.

I SLEEP THE SLEEP.
When I woke, the ground was moist about me, and my track to the grave was growing a quicksand.

In its ancient course the river was swelling, and had begun to shove at its burden.

Soon it would be roaring down the precipice, and, divided in its fall, rushing with one branch to resubmerge the orchard valley, with the other to drown perhaps the monster horde, and between them to isle the Evil Wood.

I set out at once on my return to those who sent me.
When I came to the precipice, I took my way betwixt the branches, for I would pass again by the cottage of Mara, lest she should have returned: I longed to see her once more ere I went to sleep; and now I knew where to cross the channels, even if the river should have overtaken me and filled them.