"But we would rather stay a few days in this curious country," said
Jack; "let us wait at least till to-morrow night."

The statue at this moment rubbed her hands together, as if they still
felt cold and stiff. "You are quite welcome to stay," she observed;
"but you had better not."

"Why not?" persisted Jack.

"Father," said the woman, rising and shaking the figure next to her by
the sleeve, "Wake up!" What had looked like an old man was a real old
man now, and he got up and began to gather sticks to make a fire, and
to pick up the little brown stones which had been scattered about all
day, but which now were berries of coffee; the larger ones, which you
might find here and there, were rasped rolls. Then the woman answered
Jack, "Why not? Why, because it's full moon to-night at midnight, and
the moment the moon is past the full your Queen, whose country you
have just left, will be able to cross over the little stream, and she
will want to take you and that other mortal back. She can do it, of
course, if she pleases; and we can afford you no protection, for by
that time we shall be stones again. We are only people two hours out
of the twenty-four."

"That is very hard," observed Jack.

"No," said the woman, in a tone of indifference; "it comes to the same
thing, as we live twelve times as long as others do."

By this time the shepherd was gently driving his flock down to the
water, and round fifty little fires groups of people were sitting
roasting coffee, while cows were lowing to be milked, and girls with
distaffs were coming to them slowly, for no one was in a hurry there.
They say in that country that they wish to enjoy their day quietly,
because it is so short.

"Can you tell us anything of the land beyond the mountains?" asked
Jack.

"Yes," said the woman. "Of all fairy lands it is the best; the people
are the gentlest and kindest."

"Then I had better take Mopsa there than down the river?" said Jack.

"You can't take her down the river," replied the woman; and Jack
thought she laughed and was glad of that.

"Why not?" asked Jack. "I have a boat."

"Yes, sir," answered the woman; "but where is it now?"

CHAPTER XIII.

MELON SEEDS.

_Rosalind._--Well, this is the forest of Arden.

_Touchstone._--Ay, now am I in Arden: the more fool I;
when I was at home I was in a better place; but travellers
must be content.

_As you Like it._

"Where is it now?" said the stone-woman; an