Page:Popular Tales and Romances of the Northern Nations (Volume 3).djvu/54

42 Then, without bestowing any farther notice upon the intruders, he turned to his dwarfs, and continued to give them directions, during which occupation, he was not sparing of his reproofs, which he uttered in no very mild tone.

“Who is this austere old man?” asked Maria.

“He is lord of the mines and metals,” replied her companion.

On quitting this place, they appeared to have regained the open air, for they arrived at the bank of a large stream, yet Maria observed, that she could perceive neither sun nor other luminary whence the light proceeded, nor any sky above her head. A small boat approached: they stepped into it, and Zerina steered the vessel with great dexterity. They proceeded at a rapid rate, and, on gaining the middle of the water, Maria observed, that a thousand little channels and streams branched out in every direction.

“Those streams to the right;” said Zerina, “serve to water your garden. They are the cause of its unusual luxuriance and fertility.”

Proceeding a little farther, they discerned