172 BEYOND THE BLUE MOUNTAINS.

“Yes, yes; it’s all arranged. J will take you to the stream and
show you the bridge; you will go right over to Summer Land, but
only for an hour, mind; you must come back again. You are a good
boy, but you have not quite done with Winter Land yet.”

The two old ladies were so cheerful and pleasant that Buttercup
felt quite delighted; his spirits rose, and he ate the nice dinner which
was provided for him with considerable appetite.

“T wonder,” he said suddenly, “if the boy who lives in the
cupboard in the other room is still there. I pity that boy very much.
Mayn’t he come to Summer Land too?”

Mrs. Discipline looked grave and stern when Buttercup said this,
and Mrs. Patience wore a distinctly sad expression.

“All in good time,” she exclaimed; “but that little boy—that
poor little boy—has yet to kiss the rod. Now, Buttercup, finish your
dinner, for I want to take you down to the stream, m order that I
may show you the bridge.”

Buttercup was not long in concluding his meal, and taking the
hand of Mrs. Patience, he left the cottage, and walked down through
the snow and frost to where a stream, very deep, dark, and rapid, was
flowing past.

“ Here is the bridge,” said Mrs. Patience. ‘“ Put your feet on it
and walk firmly across. When you reach the other side you will be
in Summer Land.”

“But I can’t see the other shore at all,’ said Buttercup.

“That’s the worst of it,’ replied Mrs. Patience ; “no one can see
the other shore from this side; but never fear. Long before you
reach the other side of the bridge you will see it. Good-bye. I will
come and fetch you in an hour.”

The moment Mrs. Patience spoke she disappeared, and Buttercup
found himself standing alone by a steep bank.

A blue mist was hiding most objects from his view, but after
gazing steadily at the water for a minute or two he saw a slender
bridge spanning it. This bridge looked weak and frail, and Buttercup
had some little fear of putting his feet on it. He remembered, how-
ever, that he was only to spend one hour in Summer Land, and as he