ed more
cruel in the end than either Ralph or old Thorold." "What would they
have done to us? Why did they meet us? Who are they, think you?" "I
don't know, Wolf; it was enough for me that they lied, and did not wish
us to do what was right. The gold thread given me by my father never
could have led me into the society and house of the wicked. I am glad we
held it fast."

CHAPTER V.

THE GREEN ISLAND OF THE LAKE, AND THE RETURN HOME.

[Illustration]

Not long after this strange adventure, they reached a rising ground,
from which a magnificent view burst upon them. Below, there was a large
lake, surrounded by wooded hills, above which rose noble rocks fringed
with stately pines, and higher ranges of mountains beyond, some of whose
summits were covered with snow that glittered like purest alabaster in
the azure blue of the sky. Eric gave a cry of joy; for he saw the house
of one of his father's foresters, which he had once visited with his
father. "Wolf! Wolf!" he exclaimed, "look yonder, that is the house of
Darkeye, the forester. We are safe!" and the thread was leading straight
down in the very direction which they wished. Darkeye's house was built
on a small green island in the lake. The island was like a little fort,
for on every side the rocks descended like a wall. It could only be
approached by a boat, which Darkeye kept on the island, and then by a
narrow stair cut out of the rock at the landing-place. No robbers could
thus get near it, and Darkeye was there to give shelter to travellers,
and to help any of the poor who had to pass that way. The thread led
down to the shore. They forgot their fatigue, and ran down till they
reached the ferry. "Boat, ahoy!" shouted Eric. By and by two boys were
seen running out of the cottage, and after looking cautiously at those
who were calling for the boat, they rowed off, and soon were at the
shore, where stood Eric with his gold belt, and Wolf in his rough skins.
"Olaf! Torquil! don't you remember me?" asked Eric, looking at his old
friends. The boys looked astonished as they recognised the young prince,
and received him joyfully into their boat, he holding by the thread,
which seemed to cross the ferry towards the cottage. How many questions
were mutually put and answered in a few minutes! They told him their
father was at home; and how he had lately seen the king; and how the
king was anxiously looking for Eric's return; and how glad all on the
island would be