THE CHILDREN’S GUIDE AND THE NARROW BRIDGE. 69

But in the centre of the bridge the swaying motion was felt more
strongly than ever, and though Cowslip did look up, she had to hold
her pony’s mane to keep herself from falling off.

At this moment, however, and just as she felt that she could not
possibly hold on to Trust’s back another instant, a wonderful thing
happened.

Two of the children, with faces even more beautiful than the
others, suddenly flew through the air, and coming close to Cowslip
put their arms round her, and supported, her so wonderfully that she
scarcely now sat at all on Trust’s back, but leant with all her weight
against the angel children who were helping her over the bridge. And
so in safety she reached the other side. Clover was already there
before her.

Cowslip sank on the grass, and for a moment lay with closed eyes,
too tired and too happy to speak or move.

When she opened her eyes in five minutes’ time, the children had
all disappeared. She found herself lying on the ground in the midst
of a very beautiful garden. Flowers were to be seen everywhere.
There was the tender shade of tall trees over her head, and the
singing of birds filled the air.

Cowslip, still feeling weak and giddy, struggled to her feet. The
Children’s Guide was standing close to her.

“The gates are there,” he said, pointing up a narrow path. “Just
where the brightness is, there stand the gates. You have only to
walk up to them, and they will open to you of their own accord,
and you will go in and find yourself in the King’s country. Now,
farewell, my children.”

“Oh, won’t you come with us?” asked Cowslip, tears springing
to her eyes. ‘‘ You have been so good, I cannot bear to part from
you.”
“No,” he replied, “I cannot come with you. I must go back
immediately to the white palace at the other side of the black doors,
for there may be children already waiting for me to help them up
the mountain and across the bridge. My work for you is over.
Farewell.”