“‘Yes,’ she answered, and the light from her eyes shone upon the tangle.  ’On this road, force will avail nothing; but there are a thousand helps for him who treads this path with me.’

“As she spoke, an army of bright-eyed little squirrels came fleetly into the thicket and gnawed down thorns and briers before the pilgrims, until they emerged safely into an open field.

“‘A heart full of thanks, little ones,’ called Purity after them as they fled.

“‘Why did they do that for us?’ asked the astonished man.

“‘Because they know I love them,’ replied the child, and she moved forward lightly beside her companion.

“They had walked for perhaps half an hour when a sound of rushing waters came to their ears, and they soon reached a broad river.  There was no bridge and the current was deep and swift.

“The man gazed at the roaring torrent in dismay.  ’Oh, child, behold the flood!  Even if I could build a raft, we should be carried out to sea, and no swimmer could stem that tide with you in his arms.  How ever came you across by yourself?’

“‘Love helped me,’ answered Purity.

“‘Alas, it will not help me,’ said the man.  ‘I know Hate better.’

“’But you are becoming acquainted with Love, else you would not look on me so kindly,’ returned the child.  ‘Have faith and come to the shore.’  She put her little hand in his and he held it close, and together they walked to the edge of the rushing river.  Suddenly its blackness was touched and twinkling with silver which grew each instant more compact and solid, and, without a moment’s hesitation, Purity stepped upon the silver path, drawing with her the man, who marveled to see that countless large fish, with their noses toward the current and their fins working vigorously, were offering their bodies as a buoyant bridge, over which the two passed safely.

“‘A thousand thanks, dear ones,’ said Purity, as they reached the farther bank; and instantly there was a breaking and twinkling of the silver, and the rushing water swallowed up the kindly fish.

“The man, speechless with wonder, moved along beside his guide, and from time to time she sang a little song, and as she sang he could feel his heart swelling and there was a strange new happiness born in it, which seemed to answer her song though his lips were mute.

“And then Purity talked to him of her King and of the rich delights which were ever poured out to him who once found the path to the Heavenly Country; and the man listened quite eagerly and humbly and clung to Purity as to his only hope.

“When night fell he feared to close his eyes lest the child slip away from him; but she smiled at his fears.

“‘I can never leave you while you want me,’ she answered; ’beside, I do not wish to, for I love you.  Do you forget that?’

“At this the man lay down quite peacefully.  His heart was full and soft, and the strange water that filled his eyes overflowed upon his cheeks.