that I have a Gryphoness with me who is very
frightful to look at, and whom it was my intention to keep in the
bushes; but if you will not give fair answers to my questions, she
must come out and talk to you, and that is all there is about it."

"If there is a Gryphoness in the bushes," said the Princess, "let her
come out. No matter how frightful she is, I would rather she should
come where I can see her, than to have her hiding near me."

The Gryphoness, who had heard these words, now came out into the
road. The