Snowdrop Takes a Fourney. ie7

where Otto no sooner beheld the pearl ring than he tried to
wrench it off; but the ring held as firmly as steel.

“<The value of the pearl would make me a rich man, and
I will have it, he scolded.

“The dove maiden was afraid he would hurt the child, and
secretly made up her mind to send her away in search of her
grandfather’s kingdom. When Aunt Katrine saw the ring she
was much excited, wishing to know where it came from; and
little Snowdrop told her that a beautiful dove brought it from
the skies. Then the old lady told the dove maiden the truth
concerning the disappearance of the dove chain on the day
when she had taken it from Otto’s hiding-place under the eaves.

“«Never let him know,’ she said, earnestly; and the dove
maiden promised.

“<T will go and find the chain for you, said Snowdrop to
her mother. ‘Then we can travel to the beautiful country you
have told me about.’

“So the mother kissed Snowdrop; and the little girl, wearing
the silver cap and the ring, started forth in search of the dove
chain. She tripped along, humming a gay song to herself.
She had left her dear mamma and Aunt Katrine looking sadly
after her, yet she would soon return. A little robin flew on a
twig, and sang—

“* Don’t get into the boat.’

“*What do you say? asked the child, puzzled.

“Then a toad hopped across the path, and croaked —

“«Don’t get into the boat.’

“«T do not know what you are talking about, laughed Snow-
drop, and found herself on the brink of the canal. Directly be-