The Journey of Rheinfrid 297

“Come with me, and I will guide thee
from this place,” said the stranger. And he
led the way along the brink of the gulf till
they came to a bridge, high and narrow and
fragile, glittering like glass ; but when Rhein-
frid touched it he perceived it was built of
ice, and beneath it ran a fierce river of fire,
and they felt the heat of the river on their
faces, and the ice of the bridge was dissolving
away.

“ How shall I pass this without falling ?”
asked Rheinfrid.

“Follow in my steps,” said the stranger,
“and all will be well.”

He led the way on the slippery ice-work
of the bridge, and in great fear and doubt
Rheinfrid followed; but when they reached
the crown of the arch the stranger threw aside
his cloak and spread six mighty wings, and
sprang from the bridge to the peak of a high
mountain far beyond the burning river. The
bridge cracked and swayed, and pieces broke
away from the icy parapet.

With a shriek of terror Rheinfrid sank
down, and called upon God to help him.
Then as he prayed he felt wings growing on
his shoulders, and a terrible eager joy and