ayer? It seemed quite impossible, and at length one of
them spoke:

'Oh, how can I find words to refuse?' cried he, 'yet how can we do
what you ask? Consider that, like yours, our bodies are heavy and our
feet small. Therefore, how could we walk with you over mountains and
deserts, till we reached a land where the sun's rays no longer burn?
Why, before the day was out we should all three be dead of fatigue and
hunger! No, our only hope lies in our wings--and, alas! you cannot
fly!'

'No, I cannot fly, of course,' answered the turtle, with a sigh. 'But
you are so clever, and have seen so much of the world--surely you can
think of some plan?' And he fixed his eyes eagerly on them. Now, when
the ducks saw how ardently the turtle wished to accompany them their
hearts were touched, and making a sign to their friend that they
wished to be alone they swam out into the lake to consult together.
Though he could not hear what they said, the turtle could watch, and
the half-hour that their talk lasted felt to him like a hundred years.
At length he beheld them returning side by side, and so great was his
anxiety to know his fate he almost died from excitement before they
reached him.

'We hope we have found a plan that may do for you,' said the big duck
gravely, 'but we must warn you that it is not without great danger,
especially if you are not careful to follow our directions.'

'How is it possible that I should not follow your directions when my
life and happiness are at stake?' asked the turtle joyfully. 'Tell me
what they are, and I will promise to obey them gratefully.'

'Well, then,' answered the duck, 'whilst we are carrying you through
the air, in the manner that we have fixed upon, you must remain as
quiet as if you were dead. However high above the earth you may find
yourself, you must not feel afraid, nor move your feet nor open your
mouth. No matter what you see or hear, it is absolutely needful for
you to be perfectly still, or I cannot answer for the consequences.'

'I will be absolutely obedient,' answered the turtle, 'not only on
this occasion but during all my life; and once more I promise
faithfully not to move head or foot, to fear nothing, and never to
speak a word during the whole journey.'

This being settled, the ducks swam about till they found, floating in
the lake, a good stout stick. This they tied to their necks with some
of the tough water-lily roots, and returned as quickly as they could
to t