Page:The book of wonder voyages (1919).djvu/131

 they awoke on the third day was in their boat, on the open sea, and they could see neither island nor maiden.

So they hoisted the sail and plied their oars, and voyaged onwards until they came to a small island, wherein was a fortress with a brass door on which were brass fastenings. A bridge of glass rose from the door, and when they essayed to mount it they fell down backwards. They were wearied of trying when at last they saw a woman come out from the fortress, and in her hand a pail, which she filled with water from the fountain that flowed beneath the bridge. Then she turned back to the fortress.

"That were a housekeeper for Maelduin," said German.

"Much care I for Maelduin," quoth she, and closed the door behind her.

Then they were angered, and began to shake the brazen fastenings of the door; but the sound which they made was a sweet, soothing music, which caused them to sleep till the next morning.

On awaking they saw the same woman with the pail, which she filled in the same manner as before.

"Tis indeed a housekeeper for Maelduin," said German.

"As if I cared for Maelduin," said she, and shut the door after her.

And again they were lulled to sleep by the sweet fairy music of the brazen door till the morrow.