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THE FAIRY OF THE FOUNTAIN.

custom that existed among mortals. Ati was a long time before he could be persuaded to allow her to return to her old home, but on its being conceded that he should accompany her, he reluctantly consented. Ati and the fairy proceeded to the fountain, and holding each other by the hand, they dived into the clear liquid. Down they sank, down, almost to the entrance of the invisible world, but Ati became so dreadfully exhausted that he was compelled to return to the air once more. His faithful bride accompanied him and coaxed him again to make the attempt. Five times he essayed the feat, but in vain; only the immortal sand the spirits of the dead can enter the Under-world. Bitterly the fairy-wife lamented and wept over her husband, but said “I must go on alone that I may teach what I have learned from you.” Thus speaking, she plunged into the glassy waters and was never seen on earth again. Ati went back to his lonely home, and in love for his infant son found the only consolation possible for him now that the fairy mother was lost to him for ever.

pil′-la-ging
rec′-on-ciled
con-ce′-ded
fa′-mous
de-tec′-ted
off′-spring
un-earth′-ly
hus′-band
re-quest′-ed
daz′-zling
im-mor′-tals
con-so-la′-tion

com-plex′-ion, the colour of the skin or face.
dep-re-da′-tions, the act of robbing and laying waste the property of others.
sin′-net, cord or rope made of twisted or plaited coco-nut bark.
tri′-umph, joy or exultation for gladness for some success; victory gained.