vertake her she would
accompany him to his castle. But the resolute maiden had secretly vowed
to die rather than submit to such degradation. Choosing her fleetest
steed, she vaulted nimbly into the saddle and galloped away. Her
persecutor pursued close behind, straining every nerve to come up with
her. Shuddering at the very thought of becoming his bride, she chose
death as the only alternative. So she spurred her horse onward to the
edge of a deep chasm.

The noble animal neighed loudly as though conscious of impending danger.
The pursuer laughed grimly as he thought to seize his prize, but his
laughter was turned to rage when the horse with its fair burden bounded
lightly across the chasm, landing safely on the other side.

The enraged tyrant now beheld his intended victim kneeling in prayer and
her steed calmly grazing among the green verdure by her side. He strode
furiously hither and thither, searching for a crossing, and suddenly
a shout of joy told the affrighted maid that he had discovered some
passage.

His satisfaction, however, was short-lived, for just then a strange
knight with drawn sword rushed upon the giant. The maid watched the
contest with breathless fear, and many times she thought that the tyrant
would slay her protector. At last in one such moment the giant stooped
to clutch a huge boulder with which he meant to overwhelm his adversary,
when, overreaching himself, he slipped and fell headlong down the steep
rocks.

Then the maid hastened to thank her rescuer, and great was her surprise
to discover in the gallant knight the youth whose former poverty had
kept him from wooing her. They returned to the castle together, and it
was not long ere they celebrated their wedding.

Both lived long and happily, and their union was blessed with many
children. The rock is still known as "The Maiden's Leap."

The Wonderful Road

Near Homburg, on the pinnacle of a lofty mountain, are the ruins of
Falkenstein Castle, access to which is gained by a steep, winding path.

Within the castle walls there once dwelt a maiden of surpassing beauty.
Many suitors climbed the stern acclivity to woo this charming damsel,
but her stern father repelled one and all. Only Kuno of Sayn was firm
enough to persevere in his suit against the rebuffs of the stubborn Lord
of Falkenstein, and in the end he was rewarded with the smiles and kind
looks of the fair maid.

One evening, as they watched the sun set, Kuno pointed out to