est the princess could not, for the plant, as she knew, grew on
the very top of the rock, and a wide chasm ran round the foot of it.
Luckily she had brought a rope with her, and making a noose at one
end, she flung it across with all her might. The first time it slid
back slowly into the ditch, and she had to draw it up, and throw it
again, but at length the noose caught on something, the princess could
not see what, and had to trust her whole weight to this little bridge,
which might snap and let her fall deep down among the rocks. And in
that case her death was as certain as that of the prince.

But nothing so dreadful happened. The princess got safely to the
other side, and then became the worst part of her task. As fast as she
put her foot on a ledge of the rock the stone broke away from under
her, and left her in the same place as before. Meanwhile the hours
were passing, and it was nearly noon.

The heart of the poor princess was filled with despair, but she would
not give up the struggle. She looked round till she saw a small stone
above her which seemed rather stronger than the rest, and by only
poising her foot lightly on those that lay between, she managed by a
great effort to reach it. In this way, with torn and bleeding hands,
she gained the top; but here such a violent wind was blowing that she
was almost blinded with dust, and was obliged to throw herself on the
ground, and feel about after the precious herb.

For a few terrible moments she thought that the rock was bare, and
that her journey had been to no purpose. Feel where she would, there
was nothing but grit and stones, when, suddenly, her fingers touched
something soft in a crevice. It was a plant, that was clear; but was
it the right one? See she could not, for the wind was blowing more
fiercely than ever, so she lay where she was and counted the leaves.
One, two, three--yes! yes! there were four! And plucking a leaf she
held it safe in her hand while she turned, almost stunned by the wind,
to go down the rock.

When once she was safely over the side all became still in a moment,
and she slid down the rock so fast that it was only a wonder that she
did not land in the chasm. However, by good luck, she stopped quite
close to her rope bridge and was soon across it. The donkey brayed
joyfully at the sight of her, and set off home at his best speed,
never seeming to know that the earth under his feet was nearly as hot
as the sun above him.

On th