Page:Christmas Fireside Stories.djvu/249

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East of the Sun and West of the Moon. 237 had gone with her to hear if the west wind knew where that castle was. — "No, I have never blown so far," said the west wind, u but if you like 111 go with you to the south wind, for he is much stronger than any of us, and he has been far and wide ; perhaps he may tell you. You had better sit up on my back and 111 carry you thither." Well, she got on his back, and off they started for the south wind ; they weren't long on the way, I can tell you ! When they got there, the west wind asked his brother if he could tell him the way to that castle which lay east of the sun and west of the moon. His companion was the one who should have had the prince who lived there. — " Oh, indeed ! " said the south wind, "is that she ? Well, I have been to many a nook and corner in my time, but so far I have never blown. But if you like, 111 go with you to my brother, the north wind ; he is the oldest and strongest of all of us, and if he doesn't know where it is you will never be able to find any one who can tell you. Just get up on my back and 111 carry you thither." Yes, she sat up on his back, and away they went at such a rate, that the way didn't seem to be very long. When they got to where the north wind lived he was so wild and unruly that cold gusts were felt a long way off. " What do you want ? " he shouted from far away, but still it made them shiver all over. — " Oh, you needn't be so very harsh," said the south wind, " it's I, your own brother ; and then I have got her with me who should have had the prince who lives in that castle which lies east of the sun and west of the moon, and she wants to ask you if you have ever been there and if you can tell her the way. She is so very anxious to find him again." — " Well, yes, Ido know where it is," said the north wind ; " I once blew an aspen leaf thither, but I was so tired that I wasn't able to blow for many days after. But jf you really intend going there and you are not afraid to come with me, I will take you on my back and try if I can blow you so far." — Yes, she was willing ; she must go thither, if it were possible, one way or another, and she wasn't a bit afraid, go how it would.