Many, many years ago there lived in the village of Zurdorf, a queer little old woman. She was a very kind old lady and a good nurse. Often she was called upon to care for the boys and girls of the village.

They quite enjoyed being ill because she knew so many interesting stories. She told them of great knights¹ and ladies, of castles and fairies, of the wood nymphs and the water sprites; but best of all was the story of old Father Rhine.

One night as she sat knitting, a knock came at the cottage door. She opened it and there stood a strange man, carrying a lantern of curious pattern. He did not speak, but motioned to her to follow him.

The night was dark, and the rain was[8] pouring down in torrents². Great pools were found in the streets. Aunt Margot, as the children called the old lady, hesitated to follow the stranger. It was not, however, because she was afraid of the storm, but because the man was a stranger.

He motioned to her again. She saw that his face was kindly³, and so decided⁴ to follow him. Down the dark street they passed, splashing through the deep pools of water.

Suddenly the water became deeper, and began to eddy⁵ about Margot’s ankles. She became frightened and was about to turn and flee.

“I can go no farther,” she shouted; “what manner of man art thou, and whither wouldst thou lead me?”

The old man did not answer, but caught Margot in his arms and plunged⁶ into the river Rhine. It had risen from its banks, and its eddying⁷ waters had frightened Margot.

Down, down, through cold green waters[9] they sank. It seemed to Margot as if she were going down forever. She closed her eyes and ceased to struggle.

At last they seemed to have passed out of the water, and Margot opened her eyes. She found herself in a wonderful crystal palace. Precious stones glittered all about her. The

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