146 The Catskill Fazrtes.

maid had waited for her on the shore, amusing herself by sing-
ing sweet songs to bewitch the fishermen.

“ Down they went through the rushing waters, and this time
Snowdrop was not afraid. It was an easy matter to use
Drubb’s dagger on the cruel chain which bound the lady, but
Snowdrop was surprised when the whole city rose to’its place
on the blooming plain, the houses marble and stone, instead of
clam-shells and cowries.

“You see Giant Drubb had made a sort of off-hand earth-
quake to immerse the city; no one ever heard of a town
coming back that had been swallowed by a real, terrible earth-
quake. The Queen was very grateful. She lost no time in
leading Snowdrop up the steep path to the wise woman on
the mountain. They found her in a hut perched on a crag,
where a goat might climb—and, indeed, she was as nimble
and sure-footed as any goat. She liked to live near the stars,
where the thunder crashed and the lightning seemed to leap
from rock to rock.

“The visitors entered her hut, where an owl was perched on
one side of the hearth, and an eagle on the other.

“¢Who have we here?’ she muttered, peering at Snowdrop.

“¢T will give you my ring if you tell me where the dove
chain is,’ said Snowdrop, eagerly.

“ The wise woman smiled, and smoothed the little girl’s hair.

“*T live nearer the clear heavens than those below. The
stars are my jewels,’ she said.

“¢This dear child has rescued me from prison, and in re-
turn she desires to find her mother’s dove chain,’ said Queen

lkornor.