64. BEYOND THE BLUE MOUNTAINS.

trials were over. I said this because the last bit of the way will not
be trodden by you alone. The King kindly allows me to help the
children up this terrible mountain. You can therefore rest assured
that you are not in any danger, although the steepness of the way
will make your hearts beat as if they were going to burst, your heads
may turn giddy, and you may often feel inclined not to go on. Still
IT can faithfully promise you that if you will put your feet one step
after the other on this narrow path, no danger can happen.”

The Guide had to stop speaking here, for the air was completely
filled with the awful thunder, which seemed to be echoed back from
one mountain to another.

“ What is it?—what can be the matter? ” exclaimed poor Cowslip.

“The noise that frightens you so much,” said the Guide, “is
caused by the falling of great avalanches. That sound is very terri-
fying to children, and you will have to hear it all the way as you go
up this steep mountain. But you need not be frightened, for if you
keep on that silver shining path the avalanches will not touch you,
although some of them may come so close that you could touch ‘hem
if you put out your hand. Now, come on, my children, come on.”

“ But I don’t see the path,” said Cowshp.

“I do,” said Clover. ‘There it is, a line of silver—very narrow,
and, oh, how steep! It seems as if we had to go up the straight walls
of a house.”

“Look again, Clover,” said the Guide.

“Oh,” exclaimed the boy, “ how wonderful! There are little steps
all the way up the silver path.”

“Good boy,’ said the Guide. “ Walk on just in front of us,
Clover. I will take Cowslip’s hand. Now, my children, forward,
forward—there is much to be done if you would reach the gates
before night.”

Was there ever such a path? ach step was taken with toil.
Over and over again poor Clover felt that his heart would stop,
so loudly did it beat. Perspiration stood out on his forehead. He
clenched his teeth. He struggled with all his might and main
to go on.