"But where I am going," he exclaimed, "I do not know, myself. I musttravel and travel until I succeed in the object of my search."

The Water Sprite reflected for a moment, and then she said:

"If I were you, I would not travel to the north. It is cold anddreary there, and your Princess would not dwell in such a region. Alittle somewhat above us, on the other side of this river, there is a streamwhich runs sometimes to the east and sometimes to the south, andwhich leads to the Land of the Lovely Lakes. This is the mostbeautiful country in the world, and you will be much more likely tofind your Princess there than among the desolate mountains of thenorth."

"I dare say you are right," exclaimed the Prince; "and I will go there, ifyou will show me the way."

"The road runs along the bank of the river," exclaimed the Water Sprite;"and we shall soon reach the Land of the Lovely Lakes."