68 The Catskill Fairies.

 

 

“The second evening the witch-child found a beautiful lady
sitting on the border of a lake. She was robed in leaves, and
her long hair was also green; but she was altogether lovely,
even if her look was sad. She seemed very glad to see the
witch-child, and made her sit down beside her, while she held
her hand.

“*T am chained beneath the waters, and can only rise to the
surface of the lake, she said. ‘I lived on the mainland very
happily until Mulkgraub carried me off in a great storm.’

“*Tet me see your home,’ urged the witch-child, curiously.

“* Mulkgraub might come and find you,’ hesitated the lady.

“«T am not afraid while I wear my jacket.’

“*Then you must be prepared to live in the water, or the
first breath you draw will strangle you.’ So saying the lady