within this very mountain the purest waters are imprisoned. But we can
release them; these crystal streams must be set free from their
subterranean channels and brought sparkling to the surface."
They all bowed obedience, and asked when this great task should be
commenced.
"Let the preparation for this arduous undertaking go forward," she
said, "now while the summer is with us. Waste not the time; let our
whole people be employed in making instruments suitable for breaking
the crust which confines the treasure we are going to bring forth for
the benefit of mankind. We must hasten to our work and be diligent. I
dismiss you, but assemble again when next the dreary winter is past
and the genial sun warms the buds into leaflets--when the upland rills
have found their voices once more, and come leaping from their hidden
birthplaces."
The gentle summer had passed, the winter had again come and gone, and
the troops were gathering in response to the command of their
mistress. They had been industrious. Each came armed with a stout
staff, made from the toughest wood and shod with the hardest flint. In
myriads they arrived--whole armies of them--and eagerly awaited the
command to go forward. They moved in column, headed by captains, down
the steep declivities. They toiled with a will. Many died of fatigue,
but their places were soon filled by other eager workers. At length
their toil was rewarded, and the bright and beautiful waters gushed
forth in great fountains.
The fairies have long since disappeared, but the waters still flow and
fill the little valley with sweet, health-giving streams.