a's father,
"It is a pleasant place to rest."

Every one liked the plan. Bertha nestled close to her father's side.

"Tell us a story. Please do," she said.

"Ask neighbour Abel. He knows many a legend of just such places as
this. He has lived in the Hartz Mountains, and they are filled with
fairy stories."

The rest of the party heard what was said.

"Neighbour Abel! A story, a story," they cried.

Of course the kind-hearted German could not refuse such a general
request. Besides, he liked to tell stories. Taking his long pipe
out of his mouth, he laid it down on the ground beside him. Then he
cleared his throat and began to speak.

"Look above you, friends. Do you see that mark on the rocky platform
overhead? I noticed it as soon as I got here. It made me think of a
wild spot in the Hartz Mountains where there is just such a mark.
The people call it 'The Horse's Hoof-print.' I will tell you how
they explain its coming there.

"Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess. Her name was
Brunhilda, and she lived in Bohemia. She lived a gay and happy life,
like most young princesses, till one day a handsome prince arrived at
her father's palace. He was the son of the king of the Hartz country.

"Of course, you can all guess what happened. The prince fell in love
with the princess, and she returned his love. The day was set for
the wedding, and the young prince went home to prepare for the great
event.

"But he had been gone only a short time when a powerful giant arrived
at Brunhilda's home. He came from the far north. His name was Bodo.

"He asked for the princess in marriage, but her heart had already
been given away. She did not care for the giant, even though he gave
her the most elegant presents,--a beautiful white horse, jewels set
in gold, and chains of amber.

"'I dare not refuse the giant,' said Brunhilda's father. 'He is very
powerful, and we must not make him angry. You must marry him, my
daughter, in three days.'

"The poor maiden wept bitterly. It seemed as though her heart would
break. But she was a clever girl, and she soon dried her tears and
began to think of some plan by which she might yet be free. She
began to smile upon the giant and treat him with great kindness.

"'I should like to try the beautiful horse you brought me,' she said
to him. He was much pleased. The horse was brought to the door.
The princess mounted him and rode for a time up and down in