cess.

"I do, indeed," answered I with amazement.

"Such are the effects," continued she, "of intoxication from the water
of the golden fountain. They contain in solution so large a quantity of
the matter which by mineralogists is denominated silex, that once allow
the senses to be overpowered by repeated draughts, and in a few hours
the effects which you behold will be produced. It is by these means
that my father has obtained the variety and number of statues which you
have seen--all of whom were once visitors to the island in different
ships, not one of the crews of which have ever returned. It has also
the power of producing longevity, and hardening the hearts of those who
use it in moderation. My father's cruelty, therefore, is not thought of
by his subjects, who, if convicted of any heinous crime, are forced to
drink this water, and are erected as monuments of his displeasure in
various parts of the island. You may ask, how is it that I have not as
little remorse as the other inhabitants? The fact is, that I was
naturally of a kind and tender heart; and my mother, who lamented it
because she felt that it would not add to my happiness in this world of
cruelty and deceit, was more than ever anxious that I should drink the
waters; but what is forced upon us in childhood, is generally remembered
as we grow up with disgust. The consequence is, that I have never used
the waters since her death, which happened when I was but seven years
old. Had I not made this discovery, in all probability you and all your
companions would have fallen victims this evening, when the banquet will
be spread and the water will be produced as before. My prepossession in
your favour has, I trust, been the means of preserving the lives of
those who remain."

"Cursed treachery!" exclaimed I; "and, now what is to be done?"

"You must escape. Caution your men not to drink this evening, and make
some excuse to repair on board for an hour or two in the forenoon of
to-morrow. As for me--"

"Without you, princess, I cannot--will not go. Either consent to
accompany me, or here I stay, risking all; for I had sooner be a
senseless statue upon a plinth in the portico of your abode, than quit
the island with a broken heart."

"Then he is true; and there are some who are good--some who are not
deceitful in this world;" exclaimed the princess, falling on her knees,
as the tears trickled down her cheeks. "I am sure you'll treat me
kindly,